Kauai, Maui, or Oahu?

[Nicholas]

I visited all three islands at least twice. I understand the living areas are different from the vacation destinations. I want to live in the warmest area in Hawaii as possible. Which island stays the warmes year round? Also which island has the lowest amount of rain fall per year? What neighborhoods on each island are the best place to live? Thanks everyone for the help.

[Miulang]

Make your fingers and Google (http://www.hawaiimoves.com/content/Page.asp?PAGE=hawabouthawaii) your best friends!;)

Miulang

[craigwatanabe]

Kihei on Maui is pretty warm and is college town USA

Kapahulu, or anywhere on the Leeward side (Waianae Coast) on Oahu.

Not too may warm spots on Kauai.

You want warm try living on the St. Louis Drive with a view of Downtown Honolulu.

Housing prices is what should be the deciding factor here.

Kauai is outrageously high

Oahu is as bad but you get the convenience of a large city

Maui is just as bad as Oahu.

[Miulang]

Maui is just as bad as Oahu.
Maui is worse than Oahu, at least for gasoline. Honolulu people are paying like $2.76/gallon (or less). Maui's average is like $3.22!:eek:

Lahaina is hotter than Kihei. At least the WIND picks up around noon in Kihei; Lahaina is constantly hot. And more crowded.

Miulang

[koloagirl]

Kaua'i has the wettest place on earth (Mt. Wai'ale'ale) and we do receive a lot of rain overall.

Our home prices are completely out of sight ($500,000+ for an older smallish tract home when you can find it).

Only the very rich seem to be moving here these days. I'm sure that O'ahu has a little more choice housing-wise.

Can't comment about Maui, don't know much about the housing situation there.

[oggboy]

Hello Nicolas,
Just wanted to give you a little info, since you already visited the 3 Islands maybe you need to check out the rest. Or if your mind is already set I`ll give you info about my Island. As mentioned previously Lahaina and Kihei are the dry sides on Maui, although Maui`s rain fall can come in 2nd next to Kauai Island. As for good neighborhoods, it all depends on what you can afford. I would suggest you get ahold of the neighborhood boards for Lahaina and Kihei for more info........
Gas prices are another story, Honolulu gas price is down while Maui`s just keep goin and goin.
You could also check out Central Maui, Kahului areas. Maui Lani has a great gated community with a new school coming up. This is also a dry area with tradewinds coming from the Northeast. Anyway hope this info helps...

ALOHA FROM MAUI,
OGGBOY

[Miulang]

You could also check out Central Maui, Kahului areas. Maui Lani has a great gated community with a new school coming up. This is also a dry area with tradewinds coming from the Northeast. Anyway hope this info helps...

ALOHA FROM MAUI,
OGGBOY
Hui Oggboy: You neva tell him that Maui Lani is also built on one garbage dump, yeah?:p I heard they going put one Safeway up someplace inside there. Is that still going to happen? Now that Ooka is gone, I think some people in Wailuku have a hard time buying food because there's no place to buy groceries within walking distance except Sack 'n Save and Takamiya Market (but Takamiya has ono bento stuff).

Miulang

[Keith H.]

I visited all three islands at least twice. I understand the living areas are different from the vacation destinations. I want to live in the warmest area in Hawaii as possible. Which island stays the warmes year round? Also which island has the lowest amount of rain fall per year? What neighborhoods on each island are the best place to live? Thanks everyone for the help.

Based on your criteria, let me guess...you're in the Pacific Northwest? :)

All three islands are pretty much the same climate-wise, with some minor differences day-to-day. If you're looking for the warmest, driest place possible on each island, choose the most southwestern point on the seashore (that would be Koloa to Waimea on Kauai; Ewa or the Leeward Coast on Oahu, or Lahaina or Kihei on Maui). Avoid the east side or anything above 500 feet elevation.

If you're looking for the warmest, driest place in ALL of Hawaii, though, I'd say seek out the Kona Coast on the Big Island. Two big mountains make a really good rainblock.

