Moving to Hawaii and have a couple of questions. Any help would be awesome! (Kaneohe: 2013, transfer to)

[Tyjen]

My family and I are moving to Oahu for a PCS move with the Coast Guard. We have family in Kaneohe, on my wife's side, which will make life a little easier while settling in. Guess I'll be the token Haole-haha.

1.) We'll live on Hickam AFB and I'll start attending UH, hopefully, in the Spring 2013 semester. From what I gather, the parking on UH is terrible. Should I try to use the bus system or buy a moped? I hear the bus system is pretty good, and I don't know how the route is from Hickam to UH for riding on a moped.

2.) I enjoy volunteering. Anyone recommend some particular organizations in the area to become involved with?

I'm sooo ready for the Hawaii mantra. I've been living in Washington D.C. for awhile and people are so edgy around here.

I appreciate any advice.
Thank you.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Tyjen

1.) We'll live on Hickam AFB and I'll start attending UH, hopefully, in the Spring 2013 semester. From what I gather, the parking on UH is terrible. Should I try to use the bus system or buy a moped? I hear the bus system is pretty good, and I don't know how the route is from Hickam to UH for riding on a moped.

A moped seems like it would be a real challenge for a few reasons. It is a bit of a hike over surface streets to UH from Hickam - I'm guessing you'd take Nimitz Highway and wind your way thru town - with potentially a lot of traffic. So the danger factor comes into play. Also, we get sporadic rain showers almost everyday in summer (and more steady rain in winter) - so you'll likely get wet. The bus seems like a much better option.

[grizz1y]

aloha Tyjen,

1. Commuting to UH
a. Agree with Viper as i would not recommend "mopeding" from Hickam to Manoa.
b. Riding a bicycle and hopping on The Bus is a viable option, but may take two hours going, and another two hours back. There is an established bus route through Hickam (Route 9) and you would make one transfer to UH (most likely Route 6). Note that the Hickam route is targeted for possible cuts TBD in August (www.thebus.org/Route/Routes.asp?l=eng)
c. May want to see if you can get a UH parking permit (UH Manoa - Student Parking). If you miss the cut for these from UH direct, sometimes folks will Craigslist, beware of scammers though.

2. Volunteering near Hickam
a. Arizona Memorial (www.pacifichistoricparks.org/volunteer.php)
b. Battleship Missouri (www.ussmissouri.org/page.aspx?pid=496)

hope you have as uneventful move as can be expected from one end of this great nation to the other!

[whtviper1]

"2.) I enjoy volunteering. Anyone recommend some particular organizations in the area to become involved with?"

Our company does a lot of work with Big Brothers Big Sisters - always a worthwhile place to volunteer.

[HiloDiver]

I don't have answers for you, but wanted to high-five you for wanting to volunteer!!!!

I'm approximately a month out from being HI's newest resident, and have a couple of volunteer opportunities lined up (but not your island...so can't recommend, sorry). I can't think of a better way to become anchored in your community.

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by Tyjen

I enjoy volunteering. Anyone recommend some particular organizations in the area to become involved with?

Moped: not a safe solution considering the distance you'll be going.

Volunteering: If you have school age children, I'd start with the that (PTA/PTSA, sports coaching, scouts, etc). Those type of organizations seem to often be shorthanded of ready-volunteers. Or, if you have certain hobbies, that could be a good place to focus. Animals = shelters, construction - Habitat for Humanity, etc.

Welcome to Hawaii (soon)!

[Dthraco]

Originally Posted by Tyjen

2.) I enjoy volunteering. Anyone recommend some particular organizations in the area to become involved with?

The Oahu chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has regular beach Clean-Ups. Pretty fun, and they usually give away stuff as well as feed you. (There's one this saturday at Sandy Beach, and the shirts from last year were REALLY nice.) Surfrider Oahu

Lanakila Pacific is always looking for volunteers. They do the Meals on Wheels program for the Island, as well as programs for individuals with various disabilities. Volunteer | Lanakila Pacific

The Humane society is close to the campus. Volunteer | Hawaiian Humane Society

[alloo66]

I would ride a Moped! Cheaper bike lanes, easy parking. I ride from Pearl City to town daily for years. It's fine. People ride from Makaha to town daily, so no excuses. Contrary to popular belief drivers are pretty good in Hawaii. You being from DC know what a long distance is.

Lots of great suggestions made regarding volunteering here. You'll do fine.

[Tyjen]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.

The volunteer opportunities sound like fun and I'll see how the area is before finalizing a decision about a moped. I would take the bus, but I'm tired of 1.5h commutes. My current commute is 1.5h one-way whether I take the train or a car. It's just too much.

Looking forward to the move!

[ml2001]

Originally Posted by Tyjen

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.

The volunteer opportunities sound like fun and I'll see how the area is before finalizing a decision about a moped. I would take the bus, but I'm tired of 1.5h commutes. My current commute is 1.5h one-way whether I take the train or a car. It's just too much.

Looking forward to the move!

If you are into vegetarian or vegan food, then 'Vegetarian Socieity of Hawaii' is always looking for volunteers. Here is the link: Vegetarian Society of Hawaii : Volunteers Wanted

Can't comment on the transportation as I have never stayed in Hawaii only visited.


-ML