Moving to Oahu

note: this is a reposting of two forum questions and answers

My husband and I are moving to Oahu and would appreciate suggestions from kamaaina on how we can adjust from life stateside. We have a lot to learn, and we’ve started reading Hawaiian newspapers and visiting online forums about the island.

I have a job lined up, and my husband will keep his current telecommuting job. We plan to rent for at least a year so we gather our wits before house hunting. (Even then, we’re not sure we’ll be able to afford a home.)

I’m Asian American and grew up on Guam, which is a friendly, culturally diverse, easy-going place, so I think Hawaii will feel like home in many ways. My husband is a shy and easy-going haole tech nerd from Silicon Valley. We would appreciate everything from practical tips on neighborhoods to general insight on life in Hawaii. We’re so looking forward to being a part of the community. Thank you for taking the time to share advice.

from Lisa: Where you want to live depends largely on your job, in my opinion. The commute from anywhere into Honolulu is excruciating starting early in the morning and lasting till about lunch, and then at around 2:00 traffic gets all snarled on the way out of Honolulu to anywhere. So, take this into consideration if your job is in Honolulu and during normal business hours. (there is no public transportation other than TheBus at this time)

Other than that, I like anywhere on the windward side or north shore – look in and around Kailua and Waimanalo. There is a lot of construction and nice homes in the Ewa Beach area (plus Barber’s point and other old military installations) but I don’t like that area – too hot and dry.

In regards to ‘life in Hawaii’ – I think it will be extremely similar to Guam, although I’ve never been there, the geographical and industrial and cultural similarities are so prevalant – I don’t think you will have any problem. I was a haole from the mainland decades ago, and I never had one problem. Most of the people here are so accepting and kind and mellow – it’s a nice place to be.

Just find a nice church, and if you don’t go to church find a nice paddling group, and you’ll have your community very shortly.

from Wendy
I’m also planning on moving to Oahu in the next 7 months. I am a divorced mature lady and live in Chicago. Although I had thought about Maui, I read that it would be too hard to get around by bus. I’m also looking for a rental apt. so any suggestions or ideas would be helpful. I hope to land a job in a law firm in Honolulu.

I found Hawaii magazine today at Border’s – pick it up. I called a moving service after I saw their ad. Someone mentioned apts. in Ewa Beach and Pearl City. I’m still researching.

My family and I are planning to move to Hawaii within the next year or two. We love the feel of Maui, but after looking into housing for rent it seems almost impossible, is there areas of Oahu that would be more laid back like Maui, but within a decent distance to Honolulu? I am a Massage Therapist so I think that is where most of the jobs would be for me.

from lisa Check out everywhere outside of Honolulu – Ewa Beach, Kailua, the North Shore – just be aware that the commute into Honolulu is a monster.

from mieko I’m not a kamaaina, but a newcomer to Hawaii from California (I’m originally from Japan.). I just arrived in Oahu the day before yesterday with my dog. My haole husband (who will come to Hawaii next week with our son) was a successful engineer in Silicon Valley, but was laid off 2 years ago and hasn’t found a steady job since then. (He’s one of the many engineers in SV who were displaced from a job due to the offshoring trend of the semiconductor industry.) Moving to Hawaii has been my husband’s biggest dream. After several years of paying high costs of living in Silicon Valley without a job, we decided to sell our house in CA and move to Hawaii. We managed to sell our house in CA in April, bought a house in Hawaii Kai, Honolulu and we are transitioning from “Silicon Valley” to “Kalama Valley” in Hawaii Kai.

I was just surfing the net this morning, wondering how other folks moving from mainland to Hawaii are adjusting to a new lifestyle and found your site. So you have already move to Oahu and settled in? Have you found a new job and friends?

Moving can be really hard, because you leave your familiar surroundings and friends. I and my 8-year-old son are having a hard time leaving long-time friends in California. I still don’t know yet if this is a place I’ll stay for the long years to come, but I will do my soul searching as well as going out to meet people and make new connections. I hope that you and your husband are enjoying Hawaii and your new community if you are alreay here. It’s beautiful here and people are really nice and friendly, so I’m sure you like it here. Whatever challenge you may be facing, I wish you the best of luck with your new endeavers.

