I was born and raised on Kauai then I left Kauai for Oahu back in 1991 and left Oahu for WA in June 2000, growing up on Kauai during the 70’s and 80’s was the best times of my life, not much traffic, cheaper living, and the lifestyle was more laidback, the sugar industry was definitely keeping Kauai’s economy afloat and wasn’t deeply dependent on tourism, back in those days there wasn’t much locked gates to many places such as swimming holes and beaches, we used to ride our bikes around the cane fields and to the beaches, I miss those days.
Funny how everybody has this story per the year they arrived or revisited the place. I arrived in 2006 and stayed for years then traversed the other islands and ended back up on the mainlaind due to family obligations. I think about returning, but I have such good memories with the younger more able me, and I fear it's changed and will disappoint. However, I see no indication of that. I don't know.
What a great point!! If I ever make a part 2, im definitely including this. And it does vary, certain areas are more prone to rust damage etc. but overall that is a big factor
Anything metal, unless you run an air conditioner 24/7: Electronics, refrigerator, ceiling fans, toasters, microwave, etc. Also, any external wood will rot through in 15 years, regardless if treated wood.
I lived on Kauai as an editor of a book for 9 months in 1991-1992. Loved it, but 9 months was enough. I never complained about Honolulu being slow after that. Three months after I left Hurricane Iniki hit and destroyed much of the island. Some of my favorite places are still gone. The one con you missed is the limited medical care. If you are seriously injured, you probably need to be airlifted to Honolulu. Thousands of dollars just for transportation.
Thanks for sharing the experience! We love Kauai, started going there in the early 2000, bought a timeshare in Poipu Beach area & have been visiting the island yearly ever since. I remember crossing the main highway and we would be seeing cars passing by every 5-minutes. Nowadays, it’s almost bumper to bumper, definitely getting crowded.
And doctors!!!!!!!!!!!! its a serious problem. Lots of MDs leave the island and there are few experts -- they bring specialists over from Oahu but you may wait months. You have to go to Oahu for tests/scans and experts in their field.
Big pro that it isn’t commercialized. What people who agree with these high housing costs like it’s a worthiness issue. Keep in mind that the skilled labor is almost non existent because they can’t afford to get in (buy or rent) when cost of living is so high. Governments/city planners approving big investor building projects love to overlook the need for affordable workforce housing that isn’t a slum. Many natives and locals get forced out of these dream environments because of development by “corporate interests” and mainland retirees. I am dealing with this in my super desired area of Florida. Once the word got out it became a challenge for those already living here.
A lot of people have owned their homes for decades, so the cost of buying back then was insanely lower. The value has gone up, and lot end up selling and moving to the mainland with all that money
I spent the summer in Hanalei Kauai in 2022. Super expensive and many of the locals don't want you there. I got the haolie go home speech about once a week for doing nothing wrong. One time from an old lady who I could tell had the speech prepared. Nothing major but it gets old. The cost and traffic are the worst part.
what a joke. what they probably dont teach in the history books is how the natives probably jacked the island from some other natives. same thing happened with africa/slavery in america, africans sold their own to the europeans.
I used to live in Anahola and Kapa'a, it does look very picturesque to the average joe - but they don't see the invisible predators that make it tough to live here. The mosquitoes, centipedes and alll the critters that come along with really wet environments will make sure things "look" nice and keep the weak off the island. So besides how costly it is to live here, if you're a mosquito magnet - forget about it. I still have trauma just thinking about it.
And yet, Hawaii produces nothing,….what will support the economy that is environmentally perfect, doesn’t somehow damage the Aina, or ruins the landscape?? Hawaii produces nothing, but tourism.
Thank you for the video sir, I have a question, I am skilled Tradesman jack of all trades, though no certifications. But I can bring my skills I'm a little concerned about cost of living though, what's the cheapest maybe one bedroom apartment. I'm quiet and stick to myself nature boy. Curious what location the cheapest apartment might be in about how much and if you think I could get a job out there
Don't go to a park on Friday. Many of the locals live in tents in a park. They make them break down and remove their tents on Friday to clean the park, So then they build it right back later in the day. Naturally they are pi**ed on Friday. Every time I got the Haolie go home speech it was on a Friday near or at the park. I learned to avoid the park on Friday.
just got to that part of the video haha, i’m from the PNW as well (oregon) the rain and dreary weather is starting to get to me. I’m ready for a change, went to kauai for 10 days in february
@@scoobaa awesome, hopefully you can get another chance to vacation soon. I dont miss the PNW weather, other than the summers which are perfect. Im from small town near vancouver WA
Good question! Critters are manageable. Mosquitoes can be bad of course but I’d argue no worse than many other places. Overall I give it a huge two thumbs up because there are very few if any, land animals over here that can kill you! Yes we have bugs and centipedes, but no snakes. Best thing for critters is to stay tidy, dont leave food out. That kinda stuff goes a long way. Cheers!
