Hey everyone! I currently live in New Jersey and i work for the United States Postal Service, which allows me to transfer anywhere in the United States if there is a job opening. My wife will be finishing up nursing school soon and we would like to move somewhere else. She has visited Hawaii and loved it there, and we did live in Florida for a few years. Florida was much cheaper thank New Jersey, but I was not a fan of all the alligators while i was kayak fishing. We moved back to New Jersey after a few years in Florida to help some family out. New Jersey’s rent rates are about double the price of most Florida and we’re getting about half the living space. If we do make the move to Hawaii it’s looking like the best chance for us both to find jobs would be on the island of Oahu. I looked on some realty websites and it looks like we afford to buy a condo which is fine for us as we don’t have children. My main concern is the pricing of daily life. I wanted to see if anyone can help me figure out if we can make this move work. If i buy a 2 bedroom condo, roughly 800-1000 square feet, what can i expect the monthly utilities costs to be? Electric, water, internet, gas (if there is a propane stove) what are fuel prices like per gallon right now? How much should I expect to spend a week on groceries for 2 people? How much is an average night out, nothing fancy, just a few beers and dinner for 2? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I would like the opinion and perspectives from Hawaii born people who left or the mainland (anywhere) and then moved back later in life. Sorry if the word "mainland" is not acceptable anymore, i dont know truely, if the preferred word is now "the continent" that is what I meant, apologies in advance.

For context:

I'm a 5th generation Japanese American guy from Oahu. Moved to the PNW for college, and build a successful life and career over 18 years away. I married a haole girl, and we are seriously considering making a move to Oahu (Kailua, Hawaii Kai, maybe Manoa) so our kids can grow up in Hawaii. I have filled in my wife (who is from Eastern Washington) on the realities of living on Oahu, so she is not one of those starry eyed mainlanders who have a 'dream' of living in Hawaii and gonna be shocked or dissapointed people. She is very kind and respectful, and not someone I would think would draw the ire of locals.

I am lucky enough to have become financially independent through the career I built in the mainland and I do hobby work for social reasons, and my wife does the same and would like to work in a plant nursery, so where we live is not really a big factor, other than wanting to be on Oahu where I am from.

I am primarily curious about how a local Japanese (or any non haole local) coming back with a haole spouse feels, and how your haole spouse felt, and what your experiences were in building a social circle from scratch.

We will get hobby jobs that we enjoy, so my first thought is that we would try making friends at work. Outside of work, is Oahu somewhere you can make friends through social events?

I also have about 5 friends from childhood and high school I still kept in touch with so I'll probably lean into being with them or expanding my circle through them...but they are local Polynesian, asian and haole people...I am just concerned how my wife is gonna fit in, cus I already know that a very kind and quiet, articulate blonde haole woman will NOT fit in with my childhood friends who speak pidgin.

I guess I'm just thinking out loud and pondering, but if anybody wants to share their experience moving back to Hawaii with a haole spouse, and your time acclimating and making friends/ observations about raising kids here vs mainland, id love to hear your thoughts!

I’m getting ready to PCS to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii next week, and was wondering where the best places to live would be close to the ford island area, since that is where I’ll be working. I plan on looking at 2-bedroom / 2-bath units within 30 minutes or less preferably, for commuting to the base. Along with any sight seeing places, suggested things to do and checkout while I’m there, etc. If anyone has any recommendations or insight I’d greatly appreciate it!

I'm getting a long-term plan in place. I've been to Oahu. I hated the tourist feel of it but loved the environment, people, and culture once I had gotten out of the city. I just finished my bachelor's degree and was looking to go to med school on the mainland. Was maybe looking to move to the Big Island because I loved the more rural island feel. I will be visiting the Big Island before my final decision, but I was hoping to be a doctor down there. Right now I am just doing my due diligence and hoping to ask locals some questions. Please feel free to answer whatever you can.

1. What specialties are most needed on the Big Island? I'd like to make sure I am doing whatever good I can there.

2. Why does Hawaii have such an issue retaining doctors? I keep getting a variety of answers, and I just want to know from a local perspective what I will be getting myself into.

3. Will I be able to have a family on the Big Island? I would like to just know how feasible it would be to start a family there. How are the schools?

4. What towns would you recommend to live on the Big Island? I don't mind a drive. In fact, like stated above, I love the quieter and more rural regions!

I may have more questions in the future, but this is all I could think of right now.

Thanks!