I’m trying to find ways to meet new people and make connections, so please let me know if you have any knowledge on groups that may be a good fit for intermarriage couples like us who came from the mainland. Thanks!

from bethany Aloha, all. I too am planning on moving from California to Oahu in May of 2007 and was wondering if any of you could answer a few questions.

I currently live in Los Angeles and work a 9-5 desk job in a stuffy corporate office. I am really wanting to move to Oahu’s north shore, possibly near Haleiwa, and to find some type of job that is outside and physical. Most of my work experience for the last 8 years has been behind a desk and I really want to get out of that life. I want to live in a mellow area and just be able to pay my bills.

Any suggestions on places to look for work on the north shore? As well as which towns to look for apartments in?

2nd question

from Aurea January 07, 2003

My husband and I are moving to Oahu in June of this year. I would like to know how soon should we start sending out our resumes? Will our resumes be ignored because of the address(mainland)or should we wait until we are there? Is it hard for people of different ethnic backgrounds to find employment or apartments on Oahu (Honolulu)?

from Lisa: What kind of employment are you involved in? No, don’t even worry about ethnic backgrounds. You have never seen so many different ethnic backgrounds as you will see in Hawaii. Here on the Big Island, I am a major minority (caucasian).

from GoLowDrew I would also sign up with major temp agencies to make sure you have some work right away. Many of the big name have offices in Honolulu. So in other words, you can take whatever test, application/resume here on the mainland, and have it sent. I was offered that option when I moved from Hawaii to the mainland. Find an agency that is willing to do this.

IMO, local company will less likely call a reference on the mainland. Manly because it’s long distance and the time difference. Phone tag with your mainland references may not help. I’m not saying they don’t just less likely IMO.

If you could start with a temp job right away, at least you have some local contact as references.

P.S. Hawaii pay will be lower than the mainland in some cases. I’m sure you probably already know that.

Was this article useful? I would love if you left a comment or if you signed up for my email list (free guides on that page). You can also read my previous and next post here: I Attended a Timeshare Presentation in Hawaii and I did NOT Intend to Buy, How to Beome a Maui Millionaire – The Maui Millionaires Book Review. And I always recommend my most popular articles, and my page on hawaii lodging reviews, lists, and booking.

21 December 2006 | More like this: Moving to Hawaii, Oahu

55 Responses to “Moving to Oahu”

1 Brandi May 25 December 2006 @ 9:05 pm

I am moving to Oahu with my new husband on Jan 2, 2007.He is stationed at Scholfield base. Any help you could give would be great. Places to eat that are local chains and places to shop. My family would like to give us gift certificates but we dont know of any restraunts or places to shop. Thanks
2 jennie 5 January 2007 @ 10:19 am

my husband and i are making the move to hawaii- the hard winters that hinder my husbands health coupled with the lack of employment here drove the move. I have an associates in business (emphasis in paralegal) and he is a steel fabricator/welder. any advice? we realize the cost of living is awful but it is not much better in GR- housing here runs about 1000-1200 for a so so place here too.
3 C 16 January 2007 @ 9:23 pm

My family and I moving to Oahu as soon as we can find a home we are able to rent.

People have told us to try and stay away from the southwest side of the island as it is not the best or safest place on the island for a family.
We did like the Mililani area very much and would like to stay closer to Honolulu rather than North Shore.

Could you please tell us which other towns would be a good place to live?
4 lisa 16 January 2007 @ 9:47 pm

I visit my friends who live in Ewa Beach a lot and that seems like a nice place. They live in the old part, not the new million dollar homes that are going up all over the place. My husband used to rent a house there when he was in the military so it must be affordable. If you liked Mililani maybe you would like Wahiawa just above it? Or maybe Aiea or Pearl City. I wish you luck!
5 CRTC 7 February 2007 @ 1:30 pm

Well as I can see many of you guys are having the same problem as me and my boyfriend. I need some advice since most of you guys are probably alot older then me. We are 17 years old and will be moving there when we are 18. He will be attending the University of Hawaii and I will be working. I was wondering living in Oahu, will it be a struggle for us to survive. As young as we are, will the move be worth it in the end? PLEASE help me as to what it would be like. thank you.
6 Tamaya 13 February 2007 @ 1:56 pm