Absolutely possible, depending on what your standards are. I understand nurses make a good/solid living so two nurses splitting costs seems very realistic
I grew up on O'ahu, lived and worked on the mainland for decades and moved to Kaua'i to retire. I was hoping Kaua'i was more like O'ahu when I was a child in terms of lifestyle and pace. I was disappointed by the hoards of inconsiderate tourist infesting the island. In fact, a couple stopped traffic at the tunnel of trees headed towards Koloa to take wedding photos in the middle of the roadway. There is also a simmering resentment by the native Hawaiians of the tourist and transplants moving there. I got fed up and relocated back to the mainland. I now have a home on several acres devoid of crowds and racial tension.
@@amaliapujols2279 No actually not yet. Are you on the island? It should be easier for you to view a place if so. Most places I’ve been in contact with stated I needed to view it in person. That’s been the biggest issue for me so far. May consider wwoof or workaway for temporary housing until I can actually find something. Best wishes to you!
We love Kauai... will be returning for 7 days this weekend. Been to all the islands, but Kauai is dear to us, but there is no way we would live in Hawaii. There response to the plandemic proved that and is why we have not been there in 3 years.
@@peppersanches412 yikes the typo police! Seriously do you think people make that mistake out of ignorance? Ok, I understand it is hard being their for everyone! hahaha
As a native of Kaua'i, Hawaii is unique and special to me but very over rated! The Hawaii goverment does not care that locals cannot afford housing, foods, traffic jams.. If they did, you would hardly have any cons to share.
I agree. Government is the biggest threat. Why not vote a better group in? Billionaires and government seems to be the biggest problem there. The Hawaiians should be given land before millionaires and billionaires. 😢❤
Did you experience hate/racism for being “haole”? I’ve heard this is a major problem in hawaii in general. Maybe even more so for Kauai since it’s a less populated island.
Honest answer here - no, not really. Plain and simple. I just try to lead with respect to all walks of life and I usually receive that same energy back
A lot of the problem with visitors here is their mindset upon visiting. remember that you're a visitor so learn about the history of Hawai'i to avoid unneeded exchanges. Most of all.... be respectful.
I spent the summer there in 2022. You can tell many of them don't want you there. I got the haolie go home once a week but they just yell it at you and that's it.
@@johnmahiDo you do the same when visiting a foreign country or any major city on the mainland? “Respect” goes both ways, and is the most overused word on the islands. Many locals expect the tourists to bow to them, for allowing them to walk on the island and share the waves.
Unfortunately, Kauai suffers from Island 🏝️ mentality; low work effort, prevents people from reaching their potential, and it is a haven for the drug culture. The best advice I can give to anyone graduating from High School on Kauai: Move off the island to anywhere on the planet that offers more opportunity and a lower cost of living. Kick ass, save money, excel, and years down the line, if you want go back, then you will be set up to do so. Too many people on this island have never actually lived off the island and experienced other opportunities, people, cultures, and better opportunities. Kauai is too isolated for young people to reach their full potential.
I would have thought one of the Cons of living on Kauai would be running into a rather grumpy Todd Rundgren. Last time we spoke all he could talk about was how he had trouble renting out his house 🤦🏻
I lived in Kauai for 27 years. I had a house on Kamuilaii. Road. I would occasionally break into my neighbors homes to steal stuff and they started getting pissed so I moved. The cops weren’t very nice to me either.
I spent the summer there in 2022. It's expensive. I live in Fl-local grown mangos are $1 in Fl, 5$ in Kauai even at a farmers market. Most farmers want $20 or more for a pineapple at a farmers market. And that's the locally grown food, the price goes up from there.
@@aeropilot4419 I rented a house for the summer in Princeville and I was shocked at how expensive it is. I lived on Park Avenue in Manhattan for 2 years and Kaui seemed more expensive than that.