[Miulang]

Based on your criteria, let me guess...you're in the Pacific Northwest? :)

No, he's from CHICAGO!:D

Miulang

[Mike_Lowery]

Not Kauai. We got enough people here. :D

[tikiyaki]

If you're looking for the warmest, driest place in ALL of Hawaii, though, I'd say seek out the Kona Coast on the Big Island. Two big mountains make a really good rainblock.

Kona get's awfully hot down by the shoreline. I love Kona !

[Keith H.]

No, he's from CHICAGO!:D

Miulang

Well, he's trying to escape from cold and rain, so the Northwest was my first thought. (I was there for 4 years.)

[Keith H.]

Now that Ooka is gone, I think some people in Wailuku have a hard time buying food because there's no place to buy groceries within walking distance except Sack 'n Save and Takamiya Market (but Takamiya has ono bento stuff).

Miulang
My grandma lives a short walk from Takamiya, but I wonder where she gets the stuff that Ooka would have had (unless my uncle drives her to Kahului). I wonder if anything will go in where Ooka used to be...

[WindwardOahuRN]

If you're looking for the warmest, driest place in ALL of Hawaii, though, I'd say seek out the Kona Coast on the Big Island. Two big mountains make a really good rainblock.

LOL---the last time I was in Kona (well, actually Keauhou) it was pouring rain. Four days straight.

I made great friends with the barmaid at the hotel bar, who was from Waimanalo.

Turned out just fine, but far from dry. :D

[Nicholas]

I have decided that I will be making the big move to Hawaii on the date of January 1st 2010. I will save up enough money until then and get a job in the tourism industry. I would prefer to work for somewhere on the beach. I am not sure how long it will take me to get the job. However, my mind is set on this goal and I am starting to take action. Also, I would probably have to take a trip to Hawaii and visit the islands so I can check out the apartments and which location I would most like to work. Chances are it will be Honolulu and possibly either Lanikai beach or Waikiki beach. My question is how much money do you think I need to save up for the move and trip before the big move? I have approximately three years left and am a college student at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the reply and Aloha

[Nicholas]

Thanks for the help. Yes I am from Chicago and the cold and rain is really getting to me. I guess I want the island with the warmest weather, most beutiful beaches, and least amount of rainfall (everyone's dream). I am still deciding but am leaning towards Oahu and living around Lanikai beach. I want a job in tourism until I finally get one as a police officer or firefighter. Anyway, anyone know what the best beach to have a job in tourism would be?

[tutusue]

[...]I would prefer to work for somewhere on the beach. I am not sure how long it will take me to get the job. However, my mind is set on this goal and I am starting to take action. Also, I would probably have to take a trip to Hawaii and visit the islands so I can check out the apartments and which location I would most like to work. Chances are it will be Honolulu and possibly either Lanikai beach or Waikiki beach.[...]
Ummm...what kind of income producing activity do you plan for Lanikai Beach? As for Waikiki Beach, you'll have stiff competition from the locals. My only advice is to stay flexible and save lots and lots of money!

[sinjin]

Ummm...what kind of income producing activity do you plan for Lanikai Beach? As for Waikiki Beach, you'll have stiff competition from the locals. My only advice is to stay flexible and save lots and lots of money!Haha! I was thinking the same thing. I doubt there's many civil servants living near Lanikai beach unless they've been there for generations. I had a girlfriend that grew up there 3 doors from the water. It was the first beach I ever saw on my first trip to Hawaii about 20 years ago. What a childhood she must have had. Sweet.

[Miulang]

My grandma lives a short walk from Takamiya, but I wonder where she gets the stuff that Ooka would have had (unless my uncle drives her to Kahului). I wonder if anything will go in where Ooka used to be...
Byron Ooka decided to give up the market and it's being turned into a senior health center. In the old parking lot across the street from where Ooka was (and the site of the old Nashiwa Bakery) is now a senior housing complex. It's ironic that they have a place for some seniors to live and medical facilities right next door, but no place close by for the seniors to buy any groceries!:(

Miulang

[Miulang]

I have decided that I will be making the big move to Hawaii on the date of January 1st 2010. I will save up enough money until then and get a job in the tourism industry. I would prefer to work for somewhere on the beach. I am not sure how long it will take me to get the job. However, my mind is set on this goal and I am starting to take action. Also, I would probably have to take a trip to Hawaii and visit the islands so I can check out the apartments and which location I would most like to work. Chances are it will be Honolulu and possibly either Lanikai beach or Waikiki beach. My question is how much money do you think I need to save up for the move and trip before the big move? I have approximately three years left and am a college student at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the reply and Aloha
Not too many beaches on Maui have a need for beachboys (except maybe Kaanapali and Wailea) and housing is very very expensive on Maui in those areas. Housing on Maui is generally more expensive than anywhere else in the State, including some parts of Oahu. You could work for one of those activities center places (the places where tourists go to buy tickets for activities). Lots of those all around the place.