Bethany, I am planning on moving to Hawaii in May as well! I too am just sick and tired of being behind a desk pushing papers! and I have always wanted to live in Hawaii and I am finally going to do it! I currentl live in Newport Beach California, and however the beaches are nice here…I just want a different life style. I am currently looking into a Loan Officer position in Oahu just to have income coming in, but I would like to do something outside too…
7 laura 15 February 2007 @ 11:41 pm

hi i also have a question for anyone living in oahu, i want to move there maybe in october 2007 and im 18 and will be saving as much as i can to get started, im wondering what kind of jobs hire the most and i was thinking of bartending possibly, is that in demand? also, do a lot of people have roomates? and where can u find a decent reliable one? im sure i wont be able to afford an apartment on my own..
8 lani 1 March 2007 @ 9:57 am

Born and raised in Kaneohe moved to the midwest 13 yrs ago. Hubby got a chance to transfer there june 2007. We went back to HNL in Jan 07 to really check it out and make sure that we can afford to live there. They only thing that cost the most there is Housing rentals are probably higher than your mortgage. If you shop at costco and sams it is the same or close to it. Gas is higher but you dont drive very far get a fuel effecient vehicle the roads are smaller and parking is small unlike the mainland. My gas bill for heat this month was $172 you dont have that there but electricity is high there so learn to hang your clothes and use your dryer just to fluff it up thats what most locals do. You wont need seasonal clothes and no one cares how you dress there so you will save on that. For us giving up homeownership is hard but the lifestyle and FOOD and family makes me want to make those sacrafices. We got 3 highschoolers and they look haole (white) they just need to not have an attitude, learn to slow down and accept everyone as they are, smile say hello to everyone and try the food when they are offered it. Always say thank you and dont call adults by there first name aunty , uncle or mr & mrs. they will be fine.
9 sarah 17 March 2007 @ 4:52 pm

Hi there,

Wow it looks like a lot of poeple are packing up and heading to paradise! My husband I have brought a one way ticket, have a hotel for 7 days and thats about it for now. We leave mid April and will hopefully have some condo listings in place to view upon our arrival. Does anyone know roughly how long it takes to get into an apartmet, once found? Also we are actvely looking for work, anything right now that will cover the bills until we get settled. We need a 2 bedroom place but not quite sure what area yet? Honolulu appears to be the most fav place to find work but we are open to anything right now. As long as its in a safe, clean place that is.
well if anyone has some info for us we would realy appreciate it.
Good luck with all of your moves- maybe we should start a ‘new comers’ club!
10 AshleyMadsen 4 April 2007 @ 3:16 pm

I am moving to Hawaii from Denver CO. I am just moving for the summer. I am looking for a bartending job for three months. If someone can give me a little direction I would love it…
11 GoLowDrew 6 April 2007 @ 1:14 pm

To find a job, start here:

http://starbulletin.com/monster/

The same site should also help in finding an apt to rent.
12 paul moly 29 July 2007 @ 4:56 pm

My wife and I are moving to oahu soon . I work in construction but also hold rescue diver card. I was wondering about job opertunities or if you could steer me in the right direction to work as a rescue diver.What buisnesses would be best to talk to in your area. I worked at sea trek in a water park for a full season where we take people down with snuba gear where i worked as a safety diver.Are there opertunities in your opinion in this field. your help would be greatly appreciated.
13 lisa 29 July 2007 @ 6:20 pm

I’m not sure what a rescue diver is, but if you mean emergency rescues underwater, you could seek a job with the fire department, or with a scuba company, or with any boat that does snuba or scuba – they all have to have safety divers like you have had experience with. There is also Sea Life Park and there are shark dive outfits on the north shore. Your opportunities are probably pretty broad, IMO. I can’t say for sure because I don’t know the industry, but I do know there is boat after boat operating tour after tour all around Oahu and all the islands. Best of Luck!
14 Jeremy 24 August 2007 @ 5:19 pm

I recently found out I am getting transfered to Oahu around the first of Dec and will be looking for a place to live. What are my options considering I will be working in downtown Honolulu? I would be looking for some sort of house/ anything witha fenced backyard to rent due to the fact that I have a medium sized dog? How bad will the commute be from the diffrent locations?
15 Shanna 10 September 2007 @ 8:17 pm

