Bye bye Ms. American Pie. Drove my Chevy to the levee and the levee was dry. may be what you are listening to on your iPod as you get your Don Mclean on.  Leaving the Continental US can be an angst ridden, snake pit in the belly of your stomach feeling, as you first venture into the unknown.  When you pack, lock stock and barrel for our sunny shores having some idea of what to expect is always best.  In other words it's a pretty good idea to come to Hawaii for a short visit to get a little acclimated and find out what you like about our island first. 

When I first arrived here I was dragged kicking and screaming from Newport Beach, California.   Which was a great place (the "OC"), if you had to be dragged, to be dragged from.  My parents had subsidized my income while living there and decided it was time to come to where they and the rest of my family lived on the mysterious island of Oahu.  For me, Hawaii represented tiki torches, plastic lei and hula girls in shining cellophane skirts.  I thought everyone lived in a shack or a shanty and that just didn't appeal to me.

As a teenager, albeit in the sunset of that part of my life, I had my own opinions of everything, just not enough money to support my opinions or my lifestyle.  My parents asked me one final time to come and I said thanks, but no thanks.  The next thing I remember is a letter from my parents saying as much as they loved me and wanted to continue to support me the last check was in my hands and the only other thing I would get if I changed my mind was a one way airline ticket to Oahu.  I broke out in a cold sweat as, 30 seconds later, with hand shaking as I dialed, my current lifestyle flashed before my eyes and Fashion Island faded into the sunset. I booked my one way ticket. 

Because I was so young, I didn't have a lot to worry about, like a place to stay (I had my parents) a vehicle (my skateboard was my main mode of transportation - easy to check at baggage claim) or money (I could cocktail with the best of 'em).

Most of you may be coming with a few more things and a few more concerns on your mind than when I came.  Let's address just a few of those potential issues....

Support

When you decide to move to Hawaii, it is most helpful to have friends or family who already live here to help you find your way.  Everything about Hawaii is vastly different from what you'll ever experience on the mainland.  Initially, while you are acclimating it can get lonely and having someone here to bounce ideas off of, hang out and watch a sunset with, or one who can drive you around the island once or twice (especially if all you've got is a skateboard)  really helps a lot.  Support is key to being happy with your new start.

Work - really we DO work here!

When I first moved here you couldn't get a job unless you had one year local experience. You couldn't get one year local experience because they wouldn't hire you unless you had it, but you could get jobs selling suntan lotion and cocktailing.  I am happy to say things have changed tremendously in the last 28 years.  In fact, we have the lowest unemployment in the nation and always seem to need good help here.  Talent is appreciated now as well as experience.  New ideas are a little harder for us to embrace, but give us time and be patient and they grow on us!  The top employers in Hawaii include, healthcare, airlines, employment agencies, banks and hotels and utility companies.

People

In Hawaii we come from all over the world.  Most of Hawaii's population consists of Caucasian's 20.4% (due in large part to the military) and Japanese 18.4%.  We have a Filipino community, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, German, Latino, Black, Pacific Islanders; everyone you can imagine has some representation here. Our Hawaiian and mixed Hawaiian community consist of 19.5% of our total population.  Because of our diversity, the exposure to different cultures, food, celebration,s languages and events makes our lives that much more interesting and exciting.

Lifestyle

Surfer - we have some of the best waves in the world.  South shore swells in the summer time, and North Shore swells in the winter beginning just before Thanksgiving.  The Triple Crown of Surfing is held here as is The Pipeline Masters.

If you golf, you have a mere 36 golf course to choose from on Oahu.  Many of them are world class courses.

Hiking - depending on who you talk to you will find we have 30-36 hiking trails.  Some to the tops of mountains, others to water falls all with views that will take your breath away.

Sunsets - I've never seen a bad sunset.  Sometimes if you're lucky you get the "green flash" as the sun slips down to sea level.

Food - some of the best chef's in the world reside in Hawaii. A few fave's, Roys in Hawaii Kai, Allan Wongs, Michel's, Le Bistro, Assagio, Le Mer, Hy's Steakhouse -hmmmm mmm

Best Burgers - Kua'aina Burger, Teddy's Bigger Burgers, The Shack in Hawaii Kai

Best Tiny Bubbler - Don Ho, of course!

Where you stay...Live

To buy or rent?  We have some of the highest rents in the country.  If you must rent, rent a short time until you determine where you want to live and then buy.  Buy and watch your appreciation grow.  We are, after all on a little island with little room to grow.  Build able land is a commodity and a limited one at that.  Renting and later being displaced due to our significant lack of inventory can be most unpleasant.

I think I need to stop now... I will augment this post with one that gives you lots of informative and interesting links so you can get even more information.

From my little rock in the Pacific, Kelly Mitchell signing off to all you fellow Rainers...  Have a fabulous fabulous Wednesday - Mui Aloha!