A reader of this blog recently asked me if I had any insight about moving to Hawai‘i. Her inquiry got me thinking… I’ve been showing a pretty rosy side of island living on this website. I’ve talked about deserted beaches, tropical forests, angelic DMV employees, and my beautiful commute to work. Now that I think of it, though, I haven’t talked about the more gloomy side of living on Maui. But that ends right now, as I explore the dark side of paradise.

There isn’t any… just kidding.

Life here is definitely a compromise. At the end of the day you have to love living here so much, you’re willing to give up a lot of things you were used to on the mainland. And I’m not talking about the lack of fresh strawberries. I’m talking about saying goodbye to some of the comfort features of mainland life. I’m talking about living in a small apartment instead of a house. I’m talking about cutting back on eating out… or not eating out at all. I’m talking about having to get a second job to help pay the bills. I’m talking about not being able to afford a plane ride to see family. This is the unfortunate “luxury tax” that is placed on you as a resident… a price you must pay for living in an exceptional place. And to be happy here, you must be willing to pay that price. With the exception of those who are WOA (wealthy on arrival), this is a universal truth. People who live here work their arse off. No doubt. But strangely enough, I’ve never heard a resident complain about any of it either.