My husband & I are moving to hawaii in October 07 and we’re going to need an apartment that we can afford-no more than 900 a month. We’re both 20 years old & my husband will be doing either window washing or installing wood floors. I will probably work in retail for a while until I get my massage therapy license. We’re not sure whether to move to Maui or Oahu, any advice? We both surf and love the beach and snorkeling so whichever one has the better beaches and where we can find good jobs. Also, is it really hard to find a reasonable car?
16 Van 12 October 2007 @ 3:13 pm

My wife and I were thinking of moving to Hawaii for a year to see if we’d like it there or not. However, after careful some research and careful consideration, we decided to go to Oahu for a couple of months (July-Aug when the kids are out of school). I’m thinking of renting a condo and car for a couple of months and explore the island. I want to check out: (1) the various parts of the island to see which area would fit us, (2) check the schools to see how they perform, (3) check to see where the most of the jobs are (which part of the island) and (4) see if we’d enjoy the lifestyle if we’re not living in hotels. We’d appreciate any advice you can give regarding the areas I mentioned above. Thanks in advance.
17 lisa 17 October 2007 @ 5:11 pm

Hi Van, the performance of the schools is generally amonng the last in the nation. Many people who can afford it out their children in private school. Most jobs are in Honolulu, just because it’s the most populated part of the island – it’s the central hub, and located around the biggest tourist area on the island.

You are smart to realize that you need to discover if *you* would like it – everyone is different. good luck! Maybe come back and let us know what you discover.
18 Ben Gordon 26 January 2008 @ 11:39 am

I am currently contemplating taking a job at the Polynesian cultural center. I would like some advice like how is the commute from anywhere? Where would be the best area to live? etc.
19 lisa 26 January 2008 @ 12:14 pm

Well, if you lived anywhere near Honolulu you’d be going in the opposite way as most people are going so that’s good. The PCC is near the north shore. You could live up there or somewhere near Kailua.
20 GoLowDrew 18 February 2008 @ 4:12 pm

Keep in mind, even if you live on the opposite direction of traffic, there is still traffic. Anywhere in Honolulu would be bad, just because you still have to make your way to the hwy. If you work in PCC, Kailua (mentioned above) or Kaneohe would be good just be cause major shopping, schools, more choices in housing, etc. is all there. You’ll have a pretty smooth (still far) drive to PCC.
21 Kate 25 March 2008 @ 2:25 pm

My boyfriend and I are hoping to move in March of 2009, right now we are both in the hospitality industry and thought that it would be fun and not to difficult to find jobs that are simular to what we have here in Minnesota. If anyone has a tip on where will be the best places to check out I would love to hear some feed back.
22 Catherine 30 March 2008 @ 4:00 pm

I will be graduating in May 2009 with a dual B.S. in Chemistry and Biology. Does anyone have any ideas what kinds of jobs are offered? I love the coast, and have considered a masters in marine chemistry. If anyone has advice/feedback I’d love to hear it. I want to find an area that is right for me.
23 Derek 11 June 2008 @ 4:08 pm

Hey everyone…

Dreams strive us to do crazy things don’t they? For the longest time I’ve wanted to live in Hawaii. I’ve been there twice and sad to say as a tourist but I fit in well. I grew up in Huntington Beach most of my youth and the ocean is my life. I’m 33 now, married and have two jobs – Art Director/Design for a flooring and fabric sample house and I design kitchens at Home Depot. I would love to transfer through jobs like Home Depot but I’ve heard that it is very hard to get in. I’m sure advertising jobs would be swarming around Honolulu so I will keep an eye out for them too but “Monster” never shows them. Why is this? They are there, right? Jobs are definitely a concern for us but there is enough savings to mope around to really get in the mix of things.

I’ve also been looking at houses (3 bed 2 bath w/ 2 car garage) and most that come up are on the leeward side. I’ve just been reading about the schools and bums around that area and now my wife and I are ready to start a family what’s my concern there? Are they as bad as I’m reading. I’m sure at least they are not teaching math and history in SPANISH!! because NO ONE SPEAKS ENGLISH here in AMERICA..I’m not racist at all but I have different expectations on life .. How worst could it be? I’m sure the traffic commute is somewhat like LA so I’m not worried about driving a 30 minute drive for a couple miles either.. Besides –beautiful scenery all the way – ocean drive 930 hwy. NO WORRIES.