To rent an apartment, you usually need first month, last month + security deposit, which could add up to a nice chunk of change, just for housing, unless you have roommates.

Miulang

[Nicholas]

I will probably work at an activities agent just like you said Miulang. I recently found out that Lanikai is not really a tourist beach. That means I will almost certainly be working at Waikiki. If come in to Hawaii with a bachelors degree from Illinois state university what do you think my chances are of getting a sales activity agent job in Waikiki? I would be able to work full time until I get a officer or firefighter job. As for the apartment how much do you recommend I save up for a 1 bedroom 1 bath room in Waikiki or Honolulu? I would like an estimate for the price that would help me live comfortably until I get the job.

[tutusue]

Nicholas...you're asking people to project 3 years down the road. With all due respect, you might want to contact a psychic for that info. I don't think anyone can tell you what your chances are in the year 2010 of getting any kind of a job regardless of the location on this earth. Times change. Who'da thought, when we all went to bed on Sept. 10, 2001, that our lives, as we knew them, would change forever the next morning. I'm not trying to be flippant...rather, realistic. Save a whole bunch of moola between now and then, hang on to your dream and re-research during early 2009.

[Miulang]

I will probably work at an activities agent just like you said Miulang. I recently found out that Lanikai is not really a tourist beach. That means I will almost certainly be working at Waikiki. If come in to Hawaii with a bachelors degree from Illinois state university what do you think my chances are of getting a sales activity agent job in Waikiki? I would be able to work full time until I get a officer or firefighter job. As for the apartment how much do you recommend I save up for a 1 bedroom 1 bath room in Waikiki or Honolulu? I would like an estimate for the price that would help me live comfortably until I get the job.
You shouldn't really need a Bachelor's degree in order to get a job at one of the activity counters. You just have to be very friendly. drug-free and helpful and be gracious about taking no for an answer sometimes. You can check out the postings on the Honolulu Craigslist (http://honolulu.craigslist.org/csr/)for some possibilities. It also has some other types of customer service jobs so you can get an idea of what the job market is like. I think there's a fairly high turnover rate for those positions (restaurant server and bar tender jobs probably pay more when you count in tips from the customers).

Maybe when you first get to Oahu, it'd be better if you shared a place with some people who already have a place (you can also find roommates on Craigslist). That would be cheaper and it would give you some people who know the area and who you might be able to hang out with until you get accustomed to living in Hawai'i. You'd probably be safe saving up at least $6-7,000 and then also have a "rainy day" fund that you don't touch at all (the equivalent of the cost of a ticket back to the Mainland if things don't work out). You can also check out Craigslist for apartments so you can get an idea of what it would cost to live in Waikiki, too.

Miulang

[oggboy]

O.K. buddy, Now that I no where you coming from, let me tell you this. In 3 years your planning on moving to the State of Hawaii, then you better be prepared for dishing out for living expenses that goin throw you off guard. Alot of Mainlanders want the same thing you want but after a couple of months or years thet cannot hack it and end up moving back to the Mainland. We Local people and those who moved here along time ago have adjusted to inflation and sure we grumble like hell Butt, that`s what living on an Island is all about. Everything is shipped over, so we have no choice but to pay and pay we dooooo..... So if your giving yourself 3 years, why not stay informed on Hawaii`s economy, it`s People, it`s way of life. Anyway I hope you can see the picture clearly. Good Luck*****
OGGBOY

[Pua'i Mana'o]

My 2¢:

If you move to Kaua'i, head for Waimea or Kekaha.
If you move to O'ahu, look at Ewa or Kapolei.
If you move to Maui, think about Lahaina or Kihei.
If you move to the Big Isle, head for Kona.

