Forwards, there is probably a lot of information available online that you could use to help decide about buying vs renting. One criteria, or criterion, I've heard is dependent upon how long you plan to stay at the location, if not very long you may be better off to rent. Here, interest rates are low, but I think home prices have shot through the ceiling, and forget about new construction if you're concerned about stress. I would look around, but might be inclined to rent until I found a decent deal on something I liked. Hope this helps.
Alysheba, I like to watch Andrew Zimmermann and I saw a show he did in Hawaii. Of all the heinous things I've seen him eat and describe around the world, he would not eat a spam sandwich from a popular outdoor kitchen in Hawaii. Took one bite and put it down. I think it's fine in a pinch.