My ultimate goal is to bike to the beach and teach my kids how to surf or boogie board like my Dad did in Huntington. So with that in mind, Which side of the island besides the north has a swell. Not pipe size but say 4-8 ft. Is Kaneohe or Kailua good for that? What’s the neighborhood like over there. I would like to have somewhat modern house with cathedral ceilings but I’m not going to be picky in Paradise. With a view of course…. Did I mention that I’m not a millionaire.

I know that I didn’t really ask that many questions. I just wanted to feel like I was part of what I was reading. It makes me feel good to think that maybe my dream will come true too.

I also know that the move will be expensive. Plus 2 cars. I do have an already rusted truck from michigan but it has 185,000 miles on it and a 1988 Pontiac Fiero – mint. I even see that there is a Fiero club on Oahu. That’s cool. Should I sell the truck on the mainland or keep it for there? I will sell my wife’s car before we move.. She wants a new one anyway.

Anyway.. thanks for any how to go about some things and the answers already received.. Hopefully I can say see you there in a year or so.

Later!
24 Trisha 8 July 2008 @ 6:41 pm

Aloha everyone! I live in Tx and it has always been my dream to move to Oahu. I have no clue where to start though. Jobs, apartments. I’m soo ready for this, I just don’t know how to do it! Any advice would be wonderful!
25 Bee 10 July 2008 @ 5:26 pm

Hi there!
First off, thanks for taking time to answer our questions and make life easier for those of us who are off to Paradise! I am a Canadian but currently live in Australia.
I am moving to Oahu in December to finish my final teaching internship. I have been starting to research the beautiful island and schools. I do not know where I will be placed but I believe it will be in the North Shore area. I have been looking into renting rooms for a 6 month period. Can you suggest any areas that I should be focusing on? Also, how is the public transportation as I will be busing it to work. I have been to the island and fell in love with the beauty, lifestyle and people. I am anxious to relocate and need all the advice I can receive. I will be visiting in late July to check out the scene and set-up appointments. Also, can you tell me anything more about the schooling in terms of daily performace?
Thanks again
26 lisa 11 July 2008 @ 5:13 pm

Don’t they have teacher’s cottages available? You should check with whoever you will be interning with. If you will be working on the North Shore, I would rent up there – maybe Haleiwa. Public transportation is good on Oahu.
27 Nancy 29 July 2008 @ 3:14 pm

I am thinking about moving to Oahu in the next 2 to three years and I am not sure how to get started. I live in canada and i am wondering about work visa’s and buying a house too. Where do i begin?
28 Mike 16 August 2008 @ 2:42 pm

Is it possible to find a one bedroom apt.on Oahu for under 700.00 month? 61 years old retiered.
29 lisa 18 August 2008 @ 3:20 pm

Yes. Go to oahu craigslist http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/apa/ and do a search with the maximum price of $700. Weed out the vacation rentals and you will find a few decent opportunities.
30 Kapiolani 19 September 2008 @ 2:07 am

Hello! My husband and I currently live in Illinois and have been wanting to relocate to a warmer climate. Recently, I was contacted by a recruiter about a job opportunity in Mililani. The salary range for this position is $60K-$80K. Is this considered low, high or average for a non-executive position in Oahu? I heard that the cost of living is very higher in Hawaii. Can two people live comfortably on this income? Is it difficult to find a 3 bedrooms & 1.5 or 2 bathrooms single family home or a townhouse under $300,000? Thanks!
31 Lisa 23 September 2008 @ 5:56 pm

well, that does not seem like a lot for Oahu. In the current climate you may be able to to find a condo or townhouse for that much, but not a single family home probably. Look in the hawaii mls: http://hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/

The cost of living is much higher than many places here – a gallon of milk is currently $5.15 and gas is $4.35 and tack on an extra $1000 to the price of any car just for getting it here.

Other than that, it’s all in how you live. I am sure people live on that on Oahu.
32 Cindy 24 September 2008 @ 11:43 am

Hello there –

I just returned from a wonderful vacation with my family and boyfriend to Oahu. We had a lovely time and are now seriously contemplating moving within the next few years.