Of all of them, I complain about the heat in Waimea and Kekaha more than any other place in Hawai'i.

[oggboy]

eh Tita Muilang,
Howzit, Yeah I neva tell about Maui Lani cause I figa eh watt dey dunno no goin hurt. Anyway the Safeway dey wuz goin bill is right across Baldwin H.S.
But I dunno if goin happen cause get pilikia from the people in Sand Hills areas. We wen get choke rain in Nov. & Dec. that wen end up undermining the homes in Sand Hill. Wat happened is dey stay grating the land ova dea and wen the rain came, ah pau. I dunno if you no wea Kaiser Maui Lani stay, but anyway Safeway suppose to be right across from dea. Going be one trip dough if it happens. Talk about jamm up traffic along dat area. As for the bus system here I read ridership has picked up so I glad because no more Ooka and the Kupunas can get around now, so I`m glad they get trans for go shopping and do watevers....
OGGBOY

[Miulang]

eh Tita Muilang,
Howzit, Yeah I neva tell about Maui Lani cause I figa eh watt dey dunno no goin hurt. Anyway the Safeway dey wuz goin bill is right across Baldwin H.S.
But I dunno if goin happen cause get pilikia from the people in Sand Hills areas. We wen get choke rain in Nov. & Dec. that wen end up undermining the homes in Sand Hill. Wat happened is dey stay grating the land ova dea and wen the rain came, ah pau. I dunno if you no wea Kaiser Maui Lani stay, but anyway Safeway suppose to be right across from dea. Going be one trip dough if it happens. Talk about jamm up traffic along dat area. As for the bus system here I read ridership has picked up so I glad because no more Ooka and the Kupunas can get around now, so I`m glad they get trans for go shopping and do watevers....
OGGBOY
Hui Oggboy:
Das why hard, yeah? Get all kine guys who just hungry foa buy expensive kine houses anden dey no go do da homework to figga out wat was underneat where dey like build! heheheheh. But us guys know, yeah?;)

Oh yeah, I know da Sand Hills guys all huhu because da lots getting all undermined by what dey doing at those "Sand Hill Estates". Heh. Pretty soon dey going build right next to da graveyard!:eek: You know where all da sand they digging up going, yeah? Into the concrete for all da new condos.

Yeah, I know where the Kaiser Mento Health building is. So was going be right across the street, right at that corner then? Oweee! yeah, that would cause one major traffic jam! Bad enough when the Baldwin High School kids come tearing across Kaahumanu right there.

I was looking at the bus schedule. Too good! Next time I'm on Maui, I going ride da bus. Eh, free, yeah? At least you can go around Wailuku (Post Office and Sack 'n Save lidat) and Kahului for free. Das all I need. And I like da price, too!;)

You still working @ Ruby's? Next time, I going stop insai and say howzit.

Miulang

[oggboy]

Still at Ruby`s, and make sure you let me no wen you coming home O.K. By da way, Maui Bus go all around da Island now. Even Up-Country, unreal yeah even goin get bigga kine buses coming in. As good fo da folks dat rely on public trans. As 4 da Airport, goin thru some big time change right now. It`s kinda looking like gonna be an Int`l Airport soona or later. What can we say with over 7 million tourist anually. Den day wunda y all da traffic jam-up....

LO-LO. mo betta fix 1st yeah, but as how dis guys tink....Den de like us guys go pay fo Hnl mas-transit. Come now, we get our own Pilikia......:rolle
OGGBOY
yes:

[Miulang]

Still at Ruby`s, and make sure you let me no wen you coming home O.K. By da way, Maui Bus go all around da Island now. Even Up-Country, unreal yeah even goin get bigga kine buses coming in. As good fo da folks dat rely on public trans. As 4 da Airport, goin thru some big time change right now. It`s kinda looking like gonna be an Int`l Airport soona or later. What can we say with over 7 million tourist anually. Den day wunda y all da traffic jam-up....

