After Becky passed away in 2013, I began traveling back to Hawaii yearly. At one point my kids asked me if I should consider buying a condo in Kailua since I was there so often. When I looked into it, I discovered that a simple studio apartment in Kailua started at 1.5 million. Keep in mind that this is for a 400 square foot dwelling.
Hawaii today is known for 4 things: high taxes, extensive regulations, unaffordable housing, and a backbreaking high cost of living. Most of the people I grew up with have long since moved to the mainland. The most recent one was my cousin M. Black (my age) who sold his home in Kailua for 2 million and now lives comfortably in Oregon. "I love Hawaii but I can't afford to live here" is something you hear all the time. I literally cannot think of one highly educated person I grew up with who did not leave for the mainland for better economic opportunities.
Underneath Hawaii's glittering hotels, the society is literally falling apart. The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming. Locals struggle. They can't afford to live in their own homes anymore. If and when you visit this year, please remember that locals are frustrated. Property values are pushing them out. Please tip your housekeeping staff and servers well. They're commuting hours each way and working several jobs to make ends meet.
Hawaii is beautiful but it's struggling. Just being honest with you.
Me ke aloha (with love),
Kawika (Dave)