First of all, the advice that has been given has been very informative. Thanks. I’m still a bit curious where the most inexpensive, yet nice neigborhoods are in which to live. We took a ride around the entire island and some of the places we saw were rather cramped and “sketchy” if you don’t mind me saying. I know there are placed like that everywhere in the world, but we’d like to avoid them as much as we can. Is there anything reasonably priced in a good area?

We’ve no jobs lined up whatsoever, but I work for a homebuilder here in Ohio (which I realize is a slow industry now). I’m finishing my degree in Criminal Pscyhology and my boyfriend is an experienced welder/fabricator. Perhaps there’s something? Of course, this is all in the air as of now. We’re just researching and came across your site.

Is there hope for us???

Thanks!
33 lisa 24 September 2008 @ 5:50 pm

Hi Cindy,

there is always hope! There are plenty of nice neighborhoods on Oahu, but they all cost big bucks Look into Ewa Beach. My friends live there. Actually, I wouldn’t even consider a neighborhood till you know where you’ll be working because traffic is a heavy consideration on Oahu.
34 Anonymous 30 March 2009 @ 5:31 am

hello there well a god place to live i would say is probably mililani i live in mililani its a good neighboorhood a bit expensive but you will be able to find a place with 3 bedrooms for about 300000 but yeah the traffic gets pretty bad but other than that the neighborhood is good
35 RC 23 April 2009 @ 7:15 pm

Hello everyone. I need advice.
I work in the accounting department in L.A and I feel so trapped each time I come in to work. I’ve been working here almost 6 years and it’s time for a change. I’ve been visiting Hawaii every year for 6 years now and would like to move out there (to Oahu). However, with the economy like this, is it wise to move soon without a job? I was thinking it would be easier to get job interviews there when I’m there. I’m looking into Accounting as well. Please let give me some advice. Mahalos.
36 lisa 25 April 2009 @ 12:08 am

Hi RC,
Well, Hawaii’s unemployment is at some sort of a high right now. I don’t know if it’s wise. I don’t know if it’s not wise. I guess it depends on how comfortable you are with risk. Good luck on your decision!
37 Don 25 May 2009 @ 4:16 pm

My wife and I are moving to Oahu in June or July and we are really excited about it. My wife is Hawaiian and her brother lives in Oahu. We are going to be living with him sharing and apartment as soon as he finds one in the Makiki, Honolulu, Kaimuki area. He can get me a job where he used to work so no problem there. My question is- I am a haole and I want to know how are haoles treated in Oahu. I have seen stories online about haoles being jumped and beaten by Hawaiian kids because they think we are trying to take over the Island. And also called vulgar and profane names and threatened because we are not Hawaiian. Is it safe for me to live there or do I need to have eyes in the back of my head when I walk down the street?
38 lisa 31 May 2009 @ 12:03 am

Don’t worry about it. We are as white as they come and we live on the Big Island in the most Sovereign Hawaiian of all Hawaiian areas (puna) imo, and we have had no problems. We’ve been here for 15 years. My husband is a police officer and occasionally someone calls him an f**in haole, and there are problems in the schools sometimes, but you can go anywhere you want, I promise. Lisa
39 Sonia 25 June 2009 @ 12:26 pm

My husband has accepted a job transfer in Honolulu and we are scheduled to move by end of July. We have two young preschoolers. Can anyone recommend a nice area where we can rent, with good schools that is close to downtown?

We are moving from the San Francisco/Bay Area and I am not sure we will like it there so we’ll probably rent our house out in the Bay Area until we figure out if we like Hawaii. So my next question, has anyone moved recently to Honolulu? What were the costs to move everything? I may sell majority of our furniture…not sure what to do yet.

I would appreciate/welcome any feedback, tips…anything to make our move go smoothly. Is there such thing?

