What it’s like to be on reality TV in Hawaii, Say What?!

Cue all three kids in college. Check.

Get transferred to Hawaii. Check.

Meet the most amazing real estate agent on Oahu. Check

Find a condo on the marina. (wait, what, for real). Check.

Here is a little story of how two empty nesters moved, trading in four seasons in Virginia to the year round sunshine in Oahu, Hawaii, and in the meantime, somehow got selected to be on HGTV’s Hawaii Life. Hawaii Life is a show that features home buyers in Hawaii while highlighting the land and sea activities and all the beauty that surrounds it.

When the hubby says, “honey, we’re moving to Hawaii,” it’s like a dream come true. Hawaii has always been my most favorite place on earth. There is something about the aloha spirt and laidback family feel of the islands that I have always loved. When we found out we were being transferred to Hawaii, I knew I needed to find a real estate agent. I wanted someone who would be knowledgeable about the market, truthful with us, and guide us through our home buying process. Through a little online research and prayer, I connected with Rose Kemna, and she was there for our home buying process every step of the way…as well as a virtual closing on our home while being 4700 mile away!

But the fun part came when Rose mentioned to Scot and me how she thought we would be a good fit for the Hawaii Life show. As our real estate agent, she would also be featured on the show, so I wanted to apply for her because she had been so helpful to our home buying experience. Low and behold, after a few interviews, we were selected. Now what?!

It was a neat experience seeing all the behind the scene action and how each scene is produced, especially being a photographer myself. It was a fun and unique experience, and most of all, Scott and I got to make memories of our move to Hawaii. We had to commit to four days of filming. The different scenes consisted of a waterfront interview, water activities, touring multiple properties, discussing our buying options, filming a time-lapse with my camera equipment, and chatting over dinner with Rose. Was it scripted? No. We did not have a script, but along with a film crew of seven people we did have a shooting plan to follow each day. Our days started early and ended around 5pm, and by the end of the day, we were all tired!

I never thought we would get chosen to be on Hawaii Life, but in years from now we will be able to laugh at ourselves and have these fun memories of our tropical move to Hawaii. You can catch our episode on Discovery Plus, HGTV Hawaii Life Season 14, episode 9.

Hope you enjoy watching, and if you decide to move to Hawaii, I can recommend a wonderful realtor!

Here are a few photos during filming. It was quite the experience for me to be in front of the camera, instead of behind it!

Rose hit it out of the ballpark (as stated on the show!) with our sunset views of Diamond Head from our lanai! Our favorite part about our Hawaii living!