What's it like living in Hawaii?

[FuckRx]

I live in San Diego currently and there is a job opportunity in Hawaii for me with pretty much the same job description, same organization and maybe just a little lower pay, nothing major. Wondering what people think of Hawaii especially those who live there? Relocating for me would be very easy. I can fit all my belongings in a suitcase and the little furniture I have I could easily sell locally.

[SwordGuy]

High cost of living area, so lower pay may be problematic.

I loved Hawaii.  But it's a very small place.

[nicknageli]

I'm landlocked in a very cold (at least for me) state right now.  San Diego would be like Hawaii to me right now.  I'm not sure I'd trade San Diego for Hawaii.  It does feel a little small there.  Everything seemed to be more expensive, too.  My $.02.

[Villanelle]

Friends who lived in both places (of which I have quite a few) say that Hawaii is more expensive, though if you are going with the military, the consensus I've heard is that people are actually better off in Hawaii because they got COLA, where as SD is expensive but has no COLA.  If you would have not only no increase for COLA but a decrease in compensation, then I think you can expect to see a somewhat significant reduction in your overall financial situation. 

They also say that island fever is a very real thing.  Housing is small and much of it is old.  Crime is an issue in many places.  If you have kids, my friends all report that most of the schools there are awful. 

[C. K.]

"Good Reasons Not to Live in Hawaii" - Written by our one and only Nords on his website. He lives there; you might want to PM him.

http://the-military-guide.com/2012/08/27/good-reasons-not-to-live-in-hawaii/

"Lifestyles in Hawaii: Hawaii Island (the Big Island)"
http://the-military-guide.com/2013/04/15/lifestyles-in-hawaii-hawaii-island-the-big-island/

[Nords]

I live in San Diego currently and there is a job opportunity in Hawaii for me with pretty much the same job description, same organization and maybe just a little lower pay, nothing major. Wondering what people think of Hawaii especially those who live there? Relocating for me would be very easy. I can fit all my belongings in a suitcase and the little furniture I have I could easily sell locally.

Well, if you're a surfer then you wouldn't be wasting time posting here-- you'd burn your wetsuit and hop on a plane.

C.K. beat me to it, but feel free to PM or e-mail me the details and I'll do an anonymous check.  Some people love Hawaii, many hate it, and almost nobody is ambivalent.

I was stationed in San Diego from 1994-97, living in Kensington (Biona Drive) and commuting to a military training command at the top of Point Loma.  We had a great life there, but we were all thrilled to ditch SD and return to Hawaii.

They also say that island fever is a very real thing.  Housing is small and much of it is old.  Crime is an issue in many places.  If you have kids, my friends all report that most of the schools there are awful.

The first is true, although many (including me) are immune. 

The next three comments apply just as much to Hawaii as they do to anywhere else.  None of them are true in our particular neighborhood in Central Oahu.  Our daughter (and many of her friends) did fine at one of Hawaii's largest public schools.

[arebelspy]

They also say that island fever is a very real thing.  Housing is small and much of it is old.  Crime is an issue in many places.  If you have kids, my friends all report that most of the schools there are awful.

The first is true, although many (including me) are immune. 

Not all of us have the benefit experience of being cooped up in a submarine for long stretches, such that Hawaii feels spacious.  ;)

[Nords]

They also say that island fever is a very real thing.  Housing is small and much of it is old.  Crime is an issue in many places.  If you have kids, my friends all report that most of the schools there are awful.

The first is true, although many (including me) are immune. 

Not all of us have the benefit experience of being cooped up in a submarine for long stretches, such that Hawaii feels spacious.  ;)

Guilty.

I think the people most susceptible to rock fever have grown up someplace with wide-open vistas where you can drive for hundreds of miles with the steering wheel duct-taped to the dashboard.  But there's no screening question for it on the Hawaii military duty website...

My daughter's been driving in Houston now for longer than she's been driving in Hawaii, so these days each of us is equally terrified when we drive in the other's state.

[soccerluvof4]

Having been in the Military Stationed in San Diego (Coronado) and alot of time in Hawaii, Nord is living a dream but like anywhere it has to fulfill your desires. I loved both places and are great to visit but couldn't see myself living in either. Different strokes..... But Damn the weather is nice and HGTV's show buying in Hawaii sure makes it attractive when locked these days in the Artic Midwest. Though being in Vegas last week for 5 days 75-80 degrees was a nice break. Nord if you see my ole ship floating around or here anything on it let me know. In 82 I joined on board the USS Kitty Hawk in Bremerton,WA up in dry dock. Was supposed to be decommissioned back then. Maybe it finally is?