@@aeropilot4419Not really. If “born and raised” then you need to leave the island shortly after HS and get a steady career. After saving, excelling, and gaining experience and knowledge, then go back. You will be more in a position to enjoy the “Good Life”.
I was born and raised on Kauai then I left Kauai for Oahu back in 1991 and left Oahu for WA in June 2000, growing up on Kauai during the 70’s and 80’s was the best times of my life, not much traffic, cheaper living, and the lifestyle was more laidback, the sugar industry was definitely keeping Kauai’s economy afloat and wasn’t deeply dependent on tourism, back in those days there wasn’t much locked gates to many places such as swimming holes and beaches, we used to ride our bikes around the cane fields and to the beaches, I miss those days.
Hi Jason..I lived on Kauai also back in the 80's in a little town called Kilauea!
Funny how everybody has this story per the year they arrived or revisited the place. I arrived in 2006 and stayed for years then traversed the other islands and ended back up on the mainlaind due to family obligations. I think about returning, but I have such good memories with the younger more able me, and I fear it's changed and will disappoint. However, I see no indication of that. I don't know.
I visited Kauai in January. Everything you mentioned is what I experience. You are correct a great intimate community! Thanks for sharing! A!
Thanks for the feedback!
Something that is rarely talked about is the rust. If you own a nice car, you will need to take steps to keep the rust to a minimum.
What a great point!! If I ever make a part 2, im definitely including this. And it does vary, certain areas are more prone to rust damage etc. but overall that is a big factor
And electronics
Anything metal, unless you run an air conditioner 24/7: Electronics, refrigerator, ceiling fans, toasters, microwave, etc. Also, any external wood will rot through in 15 years, regardless if treated wood.
Your car needs to be rinsed every few days or well. If you’re consistent with this you can make your car last a long time.
Loved your video man! Very informative and balanced look on your paradise 🤙
Great video just what I needed to see ! I’m hoping to be there in the next few months to live :)
Just be mind full of police corruption. Be careful when adventuring on your own. Always let a family member know where you are and bring protection.
I lived on Kauai as an editor of a book for 9 months in 1991-1992. Loved it, but 9 months was enough. I never complained about Honolulu being slow after that. Three months after I left Hurricane Iniki hit and destroyed much of the island. Some of my favorite places are still gone. The one con you missed is the limited medical care. If you are seriously injured, you probably need to be airlifted to Honolulu. Thousands of dollars just for transportation.
Thanks for sharing the experience! We love Kauai, started going there in the early 2000, bought a timeshare in Poipu Beach area & have been visiting the island yearly ever since. I remember crossing the main highway and we would be seeing cars passing by every 5-minutes. Nowadays, it’s almost bumper to bumper, definitely getting crowded.
Right on! I hope to be there soon.
And doctors!!!!!!!!!!!! its a serious problem. Lots of MDs leave the island and there are few experts -- they bring specialists over from Oahu but you may wait months. You have to go to Oahu for tests/scans and experts in their field.
So I just fought cancer is there a good oncologist over there?
I recently moved back to Kauai' and was told that currently doctors are not taking any new patients.
@@Myjoyfullness thank you. Yeah I definitely need to find a dr before I move there.
Good one. I’m going there in a couple months.
Big pro that it isn’t commercialized. What people who agree with these high housing costs like it’s a worthiness issue. Keep in mind that the skilled labor is almost non existent because they can’t afford to get in (buy or rent) when cost of living is so high. Governments/city planners approving big investor building projects love to overlook the need for affordable workforce housing that isn’t a slum. Many natives and locals get forced out of these dream environments because of development by “corporate interests” and mainland retirees. I am dealing with this in my super desired area of Florida. Once the word got out it became a challenge for those already living here.
Pro- all the chickens! Chickens everywhere, and I like it 🤷🏻♀️
I was curious about house prices, I went on Zillow..... insane!! I will stay in Georgia until I win the lottery so I can buy a mansion in Hawaii 🤣😂
I stayed the summer there in 2022, at that time the cheapest place for sale on the island was over 900K for a crappy, small condo. It's expensive.
Who needs a mansion? I’m trying to get there to love the land, not to stay in a grand house
What’s the average salary on the island? If house prices are a million dollars in average the salaries should be quite high as well?
