Although Hawaii is one of the 50 United States, it seems to have an other-worldliness about it. If you are planning on moving to Hawaii you should familiarize yourself with several important cultural differences that exist there as opposed to the mainland. This article will help explain these differences as well as give you some additional pointers to be aware of before moving to Hawaii.
Climate and Weather
It is not always a sunny day on the beach when you live in Hawaii; it actually gets a substantial amount of rainfall. Weather patterns vary greatly depending on which area you live in. Some areas get tons of rain while others not too far away get very little rain. For example, Mt. Waialeale on Kauai typically averages 440 inches of rain every year, making it one of the wettest cities in the world, while nearby Waimea Canyon has a desertlike climate.
Cost of Living
Income tax rates vary from 1.4 to 8.25 percent based on taxable income and filing status. In 2006, a family of four renting housing in Honolulu needed to earn $111,695, or 55 percent more income, to maintain a lifestyle similar to a comparable family earning $72,000 in the continental U.S. (ERI, Geographic Reference Report 2006, Cost of Living Analyses for Honolulu, Hawaii vs. U.S. Average Level: Jan.1/06. See also State of Hawaii Data Book 2004, Table 14.11 available at http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook/db2004). In 2006, the average cost for HMO, or managed care, in Hawaii was $437 a month for an individual and $747 a month for a family.
Culture
An important cultural tradition in Hawaii is to take your shoes off before entering another's home. Native Hawaiians, in general, tend to be more friendly and accepting of other natives, so while fitting in at first may seem difficult, remember to stay positive and outgoing. Another distinct aspect of the culture in Hawaii is that everything moves in a more slow-paced fashion than it does in most areas in the United States. If you are naturally a fast-paced person, Hawaii may not be the place for you.
Additional Pointers
You might have to sell hard to move things, including your vehicle, and start new, as shipping everything could be costly.
Remember that just because Hawaii may seem like a relaxing paradise full of happy-go-lucky people does not mean there is no crime, traffic or social issues.
Tags: Cost Living, important cultural, moving Hawaii, United States