When people hear you’re moving to Hawai’i, they often envision you strolling the warm, white sand beaches, surfing the rolling waves, and sun bathing with the turtles. While this might be the case for some, it isn’t the case for most — especially if you’re moving to Hilo. While I really enjoyed my time in Hilo, there are very unique things about this area that some people are a little shocked to learn when they move there. Some get the impression that the area wasn’t the Hawaii they signed up for. Before you pack your suitcase full of Aloha shirts and slippas (flip-flops), consider the following:
White Sand?
Hilo, the popular town on the east side of the Big Island, has a serious lack of the picturesque white sand beaches. Because the Big Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian island chain, it has the roughest, volcanic terrain of all seven islands. In fact, lava is still actively flowing out of one of the largest, most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Kilaeua. There are a few nice beaches on the east side, but they’re definitely no stroll down the sidewalk from your hotel like you may be accustomed to when visiting Honolulu. Driving from town to Richardson’s Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Hilo, takes 10 minutes or about an hour by bike. Not only that, but the sand is black! It’s also a good idea to wear tennis shoes to get there otherwise you might be tripping over some jagged a’a rocks, or sharp, porous, and recently dried-out lava.
Minimal Surf
There is one beach with good waves within close proximity to town – Honoli’i. Unlike the guidebooks, I’m going to tell you how it is — beware. If you’re new to the area, can’t surf very well, or don’t know the rules of etiquette then stay away. This is an area primarily for locals. The wrong look or gesture you give off could spell trouble.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
When it rains, it pours. Unlike Honolulu, which receives 18 inches of rain a year, Hilo gets a whopping 126! And this isn’t any old drizzle. While riding my bike and getting caught in a rain storm, I literally had to stop and take cover because I could not see more than a few feet in front of me.
Racism
If you are white and have never heard of the word Haole, be prepared. Haole (though the true meaning of origin debated over) is a term used for outsiders, white people, and can even be derogatory depending on its context. I have been told by locals that while you’re usually okay as a white women, men are not as welcomed. During my first week of school, a young white freshman male student decided he would go strutting his shirtless self down the road late one evening. He was hospitalized with a concussion after some locals shouted, “Get out of here, Haole!” while bashing his head in with a baseball bat. Honestly, I never had an issue, but I have heard many first-hand horror stories.
Diversity
I come from a very cultural diverse area, so I adjusted quite well. However, if you’re from an area like the midwest, which is predominately white, you may be a little surprised when stepping off the plane. Hilo is made up of mostly Asians (34 percent) or people of two or more races (32.5 percent), and less than 1 in 5 people are Caucasian. I didn’t mind it one bit and it reminded me of home, but I know other college students from the mainland felt it was definitely an eye-opener.
Vog
Vog is a term used to describe the volcanic air pollution that sometimes occurs when the craters are particularly active, the winds aren’t moving in the right direction, or the winds aren’t moving at all. If you have a history of respiratory issues, the Big Island is not a good place to move. Some mornings I would wake up thinking the sewage had backed up, only to walk outside into a sulfur cloud that was so dense I couldn’t see more than 30 feet down the road. Vog causes congestion, sleepiness, and lung and eye irritation. That’s one thing I definitely don’t miss about Hilo!
While all the guidebooks you read might rave about this luscious green Hawaiian city and give you all the reasons to travel or move there, here is a list of things to consider that might deter you. It’s important to know the pros and cons before moving to Hilo, Hawaii.
