Kailua-Kona Travel Forum

Aloha,

I'm seriously thinking of moving to Kona. Right now I live in New York. It's exciting--most of the time; diverse and lots of things to do-if you want to.

It's a beautiful state. But living here is very stressful. Traffic, overcrowded subways-you name it. I'm ready for a change.

It's not all bad though: shopping is great, you can ride the subway anywhere for $2. Still, I think the living would be better in Kona. I have a friend there who loves it. I'd like to hear what others have to say regarding work, salaries, and quality of life.

I went to Oahu a couple of weeks ago. Will visit Kona very, very soon.

Mahalo.

p.s: I'm originally from a small town in N.C.

Aloha. You like small towns where everyone but you is on holiday, then Kona is your place. Wages small, housing tight and expensive, and to go anywhere you have to fly. It is expensive to live in, tough to survive as an outsider, and nowhere to go. But, if you like to swim, snorkel, fish, sail, walk on lava rock, see beautiful sunsets, bbq hotdogs on your driveway, and a great time is having a 6 pack of Kona beer, then Kona might be for you.

remember your on a island. you just can't get in your car and go to a different state. It's a different life style. Myself been to a few island a couple of times........by the end of the week i was ready to go home.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Well I spent one month in Kona and I really enjoyed it. But I was there as a tourist and not as someone who would live there. Actually it's one of destinations I really liked and maybe, as I get elder, I'd move there.
I know some Europeans and Australians who moved there and are all satisfied with it.
Although it's a small town, Kona offers many things to do. So if you like nature, adventures, outdoors, smelling the sea, it's the right place for you. On the other hand, don't forget it's far far far away from big cities such as NY.
By the way, I truely liked the people there. They were opposite from what I thought they would be, such untypical Americans. Extremely polite, and less enthusiastic.
Jerca

I have been here five years and love it. I think it is the land of opportunity for someone that wants to open their own business. Unlike New York, Kona has many things that are needed. I can think of a half a dozen businesses that would be very successful here and many do not need much start up capital. When you get here, you will notice services etc that might be of use here. There are lots of low paying tourist industry jobs that one can take on to pay the bills for a while. The biggest misconception is that you are on an island with nothing to do. I have not been bored in five years, there are so many things to do and many of them are free. In kona there is no "inside group" just about everyone in this town came from the mainland and are happy to be here. It shows in most peoples positive attitudes. Check it out for a couple years. If it doesn't work out, at least you will have some good stories and memories.

Hi:

Thanks for the reply. I haven't been checking my messages. I'm surprised that I received four of 'em.

Well, I'll get a first hand look at Kona in November. I'm excited.

You are probably right about businesses. My friend, who lives there, is a massage therapist. He was brainstorming with a friend wondering what he could do to make a living. Needless to say he is doing extremely well. Previously, he worked in the assisted living industry.

Since you mentioned it, right off the top of your head, name some business that would be great to start up with very little expense. I'm interested to know. I work at a large cable broadcast network. We sell programming internationally. I'm involved in marketing. Kona is a world away from career path. I've got to get creative. Would love to hear your ideas.

Speaking of career, work calls. I've taken a longer lunch break than usual. Mondays are the worst. On days like today, I wish I had a job on Kona! I'm not kidding. :)

Thanks Kinya,

Great to hear from you! Well, I'll see Kona for myself in November.

I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation there. The people in Oahu were also very nice. That's definitely in plus when youre on vacation.

Maybe I should be like you and think of retiring to Kona. Looks like jobs are scarce.

Anyway, I'm at work. Have to run. Thanks for the feedback. By the way, where is your next vacation? I'm thinking of Bali for 2006.

Don't I know it. Hawaii is in the middle of nowhwere. I took a writing class last year. One of my classmates used to live there. She liked it, but said "it is the most isolated land masses" she's every known. She moved back to the states because it was too hard to visit her family and friends.

When you think of it like that, it's pretty daunting. One suggestion she made is that if I one moves there, they should travel often. I'm always off to a new continent, so that wouldn't be a problem for me...that's if I made a decent living. Now....that is the question!

Thank you for the reply. I was happy to see responses.

It's still summer in NY. I'm going to enjoy it.