The Hawaiian Islands: a beautiful, lush, tropical oasis where palm trees sway in the breeze, waves lap against the shore… and there seems to be a never-ending supply of strange things you must adjust to while living on an island. We’re not saying we don’t absolutely love being able to call Hawaii home, but living in an isolated, tropical paradise isn’t necessarily for everyone…

1. It’s way too sunny.
W Koscielniak/Flickr
I mean, really, who can really handle this much sunny weather? You mean to tell me that seasonal affective disorder can happen during endless summer, too? Sure thing!
2. You’ll never be able to decide which beach to go to.
Jeff Keacher/Flickr
I mean, do you go to your favorite beach on the east or west side? And do you go to Kailua Beach, or head down the road a mile and visit Lanikai? The choices are endless, so I hope you don't easily become paralyzed by indecision!
3. You’ll be eternally warm…
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Really, who wants to be warm all the time? And especially when we can't wear anything other than shorts and sundresses?
4. Except when it’s below 70, and then you’ll freeze.
Madeleine LaFerney/Flickr
Oh, wait, you'll break out the sweatshirts and jeans at 75 degrees, because well, your body gets used to the heat. Forget about ever visiting your family in the Midwest for Christmas...
5. The cost of living is astronomical.
Alex Avriette/Flickr
From the cost of milk and gas to affordable housing, you might want to think twice about selling that extra kidney in order to live in Hawaii.
6. Forget about going on road trips.
daisy.r/Flickr
There are only so many places you can drive when living on an island. in the middle of the Pacific Ocean...
7. You’ll become addicted to poke.
Katarina/Flickr
What a terrible addiction to have, am I right?
8. And those famous Hawaiian desserts will tempt you always.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
If it weren't for all the incredible hiking, those malasadas, shave ice, and mochi would certainly help you pack on the pounds.

Related Stories

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Hawaii

 Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?

 This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
9. You’ll look silly if you decide to dress up.
Ewen Roberts/Flickr
Who needs high heels and dress slacks when you have fancy slippers and Aloha wear?
10. There’s sea life everywhere.
sharkhats/Flickr
I mean, really, who wants to be this close to gorgeous Hawaiian green sea turtles, or other sea life?
11. You’ll learn to live with multiple roommates.
Martha Heinemann Bixby/Flickr
Better get used to living with geckos if you want to make it in Hawaii. It's not all bad, though, at least they eat the bugs.
12. You will develop a taste for locally-grown produce and coffee.
_e.t/Flickr
And when you visit elsewhere, nothing will compare to a cup of Kona coffee and fresh pineapple.
13. You won’t know which adventure to choose from this weekend.
Tyler S. Miller/Flickr
Should you go hiking, skydiving, surfing, or scuba diving this weekend? The choices are seemingly endless!
14. You are prepared for traffic everywhere you go - especially on Oahu.
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Trust us, it's not as bad as it looks... Oh, wait. Yes, it is. Honolulu has the second worst travel in the country, behind Los Angeles.
15. You’ll have to pay a pretty penny anytime you experience island fever.
Nate Burgos/Flickr
Too bad you'll pay upwards of $150 just for a round trip ticked to the Big Island.
16. You’ll become restless working in an office.
Tim/Flickr
How can you possibly get work done when there is an entire island out there just waiting to be explored?
17. Your camera roll will fill up with pictures of sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows.
Nurit Pazner/Flickr
Forget about taking pictures of your children or the family pet, your phone storage will surely be taken up by photos of Hawaiian scenery in no time at all.

While you’re here, be sure to check out these 11 weird things only people from Hawaii do, as well as these 21 thoughts everyone has when they land in Hawaii.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles