It’s a city that never sleeps and dreams big. It is, undoubtedly, the cultural capitol of the world: New York City.
It’s a city with a population of over eight million people. It’s home to Broadway, to the Museum of Modern Art, to Carnegie Hall. It’s given birth to hip-hop, to abstract expressionism, to the beat generation. It’s the home of Jim Jarmusch, of Thomas Pynchon, of Jay-Z. Its landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty, are emblematic of its endless opportunities. It’s a city with an alluring slogan (“If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere”). It’s a city that never sleeps and dreams big. It is, undoubtedly, the cultural capitol of the world: New York City.
It comes as no surprise, then, that thousands move to this glittering metropolis, year after year, to make their mark in the city that exercises a cultural hegemony over the rest of the world. Hawaii denizens, too, are involved in this migration, and these portraits offer a glimpse into the lives of Hawaii’s creative transplants who now call NYC their home.
Name:
Leah Renee Evans
Occupation:
Costume Design Assistant to Christian Joy & Buyer at Beacon’s Closet
Originally From:
Kaneohe
Now Residing In:
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Reason For Moving:
For adventure, opportunity, and a change of scenery.
The Best Thing About NYC:
There are amazing museums, free concerts, it’s bike friendly, and sometimes you see dogs wearing snow boots. You can find Kombucha in almost every bodega. Also, nobody stares at you if you dress up just to go to the pharmacy.
The Worst Thing About NYC:
It’s no stargazer’s paradise.
Is NYC Your Home Now, Or Do You Plan To Return to Hawaii?
To tell you the truth, I am not sure. I love both places immensely. Without question, Hawaii is my home in my heart, and I often can’t shut up about it!
Name:
Francis Nishida
Occupation:
Server/DJ – www.theglobalelite.com
Originally From:
Honolulu
Now Residing In:
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Reason For Moving:
Why Not?
The Best Thing About NYC:
There’s always so much going on.
The Worst Thing About NYC:
There’s always so much going on.
Is NYC Your Home Now, Or Do You Plan To Return to Hawaii?
Haven’t thought about it much, I definitely miss Hawaii but am planning on staying out here for a while.
Name:
Stella Yi
Occupation:
Student/Server
Originally From:
I was born in Honolulu and grew up in Red Hill. My family and I later moved to Kapolei during my high school years.
Now Residing In:
I currently live in Williamsburg Brooklyn for convenience and the old school italians. There is a definite charm in my neighborhood with the old mafia type dudes. I love it.
Reason For Moving:
Living in New York has been on my to do list since I was 14. I moved when I finally had the chance to do so. I’m currently a student at Parsons The New School For Design.
The Best Thing About NYC:
Best part is that the city is full of things and places to discover! You can never know the city well enough, it always surprises you. I also love that it is a pedestrian city and the best way to explore the city itself is through walking.
The Worst Thing About NYC:
Worst part of living in New york has got to be money. Everyone in New York rents. It’s a renters’ land and unless you are extremely wealthy, you don’t own shit. I don’t mind renting but a big part of me wants to have my own land. I also love the romantic big tree forest type of land and New York is a wimp in that category.
Is NYC Your Home Now, Or Do You Plan To Return to Hawaii?
I definitely won’t move back to Hawaii. I don’t know if New York is the place I’ll end up for good, although I always thought that would be the case. I might end up living somewhere really green like Washington or Oregon. I’m a hippie at heart.
Name:
Kalani Fujimori
Occupation:
Designer – www.kalanifujimori.com
Originally From:
Honolulu
Now Residing In:
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Reason For Moving:
It’s a place that has always intrigued me culturally and inspired me creatively.
The Best Thing About NYC:
The food and how every restaurant has delivery.
The Worst Thing About NYC:
Riding the train when the kids get out of school
Is NYC Your Home Now, Or Do You Plan To Return to Hawaii?
Learning as much as I can and eventually bringing it back to Hawaii has always been the goal for me.