[Nords]

Having been in the Military Stationed in San Diego (Coronado) and alot of time in Hawaii, Nord is living a dream but like anywhere it has to fulfill your desires. I loved both places and are great to visit but couldn't see myself living in either.

In retrospect, it's probably better to be retired in Hawaii than to be working in Hawaii.  However life (and the pace of work) can be more laid back and there's almost always time for outdoor activities.  A guy I know who's the owner of a local surf shop can only find skilled shaping/repair labor when the surf is flat.  And, of course, when the surf is big then he'd rather be paddling out there too.

Though being in Vegas last week for 5 days 75-80 degrees was a nice break.

Las Vegas is known as "Hawaii's Ninth Island".  The Cal's motto is "Aloha Spoken Here":  http://www.thecal.com/

Nord if you see my ole ship floating around or here anything on it let me know. In 82 I joined on board the USS Kitty Hawk in Bremerton,WA up in dry dock. Was supposed to be decommissioned back then. Maybe it finally is?

Um, yeah.  If it's any consolation, it was the last fossil-fuel carrier to be decommissioned.  They were stationed in Yokosuka for about 10 years and finally decommed in 2009.  Lots of communities and associations are trying to raise funds to have KITTY HAWK as a museum ship, but I don't know if they'll pull it off.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Kitty_Hawk_(CV-63)

[soccerluvof4]

Wow, thanks for sharing Nord!  The Shitty Kitty as we use to call it! I remember it was 83ish? bad year for the carriers. We ran into a Canadian Frigate and then a Japanese Sub. The Eisenhower ran a shore in the SF Bay and I believe it was the Coral Sea that had the Pilot that took to much cold medicine and crashed into the ship. What a lifetime ago!

[Albert]

My daughter's been driving in Houston now for longer than she's been driving in Hawaii, so these days each of us is equally terrified when we drive in the other's state.

Out of curiosity what's so terrifying about driving in Hawaii? Your islands are about as far from me as one can get (ca 22 h travel time), but I'd love to visit some day (particularly the Big island).

[Nords]

My daughter's been driving in Houston now for longer than she's been driving in Hawaii, so these days each of us is equally terrified when we drive in the other's state.

Out of curiosity what's so terrifying about driving in Hawaii? Your islands are about as far from me as one can get (ca 22 h travel time), but I'd love to visit some day (particularly the Big island).

Most of Oahu's major highways have a 55 MPH speed limit (a few stretches have a 60 MPH speed limit).  I'm sure that there are stretches of neighbor island highways that have 55 MPH speed limits or higher, but I can't remember any. 

My daughter is now more of a Texas driver, which apparently means that she commonly drives 75 MPH down driveways... let alone highways.  In Hawaii, going 20 MPH over the limit is an automatic visit to traffic court and points on the driver's license.  In Texas, going 75 MPH in the slow lane gets me dirty looks from the other drivers.

A couple of Oahu speed traps areas are 45 MPH on roads otherwise rated for 55 MPH.  15 MPH over the speed limit is a $142 ticket and the loss of the safe driver discount on your vehicle insurance policy, although I don't want to get into how I know that. 

[Mazzinator]

We moved to Oahu in june 2013 via the army. For us it was a huge pay increase plus we "found" mmm just before we moved so we also downsized (from 2400 sq ft to 1000 sq ft) and sold a car, now a one car family. I've never been to CA so i can't compare. We are also a family of 4 so i don't know much about the single scene.

We live in a new fancypants housing community (gated, pool, walk to beach) not my choice but i want to stay married ;) and it's not that far out of what i budgeted. We live in the desert part of the island which means not much rain and endless sun, but it's balls hot. I have some of the best neighbors, my friends here are awesome!!!! My kids aren't school aged.

I'd say if you come here then live near your work. Commuting here sucks, unless you can get an opposit commute.

It is expensive..but you're on an island far from any major "mainland" There are a lot of tourists (depends on where you live/frequent) and you may get many visitors! We have company every month, sometimes 2 or 3 different guests in one month. That is probably our biggest expense. They all want to see this or that and taste this or that. Most things we do are free, but gas to get there, extra groceries, etc etc..it ads up.