A lot of people have owned their homes for decades, so the cost of buying back then was insanely lower. The value has gone up, and lot end up selling and moving to the mainland with all that money
@@dcampbell_8 thank you for the information 👍
I spent the summer in Hanalei Kauai in 2022. Super expensive and many of the locals don't want you there. I got the haolie go home speech about once a week for doing nothing wrong. One time from an old lady who I could tell had the speech prepared. Nothing major but it gets old. The cost and traffic are the worst part.
what a joke. what they probably dont teach in the history books is how the natives probably jacked the island from some other natives. same thing happened with africa/slavery in america, africans sold their own to the europeans.
I used to live in Anahola and Kapa'a, it does look very picturesque to the average joe - but they don't see the invisible predators that make it tough to live here. The mosquitoes, centipedes and alll the critters that come along with really wet environments will make sure things "look" nice and keep the weak off the island.
So besides how costly it is to live here, if you're a mosquito magnet - forget about it. I still have trauma just thinking about it.
Been living on Kauai over 20 yrs. , tourism is chocking our island need to limit it. Aloha
And yet, Hawaii produces nothing,….what will support the economy that is environmentally perfect, doesn’t somehow damage the Aina, or ruins the landscape?? Hawaii produces nothing, but tourism.
Muy buen video bro excelente saludos desde OHIO
Thank you for the video sir, I have a question, I am skilled Tradesman jack of all trades, though no certifications. But I can bring my skills I'm a little concerned about cost of living though, what's the cheapest maybe one bedroom apartment. I'm quiet and stick to myself nature boy. Curious what location the cheapest apartment might be in about how much and if you think I could get a job out there
Don't go to a park on Friday. Many of the locals live in tents in a park. They make them break down and remove their tents on Friday to clean the park, So then they build it right back later in the day. Naturally they are pi**ed on Friday. Every time I got the Haolie go home speech it was on a Friday near or at the park. I learned to avoid the park on Friday.
Hey bro have you ever been to Maui, Big Island, or Oahu before?
please answer, what do you do for a career, as well as are you originally from kauai, if not where? What made you want to move there?
just got to that part of the video haha, i’m from the PNW as well (oregon) the rain and dreary weather is starting to get to me. I’m ready for a change, went to kauai for 10 days in february
@@scoobaa awesome, hopefully you can get another chance to vacation soon. I dont miss the PNW weather, other than the summers which are perfect. Im from small town near vancouver WA
What about the mosquitoes and other critters??
Good question! Critters are manageable. Mosquitoes can be bad of course but I’d argue no worse than many other places. Overall I give it a huge two thumbs up because there are very few if any, land animals over here that can kill you! Yes we have bugs and centipedes, but no snakes. Best thing for critters is to stay tidy, dont leave food out. That kinda stuff goes a long way. Cheers!
@@livingonkauai Kee beach 5pm Mosquitoes swarm and your dinner :)
I was just there, I learned there are no snakes( huge bonus) & no predators (animals that is, lol)
Do you think two nurses could realistically survive there COL-wise??
Absolutely possible, depending on what your standards are. I understand nurses make a good/solid living so two nurses splitting costs seems very realistic
You have described a destination for holiday and not full time.
What? No rooster crowing outside your window?
Great info 👍
I grew up on O'ahu, lived and worked on the mainland for decades and moved to Kaua'i to retire. I was hoping Kaua'i was more like O'ahu when I was a child in terms of lifestyle and pace. I was disappointed by the hoards of inconsiderate tourist infesting the island. In fact, a couple stopped traffic at the tunnel of trees headed towards Koloa to take wedding photos in the middle of the roadway. There is also a simmering resentment by the native Hawaiians of the tourist and transplants moving there. I got fed up and relocated back to the mainland. I now have a home on several acres devoid of crowds and racial tension.
Thanks for the tips! Do you deal with rentals in your business? Should be arriving in April. 😊
My pleasure! I don’t deal directly with rentals, but I would say Craigslist is the top platform that landlords and property managers post rentals on.
Hello, did you find a rental? Because I'm also looking for one and it has been very hard, any help or advice would be appreciated.
@@amaliapujols2279 No actually not yet. Are you on the island? It should be easier for you to view a place if so. Most places I’ve been in contact with stated I needed to view it in person. That’s been the biggest issue for me so far. May consider wwoof or workaway for temporary housing until I can actually find something. Best wishes to you!
So do you recommend I move to Kauai ? I'm not Hapa
Thats for you to decide my friend! Follow your heart 🤙
If you want to live poor, go for it 🤣😂
We love Kauai... will be returning for 7 days this weekend.
