Cost Of Living Archives - Living in Hawaii

Cost of Childcare in Hawaii – What Parents Really Need to Know

Erick Magnuson — Sat, 31 May 2025 14:28:29 +0000

Are you planning to move to Hawaii or already raising a family on the islands? Then you know the dream comes with a price—especially when it comes to childcare. In this episode of the Living in Hawaii Show, local moms from Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island break down exactly what you need to [...]

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Living in Wailuku, Maui: A Practical Guide to Island Life

Erick Magnuson — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:02:42 +0000

If you're looking into living in Wailuku, Maui, you’re probably drawn to its mix of small-town charm, Hawaii vibes, and central location on the Valley Isle. While Wailuku might not be the first name that comes up when people talk about Maui, it’s quietly become one of the most livable places on the island [...]

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What to Expect When Grocery Shopping at Costco in Hawaii

Erick Magnuson — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:21:56 +0000

Shopping at Costco in Hawaii is almost a cultural experience. Whether you're stocking up for a beach BBQ or doing your regular grocery haul, Costco is a go-to for many locals because of its bulk savings, quality items, and consistent inventory. With high living costs across the islands, having access to affordable bulk goods [...]

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What I’ve Learned in My First Year of Living in Hawaii

Erick Magnuson — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:00:31 +0000

Moving to Hawaii was a dream I’d cherished since my teenage years — one that only grew stronger over time. After meeting my husband, who shared my love for the islands, we carefully planned for retirement and finally made the move to the Big Island. I thought I was ready. But even with all [...]

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Living on Kauai: Insider’s Guide to Life on the Garden Isle

Erick Magnuson — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:38:05 +0000

Introduction to Living on Kauai I’ve spent time on all the main Hawaiian Islands, and I can tell you this—Kauai isn’t like the others. It’s older, greener, quieter. It’s not trying to impress anyone, and it doesn’t care if you’re impressed. That’s what makes it special. If you’re thinking about moving to Kauai, you need [...]

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Cost of Groceries in Hawaii: What Newcomers Really Need to Know

Erick Magnuson — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:19:02 +0000

Introduction: Real Talk About Hawaii's Grocery Prices Hawaii's Isolation and Built-In Costs Living in Hawaii means embracing the beauty of the islands—but also accepting some serious sticker shock at the grocery store. Everything that isn't locally grown has to cross the Pacific, and trust me, that journey isn't cheap. Shipping costs, fuel surcharges, warehouse [...]

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Oahu Commute Times: What to Expect Living on the Island

Erick Magnuson — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:51:34 +0000

I lived in Kailua, and like most people here, I quickly learned that commute times on Oahu aren’t always about distance—they’re about timing, geography, and knowing your routes. On a map, everything seems close. But once you start driving around the island, you realize the road network and traffic patterns can add unexpected time [...]

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Cost of Childcare in Hawaii: What Parents Need to Know

Erick Magnuson — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:15:42 +0000

Hawaii has it's beautiful beaches, warm aloha spirit, and that chill island lifestyle. But one thing that will catch you off guard is the cost of childcare. If you're a parent looking into daycare, preschool, or even hiring a nanny in Hawaii, it can be overwhelming. Whether you're on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, [...]

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How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Hawaii? A 2025 Guide

Erick Magnuson — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:33:43 +0000

Introduction Living in Hawaii is a dream for many, but understanding the cost of renting in paradise is crucial before making the move. This guide will help you navigate the 2025 rental landscape across the islands, providing insights into current prices for studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. We’ll also break down utility costs, pet [...]

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Living in Hawaii: A Complete Guide to Moving, Renting, and Finding Roommates

Erick Magnuson — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:17:56 +0000

The Dream of Living in Hawaii Have you ever dreamed of living in Hawaii? With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle, Hawaii is a top destination for people seeking a fresh start in paradise. But beyond the beauty lies a reality many newcomers don’t anticipate — Hawaii has one of the highest [...]

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Is Living Off-Grid in Hawaii Realistic? Costs and Challenges

Erick Magnuson — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:40:36 +0000

Living off-grid has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for those seeking self-sufficiency, sustainability, and independence from traditional utility services. Hawaii, with its year-round warm climate, and abundant natural resources, seems like an ideal location for off-grid living. However, the reality of making this dream a reality comes with significant costs and challenges. In this [...]

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Pros and Cons of Living on Maui: Is it Right for You?

Erick Magnuson — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 02:58:25 +0000

So, you're thinking about moving to Maui? I get it. The idea of waking up to palm trees, ocean breezes, and golden sunsets is enough to make anyone dream of packing up and moving to paradise. But is it really all sunshine and mai tais? As someone who has lived here, let me give [...]

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Living in Kailua: A Local’s Honest Guide to Paradise (2025 Edition)

Erick Magnuson — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:03:23 +0000

After a year of calling Kailua home, I get why it's been called "paradise within paradise." But while social media shows you the perfect beach shots, I'm here to share what it's actually like to live here - the stuff I wish someone had told me before moving. From figuring out the best times [...]

