Hello from the Big Island of Hawaii!

I would like to share a quick story about my family's "falling in love" with Hawaii, and why we decided to move here, and why it was the best decision we've ever made.

If you've never visited Hawaii, maybe think about setting a goal to do so. I was introduced to Maui in 1988 by a college friend. Having grown up in the midwest and never really traveling very much, I can't explain the shock I experienced, and how it opened my eyes. From the minute I walked off the plane (the thing I remember the most was the unbelievable smell of flowers- everywhere,) I was in paradise. I was in a conscious state for the entire week, which went by too quickly!

Well, I didn't manage to make it back until 1995, when my sister and her husband invited me (and my wife) to accompany them on a trip back to Maui and Kauai. This time, I kind of knew what to expect, but it was even better. Maui and Kauai are simply amazing. I've been in sales and have been lucky enough to win a couple trips to the Carribean and South America (which are also stunning,) but there's something about Hawaii that left an impression that I couldn't forget.

Well, we fortunately were able to plan and save and vacation back in Hawaii (mostly Oahu and Maui) several times until 2005, when my wife and I decided that our goal was to move here! We have two small children, and we knew that it would be a challenge, but we had a calling and we couldn't give up.

Well, our final decision to move came last year (2007) when my Mom passed unexpectedly, and we were able to take care of some business decisions that gave us a small window to make the move. My wife's family is firmly rooted in Indiana, but they are very understanding and were extremely supportive. I have a sister in Indy, and she understood (she has a sister-in-law on Oahu, and she made a trip with us a few years back.) So the stage was set, and we simply pulled the trigger and did it.

It was so exciting, that the stress of the move didn't impact us. Our daughters shared our excitement, since they'd been here several times, and although they were apprehensive (as any children would be,) it's proved to be a very positive experience. They love their school, and we love the climate and Aloha Spirit.

Vacationing here is awesome, and if you choose to try it, make sure you plan and research, as each island has so many unique things to offer. I think (personally) it's a great bet to try to make it to Maui and do a couple days on Oahu and the Big Island, since Maui is really set up for the tourist experience (not that Oahu and the other islands aren't, but I will always remember the Maui experience, even though we chose the Big Island as "home.")

The plane trip from the midwest is about 8 to 10 hours depending on where your departure is, but a trick we learned was to fly into Vegas for a few days before leaving for Hawaii. Not only do we really like Las Vegas, but it broke up the flight (into a couple 3 to 4 hour flights,) and that really took care of the "long flight" issue. I've made the direct flight a couple times, but with kids, it's worth splitting it into two parts.

As far as moving here, all I can say is that everything you've heard is probably overstated or (at least) easily compensated for by the benefits. Sure, some of the prices are more expensive (gas, some food items, and shipping,) but the taxes are low, you don't have ANY heating or cooling issues (most homes don't have A/C and Heat, unless you want an air conditioner- you really don't need it,) and the clean air, sunny days, and great food make everything worth it.

But the REAL DEAL is the "Aloha Spirit." It's REAL! I heard a lot about it in my research about living here, but I can't explain how nice the people are. Really! We've met so many nice people (born and raised here,) as well as people from all over the world (people who moved here as well as tourists.)

We live in Waikoloa Village, which is a small village on the north-west side of the island (about 30 minutes from Kona,) and it's awesome. We may move closer to Kona, as we're starting a sign company (www.letsgobanners.com) and are opening an office/showroom, so we wish to be closer to work.

You have everything you need here and more (or less, depending on your taste!) For example, less fast-food restaurants was a plus for us, because we wanted to be healthier. There are Starbucks everywhere, and farmer's markets for the awesome local food. Plenty of shopping, plenty of activities, and plenty of sun and beaches.

Our favorite beach on the Big Island is 69 Beach or Waimea Bay, which is about 10 minutes from our house. It is usually aqua-blue, and sometimes has waves that you can boogy board or body surf on all day. And not far from our house is Hawi, which is a really cool "artsy" town that we love. The view driving there is breath taking, in fact, we saw a rainbow on the way there last week that almost brought my wife to tears. We eat at Luke's Place, (a great restaurant that has incredible food and live music.)

We've started a website to help others with their research for traveling here or to move here (www.hawaiitripreport.com) and we welcome you to post your stories there.

If you're planning on vacationing here or moving here, send me an email at chris@letsgobanners.com and I'd be happy to talk with you!

Aloha,

Chris Anderson