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Hawaii Tips: Living in Hawaii and Getting Married in Hawaii
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Many consider Hawaii the most expensive US state. Thousands of people plan to relocate or move to Hawaii each year. If you are among them, you most likely have questions and want to have them answered before you actually move to the Islands. By Ina Rena Most people say that Hawaii is the most expensive US state. Irrespective of your opinion on this issue, there are certain facts you need to know about living in Hawaii. Thousands of people plan to relocate or move to Hawaii each year. If you are among them, you most likely have lots of questions and want to have them answered before you actually move to the Islands. The first factor that you should consider when planning to live in Hawaii is the island you choose to live on. Life on the different islands varies, as well as the cost of living, salaries, and job opportunities. Oahu is the busiest island in Hawaii. The other Islands of Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are less populated. In fact, living on these islands makes you feel like you are in paradise. They are quite far from civilization and the city noise. Housing Costs Renting or buying a place in Hawaii is generally more expensive than on the mainland. Renting a studio on Oahu costs in the region of $800 to $1300 per month. Of course, this depends on the location where the studio is located. If you plan to rent an apartment or a house, expect to fork out around $1500 per month. This price applies to a two-bedroom apartment upwards. This again depends on the location. In fact, Waikiki is even more expensive. A one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,600 per month. The Cost of Food It is important to note that up to 90% of Hawaii's food is imported. However, you can still purchase food at relatively affordable prices from chain stores like Wal-Mart, Costco, and Sam's club. There are also special sales from regular supermarkets. If you really plan to protect your pocket, then it is advisable to buy what is on sale, not what your stomach wants. It is even more expensive while dining outside. Breakfast costs anywhere between $5 and $8, while lunch goes for $6 to $12, and dinner costs from $12 to $30 or more. Although I have not talked about Hawaii real estate and the universities in Hawaii, it is important that you take note of these as well when moving to Hawaii. Hawaiian Weddings Imagine saying your "I do's" on a beautiful white sand beach with palm trees swaying in the breeze, the ocean waves frolicking and kissing the shores, and the sun spreading its red-golden rays while setting into a distant mountain backdrop. Or imagine tying the knot amidst a tropical garden with cascading waterfalls in the background. Or under the deep blue ocean, amidst colorful corals and fishes. In the Valley Isle of Maui, your romantic dream wedding can come true. To transform your dream wedding into reality, it would help if you hired a wedding planner or coordinator who would understand your vision for your wedding. A wedding planner can help organize the entire event - from catering to wedding cakes to photography and videos to musicians and officiating priest/pastor. They can organize your wedding indoors or outdoors, on horseback, private boats, underwater, on horses ... They can also charter helicopter and private yachts or boats to bring you to secluded wedding or honeymoon locations. To get married in Hawaii, you need to comply with state requirements. Though there are no requirements for state residence or US citizenship, you need to secure a marriage license from a state-authorized agent. When applying for a license, both of the couple must be present and both must be 18 years and above. If either or both of the couple are below 18, they must present written parental consent (or consent from a legal guardian or from family court). To get a marriage license, you must pay $60 upfront during application. You can use the license to get married in any place in Hawaii, but you have to use it within 30 days. Afterwards, the marriage license is considered expired and null. Why get married in Maui? Maui has a wide selection of beautiful places to say your "I do's." Just as important, the island has a wide choice of restaurants, caterers, and food at budget-friendly prices. Whether you want to get married in the middle of a beautiful garden, under the sea, or on golden beach shores, you can turn your dream wedding into reality at a very affordable price in Maui. About the Author: Ina Rena writes for Hawaii Vacation and Travel Guide, providing detailed information about Hawaii real estate, living in Hawaii, getting married in Hawaii, and more. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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