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Costco Hawaii Kai: Local Tips and Must-Know Insights

Erick Magnuson — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:52:33 +0000

Moving to Hawaii Kai? Or maybe you’re just curious about what makes the Costco in this beautiful Oahu neighborhood stand out? You’re not alone! The "Living in Hawaii" YouTube channel recently featured a lively discussion about this special location, and it’s clear that Costco Hawaii Kai is more than just a store—it’s a [...]

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Pros and Cons of Living in Hawaii

Erick Magnuson — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 20:56:02 +0000

Moving to Hawaii is a dream for many, and it’s easy to see why. The islands offer jaw-dropping scenery, perfect weather, and a slower, simpler way of life. But behind the stunning beaches and Instagram-worthy sunsets are some challenges that come with living in an isolated paradise. Here’s a comprehensive look at the top [...]

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Living in Kailua, HI: A Comprehensive Guide to Oahu’s Hidden Gem

Erick Magnuson — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 06:43:44 +0000

Introduction to KailuaKailua, HI, located on the Windward side of Oahu, is a town known for its world class beaches, chill atmosphere, and vibrant community. With a population of over 51,000 residents, Kailua offers a mix of modern conveniences and natural beauty, making it a highly desirable place to live on the island. Take The [...]

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Big Island vs. Oahu: The Ultimate Guide to Hawaii’s Cost, Lifestyle, and Amenities

Erick Magnuson — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:17:52 +0000

Introduction Hawaii's allure as a paradise is undeniable, but choosing the right island to call home can be a tough decision. For many, Oahu and the Big Island top the list of contenders. These two islands, though part of the same archipelago, offer vastly different experiences. From bustling city vibes to tranquil natural [...]

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Hawaii Cost of Living: A Newcomer’s Guide to Budgeting for Island Life

Erick Magnuson — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 23:53:09 +0000

Introduction Moving to Hawaii is a dream for many, but understanding the true cost of living in this island paradise is crucial for a smooth transition. Known for its high living expenses, Hawaii requires newcomers to plan carefully to manage housing, utilities, food, and transportation costs. This guide provides an essential overview for those [...]

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Is Living in Hawaii Boring? The Reality Behind the Island Lifestyle

Erick Magnuson — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 23:54:51 +0000

Take The Quiz: Is Hawaii Right For You? Hawaii is often seen as a paradise, with its world class beaches, tropical climate, and laid-back lifestyle. But for those considering moving there, a question may arise: Is living in Hawaii boring? While the islands offer incredible beauty and a unique way of life, daily life in [...]

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Living in Hawaii: Things to Consider

Peter Kay — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:14:13 +0000

Living in Hawaii means you get views like this!Where have you ever stayed in these Waikiki hotels? by skyseeker is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image may have been resized or cropped from original Out of every ten visitors to the Hawaiian islands, at least five are wondering, "Is living in Hawaii possible [...]

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Living in Hawaii – What’s it Like Living Hawaiian Style?

Peter Kay — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 18:20:49 +0000

Hawaii is paradise for some, but a nightmare for others. While the islands boast breathtaking landscapes and a laid-back lifestyle, they also come with their fair share of challenges. The high cost of living can be a significant burden, with everyday items often priced much higher than on the mainland.Additionally, job opportunities are limited, making [...]

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50 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Living in Hawaii

Erick Magnuson — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:30:26 +0000

50 Essential Do's and Don'ts for Living in Hawaii Aloha! Living in Hawaii is a dream for many, but island life comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. Whether you're a new resident or a long-time local, understanding the nuances of Hawaiian culture and lifestyle is crucial for a harmonious existence [...]

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Whether Hawaii’s Cost of Living is Overpriced or Undervalued Depends On This Personal Test

Peter Kay — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:00:06 +0000

Whether Hawaii's Cost of Living Is Overpriced or Undervalued Depends On You Hint: it's got nothing to do with how much money you earn. I've thought long and hard about this element of Hawaii and it comes from my experience Living in Hawaii since the 80s. I think the answer may surprise you and I [...]

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Breaking down the costs to live in Hawaii

Peter Kay — Tue, 02 May 2023 14:33:25 +0000

Why is Hawaii's cost of living so high? There are the basic reasons why the cost of living in Hawaii so high when compared to other states: High cost of land. Highest energy costs in the nation. High taxation. High labor costs. All of this adds up to making Hawaii probably the most expensive place [...]

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Are mainland Haole buyers driving up the cost of housing in Hawaii? Now On-Demand

Peter Kay — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:47:00 +0000

Are outsiders responsible for Hawaii's high real estate prices? It's a popularly-held belief here in Hawaii that outsiders are buying up properties that would normally go to locals and as a result, we've got some of the highest prices in the country. Makes sense, right? But is it true? You can jump directly to [...]

