**The Good, The Bad and The Ugly**

Oahu is home to Honolulu (and Waikiki Beach.) When you live on an island you run into the same people over and over, it makes island life a bit more gentle. Although there is traffic, honking car horns is not really a thing. The island has two seasons – summer or the dry season, (May to October) and winter, which is the rainy season (November to April). Temperatures are warm year-round with gentle trade winds. 85° in the summer and 75° in the winter is about what you can expect year round. Nights are not much cooler.


**The Best Thing About Honolulu?** 

Being able to combine the benefits of city living with a beachy year-round lifestyle is a rare find.

Aggressive Type-As aren’t a great fit for laid-back, easygoing Honolulu, where everything happens at a slower pace. People walk slower. Drivers let other cars merge. Speaking of slower, traffic in Honolulu is, officially, second only to Los Angeles. Honolulu has a limited number of roads but an endless number of cars and yours will need to be shipped over. Also, living near the water means you’re going to be in traffic going to work. 

Hawaii often finds itself at the top of various healthiest states in America lists. It’s not surprising given the beautiful weather, easy access to the ocean, and many hiking trails around the islands. People of Hawaii truly love spending time outdoors and although they do have real lives, they manage to sneak in a pre or post work surf or the like. Ocean water temperatures around the state of Hawaii average 82° in the summer and 77° in the winter. That’s a lot warmer than the ocean waters along the US west coast, including Southern California. Plus, clean air may be a good reason to start considering Honolulu as your new home. Your lungs will love you. 
Living in Honolulu, you become accustomed to seeing the ocean everywhere, yet it also never gets old and is a reminder that you’re home is paradise.

**The Worst Thing About Honolulu?** 

Unless you’re coming from a big, expensive city like New York or San Francisco, the cost of living may astound you. Housing, food, and even the cost of shipping – it’s often called the “paradise tax.” It’s incredibly high -- 82% above the national average. 

**How You Living?** 

Honolulu is high-density living but options range from new condos (high HOAs), waterfront homes to luxury estates. Housing for UH students is better searched for out toward Kahala, Diamond Head, and Hawaii Kai. Prices compared to many areas in the continental US, will generally be higher, and that should be no surprise to anyone. Oahu is, after all, an island, and space is limited since demand is high. If you’re going to UH, look on Craigslist for off-the-beaten track, less luxurious rentals. Accessible neighborhoods include Makiki, but also look at Manoa, Kalihi, Diamondhead, and Moili'ili. Waikiki is extra pricey. 
Homes located on any of the ridges, like the popular Hawaii Loa Ridge, are not only centrally located and close to many of the Honolulu amenities, but also have beautiful ocean views. In fact, many of the homes and condos in Honolulu have amazing views. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Honolulu - particularly East Honolulu - has the highest livability rating in the state, and is number 29 in the nation. This is due to low crime rates, high graduation rates, lots of local amenities, and a stable housing market. It is also No. 13 on a list of the 30 happiest cities in the United States, according to Gallup’s Healthways Well-Being Index.

Honolulu is a rare place in that appeals to students, millennial families and retirees. And anyone who loves a good Poke Bowl.


Honolulu

The Big Pineapple

**The Best Thing About Lahaina?** 

Whether you’re trying to catch a glimpse of the sunset or attempting to explore the local culture of Maui, Lahaina is the place to be. The town is located right alongside the oceanfront and has easy access to historic Hawaiian sites (including the infamous Banyan tree), Front Street shopping, and great fresh seafood. It’s one of the few places where you can actually be standing on the beach with the sand between your toes and turn around to see colossal mountains behind you. Lahiana has something to offer each family member, and aside from being formally known as Lele, which the locals joke about referring to the “relentless sun,” it's not a bad place to spend the evening (or better yet, your year). 


**The Worst Thing About Lahaina?** 

You can probably guess that living in a popular seaside town in Hawaii isn’t cheap - and you’re right. Most of the locals complain about the rising prices and the expensive cost of purchasing daily necessities.  However, if you’re choosing to relocate to Hawaii, Lahaina is a cheaper option compared to other oceanfront neighborhoods. It can also feel kind of touristy at times, with lots of visors and Nikon cameras attached to tacky floral shirts of those passing by. This should be expected of Hawaii though. You are choosing to live in one of the most popular and talked about vacation spots in the country. 

**How You Living?** 

In an old, historic remodeled house. Most streets are quiet, with either old couples or small families living and commuting to work on foot. There aren’t a ton of ranges in style, as most houses have just been touched up from their original farmhouse or Victorian style structure. Happening neighborhoods include Olowalu, Launiupoko, Napili, and Crater Village. Almost all of these are within walking distance from Front Street dining and shopping. The houses are cute, quaint, and simple. There isn’t a lot of space for expansion, but who needs a backyard when you have the ocean practically at your doorstep.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

C’mon, it’s Maui for god sake. There’s not a lot of disgruntled homeowners living and working  on a beautiful island. With great seafood, exquisite scenery (beach AND Mountain views) and a friendly local culture, Lahaina is a great spot to relax, kick your feet up, and start sipping that Mai Tai. If you’re searching for a (mostly) affordable Hawaiian escape, Lahaina is the right choice.  


Top LOOKS for Hawaii

Honolulu, HI

The Big Pineapple

93

Lahaina, HI

Cruel Sun

80