Flower leis, huge surf and flip-flops: Thoughts of retiring in Hawaii can invoke all kinds of images. Some are true, while some are just fantasy. How can you tell the difference between fact and fiction, and determine if a Hawaiian retirement is for you? Read these five myths about living on the islands during the golden years to make sure your life plans will be what you want them to be:
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- Every day is a vacation. Even if you are retired and living in Hawaii, life will be more than a dreamy vacation. There are more than 1 million permanent residents on the islands, and there is work every day. In fact, due to the high cost of living, many retirees may chose to work to supplement their retirement income. Of course, Hawaii also boasts one of the largest percentages of millionaire residents, according to CNBC; if you are in their company, every day really could be a vacation.
- You’ll never want to go home again. The chain of islands that make up Hawaii are located 2,000 miles southwest of the United States mainland, making flights long and expensive. The reality is that most retirees will miss their children and grandchildren, and it won’t be easy to visit. Most flights land in Honolulu, so plan accordingly if considering other islands.
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- You can live like you did on the mainland. Expecting to hop in your SUV and pick up a few cheap groceries? Think again. Gasoline, groceries, electricity, and housing expenses in Hawaii are among the most costly in the nation, so retirement there means rethinking your way of life. Expect to live in a smaller home, drive a used car, and eat locally grown foods. Organizations like One Island Sustainable Living Center focus on growing your own food and supporting local growers.
- The volcanoes are going to erupt at any minute. - The Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanoes, but there are only five active volcanoes currently, according to Oregon State University. Some are underwater, and some haven’t erupted in centuries. Read up on the risks at OSU’s Volcano World site.
- You’ll never see snow again. One of the best parts of retiring in Hawaii is the near-perfect climate, which ranges from low 80s to mid 60s in the winter. But snow can fall at 13,800 feet on the peaks of the Big Island in the winter. So you can ski in the morning and swim in the ocean in the afternoon. Don’t believe us? Check out this video of Mauna Kea from Big Island Video News.
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