Comments on: 16 Tips before Moving to Hawaii

By: sam (samantha)

sam (samantha) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:12:18 +0000

I like this. It is honest and what alot of people need to hear. Myself, being a mainlander for only the next few weeks, cant even possibly know how it feels to have thousands of people who are oblivious to the realities of this small paradise, think they can come and take over the islands…buy a house…get a job…learn to surf…all that and fit in. If i was born there i would definetly be annoyed. BUT not all of us are a-holes. Im sure you know that. There are good and bad people wherever you go. Im glad i read this though, i think people do need to realize that things are not going to be always the same as where you came from. I am a 23 year old female moving to Oahu in a few weeks to go to school. I have NEVER been there, but since i was in kindergarden i have had the thought of Hawaii being my home… literally for that long! So, since i love the laidback atmosphere, meeting new people, being around different cultures, the ocean, the weather, and basically the entire atmosphere of what i have read about, i decided, why not go to college there and try it out! So now i am on my way in only a short time i will see. I dont know if I will like it or hate it..i have no idea. All i can tell you is i am up for the adventure and meeting new people. I just want to say thanks for these tips they are what anyone comming to the islands needs to be aware of. Fortunatly I am a very adaptible, laid back, friendly, beach bum who just wants to surf and get away from the winter! : )

By: SoCAL

SoCAL — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:27:36 +0000

Tamarat – Really??? All 16 of these items really don’t have anything to do specifically with Hawaiian culture. Instead, they are, with brutal honesty, only saying how we should all behave…everywhere.

Let’s see – Respect, Humility, Don’t Gossip, Actions Speak Louder than Words, and so on. What part could you possibly not agree with?

The writer is not saying you’re not welcome. The message is clear – don’t move to Hawaii if you feel like you have some sort of right to act like an asshole.

The reason I found this blog because we are interested in moving to Hawaii – and now all the more. Thank you for such a great post!

By: Jujurock

Jujurock — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:46:09 +0000

hey tamarat….this is exactly why this article was written. for people like you. And its obvious you didnt pay attention to anything that was written. first of all, Hawaii is all about acceptance and differences. Do you know how many different cultures there are in Hawai’i? a lot! My circle of friends consists of every nationality under of the sun. My bloodline is a mix of Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Spanish, Irish, English, French, Scottish, and German. We’ve had Japanese, White, and Filipino governors. The president of the United States is a black man, a product of Hawai’i nei, born and bred. Ive had Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Korean food all on one plate for dinner. Ive danced hula during the day and Bon danced at night. I learned english, Japanese, and Hawaiian language in elementary school. Family, “ohana”, is everything. etc…

Now when i moved away from Hawai’i to Portland, Oregon i didnt go around telling people around here how they should act around me simply because Ive arrived. Portland has its own vibe and i appreciate this city for what it is and what it has to offer. I had to adjust. When i was in France i didnt tell the french speaking people who knew not one word of english that they had to learn English so that I could understand them. In other words, I certainly would not go to somebody elses city or country and tell them how they should be towards me just because im around. If youre in somebody elses house you respect their rules. Its the same thing with people coming to Hawaii.

By: Tamarat

Tamarat — Sun, 01 May 2011 02:12:41 +0000

Sounds like typical small town mentality. Judgemental, closed society, closed minds, non-acceptance of outsiders or anyone different. It’s sad that the “locals” immediately cast people as “outsiders” and immediately greet them with mistrust rather than acceptance.

By: Tasia

Tasia — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:58:58 +0000

OMGGG I LOVE IT

By: Lsmith

Lsmith — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:29:21 +0000

Those are some great tips for moving to Hawaii. I’m sure there can be a bit of culture shock at first, but integrating yourself into the culture and lifestyle seems very exciting!

One more practical recommendation I’d make is that you should set up phone and internet service right before you move – that way you’ll have all your lines of communication open as soon as you’re in your new place. Mobi PCS has excellent internet and Hawaii cell phone service with great prices – just something to keep in mind.

By: Jake

Jake — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:01:33 +0000

how does one sum up another culture? you don’t. look and listen is the best advice especially if you’re a newcomer to the place. i like the insight into hawaiian culture and quirks that is quite handy for tourists and visitors alike. good post!!!

By: Denise

Denise — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:09:28 +0000

This is the best explanation! It describes the beauty and uniqueness and just how blessed we are to be from Hawaii. Up here on the mainland, it is hard to explain to people what we mean when we say we are different from them and why. I’m going to carry this article around and show it to folks when I have to explain!