Starting with #7, here are the top seven reasons you should retire on the Big Island of Hawaii:
1. Relaxed vibe. Slow paced. Very little traffic. Hawaii ranked #1 as the “least stressed and most happy” state.
Relaxing day at Mauna Kea Beach
2. Comfortable, diverse climates. Warm ocean water averages 74 degrees. Big Island offers a huge variety of climates to choose from. Craving sun and heat? Move to the sunny Kohala Coast. Want to live amongst rolling hills and green pastures? Choose the chilly, upcountry feel of Waimea (also known as the Farmers’ Market Capital of Hawaii). Prefer to keep your skin naturally moisturized with a rainy (but also warm) climate? You’ll love Hawi on Hawaii Island’s northern tip.
Stand up paddle boarding in the brackish ponds at Kiholo Bay
3. Big Island residents feel less “island fever” than residents from the other major Hawaiian islands. Geographically, the Big Island is so large that all of the other Hawaiian islands could fit inside its borders. So big that you can drive five hours away for a “getaway weekend” and not have driven in a complete circle. The Big Island has 11 of the 13 climate zones in the world, so if you are craving cold, just drive atop Mauna Kea mountain (at over 13,000 feet in elevation). Craving remoteness? Head on out to the hundreds of remote hikes, waterfall swims, lava tube explorations, and secluded beaches the Big Island has to offer.
4. Visitors. Family and friends come to you. You’ll be amazed to hear from long lost friends and relatives who are dying to come and visit you once you’re settled in Hawaii! What grandchild can resist coming to Hawaii?
“Working” days on improving your golf game
5. Diversity. Big Island is known for being a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, languages, and appearances. Not a weekend goes by when you couldn’t find some kind of a cultural celebration to enjoy.