Also, depends on the individual, i was discriminated against a bit (blond haired army wife) even after "studying" culture differences and 'how not to offend locals' I still felt it. It's better now that i can pronounce the name of my street correctly ;)

Things i love, besides the obvious...
Never getting dressed up again. Island time. Never wearing shoes. Beach hair is "in." Island time. Suntans. Free hair highlights. Relaxed kid image (in other words, nobody snubs their nose at you when your kid starts running around screaming...they jump in the fun.) Food trucks. Island time.

Good luck!

[Villanelle]

My island dreams died this week, at least for now.  The detailer (military speak for "HR placement guy", I guess) told husband on Friday that Hawaii, which was to be our top choice, won't work for his timing.  So I will have to continue to admire island life from afar.  Sigh. 

[rowhoss]

I live in San Diego currently and there is a job opportunity in Hawaii for me with pretty much the same job description, same organization and maybe just a little lower pay, nothing major. Wondering what people think of Hawaii especially those who live there? Relocating for me would be very easy. I can fit all my belongings in a suitcase and the little furniture I have I could easily sell locally.

I moved to Hawaii a year ago. It is awesome. If you like a MMM lifestyle, you will be fine. DO IT!

[LibrarIan]

I have family friends who live in Ocean View, Hawaii (the big island near south point). The land there is very inexpensive for a couple reasons. The area is not very well developed, meaning it's a little more rugged than other areas. Also, your "lawn" will essentially be chunky basalt from the lava flows of years gone by. They own a small house in on a more recent flow. Cheap land for sure. However, it's over an hour to Hilo or Kona. Overall, despite the long drive to the bigger cities, there is much joy to be had. The weather is amazing, there are tons of nature activities to keep you busy, the state library system is awesome and the food is nothing to complain about. I've visited their humble abode if they aren't considered Mustachian I don't know who is. You can do Hawaii cheap, my friend.

[Nords]

My island dreams died this week, at least for now.  The detailer (military speak for "HR placement guy", I guess) told husband on Friday that Hawaii, which was to be our top choice, won't work for his timing.  So I will have to continue to admire island life from afar.  Sigh.

Sorry to hear that.  Pearl Harbor is home to one third of the attack submarine force, but it's a much smaller community of surface ships and aviation billets.

[FrugalZony]

I lived in Hawaii on a student budget (no loan) and did just fine.
That was a little while ago for sure and yes groceries are more expensive than anywhere else,
but you can manage on a budget, depending on what your expectations are.
If you want to live in a posh place on the beach, your $$ won't go far.

But I recall reading about how you live in SD, so considering your habits, you'll probably be alright.

I loved living there. Dressing casual all the time, having the beach so close, loved it!
I knew several folks, who got Island fever after a while, but I never felt "locked in" or isolated from the mainland.

[Spartana]

I was stationed there (Hono) for about a year while in the coast guard.  First on shore duty for a couple of months and then on a ship. I lived onboard my boat but rented a room in Hawaii Kai from a local for a couple of months while on shore duty. Many of the other single enlisted people either rented rooms or shared apts for the few months we were in port. The room rental was the cheapest way to go if you can do that as you don't have to worry about furnishing a place and they often include utilities. It is more expensive then other areas but probably not much higher then in San Diego. It also allows you to be flexible as to where to live.  If you will be working on Oahu and in Hono it's pretty much like any large city. Good public transit (which I recommend as traffic is terrible, gas is high), bikable, and lots of entertainment, shopping and nightlife. Cost of living for food and such is higher but not by as much as you'd expect. It can be a noisy and crowded place too. There are (or were) some serious racial and cultural issues amongst the different residents and can be high crime and gang issues as well as some pockets of deep poverty. And don't forget the flying roaches :-)! (bit of a bug problem there). But most people are friendly and kind and I enjoyed the interesting mix of cultures. I had "island fever" myself and wouldn't want to live there forever since there are really only 3 directions on Oahu that you can go as much of it is inaccessible. I also found the lack of seasons (and the constant heat, humidity and winds) to be not for me. However it is a great place to do a lot of outdoor recreation - much of which can be hard to get to like hiking -  and spectacular beauty too. And the other islands are great and easy to get to as is the North Shore to - if you can hack the drive thru the always congested  tunnel or around island. I would have liked to spend more time living there and would recommend you try it. Just have an exit plan in case it isn't for you. For me it's a really really nice place to visit for a few months or even a couple of years, but not the place I'd want to put down permanent roots.