There are a lot of reasons to appreciate life on the islands. The beautiful weather, natural attractions, tourist destinations, and Hawaiian food are just a few reasons tourists flock to the state. Many of those are actually the same reasons people move here! Fortunately for our clients, life just gets better when you have your very own custom luxury home to enjoy on the island of your choice. It’s like a vacation that never ends. Here are our top reasons to build your very own custom home right here on the Hawaiian Islands.
We’re Happy to See You!
No, really. Hawaii was ranked number one on the WalletHub’s list of happiest states in America. This was based on careful analysis of physical and emotional well-being, work environments and community environments. We might be a little biased, but we’d like to agree: living in Hawaii improves your quality of life.
Island-Hopping
Island fever is a real thing, which is why it’s such a good thing that there are six major islands to explore! Flights are scheduled between islands on a regular basis, so it’s very easy to take a day trip to the location of your choice. Check out the Big Island for shopping, lounge on black sand beaches or hike near an active volcano. Ready to slow down a bit? Head to Kauai for small-town charm or Molokai to take a self-guided historical tour of the “most Hawaiian Island.” You simply can’t go wrong with so many destinations to choose from.
The Housing Market is Booming
At the writing of this article, home and condo sales are up throughout Hawaii. The economy is doing well, and homes are in high demand. In fact, ManageCasa reported that “sales grew 9.5% in Hawaii county, 12% in Kauai and almost 18% in Maui.” This is a great place to buy right now because your home is likely to increase in value over the years. After all: who doesn’t want to live in beautiful Hawaii?
The Weather is Welcoming
The weather here stays pretty consistent. Highs for all months are in the 80s (that’s degrees Fahrenheit), while lows vary from the 60s to 70s. Tropical storms can bring rainfall any time of year, but are most common in mid- to late-summer. The nice part is that you never need to feel trapped by the weather on your island. Hawaii is actually home to 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones. You can go from beaches to snow-capped mountains in just a short drive.
Life Moves Slower Here
We live on island time here; life moves at a slower pace and everyone takes things in stride. This can be a shock for mainlanders, but for us, it’s a huge benefit. There is no reason to rush anywhere. It’s like life is on permanent “stop and smell the roses” mode. If you’re ready to take life in stride and enjoy the little things, Hawaii is probably right for you.
It’s Not as Expensive as You Think
Let us clarify: it’s definitely expensive to live in Hawaii. The cost of living here is on par with taking up residence in New York City or San Francisco. The difference is that life is simpler here. You don’t need to drive every day in order to enjoy the beauty that is right outside your front door. The islands themselves provide plenty of entertainment: surfing, SCUBA diving, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more can be found easily. It helps that the lifestyle here is super laid back, too. Ditch the heels and pull out your flip flops; that’s all you need to explore the beaches here!
Vehicles Optional
In line with our philosophy of simplifying life, many Hawaiian residents choose not to own cars. They’re great, but the bus is a great resource here and helps people be a little more eco-friendly about their morning commutes. Many people walk, bike or skateboard across town as well. The options are endless!
Our Food is the Real Deal
We don’t mess around when it comes to delicious food. In fact, the rich multicultural history of Hawaii has resulted in some unique dishes that you can only find here. Among the food that originated on our islands:
- Lomi lomi salmon: a traditional side dish consisting of diced salmon, tomatoes and onions
- Saimin: noodle and broth soup derived from Chinese, Japanese and Filipino cultures
- Spam musubi: ever heard of spam sushi?
- Plate lunch: derived from the Japanese bento box, this dish typically includes rice, macaroni salad and meat.
- Malasadas: fried dough balls dipped in sugar. Like donut holes, but better!
Prime Stargazing Territory
Hawaii has strict lighting ordinances to protect its wildlife and preserve visibility for the Haleakala and Mauna Kea Observatories. Outdoor lighting must be shielded and most outdoor lighting uses monochromatic low-pressure sodium lamps, which emit a yellow-orange color. This lighting is better filtered out than the light from broad-spectrum sources. So, go ahead: stargaze with the best of them!
We Make it Easy
Hawaiian Island Architects handles every aspect of your new home build, from planning to construction and design of the interior space. There is no reason to let hassles of building a custom home hold you back from living your dream lifestyle right here in Hawaii. We’ve got it covered! Simply contact our team and allow us to bring your vision to life. It really is that easy.
Among the best advice we have for people considering a big move: don’t come to Hawaii expecting life to be the same as it was on the mainland. This is a place for people who want to change their lives. Hawaii offers the opportunity to make yourself better, so seize the chance! Contact us today to learn more about designing your very own custom luxury home build in Hawaii and experience the difference for yourself.