Thanks everybody! – Sonia
40 DeeDee 31 July 2009 @ 3:14 pm

Hi, I am 60 years old, african american, and am planning to retire in a few months. I would like to move to hawaii but am not sure if african americans live on your island. Any advise?
41 lisa 31 July 2009 @ 4:11 pm

Hi DeeDee, there are african-americans living on Oahu. They are probably not a very large percentage of the population, but it’s growing.
42 Dave 7 August 2009 @ 11:31 am

HELP!!
My wife and I are seriously considering the move to Oahu. We currently live in Houston, Texas. We moved here from Michigan about 2 years ago, due to the BAD economy. Can anyone give me some websites or leads on wher to find JOBS?? Anything would be very helpful. We are looking to stay in a rental house in the Ewa Beach area! THANK YOU, and I look forward to taking with all of you on this chat board!
Thank you,
Dave F.
43 lisa 7 August 2009 @ 3:57 pm

Hi Dave, You want to look in two newspapers: Honolulu Star Bulletin and Honolulu advertiser. Look them up in google then go to their online classifieds. And, you want to look on Honolulu (or Oahu) Craigslist. This will get you started quite well.
44 Dave 8 August 2009 @ 8:52 am

Lisa,
Thanks for the advice. I will look at those papers. Where do you do your main grocery shopping. (national chain type stores, like we are used to here on the mainland) Are food items generally more expensive there?

How is the drinking water? Is there income tax and state tax?
Thank you for your help!
Dave
45 lisa 10 August 2009 @ 2:56 pm

There’s Safeway here, and KTA, a large chain in Hawaii that has everything you want and plenty asian items too. There’s target and walmart, etc. Everything is more expensive here, including food. There is income tax and state tax. The drinking water is divine. Lots of water, not very full of chemicals.
46 Anonymous 20 August 2009 @ 7:38 pm

Hi Lisa,

Just visited Oahu not too long ago and absolutely loved it!! I thought the transit system was marvelous (stopped off at every elementary, middle, and high school), the people were friendly, and the scenery was magical! I plan on moving out that way within the next 2 years (finishing up my master’s degree and will be on my way!). I’d like to know what you think about the weather…the rainy season, for example – does it rain that much? And also about the tsunami warnings or alerts – how often do you guys get them? Would love to hear your feedback.

Thanks so much!

Maria
47 lisa 21 August 2009 @ 9:55 pm

Oahu doesn’t get too much rain anywhere by the ocean, even in the rainy season. Occassionally there are floods, but they are not the norm.

As for tsunamis, we’ve had one warning in the last 15 or so years that I can remember and it turned out to be a 3 inch wave. lol.
48 Jackie 7 November 2009 @ 8:13 pm

Hi Lisa,
My husband & I, our 2 children, and two dogs are considering moving to Oahu. My brother in law is in the Army and will be stationed there in December. He has asked us to move there with him. He stated that he will get $2000 a month for housing and plans on renting a place off post. He will then be deployed to Iraq in May of 2010 for most likely a year. We are waiting to find out when he gets there in December if the “ARMY” will have any issues with us living with him or whatever else they could have issues with….not sure.
But while we are waiting on that, we are doing tons of research. I am a drug and alcohol counselor in WA State, I currently work with people who have addiction and mental health, have also worked with the homeless. Are there a lot of jobs in that field. I currently make over $15 an hour. Would I take a pay cut?
I have been to Honolulu before when I was in the 8th grade…that was 23yrs ago. It was beautiful.
Just worried about the schools, work, cost of living. Looking forward to your feedback.
Thank you
Jackie
49 lisa 7 November 2009 @ 11:47 pm

Good luck with your move. I just (6 weeks ago) moved to Northern Idaho and the cost of living here is about 1/2 of what it is in Hawaii. I am blown away by the options and the store prices and the low-cost electricity, and the low rents compared to what I paid in Hawaii. The difference is astounding. I consistently paid $250 for electricity for the same size house I just paid $88 for here. The macadamia nuts and banans that were harvested on the very island I lived on were twice as much there as they are here. sigh.

Anyway, you probably won’t take a major pay cut, but it may seem like you have. Everything is workable – if you aren’t paying housing costs then maybe that won’t be an issue. Hawaii is a wonderful place to live, even if for just a while.

Schools may be substandard for your taste – that’s what I always heard. my son was homeschooled so I don’t know.

As for the jobs in your field, there are a lot of social services jobs – maybe you can find something with the state government: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/hawaii/ or maybe even with the army. that would be cool.

