I did it. I'm here! (Pearl City, Aiea: fit in, transplants, apartment)

[bittersweet]

My bf and I got here just over a week ago. We're 23 from VA, and we basically picked up our bags and left. So far, everything has been going well.

We got a fully furnished apartment in Pearl City less than 24 hours of our arrival! We found it on Craig's list. We wanted to live in Pearl City because we felt it was more diverse. We looked at about 5 places, and each time it was basically a group showing. There is a lot of competition. 3 other people wanted the apartment we're in now! It has a TV down to the utensils! Plus, we don't even need to use a/c because of the breeze. We do fine with just a fan. We got the apartment because we really clicked with the landlord. Even though we didn't have jobs lined up, he said he also picks his tenants based on character, personality, and his own instinct. He said I looked like an island girl and that my bf looked like a surfer boy...lol.

My bf is a haole, but he hasn't experienced any type of racism since we've been here. If anything, it's been quite the opposite. A Hawaiian lady let him cut in line at the grocery store and just started a conversation with him, and the other surfers at the beach have been nice. Our landlord says its because he tries to fit in and not bring the pretentious mainland attitude here. We have noticed that a lot of haoles don't even wave when you let them in or give way on the roads!

Things here are more expensive here compared to VA. Cereal is about 6 dollars a box, and the deposit for our electricity was almost 200 dollars. But we're young, and we both have jobs now. For now the price is worth it to live in Paradise!

[MSJones]

That's awesome! Good luck to both of you - I hope your new home is everything you have dreamed of.

I just registered here today, after Googling "living in Hawaii" and finding this place. I've been to Hawaii three times and loved it, and after talking to quite a few mainland transplants when there, was curious about people who've made the move. Glad to see it's working out for you so far.

[cynmkolohe]

Congratulations!!!

Since you are in Pearl City, if you like Vietnamese food, try Cuu Long in the shopping center across the main mall:

'Ono Kine Grindz: Aiea, Pearl City (A review)

Try the pho. It gets crowded in there, so good to go at an off-peak time. And it is seat yourself as I remember. Don't be shy to take the last two seats at the long table if that's all there is!

Enjoy!

[floridadreamer]

I thought I read on a recent thread that Pearl City is where all the gentlemens clubs are? Is that a decent area as far as safety etc? I know they mentioned Ala Moana mall in the same post.

That's great you were able to both find jobs so fast. Mind if I ask what you all are doing?

[Genxor]

That's great ! You seem so happy and excited!

We are over on the Big Island and are originally from Fredericksburg Va.

Good Luck !!

[bittersweet]

Florida, I got a job working at Navy Federal and he got a job as a Assistant Project Manager doing statistical research for a consulting/marketing firm.

[floridadreamer]

Originally Posted by bittersweet

Florida, I got a job working at Navy Federal and he got a job as a Assistant Project Manager doing statistical research for a consulting/marketing firm.

That's great! My best friend from school works at Navy Federal in VA and so does her husband. The two of you should be able to make it there no prob.

[chaz longue]

Sounds like you're having a ball!

May I suggest (if you haven't done so) you go to Diamond Head, and walk around the rim? You can take a city bus there! There are more spectacular views in the Hawaiian Islands, but few available with such a small investment of time! Bring your camera!

Aloha

[Golf81]

Glad you and your boyfriend made it and all is well. My fiance and I are thinking about moving to Maui. I have been there many times and we are getting married there this April. She has never been but she's a tropial lover as well as I and I'm sure she will love it. She an insurance agent and I a teacher so hopefully there will be something for us both. Once again very happy for you as it's always good to hear positive stories.