Wahine malihini means “woman newcomer” in Hawaiian, which aptly describes me. On August 4, 2010, after six months of preparation and nearly two decades of dreaming about it, I moved from California’s Silicon Valley to Honolulu, Hawaii. Friends and family have been asking me what it’s like to “live the dream” in “paradise,” so I’ve started this blog to share the realities of my day-to-day experiences living on this little island called Oahu.
I can be reached at wahinemalihini@yahoo.com.
Wahine Malihini 
Michelle,
Congratulations on the big move. You’re an inspiration to reluctant adventurers everywhere. I’m sorry to hear about Amy’s disappearance. Alice, stays indoors, right? Have you thought about renting a cat trap from the SPCA? I did and it worked for me twice.
Good luck with your new adventure!
Teresa
Teresa, I would hardly call you a reluctant adventurer — you’ve been to Antarctica, for goodness sake!
I never thought about renting a trap to catch Amy (yes, she’s the outdoors one, and Alice is the mostly indoors one). I’ve done it in the past to catch a feral cat, but that’s not a bad idea in this case. I’m running out of ideas, so I might have to give that a try. Thanks!
Thanks for starting this blog! I love all your entries and am so eager to hear about the day-to-day adventures (and mundane realities, too). We miss you here in Sunnyvale, but I’m so happy for you–you’re really doing it.
I love your blog! It’s a great way for us mainlanders to live vicariously in a paradise. The pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be back often.
Yay, I’m so glad to see you on here, Laura! Hope you’re doing well.
Aloha!
I just read your blog on my facebook home page. I was astounded! I am in the middle of packing to move to Hawaii as I type this. Your blog was so helpful to read. I would love to be able to chat with you at some point. Thank you for sharing!
Best,
Steve
Steve, congrats on making the move to Hawaii! I’m glad you found my blog, and that it was helpful to you. I just added this to my About page:
I can be reached at wahinemalihini@yahoo.com.
Feel free to contact me — I’ll try to answer any questions you might have about living here. I hope you’ll love your new home as much as I do!
Stumbled across your blog and really enjoyed it. I too dream of moving to Honolulu. Your info. on pet quarentine was so good for me because I have a little dog and would take him with me. I will return to your blog often to hear of your new adventures. Buy the pink bread!
Living vicariously,
Kathee
Good, glad to hear you’ll be back for more — that will motivate me to keep this blog going!
And yes, I am absolutely going to buy that pink guava bread! I got up too late to go the farmers’ market today, but I will aim for next Saturday. I’ll post an update once I taste it! 🙂
How odd to come across your blog… I started a blog about a week ago (two weeks after my family and I moved to Hawaii). It’s only been three weeks so far, but boy have we had our ups and downs! As difficult as it has been some times, I would not take back our decision to move here. Best of luck in your own island adventure!
David, I’d love to read your blog and compare stories — please send me a link! You can either post it here on my blog, or email the link directly to me at wahinemalihini@yahoo.com. It sounds like you’ve brought your whole family with you to Hawaii, and I can only imagine how much more complicated that must be.
I just found your blog today. I will be reading every post! I am dreaming of moving to Hawaii and love finding blogs about others who are already there!
Aloha!
-Rhiannon
My blog -about wanting to move to Hawaii and finding “Hawaii” here on the mainland: http://myhawaiiandream.blogspot.com/
Hi, Rhiannon: There’s a great book you should read, if you haven’t already: “So You Want to Live in Hawaii” by Toni Polancy. I was able to find it at my local library, so your library might have it, too. It really helped me in making my decision to move and gave me realistic expectations.
Thanks! I have heard of it. Will have to see if the library has it. 🙂 Love the premiere post and your entry about kayaking -I’d be just as beat up too. But so awesome for doing it!!!
I look forward to future posts from you.
With pleasure 🙂 http://goinlocal.blogspot.com/?spref=fb (only one entry so far, another is in the works and should be up today or tomorrow; hope you enjoy 🙂 I will definitely be keeping track of yours (it’s already in my faves)
I also have a email for the blog: Coconutdave88@gmail.com
Congratulations WM on making your decision to carry-out your dream! I’m enjoying reading all your accounts of your life in transition. I’m sure doors will open for you that you could never have imagined previously. Keep on blogging!
Thanks for the vote of support, Kirsten!
Oh my, saw your bruises from the Kayak adventure, Ouch! But the thought of learning to kayak made me think of what new activity I could learn, maybe without bruising. Might learn to ride a motorcycle,here in Colorado it’s an uphill climb:) Any word on the taste of the Pink Bread, I’m so curious. Love your blog and thanks for sharing Coconut Man’s blog too.
Still living the life thru your adventures.
Kathee
Moving from one beautiful exciting place back to another beautiful exciting place just can’t be anything but good.
On a selfish note, I’ll miss your Hawaiian blog. Good luck on your next adventure.
Best wishes on your relo back to the mainland. Though you’re cutting your stay short, you’ll always have this experience to reflect on, and to inspire you for even more adventures! Come see us when you’re back in the area.
Finding Amy made my day and the fact that you are staying in Hawaii, was the icing on the cake. Congratulations on both. I hope we can follow your travels to the other islands on your new found vacation. Did you ever try the pink bread? Thanks Kathee
seems like we haven’t heard from you in a while, hope you are doing well
wish we could at least get an update to know you are doing well