mature gay couple willing to relocate to Oahu (Honolulu, Kaneohe: rentals, find a job)

[alfie1960]

my bf of 15 yrs now and me are considering moving to Oahu from NYC
I am a senior travel agent working as Group Travel Specialist working for a large company and he is a florist, freelancer, both in our late 40's, earlt 50's. We've both been to the Islands and consider Oahu better for us as it has most of the jobs, nice weather, beaches, scenery (outdoor sports guy type here) bf loves the beach and warm weather and local culture. I wonder how difficult it is to find jobs in our fields that pay good enough to afford a one bedroom apt, 2 cars to move around, food, utilities, etc. I understand that we might not have the same life style we have here as far as financial independence, access to extensive entertainment, etc. But we'll trade that for this beuatiful island and a less stressful lfe. Is it advisable to look for the jobs first ( even if we cannot get employed in our regular job fileds?) or shoudl we save and make the move and star all over once we're here? anybody been in a sililar situation? we don't need the gay bars, art galleries, etc. WE just want to find a relatively safe, affordable andcultural, race tolerant place. he is white american and I am a latino

I appreciate your comments

[kani-lehua]

it's just my opinion and i think others would disagree. i think i would find a job first. the florist could probably expand to other types of display for example, retail. and travel, there are other possibilities in that area or hospitality.

there are many posts about moving to o'ahu. you might check those out. mshell seems to have a lot of info on rates for rentals. maybe you could dm her.

[alfie1960]

Thyank you, Kani

Is it true that most employers would not hire you or even consider you for an interview if you don't actually have a HI address?

[DDane]

The best way to get a job here, is to know somebody.

[MsHell]

My two cents...

If you have little or debt, you should have at least one job lined up. I think finding a job in the travel industry should easy enough. Try checking out the Honolulu Jobs from honoluluadvertiser.com.

The florist type jobs, I think might be found, although paid might not be that great. If you move in the next 3-6 months, two big stores are coming to Hawaii. IMO both would be great to get in from the start. Whole Foods Market and Nordstrom's should be hiring in the near future, starting pay might not be ideal, but long term - they would be good jobs.

You will need 1st month + deposit (= one month) rent. I would suggest having 3 months for rent and living expenses saved before you move. A nice one-bedroom in Honolulu will run you $1200 - $1600 a month. One thing that may be a challenge, most one-bedrooms only come with one parking. Either look for places with lots of street parking or extra stalls for rent.

[kani-lehua]

Originally Posted by alfie1960

Thyank you, Kani

Is it true that most employers would not hire you or even consider you for an interview if you don't actually have a HI address?

i've owned an operated only food service businesses and my employees all had hawai'i addresses. i can't speak for other employers. sorry.

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by alfie1960

my bf of 15 yrs now and me are considering moving to Oahu from NYC
I am a senior travel agent working as Group Travel Specialist working for a large company

I would call someone at the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and talk to them about who's hiring in the Oahu Visitor Industry.

HVCB--Departments

Hank

[alfie1960]

Thanks Hank
i'll look for the phone # and call them

Rgds

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by alfie1960

i'll look for the phone # and call them

This link has phone nos:

HVCB--Departments

[DML1651]

alfie1960,

I checked the Labor Dept stats regarding travel agents and florists salaries... you and your significant other should be able to make things work financially speaking on Oahu... but the best spots (Kailua, Kaneohe) would likely be a fiscal strain. I used to live in Aiea and it was nice. Mililani Town as well.

I know you are leaning towards Oahu but just thought I'd mention that the Big Island is less expensive... Kauai and Maui significantly more expensive to live as you might expect.

There is a significant gay population on Oahu, but being straight, I have no idea about the level of homophobia that may or may not be present.. but I moved away almost 20 years ago...

The biggest thing that was true when I lived in Hawaii, any island in Hawaii, is to treat others as you would wish to be treated... and try to learn a few words of Hawaiian, Samoan, and Japanese... and to a lesser extent Chinese and Korean - doing so helps. I used to surf the North Shore nearly daily... and being able to speak some Samoan got me out of some tense situations on many occasions.

I understand ice (methamphetamine) , sadly, is rampant on Oahu (and to a somewhat lesser extent all the islands) and homelessness, with aggressive pandering, can be a real problem.

At any rate, good luck. Hawaii is beautiful... I'm thinking about moving back.