Photo above of Icebergs in Iceland at Glacier Parks

International Travel & Real Estate, Comparing Iceland to Hawaii & Their Many Similarities

Our visit to Iceland was more than just an eye opener. It was an experience of a lifetime. We came to the conclusion by the end of the trip and when it was finally time to leave, that Iceland and Hawaii have a surprising amount of similarities between them. We found this might just become a must read for everyone who is ever thinking of visiting Iceland, who has never been there before, or on the rare occasion - vice versa. 

(7) Seven Oddly Similar Facts About Iceland and Hawaii

1. The Scenery - Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls. Just when you think it could not can any better you discover that both places have several of them. Then come the lagoons and the greenery to add to a consistent base of major alike features of both Hawaii and Iceland. When you enter the Blue Lagoon it is just like going into the hot ponds or the same feeling of snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii.

2. The Remoteness - Both locations have a certain stillness to them. Part of that is because they are islands and in two super remote locations of the globe. Getting to Iceland and to Hawaii is not as inexpensive as people may think. In fact once you do arrive you only come to find out that your flight costs are only the beginning. However, this can be a good or bad thing depending on how you interpret it. For the rich and even those who can splurge on it they might actually be somewhat relieved. For what reason you may ask, these are super hot vacation spots for the wealthy. These people want to know that they will be treated and relaxing in the best luxury way possible. If that means a remote location in the middle of the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans than so be it.

3. The Solitude - Loneliness used to be considered by many people something that is not a positive result. To this day it still is. Not in our opinion, when driving around the Big Island and Iceland it is time to reflect and see your entire life before and ahead of you. I once had a great friend tell me that the Big Island is a like a huge mirror staring you right back and asking you to go ahead and see what you are all about it. No major corporations, or huge office buildings. Just nature at it natural core. Vast landscapes for miles upon miles and dirt roads towards the horizon.

4. The Uniqueness - If there ever were a place or two that deserve to be called unique, then the Big Island of Hawaii along with it's colder counterpart Iceland would win those titles. Several different climates, icebergs, and cascading waterfalls running wild are on the tip of what is possible. Hiking through both places leaves people wondering if there even is a city life out that in existence. No other place on earth is like Hawaii, especially the Big Island. The same can be stated for the country of Iceland. Unique and different they are and we hope that these places continue to be preserved for many generations to come.

5. The People - in both places the biggest thing on the mind of it's residents when it comes to their beautiful location is to make sure that it continues to stay protected. This starts with respecting the beauty and coming to realize that mankind needs to be careful in how and where it continues to develop and build real estate. The people of Hawaii are some of the kindest and trusting individuals anywhere on this earth. Iceland is the same. It is no wonder that more and more people are starting to look elsewhere to relocate when searching for a luxury home. Hawaii and it's people have seen a lot of changes take place to their sacred landscape. The people who have been here for long periods of time truly know how valuable a life of peace and happiness can be living in such remote locations and beaches to be explored.

6. The Cost of Living - This particular area should come as no real surprise. The cost of shipping goods in and keeping them fresh especially fruit and food is no easy feat. However, Hawaii and Iceland seem to have this down to a science. I was worried when we relocated back to the Big Island from Florida thinking how would it be possible to satisfy these needs. Gas is another really tough aspect when it comes to pricing on it's residents. The good news is that overall Hawaii real estate taxes are actually very reasonable and affordable. This of course is offset by the other high costs of living. In Iceland when we decided to go to KFC for a quick lunch it was easily $50 believe it or not. That however was for a family of 2 adults and 2 young kids. Either way, there is a price to live in paradise, it's just a matter of how much are you willing to pay for it.

7. The Real Estate - Save the best for last. Real estate, properties, and listings all come together in these two spectacular spectacles. Hawaiian real estate especially at the luxury level is a lot less scarce then you can imagine. When great homes or condos come on the market there are actually people waiting to pounce on them. The rugged terrain and remote ocean views make both Hawaii and Iceland very alike in terms of what the real estate looks like. Iceland is obviously much more populated but that is within the city limits. As soon as you drive out into the country both islands from a realty standpoint begin to mirror each other. Beauty, trees, pastures, and extravagant tastes for being left alone. The Big Island of Hawaii is a counterpart to Iceland in many transferrable ways.