A Local Who Wants To Help New Residents and Visitors (Kaneohe: transplants, 2009)

[kaimuki]

There have been numerous threads created by folks interested in visiting or moving to Hawaii and sadly before a local such as myself can reply, there are at least a half dozen or so posts by those who live outside of Hawaii painting an ugly picture of our people and culture.

My point is just because I lived in Chicago (I have never lived there, this is just an example) for a few years, this hardly makes me an expert or places me in a postion to make blanket statements about their ways of life in Chicago. Sadly some posters, not all, have made some very derogatory statements about Hawaiians an other Hawaii locals.

I think I can be of some use to those who are interested in finding about places to stay or live in Hawaii (especially O'ahu and Kauai), or those folks who have questions about a variety of topics that don't necessarily have to include race relations, drugs or other ills. After all, I'm nearly 39 years old and I was born and raised on O'ahu (specifically Wahiawa and Waipahu during my youngin days). Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit and live, and many of you might agree once you spend some time here.

[Ayiti]

Hi Kaimuki,

I think you're right. The negative threads I've read all seem to be from transplants recently settled in the islands.

I'm so tired of reading all of this crap about how horrible the locals are in Hawai'i. I was a student at UH Manoa some years back. I arrived on O'ahu fresh from Philly not knowing a soul and I encountered some of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met in my life. Every where I went people were kind and freely offered help if I looked lost or whatever. I felt like I had a bunch of family members looking out for me.

I came across this site while looking for relocation info. I'm planning an extended visit to O'ahu for this coming fall. Thank you for your offer of help. I'll be in touch with some questions of my own regarding places to stay, etc.

Take care.

[Francis-Safi]

Hi Kaimuki !
We are intrested moving to Hawaii Islands, 5-6 months a year.
Therefore we would like to ask you if you can give us some information.
We would be delighted if you could help us answering some questions.
My wife is a writer, myself I am an art painter.
We would like to rent a small and cheap... house in the countryside, somewhere on the less... touristic Islands. Is it easy to find a house to rent or are they rather rare?
Could you help us with some information?
We would come from Europe, (France) and stay from January till June 2009.
Wework in Europe the other 6 Months.
How much do we have to spend for rent.
What would cost a rented car.
I may be intrested having art exhibition, but that is not important yet.
Friendly regards from Ibiza, we are on Holiday
Francis & Safi

[Koale]

Aloha, you are so very right! Good news? I live here now. Wow, does that feel good to say or what? Your help could have been of great help and probably could still be. I was speaking w/my S/O a few minutes ago and was asked how the mosquito situation was? LOLOLOL.. I said "I haven't seen one mosquito, one fly and , sadly, only one bee in the two weeks I have been here. Cockroaches? Haven't seen even one single little 'bugga' anywhere! I see folks smiling and throwing 'shaka' everywhere. I was in Walmart pickin' up stuff for the new Ohana yesterday. Two young girls were talking big time 'pidgeon' (and I was smiling and chuckling a little) and I was having a tough time choosing a shower lotion. They didn't stop talking and one of them reached up, pulled one off the top shelf, looked at me and said 'locals, yeah?' and dropped it in my basket!. I knew I was home! This Island (Hawaii) and it's people and so beautiful. They just shine inside and out!

I read nothing but negative negative negative info for 18 months before coming over. The only negative? The Tourists and the folks that Pele spit out.

Now, if you are a gardener, as I am, study up on the different elevations. Makes a difference what plants the local nurseries will let you buy. If they don't think the plants you have choosen will thrive they will tell you.

AND... for coffee? Trust me! 'Surfin' Ass' coffee is da kine! Best flavor and aroma I have found. One location in Captain Cook and one other in downtown Kona on Alii drive.

Enjoy your adventure. Ours has just begun. Opportunities abound here. If you bring Aloha with you it will find you here. You know the saying...'Give and you shall receive'.

Aloha a hui hou!
Koale and family

[Waianaegirl]

Originally Posted by kaimuki

There have been numerous threads created by folks interested in visiting or moving to Hawaii and sadly before a local such as myself can reply, there are at least a half dozen or so posts by those who live outside of Hawaii painting an ugly picture of our people and culture.

My point is just because I lived in Chicago (I have never lived there, this is just an example) for a few years, this hardly makes me an expert or places me in a postion to make blanket statements about their ways of life in Chicago. Sadly some posters, not all, have made some very derogatory statements about Hawaiians an other Hawaii locals.

I think I can be of some use to those who are interested in finding about places to stay or live in Hawaii (especially O'ahu and Kauai), or those folks who have questions about a variety of topics that don't necessarily have to include race relations, drugs or other ills. After all, I'm nearly 39 years old and I was born and raised on O'ahu (specifically Wahiawa and Waipahu during my youngin days). Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit and live, and many of you might agree once you spend some time here.

