So You Want to Live in Hawaii by Toni Polancy (1998, Paperback)

This is the best book to get a brief overview on each of the main islands in the Hawaiian chain. We purchased this book after having vacationed numerous times in Kauai. This book was a valuable asset in helping us understand the various islands, it would also be an asset to someone trying to determine which island would be the perfect fit for a vacation.
Each island has a section and details the plus and minus factors for moving there. The information is excellant, although some is outdated and needs a bit of tweeking. We did use this book in our move to Kauai and found it to have a great number of additional resources to use in order to assist us in settling in our new home. I loved the book so much I kept it and when years later relocated to Oahu we again used it as a general guide as to where to look on the island for our new home.
The one thing I think this book could use is a section telling how to get the most bang for your buck, more information on discounts and places to shop for bargains. Also note, mail delivery is now available on Kauai while this book reports you need a PO Box.
Even if you are not planning on moving to Hawaii but just want to learn about the islands and the versatility of each this is an awesome book. Great personal stories of those that made the move and how they faired in their new home. If you are considering a move to the islands I believe this book gives sound advise to visit several islands prior to making a final decision. Check to see if the information about an area is still current, some areas that were once seen as undesirable have become great places to raise a family.
This book was an asset as a starting point for us in making the move and I feel it can help many others in their search for a home in Paradise.

presents very practical, informative and useful info for those anticipating or dreaming of a move to paradise... a must to read before you reserve your airfare...

I am moving to Hawaii in a few months because my husband is in the Navy and we will be stationed on Oahu for 3 years. I just wanted to get prepared to know as much as possible about the islands and what to expect for our life there. The author is pretty thorough about many aspects of the island and there is even a whole chapter on military.
The author does spend a pretty large amount of time warning people NOT to move to the islands because of the cost of living and other factors that make life in Hawaii difficult (racial tensions, unemployment, bad school system etc.). I think she could have done a better job illuminating these issues without trying to "scare folks" into not moving there. But if I were some wacked out hippie just going to Hawaii with a head full of dreams and no job planned ahead, I would need to get scared out of moving there. It is a disaster waiting to happen! I guess it depends on your mindset, but it is overall a very good reference book. Oh, but I disagree with her views on going to the islands to have a romantic fling or affair. BAD IDEA! I am excited to go with the man that I love and that I am already committed to and I hope that the romantic atmosphere just makes our love that much stronger.