LO-LO. mo betta fix 1st yeah, but as how dis guys tink....Den de like us guys go pay fo Hnl mas-transit. Come now, we get our own Pilikia......:rolle
OGGBOY
yes:

I heard da wind wen go make all kine pilikia in da harbor too last week (or was Monday, yeah?) I bet da tourists on da cruise ship was all scared when da boat wen go break away from da pier lidat!:eek: Da Maui News said da harbormaster wen go say good thing no moa da Supaferry yet. Oddawise would be like bumpercars in da harbor because no moa nuff room foa turn around!:eek:

When Supaferry starts on Maui, you guys betta hope all da guys on da boat wit cars no stop at Kaahumanu or Maui Mall at da same time (or Costco, either). Even now, get hard time finding parking at Kaahumanu, unless you like go park in da creepy garage in da back. Da parking ova there already hamajang! Da guys from Honolulu going tink they still in Honolulu. Hahahahaha!

Miulang

[WindwardOahuRN]

When Supaferry starts on Maui, you guys betta hope all da guys on da boat wit cars no stop at Kaahumanu or Maui Mall at da same time (or Costco, either). Even now, get hard time finding parking at Kaahumanu, unless you like go park in da creepy garage in da back. Da parking ova there already hamajang! Da guys from Honolulu going tink they still in Honolulu. Hahahahaha!

Miulang


Da guys from Honolulu are going to pack their stuff in their cars before they get on the Ferry, Muilang. No need to waste time in shopping malls and Costco on Maui---got enough shopping right here! :D

[Miulang]

Da guys from Honolulu are going to pack their stuff in their cars before they get on the Ferry, Muilang. No need to waste time in shopping malls and Costco on Maui---got enough shopping right here! :D

Ahhh, but the ONLY Krispy Kreme store in the entire state (by the airport) only has parking for about 10 cars!:D

Miulang

[WindwardOahuRN]

Ahhh, but the ONLY Krispy Kreme store in the entire state (by the airport) only has parking for about 10 cars!:D

Miulang


LOL---okay, ya got me there! :)

[LikaNui]

Da guys from Honolulu are going to pack their stuff in their cars before they get on the Ferry, Muilang. No need to waste time in shopping malls and Costco on Maui---got enough shopping right here! :D And cheaper stuff here on O`ahu, too!

:)

[Nicholas]

Thanks man. I have read all over that plenty of peope move to the islands and move back to the mainland within a few months or a couple years. The most is usually 5 years. I do not want this to be me. I want to live on the island for life. Do you have any suggestions that can help me get started? I am aware of the shipping costs and all that. I do not live a hectic lifestyle and can live comfortably on a tight budget, provided I am happy where I am. Any helpful tips you can pass my way for preparing the big move in 3 years (2010) will be helpful. I am here to learn and want to do whatever it takes to make Hawaii my future PERMENANT home.

[Miulang]

And cheaper stuff here on O`ahu, too!

:)
So besides KK, you guys going finally be able to taste guri guri, Komoda cream puffs, Sam Sato dry mein and all da onolicious food that make Maui no ka oi;) Save up extra kala, too, for da extra money going cost you to drive on Maui (most of it will be wasted while creeping along in traffic jams).

Miulang

[WindwardOahuRN]

So besides KK, you guys going finally be able to taste guri guri, Komoda cream puffs, Sam Sato dry mein and all da onolicious food that make Maui no ka oi;) Save up extra kala, too, for da extra money going cost you to drive on Maui (most of it will be wasted while creeping along in traffic jams).

Miulang

And you guys are going to finally be able to have Liliha Bakery Coco Puffs, Beard Papa cream puffs, go to the zoo, the museums, the restaurants, enjoy the night life, the festivals, etc.

Traffic sucks here too, especially at rush hour. Just avoid rush hours and you should be fine, most likely.

Works both ways. I bet that not all folks from the nieghbor islands are horrified at the thought of travelling to Oahu. ;-D

[Miulang]

And you guys are going to finally be able to have Liliha Bakery Coco Puffs, Beard Papa cream puffs, go to the zoo, the museums, the restaurants, enjoy the night life, the festivals, etc.

Traffic sucks here too, especially at rush hour. Just avoid rush hours and you should be fine, most likely.