Been to all the islands, but Kauai is dear to us, but there is no way we would live in Hawaii.
There response to the plandemic proved that and is why we have not been there in 3 years.
*their
@@peppersanches412 yikes the typo police! Seriously do you think people make that mistake out of ignorance? Ok, I understand it is hard being their for everyone! hahaha
How did they respond?
Agreed. Very extreme left corrupt communist government wreaking havoc on the locals. But sadly they keep voting the same monsters in. 😢
I found the roads on Kauai to be outdated. Meaning the roads were built for a horse and buggy situation. The roads on Kauai need massive overhaul.
I just got back from Kauai,
I thought their roads were really nice.❤
like comment watch and share. Q: are u growing ur own food on Kauai?
As a native of Kaua'i, Hawaii is unique and special to me but very over rated! The Hawaii goverment does not care that locals cannot afford housing, foods, traffic jams.. If they did, you would hardly have any cons to share.
I agree. Government is the biggest threat. Why not vote a better group in? Billionaires and government seems to be the biggest problem there. The Hawaiians should be given land before millionaires and billionaires. 😢❤
Did you experience hate/racism for being “haole”?
I’ve heard this is a major problem in hawaii in general. Maybe even more so for Kauai since it’s a less populated island.
Honest answer here - no, not really. Plain and simple. I just try to lead with respect to all walks of life and I usually receive that same energy back
A lot of the problem with visitors here is their mindset upon visiting. remember that you're a visitor so learn about the history of Hawai'i to avoid unneeded exchanges. Most of all.... be respectful.
I spent the summer there in 2022. You can tell many of them don't want you there. I got the haolie go home once a week but they just yell it at you and that's it.
@@johnmahiDo you do the same when visiting a foreign country or any major city on the mainland? “Respect” goes both ways, and is the most overused word on the islands. Many locals expect the tourists to bow to them, for allowing them to walk on the island and share the waves.
Mahalo ke wikiō hoihoi
(very interesting thank you)
A truly great place to live. Is it EASY? Detroit wasn't---but that was long ago...ha ha !
Unfortunately, Kauai suffers from Island 🏝️ mentality; low work effort, prevents people from reaching their potential, and it is a haven for the drug culture. The best advice I can give to anyone graduating from High School on Kauai: Move off the island to anywhere on the planet that offers more opportunity and a lower cost of living. Kick ass, save money, excel, and years down the line, if you want go back, then you will be set up to do so. Too many people on this island have never actually lived off the island and experienced other opportunities, people, cultures, and better opportunities. Kauai is too isolated for young people to reach their full potential.
I would have thought one of the Cons of living on Kauai would be running into a rather grumpy Todd Rundgren. Last time we spoke all he could talk about was how he had trouble renting out his house 🤦🏻
I lived in Kauai for 27 years. I had a house on Kamuilaii. Road. I would occasionally break into my neighbors homes to steal stuff and they started getting pissed so I moved. The cops weren’t very nice to me either.
Is your new neighborhood more friendly to theft?
@@WalkingwithWendy Yes. They are Woke.
No Chick fil a? Nooo nevermind 😂🤣
Dukes is awsome for sure.
Bubbas brah
How TF does anyone afford to live there 😐
You need to be very wealthy to live well
I spent the summer there in 2022. It's expensive. I live in Fl-local grown mangos are $1 in Fl, 5$ in Kauai even at a farmers market. Most farmers want $20 or more for a pineapple at a farmers market. And that's the locally grown food, the price goes up from there.
@@aeropilot4419 I rented a house for the summer in Princeville and I was shocked at how expensive it is. I lived on Park Avenue in Manhattan for 2 years and Kaui seemed more expensive than that.
@@aeropilot4419Not really. If “born and raised” then you need to leave the island shortly after HS and get a steady career. After saving, excelling, and gaining experience and knowledge, then go back. You will be more in a position to enjoy the “Good Life”.
@@Eaglejake understood
Not enough of anything for locals. Tourists and foreigners are taking over and it’s disgusting.
Yes the same thing happened to my hometown. People always focused on money, instead of honor and integrity.
Welcome to the real world 🌎. It’s called supply and demand.
You local or from the main land?
Grew up in the Pacific Northwest, been on Kauai about 5 years now!
Lol you knew the answer to this when you asked.
@@reelone595Because if you are not “born and raised”, then you have no credibility?
@@Eaglejake lol I never said that, was simply answering his obvious question.