We're looking for info on living in Hawaii...Big Island best?...water, electricity, food costs...is a/c necessary?...pros and cons as opposed to mainland OR where can we find this info...thanks

Google a Big Island forum anad you will find some info--mostly from realtors...but some Big Island lovers and locals
Good luck--Beautiful place.

This post caught my eye because I had a choice between moving to Oahu or St Thomas and choose the latter. Hawaii is beautiful, but (isn't there always a but?) it is SO far from anything else, even the other islands, and it is just like Big America- highways and fast food, but with poi on the side. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

When we were on our first trip to Kauai one of the guides on our irrigation ditch tubing expedition mentioned she was from Oahu. I asked her why she had moved, she said, Oahu is like Los Angeles, too much traffic, too many high rises. I've heard the North side is lovely but have only seen the view out of the airplane and the inside of the airport there.

The Big Island is not as built up though. For us west coast folks Hawaii is way easier to visit than the Virgin Islands. I love them both. Trip Advisor has very active Hawaii forums. Cost of living is high in Hawaii but it is the happiest state in our great nation! jimnjudy - best of luck to you in your research and your move.

If you are still trying to get info about Hawaii living costs etc., I could put you in touch with a friend who owns 2 rental condos on Maui -- she does not live there but had to go for quite a while to remodel each condo and goes a couple times a year and pays for utilities etc. If "jimnjudy" would respond here as to their status, then I can contact my friend about this.

...or you couls send them a PM..