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What will Big Island Property Taxes Cost You?

Peter Kay — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 16:22:30 +0000

What will Big Island Property Taxes Cost You? We put together a quick summary of how you can estimate your property taxes on the Big Island. Keep in mind that this is just a rule of thumb and your actual tax bill will vary. This short clip came from our Aloha Friday Hawaii Real Estate [...]

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What will Maui Property Taxes Cost You?

Peter Kay — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 16:22:38 +0000

What will Maui Property Taxes Cost You? We put together a quick summary of how you can estimate your property taxes on Maui. Keep in mind that this is just a rule of thumb and your actual tax bill will vary. This short clip came from our Aloha Friday Hawaii Real Estate Show which goes [...]

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What will Oahu Property Taxes Cost You?

Peter Kay — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:28:15 +0000

What will Oahu Property Taxes Cost You? We put together a quick summary of how you can estimate your property taxes on Oahu (aka Honolulu County). Keep in mind that this is just a rule of thumb and your actual tax bill will vary. This short clip came from our Aloha Friday Hawaii Real Estate [...]

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Living in Hawaii in Retirement – on a modest budget

Peter Kay — Tue, 24 May 2022 16:32:15 +0000

Can you retire in Hawaii and live on a modest budget? Some studies put Hawaii as the most expensive place to live in the USA. How can you live here in retirement on a modest budget? I review 5 different ways in this video. Do you have a question for me that you would like [...]

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Are renovation costs rising like home prices?

Peter Kay — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:27:37 +0000

Are renovation costs rising like home prices? Wesley from YouTube asks: Are renovation costs increasing at the same rates as home prices? For example renovating a bathroom or replacing our roof? Thank you! This short clip came from our Aloha Friday Hawaii Real Estate Show which goes live every other Friday on our Hawaii Real [...]

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Buying and Rentals – Living on an Island in Hawaii

Peter Kay — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 08:29:31 +0000

Living on an Island Space on the islands is at a premium. It's no wonder then that Oahu, with nearly a million residents, seems a bit small. There are other reasons the islands seem small. Parts of Hawaii are uninhabitable. Some hills have loose rock and homes cannot be built there. Quite a bit of [...]

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How do islanders afford the high cost of life in Hawaii?

Peter Kay — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 02:32:09 +0000

We created this page "Top 3 ways Hawaii residents afford the high cost of living"

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What’s cost of building on a lot vs. buying a home in Hawaii?

Peter Kay — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:40:44 +0000

What's cost of building on a lot vs. buying a home in Hawaii? Matthew asked this on the live show: How does the cost of building on a lot compare to buying a house? This short clip came from our Aloha Friday Hawaii Real Estate Show which goes live every other Friday on our Hawaii [...]

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Cost of renovation in Hawaii vs. Mainland?

Peter Kay — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:00:40 +0000

Cost of renovation in Hawaii vs. Mainland? Linda from San Diego asks: Oahu has alot of older homes . If I purchase one, is the cost of renovation construction similar to mainland or significantly more. Single wall vs double wall. Termites? Insurance? The important stuff to be sure to know before buying that's specific to [...]

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Cost of Electricity in Hawaii?

Peter Kay — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 16:00:54 +0000

Cost of Electricity in Hawaii? Lisa of El Cerrito asked: Oahu has alot of older homes . If I purchase one, is the cost of renovation construction similar to mainland or significantly more. Single wall vs double wall. Termites? Insurance? The important stuff to be sure to know before buying that's specific to the island. [...]

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Average cost per sq ft in Kona?

Peter Kay — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 16:25:14 +0000

Average cost per sq ft in Kona? I'm considering buying some land on Kona, and would like to know what is the average cost per square feet for building a new house between 1700 and 2000 sf on Kona? This short clip came from our Aloha Friday Hawaii Real Estate Show which goes live every [...]

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How on earth can you afford living in Hawaii?

Peter Kay — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 16:14:48 +0000

For most people vacationing in Hawaii, all it takes is one trip to the grocery store or a quick scan of the real estate classifieds to get hit with extreme sticker shock. Yes, not only is it super expensive to live here, but most jobs pay significantly less than their mainland counterparts. So the inevitable [...]

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You asked: How do normal people afford the cost of living?

Peter Kay — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:54:12 +0000

Hawaii's un-affordability is surely the biggest obstacle for most people that want to live here and trust me, it's a much bigger problem for those are actually living here. It's a big topic with many dimensions so we'd answer one of your questions and with 3 simple ways the locals try to offset one of [...]

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How do you deal with the heavy cost of living in Hawaii?

Peter Kay — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:40:07 +0000

You asked: "How do you deal with the heavy cost of living in Hawaii?". Watch this short YouTube for the answer and check out this Q&A playlist for lots of other answers. Got a question I haven't already answered? Send me yours in this form and I might answer it on YouTube!

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