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Unboxing Hawaii: What It's Like Living in Hawaii

Nick Johnson
Nick Johnson
Casual
👁️ 363K views📅 5 years ago⏱️ 1:01:40

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator provides a comprehensive overview of living in Hawaii by examining the unique characteristics, costs, and cultures of its various islands. The video begins by addressing common misconceptions regarding surfing and the high cost of living, noting that many middle class residents are being forced to leave the islands due to economic pressures. The creator travels through the island chain, describing Niihau as a private island with no public access, Kauai as a lush and natural landscape, and Oahu as a crowded urban center with significant economic challenges and high costs. The exploration continues through Molokai, which offers a slow paced lifestyle, Lanai, which is largely privately owned, and Maui, described as a balanced option between rural and city life. The Big Island is highlighted for its affordability and volcanic activity. Through interviews and personal observations, the creator concludes that while Hawaii offers unparalleled natural beauty and a distinct cultural identity, the extreme cost of living, high taxes, and reliance on tourism create significant sustainability issues for local residents.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsTips & AdviceCasual Creator

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Is everyone leaving Hawaii because it's way too expensive? Is everyone in Hawaii a surfer? Does Hawaii have an actual place to ski?

A lot of the middle class is being squeezed out and the ones who can afford to leave are leaving the island in droves and meanwhile a lot of rich people are moving here in big numbers.

If you move here and you get into the groove of the islands and do accept the culture and really become a part of it you'll see it's one of the best places to live in the world.

Hawaii's not going to cater to you nor should it have to.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Get the kama aina discount at stores as a local to avoid tourist prices.
Don't pack everything you own; less is more when moving to Hawaii.
Blend in with the locals and respect the culture.
Consider a 50-year mortgage if you plan to buy property.
Get a lifted truck with a sticker of your island shape to fit in.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

High cost of livingGet a job lined up before moving, consider a 50-year mortgage, and use kama aina discounts.
Cultural discriminationBlend in, respect the culture, and avoid acting entitled to avoid being called a haole.
Island fever and limited activitiesEmbrace the laid-back lifestyle and explore outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs everyone leaving Hawaii because it's way too expensive?
QIs everyone in Hawaii a surfer?
QDoes Hawaii have an actual place to ski?

Port Highlights

Honolulu½ Happy Bacon
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Meh — no strong opinion either way

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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube