Moving to Oahu

[dostoy]

I just got a job offer to work on Oahu, I am looking for advice (obvious if I am postin here) on living in Honolulu, getting around without a car, any advice on getting an apartment, what to do when I first get there, should I line up a hotel for a few days until I can get a place, stuff like that. Any help at all is would be great! I am moving from Maine so this is going to be a big move for me.

[Miulang]

I just got a job offer to work on Oahu, I am looking for advice (obvious if I am postin here) on living in Honolulu, getting around without a car, any advice on getting an apartment, what to do when I first get there, should I line up a hotel for a few days until I can get a place, stuff like that. Any help at all is would be great! I am moving from Maine so this is going to be a big move for me.
BIG is to be a major understatement.;)

First of all, leave all your winter clothes behind and only bring your light spring/summer wardrobe.

Others who live on Oahu can give you advice on what areas you can find suitable living arrangements. I know I, for one, would not want to make any commitments to living in a place without having seen the place first and knowing whether or not I like the neighborhood I'd be living in. It would also depend on the location of your work. If it was me, I wouldn't want to hassle with a long commute (and amazingly enough, even for an island the commute on Oahu from outlying areas can be as bad as being on I-95 during rush hour.)

Definitely plan on staying in a hotel for the first week or so if you can, so you can get the lay of the land. Or better yet, if you could crash with friends or people you know in Honolulu, that would be even better, because then you'd have somebody from the area able to show you and tell you where to go and what to do.

Good luck. At least you have the advantage of already having a job locked up. Some people move to Hawai'i with neither a job nor a place to stay, and that can be tough.

Also bear in mind that the cost of living will be quite a bit more than what it costs you to live in Maine (for food, housing, and gasoline especially). On the West Coast, the differential might be 20% more to live in Hawai'i, but it would probably be even more great for you coming from Maine, which is more affordable. Is the company in Hawai'i willing to pay for your move too?

Miulang

[dostoy]

I am really looking forward to the move, as right now we are in a blizzard here in Maine, zero visibility, 3 inches of snow an hour and -4 windchilll.

Maine is not as affordable as some would think though rents are a bit lower here than in Oahu. I am planning on getting a hotel for a week or so, I don't know anyone currently in Oahu. I don't have a moving allowance from the company :( I wont have a car either, how easy is it to get around without one? I may have to work at Hawaii Kai as well.

[1stwahine]

Aloha and Welcome to HT! Tell a us a bit about you and may be surprised to find new found friends who can show you all about Oahu!;)

Auntie Lynn

[Miulang]

I am really looking forward to the move, as right now we are in a blizzard here in Maine, zero visibility, 3 inches of snow an hour and -4 windchilll.
.

Yeah, the novelty of lots of snow and windchills in the minus range does eventually wear thin, doesn't it?:D I lived in Boston for 10 years so I know what you're saying. My last winter in Boston, the temperature around Christmas was -25 with the windchill. So I was relieved to be out of there and moving to Seattle. I'd MUCH rather have too much rain than too much snow...at least you don't have to shovel rain.:D

Miulang

[dostoy]

speaking of shoveling I have to go shovel out my car so I can move it (in the middle of a storm) because we have a parking ban :(

A little about myself, I am in my 30's have lived in Maine most of my life, brief stints in Eugene Oregon and Stowe Vermont, have done a lot of travel on the mainland but have never been out to the islands. I have dont most of my work in resturants and the like though I am now working in the natural resouces field working with state and federal agencies in mapping and conserving natural resources. I brew my own beer, and am hoping to be able to in Hawai'i though that wont happen untill i get settled in. I don't surf, we don't have much for waves here though I do paddle and look forward to some kayaking around the islands. I am a bit of a country boy so living in the city seems kinda scary to me, the population of Honolulu is just about the same as the whole state of Maine. the town I grew up in was less that 1500 people.

I do want to thank everone for being so nice, I didn't expect so many replies so fast :)

[lavagal]

Hawaii Kai ROCKS! Nice paddling and kayaking community here. Good luck with the relocation and with the finding a place to stay. Your new employer should be able to provide some insight as well...and really, that might mean there's someone at work who will look out for you as you figure out settling down.

[AbsolutChaos]

If you haven't done a search of this site for other moving to Hawaii threads already, you may find some interesting help that way.

Many find the Honolulu Craigslist helpful.
www.honolulu.craigslist.org

Try to read this book if you can:
"So You Want To Live in Hawaii" (the 2005 ed)
http://www.booklineshawaii.com/book/bgb/625366.html

The Honolulu Advertiser's Newcomer's Guide to Hawaii
http://ssl.honoluluadvertiser.com/livinginparadise/2006/

Hawaii Government site for Hawaii newcomers:
http://ssl.honoluluadvertiser.com/livinginparadise/2006/

Another newcomers link:
http://www.rentalsearchhawaii.com/newcomer.html

[AbsolutChaos]

I brew my own beer, and am hoping to be able to in Hawai'i though that wont happen untill i get settled in.

You should have no probs with that. I know someone on the Windward side likes to do that...his license plate even says "Hophead."

[dostoy]

Awesome! thanks for all the links!

I am looking forward to the paddling! not much paddling weather here right now.

[craigwatanabe]

Welcome to hawaii. Boy it's been getting really cold lately...musta dropped to the lower 70's last night:rolleyes:

[Kelly0040]

I've put on a zip-up sweater and long jammie pants the last few nights...tis cold indeed. :p

[tutusue]

Chilly indeed! I had 2 blankies over the top sheet last night and no fan or
a/c running! That means it musta got down into the 60s!

Dostoy...Oahu has an excellent bus system...The Bus (http://www.thebus.org/).

[craigwatanabe]

Dostoy...you think you can handle our cold weather?:D

Imagine that. And to think we're selling air conditioning units right along side our ceramic space heaters. Which do you think is being restocked faster?:rolleyes:

[dostoy]

You should hear the ice pelting on my window right now, it is down right inhospitable out there. -14F with the windchill right now. I just confirmed my job and I will be starting around the middle of march :) Now I have to make flight plans and find a place. well and pack and say good bye and everything, it seems so overwhelming.

[Leo Lakio]

Chilly indeed! I had 2 blankies over the top sheet last night and no fan or a/c running! That means it musta got down into the 60s!
I've put on a zip-up sweater and long jammie pants the last few nights...tis cold indeed. :pWelcome to hawaii. Boy it's been getting really cold lately...musta dropped to the lower 70's last night:rolleyes:You folks are so mean sometimes...;)

[lavagal]

If I may say so, this has been probably one of the most PLEASANT threads we've ever had for someone on their way to Hawaii. Most of it, I'm sure, has to do with Dostoy's approach. But are we also out of crankies or something? Usually someone steps up with the half-empty glass syndrome!

[Leo Lakio]

But are we also out of crankies or something?Something; Mercury's retrograding again...or you all just had nice Valentine's Days.

[tutusue]

If I may say so, this has been probably one of the most PLEASANT threads we've ever had for someone on their way to Hawaii. Most of it, I'm sure, has to do with Dostoy's approach. But are we also out of crankies or something? Usually someone steps up with the half-empty glass syndrome!
I think it's 'cuz Dostoy has a job waiting for him. A majority of the other inquiries are thinking of moving here on a wing and a prayer. Scary.

[lavagal]

That's it! Wing, prayer, tarp, brand new credit card!

[dostoy]

I am just on a wing and a prayer (with a job)

Just shoveled out my car, we only got a foot of snow last night. may even warm up today they say it might even get to the low teens :)

[sinjin]

If I may say so, this has been probably one of the most PLEASANT threads we've ever had for someone on their way to Hawaii. Most of it, I'm sure, has to do with Dostoy's approach. But are we also out of crankies or something? Usually someone steps up with the half-empty glass syndrome!Don't want to disappoint. dostoy, say goodbye to cheap lobster.:D

[dostoy]

Just got my tickets :) 2 weeks!!!

[1stwahine]

Just got my tickets :) 2 weeks!!!

K-den. This is what I've been waiting to hear.:)

I'll meet you at the airport and welcome you to Hawai'i and our island of Oahu! I'll give you a ride to your destination after showing you a little of Honolulu if you like. No worry ~ I'm not out to Date you. I have a habit of showing Aloha and Love to Members of HT and the Forums I belong to.

PM me if you accept. If you don't ~ it's ok.:p

Auntie Lynn

[dostoy]

fly in in 2 weeks got a hotel for the first few days I hope it doesn't take to long to find a place. Trying to line some up to look at when I get there.

getting kinda nervous :)

[Miulang]

fly in in 2 weeks got a hotel for the first few days I hope it doesn't take to long to find a place. Trying to line some up to look at when I get there.

getting kinda nervous :)

I think you'd feel the same way no matter where you were headed. But hopefully your nervousness is more related to the excitement of going to a new place and not apprehension about what you'll find.;)

Miulang

[tutusue]

[...]I am planning on getting a hotel for a week or so,[...]
What is your budget?

[dostoy]

definitely nervous excitement!

...What is your budget?...

for a hotel we have money saved though it would be great to find an apartment and use the money for something else. It looks like most of the rents run around 900 - 1400 for one bedroom apartments, more than what I am use to but not that much more. It will be tight untill my girlfriend finds a job but we do have enough saved to make it I would think. I have made some moves before just not like this one. :)

[tutusue]

[...]for a hotel we have money saved though it would be great to find an apartment and use the money for something else. It looks like most of the rents run around 900 - 1400 for one bedroom apartments, more than what I am use to but not that much more. It will be tight untill my girlfriend finds a job but we do have enough saved to make it I would think. I have made some moves before just not like this one. :)
Sounds like rents have come down. Still you need time to survey the area. As someone else already mentioned...don't rent sight unseen.

You mentioned you may have to work in Hawaii Kai "as well". Is it possible to give us an idea of the area of your primary employment? Then, we might be able to come up with a few hotel suggestions.

Practically (not negatively!) speaking...be sure to set aside enough money that can't be easily touched (such as a 1 year CD), as a reserve to move back to the mainland should things not work out for you. Far too many people get stuck with no resources to return. Think of it as an insurance policy. It's there if you need it but you probably won't!

[dostoy]

I am going to leave some money in an account here so I have something when I return, the position I have is only a one year contract position. I will be working in offices in both Downtown and in Hawaii Kai. I am splitting my time between two organizations. I am thinking I will be spending at least part of each week at each location, going to be lots of traveling I guess. I wont have a car so I am hoping I can get around fairly well by bus. The other office is Downtown. I am going to need to find a place between those two locations.

[tutusue]

Dostoy...there's a condo/hotel downtown, the Executive Centre. Google it. Depending on the size they have kitchenettes to full kitchens so you don't need to eat out all the time. It appears the rates start at around $200/night but maybe your company can get you a better rate. Convenient location...walking distance to good restaurants, shopping, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chinatown, Auntie Lynn, Hotel St. :D, yada, yada. I'd love to own a unit in that building.

JMHO...but I'd be inclined to live closer to downtown and an easy walk then take the bus to Hawaii Kai because, during morning rush hour, you'd be travelling in the opposite direction...which equates to a few minutes of extra sleep! Regardless, rents will be high from downtown to HK. Ah heck, they're high island-wide.

[Miulang]

Dostoy...there's a condo/hotel downtown, the Executive Centre. Google it. Depending on the size they have kitchenettes to full kitchens so you don't need to eat out all the time. It appears the rates start at around $200/night but maybe your company can get you a better rate. Convenient location...walking distance to good restaurants, shopping, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chinatown, Auntie Lynn, Hotel St. :D, yada, yada. I'd love to own a unit in that building.

JMHO...but I'd be inclined to live closer to downtown and an easy walk then take the bus to Hawaii Kai because, during morning rush hour, you'd be travelling in the opposite direction...which equates to a few minutes of extra sleep! Regardless, rents will be high from downtown to HK. Ah heck, they're high island-wide.

Wow...$200/night??? When the Ohana Hotel on Hobron was still a hotel, we stayed there for like $69 or 70/night about 4 years ago. That's how we were able to afford brunch at the Royal Hawaiian and dinner at the Ilikai. Too bad all those "budget" places in Waikiki are making way for the pricier condotels and upscale hotels.

Miulang

[rhscare]

If I may say so, this has been probably one of the most PLEASANT threads we've ever had for someone on their way to Hawaii. Most of it, I'm sure, has to do with Dostoy's approach. But are we also out of crankies or something? Usually someone steps up with the half-empty glass syndrome!

I was going to say the same thing lol. I hope you have a safe trip out here, and good luck! It will make a HUGE difference to already have the job lined up. Just relax, and enjoy it!

[tutusue]

Wow...$200/night??? When the Ohana Hotel on Hobron was still a hotel, we stayed there for like $69 or 70/night about 4 years ago. [...]
I got an $89./nite Kamaaina rate at the Hawaiiana Hotel in Waikiki last summer. But, that's on the same block as major construction...Trump's building and the Waikiki Beachwalk development. Major noise so I won't currently recommend it.

I suggested the Executive Centre because of it's convenience factor...in hopes that his company might be able to get a lower rate. Hmmm...Orbitz shows a $149. rate which is similar to airport area hotels! I agree...there are less expensive places than E.C. but it sounds like Dostoy will be working downtown and Hawaii Kai and won't have a car.

[WindwardOahuRN]

I was going to say the same thing lol. I hope you have a safe trip out here, and good luck! It will make a HUGE difference to already have the job lined up. Just relax, and enjoy it!

Absolutely. One cannot underestimate the importance.

I was sitting here wondering just WHY this seems to be of such importance.

I think it amounts to this...the fact that one has confronted the enormous task of securing employment before coming here. It truly IS a bigass deal. Suffice it to say that having gainful employment in a particular field on the mainland absolutely does NOT guarantee employment in an equally lucrative postion here in Hawaii.

The assumption by some that they will automatically transfer their skills and earning power to positions comparable to those associated with their former mainland employment is naive at best.

[dostoy]

I feel very lucky to have been offered the job. I never would have even considered a move to Hawaii without the offer. It almost doesn't feel real. I could not imagine moving to Honolulu without a job, though I am from Maine and it is similar here, good jobs are hard to come by so once you find you you dont usually leave it. Though for a trip to Hawaii exeptions are made :)

We are showing our apartment here today and hopefully it gets rented so we can get our security back. I am still worried about finding a place in Oahu though I have had some great people offer my help and advice. I have been overwhelmed with the help I have gotten from messageboards and craigslist.

[dostoy]

I have another questions if anyone is still listening :)

Are there any Bank of America locations in Honolulu, when I try their website it says no but google says that there are locations in Honolulu? If there aren't any could someone reccomend a bank?

[tikiyaki]

I have another questions if anyone is still listening :)

Are there any Bank of America locations in Honolulu, when I try their website it says no but google says that there are locations in Honolulu? If there aren't any could someone reccomend a bank?

There are no Bank of America location anywhere in Hawaii.

For a rental....try vrbo.com You'll find something waycheaper than $200 a nite.

[dostoy]

Can anyone give me any advice about the area between Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head? I have a chance on an apartment in the area and know nothing about it. The apartment is a bit pricey cmpared to what I am use to in Maine but I think that is true for most of Honolulu. Any advice would be great! Does the area warrant the price?

[lavagal]

I think that area is referred to as the Gold Coast here in Waikiki...so yeah, I would expect those prices to be kinda high. But rents are also high in the houses of Kapahulu, on the other side of Kapiolani Park. The Ala Wai has plenty of rentals, but it's the Ala Wai, a long, one-way street along the Ala Wai Canal that is constantly congested.
I'd look at a downtown condo to rent...and as Tutusue recommended, take theBus to Hawaii Kai.
So I'm wracking my brain here...what organization or company has offices downtown and in Hawaii Kai? Tax preparers? Queen's? Straub? Kaiser? Restaurant? Realtor? Pacific Light Net?

[dostoy]

I'll be working for NOAA and the Sanctuaries program.

[tutusue]

Can anyone give me any advice about the area between Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head? [...]
That area is approx. half way between downtown and Hawaii Kai and with no car it's not overly convenient to grocery or drug stores. There are some restaurants within walking distance. If you can afford that area...go for it! Lavagal mentioned the Gold Coast, which is a small, oceanfront section. I'd jump at the chance to live there. Do you mind telling us what street it's on (no, not the actual address!). I'm wondering if it might be the Pualei Circle area. It's filled with apts. and condos, all low rise, nice but nothing fancy at all. I've lived there and liked it but it was a bit noisy.

[dostoy]

It is in the Pualei Circle area. I have some other places I can look at over in Waikiki and in Manoa near the University. This one looked like a good location though near enough to everything but not right in the middle, I come from a rather small city (Portland is only 40,000 or so people) so I am not sure about living right down town.

[1stwahine]

I'll be working for NOAA and the Sanctuaries program.

Is Suzanne the Director?

Neba mind. The Suzanne I know is Suzanne Case, the Hawai‘i Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy.

[tutusue]

It is in the Pualei Circle area. I have some other places I can look at over in Waikiki and in Manoa near the University. This one looked like a good location though near enough to everything but not right in the middle, I come from a rather small city (Portland is only 40,000 or so people) so I am not sure about living right down town.
If you're concerned about living downtown then you might also be concerned about Waikiki. Both have high rises on both sides of the streets. The downtown area is smaller than Waikiki, too...I think! The main difference is Waikiki is more of a 24/7 area and downtown is more like 15/5. ;) I haven't lived in Waikiki but the main complaint I hear about is the trash truck noise early in the morning and how it reverberates off and up the high rise walls! I did notice that when I dog sat at a condo several years ago! Personally I love the energy of our small downtown area and even tho' I was raised in a town of 10,000, I wouldn't hesitate to live there (I'm lookin'!). However, my primary residence is a small condo in Makaha, a very, very rural area about an hours drive from downtown. It's nuthin' but beach...gorgeous, beautiful beach!

What street is the Manoa apt. on?

[dostoy]

its on Kalo St.

[tutusue]

its on Kalo St.
Hmmm...I think that's more Moiliili than Manoa as it's makai of the H1, near Puck's Alley. Personally, I'd choose Pualei over Kalo. IIRC, the apts. on that street attract many UH students. Chalk it up to age but I wouldn't want to get locked into a lease on Kalo Pl.! Just one tutu's observation! :D

[LikaNui]

Anything near the University... think traffic. Lots and lots and lots of traffic.

[lavagal]

I'll be working for NOAA and the Sanctuaries program.

Do you know Jennifer Koss?

[dostoy]

I don't know Suzzanne though I am hoping to get to know the TNC folks in Hawaii, I know a bunch here in Maine. I don't know Jennifer yet either I have only talked to a few people at the program that were in on the interviews.

Thank you for the information, I a leaning towards the Pualei apartment. One more week and I will be in Hawaii!!!

[Bard]

I come from a rather small city (Portland is only 40,000 or so people)

Ahh, you live in "that other" Portland :D

[dostoy]

heh ya! :)

[dostoy]

5 more days! I can hardly believe it!

[dostoy]

one more update!!

less than 24 hours!!

[tutusue]

E komo mai, Dostoy...almost! The weather is beautiful. I just got back from the beach! :)

[dostoy]

Hawaii has been amazing so far!! I have not venture too much beyond looking for an apartment. The weather has been so nice, it is great to be able to walk around outside and be warm!

[tutusue]

Did Pualei Circle not work out for you?

[elwill0207]

I have the exact same thing going on..



I am moving to Hawala Heights from Miami in a couple weeks.


Ideas? LOL I need to find a place soon


Also did u guys use a specific car moving agency?

[elwill0207]

SO nervous!

[dostoy]

I found craigslist and the advertiser to be the most helpful getting a place. As for the car, I left mine at home and haven't needed it yet. Though I may think about getting on for while I am here, I have a parking space with my apartment. It wasn't worth it for me to ship my car from the eastcoast as it was pretty old allready and would be more trouble than it was worth.

[lavagal]

I found craigslist and the advertiser to be the most helpful getting a place. As for the car, I left mine at home and haven't needed it yet. Though I may think about getting on for while I am here, I have a parking space with my apartment. It wasn't worth it for me to ship my car from the eastcoast as it was pretty old allready and would be more trouble than it was worth.

Aloha, Dostov. Sounds like things went well. Where are you living? Have you started work yet? Any questions?

[oggboy]

WElCOME TO THE 50TH STATE, HAWAII NO PLACE LIKE IT IN THE WORLD...
Best of luck to you and your girlfriend..........:)

OGGBOY

[dostoy]

Its been great! We settled in ok, living in Waikiki for now. I have been getting use to work, I am contracting at two different offices so it has been alot to get used to. We have started exploring the island and have decided we need to get surfboards and snorkeling gear. It is a very beautiful place, the people have been wonderful and the weather is incredible. Over all we are having a wonderful time.

[lavagal]

Its been great! We settled in ok, living in Waikiki for now. I have been getting use to work, I am contracting at two different offices so it has been alot to get used to. We have started exploring the island and have decided we need to get surfboards and snorkeling gear. It is a very beautiful place, the people have been wonderful and the weather is incredible. Over all we are having a wonderful time.

Waikiki is a good place to first live when in Hawaii. I moved from Hickam to Kapahulu, to Kahalu'u, to Waikiki, to Foster Village, to Nuuanu, to Makiki, to Palolo, to Downtown to Hawaii Kai, since 1981 when I first got here.

[Mista Bumpy]

Waikiki is actually a pretty nice neighborhood. All the major Bus lines run through there, and you can get to major transfer points at Ala Moana, etc. in order to get to work or whatever. People think of it as tourist only, but that’s a bit of a misconception. The people there are a mixture of retired, working people, tourists, whatever. Senator Obama grew up there, and he wasn’t a tourist! Watch the Waikiki neighborhood meetings on ‘Olelo TV once. Not as much talk of tourists as one would expect, just mundane everyday issues. You’ll love Honolulu a lot as you get to know more of it.

A personal word of advice – do without a car, if you can. As long as most of the things you do are “in town” (as Honolulu is called by locals), The Bus can be just about all the transportation you need. What it really takes is determining to live without a car. My wife and I were surprised when we made the necessary adjustment to the pedestrian and Bus life. With the standard of living in Hawaii as high as it is, living the car-less life will save you a ton of money for other things.

Aloha!