I can’t tell you how often people say to me and my dear husband how lucky we are to live on Hawaii Island and how much they would like to live here also. Yes, we are fortunate to live here and please do come if you want to. We have beautiful beaches, hot ponds, snow capped Mauna Kea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfalls, caves and the laid back Hawaii lifestyle.
But there is a price to pay. We got excited this week because our gas price dropped to $4.64 a gallon. Yes, DROPPED to $4.64 a gallon. Food is very expensive. Milk goes on sale for $4.00 a gallon. It is quite common to go to the grocery store to purchase a particular item and it is out of stock. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased at local farmer’s markets for a great price though. There are not as many farmers as there used to be. Why would someone want to grow vegetables on land that is worth $90,000+ an acre?
Good doctor’s are difficult to find. Then, if you get sick, you must wait a few days to get an appointment or go to an urgent care clinic for immediate medical attention. If you need a specialist or major surgery, you have to travel by airplane to Honolulu. If your condition is even more specialized, you will be sent to the mainland for medical care.
Jobs are few and the wages are about the same as the mainland although the cost of living is so much higher. Depending on where you choose to rent, a small, older 3 BR home starts at $850 a month. Electricity runs approximately $200 a month – without air conditioning, heating and a dryer.
The Vog. Vog is a cloud of smoke from the volcano. Vog contains sulfuric acid and is dangerous for everyone. If you have asthma or other breathing issues, it is very hazardous. For others, it stinks, you can taste it in your mouth, it makes you feel sluggish and tired and makes your eyes and throat itch. Depending on the direction of the wind, vog can cover the entire state.
It is not all bad news. If you know where to go, particularly on my side of Hawaii Island, you can pick avocado, mango, bananas and guava growing wild and in vacant lots. We have lots of free entertainment. Free hula shows and music can often be found. The beaches are always open. Due to the recent changes in the economy, housing prices have dropped and one can purchase a home for around $200,000 (or less if you want a fixer upper). Jobs are still difficult to find but someone who is motivated will become self-employed. Most of Hawaii’s economy is based upon small business anyway.
So I say to you, yes I am fortunate to live on Hawaii Island. If you want to come live here too, please do so. A hui hou!
