Hawaii Move questions (Honolulu, Hilo: health insurance, crime, house)

[ejdillon]

Me and my wife really want to move to Hawaii. My wife is Japanese and where we currently live in the midwest there are no Japanese stores, or Japanese people for that matter (well maybe 1 or 2). We just hate the weather here and our goal is to move to Hawaii. We are thinking Honolulu.

My questions follow, please assist...

- I wourk in corporate managment for a health insurance provider. What Health insurance companies are in Hawaii?

- Is there a Japanese private school for native Japansese children? Either a full time school or weekend/summer school.

- Does Hawaii have any trashy neighborhoods, if so, what are they?

Thanks

[cwm]

ejdillon,
Check out Hilo. We live in a neighborhood mostly comprised of Japanese (and love it). Hilo is more affordable than Oahu and the local hospital and Kaiser have job openings. Check out Making an Income in Hilo, Hawaii for job sites for Hilo. Another resource are the professors at UH Hilo Japanese culture and language program. Good luck on your move.
cwm

[oawho]

My wife is Japanese too, and I'm Japanese American, and one of the reasons we're moving to Oahu is just for that reason Oahu for us seems to be the best choice, because it does have an urban, LA-like place (Honolulu), yet there are remote areas as well. Culturally, it seems like a good match for us and I don't think we'll have problems blending in.

I did a quick google search for Oahu Japanese schools (in Japanese) and came across this:
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If you can't read Japanese you'll have to ask your wife for help

Based on what's there, it does looks like there are a bunch of Japanese schools in Oahu. Looks like that site has other info as well, so we'll be looking as well

About location, we're thinking of Kapolei/Makakilo. It's a new neighborhood that's supposedly the "second city" of Oahu. It's far away from Honolulu, though and I hear traffic is kinda bad. I'm going to be telecommuting so it's less of a concern for me, but it's probably a valid concern if you need to work in town.

[Kohala Coast tennis]

The Japanese American community is huge in Hawaii! Wherever you land you will be most likely be delighted. The grocery stores have big Japanese sections.

I don't think you need a Japanese private school. Do your private school research and interviews. The right school will jump out at you.

Regarding socioeconomics, Hawaii is just like the rest of the nation. There are gated communities, and much of the rest of Hawaii is a mixed community. Once you start house shopping you may find your so-called "trashy" neighborhoods. While shopping you may find your budget won't go very far. If this is the case and you do choose to buy in an entry level neighborhood ($350,000 to $400,000ish in Kamuela), resolve to give your neighbors at least a year to get to know and trust you. Tip: due to the cost of living, neighborhoods which appear on first blush to be trashy, may in fact be a nice neighborhood if you care more about people than being fashionable. Please know that many entry level neighborhoods are populated by hardworking families proactive with anti-drug and anti-crime groups.

All that said, if your home buying budget is in the $600,000 and above category, you will probably miss the entry level neighborhoods completely. Probably.

Originally Posted by ejdillon

Me and my wife really want to move to Hawaii. My wife is Japanese and where we currently live in the midwest there are no Japanese stores, or Japanese people for that matter (well maybe 1 or 2). We just hate the weather here and our goal is to move to Hawaii. We are thinking Honolulu.

My questions follow, please assist...

- Is there a Japanese private school for native Japansese children? Either a full time school or weekend/summer school.

- Does Hawaii have any trashy neighborhoods, if so, what are they?

Thanks