Customer Reviews

Living and Retiring in Hawaii: The 50th State in the 21st Century

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I've read them all - Polancy, Benham, Smith, Thomsen, and they all have something to offer the wannabe resident of Hawaii. The Smiths' book, though, has a different slant, obviously geared more to the retiree, but this book also deals with some sociological issues that the other books didn't touch on at all. Smith raises some very interesting questions, such as, "What will Hawaii be like if/when so many baby boomers relocate there? Will the local population be able/willing to assist and support these aging immigrants? Who will control the government? How will escalating real estate prices affect the local population?" Many of these issues are at the heart of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, and may well affect how newcomers are greeted and treated in the future. This looming question is certainly not the only focus of the Smiths' book - it is highly readable, and contains a wealth of information for the prospective newcomer. But I found the thought provoking issues a very valuable addition to suggestions of locations, advice on moving, and many suggestions for further reading and web sites to explore. All in all, a very excellent resource - one that should not be missed by anyone interested in moving to Hawaii.

Yes, say the Smiths, authors of this excellent resource to our 50th state, yes it IS possible to retire to Hawaii, but please be sure to do your homework first. Luckily, the Smiths give you a wealth of information in these pages to help you get a good start in making a decision that is truly right for you. They try to cover as many bases as possible: What its like to live on each island, what to expect in the way of nightlife, activities, medical resources, and senior resources. They also cover the question of buying and/or renting, both apartments and condos, and thankfully, their info INCLUDES PRICES (a few years out of date, to be sure, but at least they give you a ballpark idea of what to expect) and even gives sample budgets to show what a typical retired couple might expect to spend in a given month (Warning: Be sure to notice the Assumptions connected with each budget!). The Smith's Top Ten Places to Retire in Hawaii is also listed (with particular emphasis on Oahu and the Big Island). They even consider the possible impact of the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement on tourism and politics. (This final chapter, Wither Hawaii, starts strong, but the ending is rather confusing: the Smiths don't make a definitive conclusion or even a conjecture about how much the Sovereignty movement may impact tourism. However, if you go back through the entire book, they really have made a very strong case that retirees in 21st Century Hawaii will form such a strong voting block that any official/unofficial movement to make the state less welcoming to Mainlanders will probably be thwarted at the polls.) In any case, this book is a must purchase for anyone (especially retirees) planning to make the big move to the Aloha State. Get it today! Such a move may not be easy or in everyone's best interest, but thanks to this wonderful book, a move to Hawaii may be in your future someday if not sooner!

for anyone considering living and/or retiring in Hawai. I only wish this book had been around three years ago to asist us with our "hellish" move to paradise.

The Smiths provide timely assistance to Hawaii newcomers as they plan their sojourn to paradise. They teach all you need to know to make an easy move and transition to a whole new world. Their book provides in depth information on everything from affordable housing, jobs and entrepreneur opportunities to dining, entertainment, local customs, language and romantic side trips.