I think that a few (6 for me) years gives you enough experience to know, about how things work in Hawaii with the locals. We just want the people who are seriously thinking about moving to Hawaii, to know what they are getting into. Yes, you are right, not all locals are mean, etc,etc, but there are those that are, and do not welcome new comers to the islands. There are very nice ones, but even you have to admit, that not all are as nice and welcoming as you. Maybe to you they are, but not to haoles, especially. You have to grow some "thick skin" if you want to live there as a white. Not all whites have issues there, and that is great. But I would hate for someone to just up and move thinking that life is great there, and be mortified (like we were, but got over it) once they get there. That's all.

[Archives]

Originally Posted by kaimuki

There have been numerous threads created by folks interested in visiting or moving to Hawaii and sadly before a local such as myself can reply, there are at least a half dozen or so posts by those who live outside of Hawaii painting an ugly picture of our people and culture.

My point is just because I lived in Chicago (I have never lived there, this is just an example) for a few years, this hardly makes me an expert or places me in a postion to make blanket statements about their ways of life in Chicago. Sadly some posters, not all, have made some very derogatory statements about Hawaiians an other Hawaii locals.

I think I can be of some use to those who are interested in finding about places to stay or live in Hawaii (especially O'ahu and Kauai), or those folks who have questions about a variety of topics that don't necessarily have to include race relations, drugs or other ills. After all, I'm nearly 39 years old and I was born and raised on O'ahu (specifically Wahiawa and Waipahu during my youngin days). Hawaii is a wonderful place to visit and live, and many of you might agree once you spend some time here.

Thanks for the post. I appreciate having another perspective outside of the negativity that people speak of.

Any experience in Maui? I ask because I am moving there in mid June.

[apfohl]

We're moving from Denver, Colorado to Oahu. Does anyone know about the Waipuna building near Waikiki? And as far as Maui, anyone familiar with the best areas to live? We want to be near a nice beach and close to restaurants and shopping and a nice elementary school. I'd appreciate any info.

Mahalo

[MovingtoHawaii]

Wow, I have been reading these threads since the decision was made to move to Hawai'i in February. There is SO much negative, I was totally freaking out! I am a single mother, with a 16 year old. I have researched and researched, schools, areas to live in, cost of living, food prices, gas prices.....I was really feeling kinda bad about the whole thing.

And then I found your thread. I just want you to know that I really, really appreciate what you said. My sister is married to a native of Hawaii. He's an engineer in Oklahoma city. His entire family is on the island of Oahu and some on Maui. He's been giving me some very useful information, areas to avoid, etc. My sister looks as white as I do. (We're Spaniard and Italian) She has blue eyes, mine are green. My sister lived there for 5 years and never had any problems. She absolutely loves HI and she and her husband are planning to move back in Sept 2008. Their heart is in Hawai'i.

I'm not rich, I'm not even "well off". I'm just a 40 year old, single mother with a 16 year to take care of. I want a different lifestyle. I don't smoke, do drugs or even drink. I want to work, volunteer, get involved in a good church out there, be a part of something bigger. I'm not looking to get rich. I'm a government employee right now. But I'll wait tables, work at a hotel. Whatever I have to do to take care of my child.

I'm so sorry about the experiences that others have had, but I just feel that I really need to make this move. If I don't.......I'll live to regret it. I just know it.

I am looking for a place near Moanalua High School, Radford High school? We can live in a studio, we don't need much space. $800 a month in rent? Is this doable?

I really appreciate you. Thanks for the hope that you given us.

Mahalo

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by MovingtoHawaii

I am looking for a place near Moanalua High School, Radford High school? We can live in a studio, we don't need much space. $800 a month in rent? Is this doable?

Foster Village is a neighborhood (single family homes, no apts) across the street from Radford High School. I put Foster Village and $800 max in the housing section of Oahu Craigslist, and got nothing. I put foster Village and $1000 in and got two hits, both studios at $850, here:

classifieds - craigslist

When I put Moanalua and $800 in, I get nothing. When I put Moanalua and $1000 in I get five, all over $900:

classifieds - craigslist

I think you need to raise your housing budget.

Hank

[SocalpalKP]

Dear Kaimuki,

I've been scouring rental properties all morning long and feeling a little discouraged. My husband has a nice job offer and we're about 85% sure we'd like to move. I read your post and it came at such an opportune time. I was hoping to find a stand alone home in Kaimuki for around 15-16000/month but I don't think it's possible. My husband will be working in Kapolei. Any suggestions about neighborhoods in the path of Kaimuki to Kapolei or Kaneohe to Kapolei. I realize traffic is going to be crazy. We live in Orange County and are somewhat conditioned to heavy traffic but I know this will be different. Any feedback, suggestions you feel will help are welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you.