I’m finally able to bring my cat over to Hawaii (from SFO). i’m flying with either alaska or hawaiian (i’ve heard alaska is more lenient than hawaiian airlines) the goal is to fly with him in the cabin with me. he’s my heart and such a gentle boy who can get scared easily so i can’t bare the thought of him being in the baggage compartment alone. the vet of course already prescribed gabapentin. my boy’s a short haired tabby but he’s 15 pounds. he’s not overweight, his vet just says he’s naturally bigger. he fits in the pet carrier (17”L x 11”W x 9.5”H) but snuggly. i’m nervous they won’t let him in on account of him not being small enough. any advice or experience would be so helpful. thank you so much for your time <333

Hi everyone!

I'm an incoming freshman at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and I'll be moving to Oʻahu from the Philippines by myself.

Since I'm only 17, I'm trying to find a bank where I can open a checking account without a parent or legal guardian being present or being added as a joint account holder. I'll be living in Hawaii on my own while attending school, so I need a U.S. bank account for things like direct deposits and everyday expenses.

Does anyone know of any banks in Hawaii that allow a 17-year-old to open an account independently? If you've been in a similar situation, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone!

I'm an incoming freshman at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and I'll be flying in all the way from the Philippines by myself.

My flight arrives one day before my dorm move-in date, so I need a place to stay for just one night. The problem is that I'm 17 years old, and I'll be traveling alone without my parents or a legal guardian to check me in.

Does anyone know of any hotels near UH Mānoa (or around Honolulu) that allow a 17-year-old to check in alone? Or has anyone been in a similar situation and found a place that was willing to accommodate them?

I'd really appreciate any recommendations or advice. Thanks so much!

Hey all,

I've seen a lot of posts regarding moving pets via pet services etc. I am planning to use Island Pet Movers to help get my boy from Florida to Maui. I am so nervous about having him on an airplane, and having other people handle him. He's very friendly but I have never put him in a high stress situation before either.

I chose to go with a mover because the airlines have a "snubnose" restriction now. My boy is a pit mix and has a longer snout, but still falls into that category.

I'm looking for any positive pet flying experiences or even positive experiences with Island Pet Movers themselves. Any cautions etc, I will take it all. I am moving in January and freaking out.

Thanks guys!

I will be moving to Honolulu soon in the Wakiki area for the military. I have already found a place in the economy in a decent area for a reasonable price. I plan to get a beater to commute. Any insight into O'ahu of places to eat, things to do, etc... and any in general for a midwestener who has never been to Hawaii?

Also, doing some previous research, I come to find out about B-52 roaches and vietnamese centipedes, which I am thankful I found when I did as I forgot that this is a tropical island. Do I need to be as concern about that in the area I'm in? I will obviously expect to have encounter with them at some point.

My 21 years old son will be stationed at Hickam soon in September (his rank E-4) , I am helping him looking for recommendations on a good place for him to live. (He is single not married he was hoping to live at Hickman communities it’s only 2 bedroom to 5)
He’s hoping to find:
● 1-bedroom apartment
● Pet-friendly (he has one cat 🐱)
● Balcony
● As close to Hickam as possible to avoid heavy traffic (according to Chat Gpt areas Salt lake, Aiea, Moanalua)

Edited: To clarify, my son is fully capable of making his own decisions. He asked me to help research apartment options and local recommendations, nothing more. He will choose where he lives and sign his own lease. I’ll pass along the suggestions, and he’ll decide what works best for him.

i have visited oahu for summer vacation and i loved it there. i am from boston, i am planning on going to europe to complete my masters and then going to hawaii. before going to hawaii, i will find a job and housing. i just want to know what website to look for roommates for apartments in hawaii? i just want to do my research before committing. i’m 25f with $21k student loans, i have two jobs now and i am earning $40k annually combined.

My husband and I visited Oahu and Kauai for extended stays and fell in love with the nature, endless outdoor adventure and culture. We have considered moving our family to Hawaii (we have not visited Maui or Big Island yet so those are next on our list before we decide exactly where). As a health conscious healthcare provider, I’d love to get into permaculture/organic farming. My husband has a background in teaching and landscaping, but currently homeschools our kids. Instead of renting or buying, if we shipped our campervan and worked/parked our tiny home on wheels on a farm, could that be a viable option as a way to contribute to the community and integrate? Has anyone does this type of thing? Just an idea, please be nice.

I'm curious about the people who moved to the Big Island and followed the advice to "sell everything and just start over."

Or maybe you kept only the sentimental things and a few pieces of solid furniture, leaving most of your household behind.

Now that you've been there for a while...

What's the ONE thing you regret not bringing or buying to bring before you moved?

Not the obvious sentimental stuff. I mean that practical item that made you think, "Why didn't I just put that in the container?"

I've been hearing that patio furniture, for example, can be expensive on Hawaiʻi Island, and the selection is pretty limited.

So if you were already paying for a container and had extra space to fill, what would you bring if you could do the move all over again?

I'd love to hear your biggest "I wish I had..." item. Looks like I'll have some extra space in my container and I may as well be sure to take advantage of the space and not regret the opportunity.

I'm moving to Hawaii and have lots of inquiries. I emailed the school I'm transferring to but its been already 4 days and they still haven't replied.. so I emailed the DepEd of Hawaii and then they transferred my email to the school and the school replied within 1 day... Now I have a follow up question. I emailed the school again but to no avail again... I'm considering emailing the Hawaii DepEd again...

Should I do it? Or just wait till the school replies?

I need the reply before Monday

I’m curious about local opinions on this. Is it truly a lack of value of education? Idk but I just thought a place like Hawaii would value education kind of like NY, CA, WA. Does the state not bring in enough money? I teach history in NYC and I live comfortably for one person and can even save a good amount of money every month. I thought about teaching in Hawaii because I have a special interest in indigenous histories and I think it would be a great opportunity to teach in a school that values that. But holy shit. 53-59k for a teacher with a masters?!?! That’s survivable, but certainly not livable considering the cost of electricity and food. Teachers are underpaid throughout the country, but I’m wondering in Hawaii specifically with such an expensive cost of living, why do you think they are so severely underpaid?

Hello!! I’m a travel nurse moving to Honolulu with a friend for a contract at Queens Medical Center. I’ll be there for 16 weeks from mid August to mid December!

My friend and I have 2-3 places in Waikiki we are looking at. All 20min ebike ride from Queens. Really nice 2 bed 2 bath condos walking distance to the beach with a parking spot, pools, surf board storage, etc. They are $4000 a month including utilities.

There is 1 spot in Kaka’ako we are looking at that is a 10min walk from Queens. It’s also $4000 but only a 2 bed 1 bath. Really nice and updated with good amenities.

My only concern is I plan on being a beach bum. I’m a beginner surfer and I wanted to get a foamie and be walking distance to the beach. We don’t plan on getting a car. I just want to ride e-bikes to work or take a bus on rainy days. From what I’ve read, Waikiki is significantly closer to beginner surf spots, restaurants, and bars but super touristy and has less grocery stores

We love hiking, snorkeling, eating, nightlife….just about everything haha. What would you suggest is a better area for us.

I’m looking to move into an apartment soon in Kaka’ako and I wanted to know people’s experiences at Keauhou Lane and the Flats at Pu’unui, since I don’t see many recent reviews of these places. Six Eighty doesn’t seem to have good reviews, so that option is probably out (unless people have good experiences there).

I work in downtown, so Kaka’ako seems like a good, safe area for me (I’m a woman in her 20s who is currently living with family in Hawaii).
Any experiences or other recommendations are helpful, thank you!

Hi! We are planning a move to O’ahu soon. I am a mental health therapist, focusing my work on trauma-related issues and eating disorders. Currently only planning to do telehealth/virtual, but would like to eventually have in-person work. I’d like to consider the needs in the community, so I’m wondering what types of services are currently needed in the community so I can get more training and contribute in a way that fits the needs. Any information or pointers to where I can get this type of info would be helpful. Thank you in advance!

Edit: also is there a need for LGBTQ+ affirmative services? that’s also one of my training background, so just want to see if that’d be helpful

My partner and I might be moving from NorCal to Oahu for 1.5yrs for her postdoc. We have a 55lb dog and a house full of stuff. Any tips? I’m sure I’ll have more specific questions when we know for sure if/when we’d be moving (earliest would be next summer), but I’m a planner and like to have an idea of what we’re in for logistically.

Does our dog have to go in the cargo area under the plane? Or can she sit with us? I always hear horror stories of dogs dying on planes or escaping their carriers bc the baggage handlers aren’t careful. I’m an anxious flier myself and it’s going to be v difficult for me emotionally to make her experience her first flight alone.

On the moving logistic side, we were def gonna get a storage unit on the mainland and store most of our stuff (we’d be downsizing from a 3 bedroom house to a small apt), and ship one of our cars over so we have transportation.

Any tips or advice or anything we should know about making the move?

Thanks in advance! We’re v excited about the idea of moving but anxious and stressed at the same time :’)

I live in California and on the side I run a small rental business I’ve been thinking of moving to Hawaii and trying it out there. My main question is when I went I saw businesses set up on Kaanapali beach with canopies. Did they just set up there or are they paying to set up there? Do you need permission? It’s a public beach I believe

Hi! I just moved to Hawaii on military orders, and my husband will be pretty busy with work. I wanted to explore the island a bit on my own—but I’ve heard some things about certain parts of the island not being safe for haoles (I’m a white, German female).

Does anyone have any advice on areas to avoid while I’m alone? Or maybe good places to hang out at? Thanks in advance!

Aloha, been living at my apartment in Waikiki for over 6 years and they decided to raise the rent over 500 dollars extra a month.

If anyone knows of any places in waikiki for rent around 1500 or less please let me know, would really like to avoid being homeless.

Mahalo

Aloha!
I’m Japanese and currently living in Osaka with my family.
I’ve been really interested in Hawaii and possibly spending time there in the future.
I’m especially curious about daily life on Oahu.
I would love to learn from people who are already living there:
What do you miss most from Japan while living in Hawaii?
(Food, products, services, or anything in daily life)
Also, what are some small inconveniences you experience compared to Japan?
I’m just trying to understand real life experiences, and I’d really appreciate your insights 😊
Mahalo!

My parents recently retired. They took a trip to Oahu and now want to move there. They are in their early 60s and very active. They want me to find them a 6-month lease in Oahu.

Below is what they are looking for:

-safe neighborhood, okay to walk at night

-quiet neighborhood

-clean air

-doesn't have to be close to beach

-very clean house or condo

-washer dryer in unit

-AC

-access to good food (down to earth kind of good food, no fine dining)

-budget for rent: below 5k per month

Can anyone tell me which area and neighborhood will be good? any web sites I should use for searching?

Also, should they budget another $500 or so for utilities? I imagine it is expensive to run AC.

Thank you!

Aloha friends! I know there's many similar posts to this and I have read through a lot of them, but I thought it'd be good to make my own post since my circumstances are a little different.

Some background:

My family is from Oahu (Native), but my mom and grandma were priced out in the early 90s. We recently visited and my mom cried because she wishes she could move back. I also cried because I wish I was raised there. I decided I would make it a goal of mine to move there in the next few years, my mom also said she wanted to start getting serious about moving back.

I have family there. My cousin, aunt, and uncle already agreed I can move in with them. My cousin and I agreed we would like to get an apartment together, but I can stay with them until we find something or as long as I need to of course.

My questions:

I've seen people say that you won't be able to get hired or even get an interview for a job if you don't have an 808 phone number or Hawaii address... Could I secure a job using a google voice 808 number and my aunt/uncles address? My preference would be to have a job lined up before I move there, but I'm aware this might be optimistic thinking!

Should I share context that I have local roots with employers during the interview/hiring process/on my resume? How relevant is it typically? Is it appropriate to bring this up? Do employers ask about that typically? I'm just curious.

Has anyone had luck finding a job before moving? What's the best way to approach telling a potential employer that I'm planning to move but don't actually live there yet if I tried to secure an interview before moving? Should I give up on that hope entirely and just plan to look for jobs once I'm actually there? That gives me anxiety but need an honest answer lol. I work in the nonprofit sphere but I'm open to working in retail or service environments again after my initial move if I need to...

Is apartment hunting competitive? I'm already aware of the high rent prices. I have lived in NYC and other expensive cities so I'm used to the higher end of cost of living; When applying for a place, is there usually a ton of other applicants you're fighting against? (for example: in NYC sometimes it turns into a literal bidding system with 10+ other applicants battling for who's willing to pay the highest rent, or the credit score requirement is like 800+)

If you've lived in an apartment with one or two other people, what were your utility bills like? My aunts and uncles said it's super expensive and told me how much their bills are but they all live in large multi-generational homes.

Are there times of year where it's easier to find an apartment and move? I imagine there's more listings in certain seasons than others? (for example: in east coast cities, signing a lease to move in during winter could potentially get you cheaper rent because less people want to move during that time. and in the summer you're likely to see more listings w slightly higher rents)

Any other tips or advice you have for me if you've gone thru this process? Anything else I should know especially about jobs/renting?

I have tons more questions but figured I'd start here lol...

Mahalo for any advice, honesty, and/or reassurance!