Works both ways. I bet that not all folks from the nieghbor islands are horrified at the thought of travelling to Oahu. ;-D
That's true. But I'd rather get there sooner rather than later (especially if it costs about the same) and rent a car so I don't wreck my car driving in Waikiki!:D

Us "country bumpkins" can't take too much of the city life. The ONE thing I know people on Maui will want is MANAPUA and pepeau from Honolulu. The only place that sells those things on Maui now are the 7-11s!:(

Miulang

[oggboy]

O.k. Lived on Oahu, in Kalihi and Waipio so I know what Honolulu City Life is all about. One thing our Islands have in common is kuka pile car`s and not enough roads. Unlike Oahu, Maui real backwards, I should say da guys dat suppose to do the road planning. Population growth and Tourism have overwelmed our Islands to the max. Even though alot of our Island residents have now moved to Las Vegas because it`s cheaper. Right now we are on a flat tourist arrival season but when it changes you can tell, just by the number of accidents on the roadways. Then there is Whaling Season coming and more worse. Instead pull on the side, No!!!! Brake suddenly, stay tuned to Maui News for the latest. Anyway Pau vent... You all drive carefully you hear!!!!!
OGGBOY:)

[oggboy]

Howzit Nick,
Or do you prefer Nicholas, anyway seems like you`ve set a gaol for yourself. That will help you in the long run. Anyway, you still have to set your mind on what Island your planning on moving too! You seem to be getting alot of info from H.T so that will help you plenty. Like I said stay informed with what`s happening in the Islands to help you prepare. Don`t get me wrong, we have alot of as we call trans-plants, but they have adjusted to Island style and the people living on these Islands. So you have that time to make your move.
Again Good Luck, and I`ll keep you updated with info you want to know....
OGGBOY

[Leo Lakio]

Beard Papa cream puffsJust got to try those for the first time when I was there last month; recommended by the locals who work with us on O`ahu - nice stuff!

But Krispy Kreme, people? Oh, please...their doughnuts are okay, especially when warm and fresh, but whose aren't? They are a BAD company to do business with - we call 'em Krappy Kreme (shoulda put that in the thread about nicknames for businesses, ah?)

[Miulang]

But Krispy Kreme, people? Oh, please...their doughnuts are okay, especially when warm and fresh, but whose aren't? They are a BAD company to do business with - we call 'em Krappy Kreme (shoulda put that in the thread about nicknames for businesses, ah?)

Yeah, I don't see what's so hot about KK either, but the folks who visit Maui and need to take back omiyage seem to think it's a big deal (I prefer Komoda or Home Maid Bakery baked goods over KK anytime!)

Miulang

[Bard]

Add me to the "I don't get KK" brigade... first time I tried one I was expecting something good after all the hype, but mainly was so sweet it made my teeth hurt... :rolleyes:

[pzarquon]

I have read all over that plenty of peope move to the islands and move back to the mainland within a few months or a couple years. The most is usually 5 years. I do not want this to be me. I want to live on the island for life. Do you have any suggestions that can help me get started?For what it's worth...

The practical challenges -- cost of living, lower wages, taxes, professional opportunities, education issues -- are very important and will be high on the list of things you will have to adjust for, yes. But in my experience, the people who come here seeking a "permanent home" like you but ultimately end up leaving in three to five years make the decision to leave based on other factors. Personality, social circles, basic life outlook. And those things are hard to get advice for, or prepare for. You just discover whether you're compatible on your own once you're here.

And frankly, there's nothing wrong with finding Hawaii not to your liking. I wouldn't put making Hawaii a "permanent home" a major life goal, frankly. You're young, you've got a lot to see and do. I wouldn't want to die without having experienced Hawaii, but I would similarly not want Hawaii to be all I'd experienced. If you leave in 2015, don't see it as a failure. Just another great chapter in your life.

Good luck!

[tutusue]

[...]but ultimately end up leaving in three to five years make the decision to leave based on other factors. Personality, social circles, basic life outlook. And those things are hard to get advice for, or prepare for. You just discover whether you're compatible on your own once you're here.[...]
Good point, PZ. The people I know who returned to the mainland left for one of two reasons; either 'rock fever' or unable to afford retirement in Hawaii...more the former than the latter!