Living in Hawaii

PeteZ

Lots to consider when moving to, and living in Hawaii. In particular Oahu. I moved here in '96 after living in Calif, Vegas, Texas, etc. Ive had a 300ZX, a 350Z and a Nismo 370Z while here.

PROs: Best weather on the planet, never too hot, never cold, never humid, friendly people for the most part, natural beauty, great surfing, amazing diversity of food and culture, never tire of cruising around the island (till you hit traffic)

CONs: For a car guy: there's no real place on the island to open the car up, and the average speed limits are lower here than the mainland. Main surface roads are 25-35 MPH. Freeways are 50-55 except for H3 where it is 65 for a couple miles. There is no "passing lane" or "slow lane" on the freeways here either, which makes traffic worse. One bad accident on the freeway effects traffic on almost the entire island. There's no race track anymore, good-reliable tuners are rare, horrible surface roads full of potholes and asphalt patches, horrible traffic and congestion depending where you live/work (Honolulu consistently ranks in top 3 cities in USA with worst traffic) very expensive to ship aftermarket or replacement parts to Hawaii (Summit Racing wanted to charge me $60 to ship a box of $20 replacement lug nuts), highest gas prices in USA, high car insurance compared to all states but California, strange state inspection laws and requirements when you modify or add aftermarket parts. Example: on my previous 350Z I had dealer installed Nismo springs and sway bars when I bought it new. 2 years later, State inspection places wouldnt pass my car until I obtained a "reconstruction" certificate from one of a few state-run recon certifying facilities because of my "major suspension modifications" ... Was easier to find state inspection places that didnt look under my car.
Housing and food are also pretty expensive compared to the mainland too. And now more than ever, we get this "Vog", a result from gases emanating from the constantly erupting Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. It's a barely visible "fog" that affects the islands when the normal Tradewinds stop and it gives some people headaches, makes them feel sick, etc.
I dont mean to be raining on your parade but just wanted to give you my opinion as a car guy and a guy who moved here from the mainland 20 years ago ... Hawaii will always be special, just be aware that the price of paradise is some of the things I listed above

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PeteZ
2013 Nismo Z #864, Stillen G3, Fast Intentions-Setrab 34-Row Oil Cooler, Fast Intentions CB Exhaust, Gnosis GS2 Wheels, MTEC Trans Springs I more ...