I love Hawaii. Can't beat the year round warm water surf. I love the ocean, hope to take up 3-prong one day, swimming, and hiking. I love the food, the culture, and the people for the most part.
That being said, it's crazy how you have to make GOOD money here and be frugal, yet it doesn't seem to go that far.
I used to think I'd never leave, but lately I've been chronic on Jim Collins investing site, MMM, gocurrycracker, and the like. If one could pay off their house quickly, one could easily cash out on the high, cash out on a property on the mainland and still have money left over for a condo/hotel vacation rental. Life's too short to be chasing a living for 20-30 years of your prime years.
To me that would be awesome. To be FI, have stream of income coming from Hawaii, and a free place to stay a few days a month.
Best of both worlds. Too bad it will take a decade or so to get there.