I wish you great luck! Aloha, Lisa
50 Jackie 8 November 2009 @ 5:58 pm

Lisa,
Thanks for your feedback and enjoy northern Idaho. It is beautiful and the seasons are amazing. I lived in Spokane WA for 6 yrs and loved to travel over to Idaho.
thanks again
Jackie
51 Molly 8 November 2009 @ 7:00 pm

Hi Lisa!
My boyfriend and I are thinking of moving to Oahu. We are both laid back by nature and think it would be a good change of pace for us. We have heard that apartment rentals are pricey there, but upon research, I’ve learned they are about the same as what we are used to here in Annapolis, Maryland. I am a Pastry Chef, and my boyfriend is an artist/musician. I was wondering if you recommend any hotels or nice restaurants for me to try and get into for work. I would love to work in a nice hotel or resort to bank off of tourism. As well, are there any night clubs or venues for live music? We are both lovers of music, and living without it would be almost impossible! If there are any areas you could suggest where we would be best suited, I would appreciate it! Thanks!
52 lisa 8 November 2009 @ 7:43 pm

Hi Molly,

yes, laid back is wonderful for Hawaii Unfortunately I don’t think I can help you too much. I lived on the Big Island, so Oahu wasn’t really my scene, so I can’t say ‘oh yeah, this hotel values a good pastry chef and this club is what you are looking for. I was always a tourist on Oahu when I went

However, I know there are clubs, and I know there is live music and I know that when you start to make friends you’ll find it everywhere. And, I know there are lots of hotels that serve lots of fancy food – so if I were you, I would get on facebook or craigslist or whetever social sites you like and start talking about it and see what comes back to you. Start joining the Hawaii networks and see what people are saying.

Start with the nicest hotel in the area you are going to live in – if you are going to live in Waikiki then maybe look into the Royal Hawaiian or the Sheraton Waikiki and see what kind of jobs they are advertising – kwim?

I wish I could help you more, but probably you don’t even need my help Have fun! Hawaii is a great place to live.
53 Jasmine 8 January 2010 @ 2:54 am

Aloha Lisa! I know you’ve indicated that you don’t live in Oahu anymore, but can you tell me how safe Ewa Beach, Pearl City, Mililani, and Aeiea are? We have 2 children & want to make the best decision on what we hope is our final move (currently living on mainland in the northeast). We have been to Hawaii 4 times, but mostly to Maui and are in the dark about where to move on Oahu. Job will be in Honolulu, we know traffic is bad, but reasonable housing (3 bed/2 bath > 2200 sq ft) in a safe, neighborhood is paramount. Also, if we can bring a large quantity of items from the mainland at no extra charge to us, what would you suggest we stock up on, since I know the cost of items are way higher on the island (i.e. batteries, non-perishible food items, electronics, toiletries)? What is hard to find on the island that you can easily or more cheaply find on the mainland? Thank you!!!!
54 lisa 8 January 2010 @ 3:33 pm

Hi Jasmine, I never lived on Oahu – I lived on the Big Island, but I do have an opinion . My friends lived in Ewa Beach and we visited them frequently. I really like Ewa Beach, after that I would choose Mililani, then Aiea and Pearl City.

Hmm, what to bring that won’t cost you any extra to ship .. interesting question. Being here in Idaho now, one of the things that I LOVE the most is that I can get ANYTHING shipped to me. You don’t have that luxury in Hawaii. I wanted to buy a roll-up keyboard that cost $15, but they would only ship it fedex or UPS and shipping would have cost me $30, and I just couldn’t justify it. I have countless stories like that – specialty foods, ergonomic chairs, pet items, toys – anything slightly unusual.

You will have an advantage being on Oahu, because you will have a bit wider access than the neighbor islands have, but then you’ll have to deal with traffic

Honestly, I can’t really think of anything to stock up on. Food is SO much less expensive here, but I don’t know if I would bring a bunch of canned goods for that reason. For example, I can get a Digiorno pizza for $4 here. They would have never dropped below $6 in Hilo … but is that a reason to bring and store a bunch of them (if you could store a pizza). I don’t know. Because of the difference in climate, what if whatever you bring doesn’t last that long or store well?

Well, I wish you the best of luck and a wonderful time in Hawaii! We loved Hawaii for almost 2 decades and I wouldn’t trade the experience of living there for anything!
55 Melissa Rosen 17 January 2010 @ 3:37 am

Hi Jasmine,
If you are going to Oahu the quietest safest places seem to be manoa, kapolei, mililani and hawaii kai. I have not lived here very long just a coupe of years so I am still discovering but these are definitely the best places so far.

Good luck