I had the idea to create a questionnaire for residents of the Hawaiian Islands, so I could provide more information for those people that are considering moving to and living in Hawaii in the near future. These posts will give you a better idea about whether or not living in Hawaii is right for you – as you read other people’s experiences that have already done so. I start it off by answering the questions myself. If you have any suggestions about what else I could ask respondents, please send me an email – located at the “About” page link at the top of this page. Mahalos!

To see all the Hawaii residents interview responses see the Index, just Click Here.

To take this survey yourself, Click Here

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What Is Your First and Last Name?

Vern Lovic

Do You Have a Website or Something Else You Would Like Us To Link To?

www.AimforAwesome.com

Which Hawaiian Islands Have You Lived On?

Oahu, Maui

How Many Years and Months Did You Spend Living in Hawaii?

I lived 5 years on Oahu and 1 year on Maui.

How Many Members of Your Family Stayed in Hawaii With You?

Single for 5 years, married for 1 year

Pets – Choose One That Applies

I never had pets in Hawaii.

If You Had a Pet, Would You Recommend Pet Owners Moving to Hawaii Bring Their Pets to the Islands?

Seeing some of my friends have pets while living on Oahu and Maui, I have to say that it is probably not a great idea to bring your pets to Hawaii. On Maui, OK. On Oahu, unless you’re living in an area where you can walk out the door and hit the beach in five minutes, no. Waikiki and most of Honolulu and ‘town’ areas of Oahu are not good for dogs. Don’t lock your dog up in the house while you’re at work for nine hours a day.

Was Your Income Adequate to Do 90% of What You Wanted To Do Beyond Your Normal Living Expenses?

Yes. I wish I would have had more time, not necessarily more money. I was working for someone else at a tech job and it took a lot of time Monday through Friday.

What Were Your Main Activities Outside of Work – And, Did You Find You Had Enough to Keep You Occupied?

I enjoyed: Hiking; bodyboarding; surfing; eating at great restaurants; snorkeling; free diving; Did I mention eating?

Did You Find It Easy to Make New Friends in Hawaii? And, Were People “Like You” Easy to Find?

There were not many people “like me”. I think it was more difficult to find people into the tech scene. It’s true there is some level of “brain drain” in Hawaii and that those interested in starting tech companies have probably moved to California or somewhere else stateside. I did find a lot of people that liked to hike and bodyboard though!

Did You Experience Any Incidents of Racial Discrimination, Hate, Etc? Can You Please Explain As Much As You’re Willing?

During my first few years on Oahu I had a couple of bad experiences. Both of them involved locals holding knives up to the windows of the interior of their cars – threatening me with it. Once I was in a car, and once I was on a motorbike. I didn’t feel that threatened, I’ve had knives held to my throat as a seven year old in Pittsburgh.

Once on Maui at around 2 am. A presumably local woman howled out her car window while driving like an absolute nut, “F-ing Haole!”

I attributed it to my poor driving.

What Did You Think About the Traffic and Parking Situation?

Horrendous on Oahu. I enjoyed Maui much more for driving and parking!

What Do You Like Most About Living in Hawaii?

I loved the atmosphere of no stress, no worries… relaxation the most. I loved waking up and seeing the sunshine – almost daily. The temperatures were perfect. It was paradise for weather. I also loved the different activities I could take part in – mostly in the ocean, but also on the mountain hiking peaks that ended up in the most amazing views.

What Did You Dislike Most About Living in Hawaii?

Traffic, parking, the crowds – all on Oahu.

Rate Your Happiness Living in Hawaii…

2 – almost as happy as I could possibly be.

Did You Have Any Experience With Public or Private Schools in Hawaii?

No, I didn’t have children on the islands.

Was There Enough Shopping On the Island?

I found everything I wanted for the most part. I think today, there is everything I could possibly want. I did have friends (female) that wished there were more clothes variety in a moderate price range.

Roughly How Much Money Did You Spend on Food Each Month?

For me – about $900-1100 per month. I ate out a lot. I mean, nearly every meal. I didn’t eat McDonalds either!

Do You Have (Did You Have) a Business in Hawaii?

I had some online projects, but nothing brick and mortar in Hawaii. I don’t think I would ever attempt it. Even after living there, I wouldn’t say I know the market for anything I’d ever sell.

Is Hawaii the Ultimate Place to Live Whether You Have Money or Not?

Yes, absolutely. I could live there in someone’s closet as a single man, or in a $3,000 per month house with my family, and be perfectly happy in either one. Hawaii is such a remarkable place that, knowing what I know now, I would have stayed there from day 1 and never moved anywhere else. Hindsight, right? :)

Anything Else You Want to Say???

Living in Hawaii for over six years was an experience that I wish everyone in the world could have. I learned many things about different cultures, and about enjoying life instead of working too hard. I learned something about priorities and being self-directed in life, not allowing television, radio, movies, books, media of any sort, to influence me much. I stopped watching TV when I was 18 and went to the Air Force. I just didn’t have time. There were too many other things I wanted to do with my time. Hawaii is a great place to reset your life, to figure out what your life-goals are, and to create a plan for your life. The natural beauty of the islands is stunning and unending. There are so many things to see even just on the island of Oahu. On Maui I have seen about 10% of what I might have discovered. Five years on Oahu and maybe I saw 50% of what there was to see. Though there is abundant natural beauty, there is much to be said about the multi-cultural experience we are all immersed in as we live life in Hawaii. Go for one or both of those reasons, but just somehow, go. Somehow you must experience the ultimate place to reside. Somehow you must get there and make it work, even if it’s only for a year or even a few months. Best of luck and life! Aloha!

If you have lived in Hawaii in the past or present, and you would like to take this short survey – here is the link:

Hawaii Resident Questionnaire (click)