$200K a year and wanting to live in Hawaii (Honolulu: rent, houses)

[Murumegirl]

Okay I have read so many of these threads but want to know a side of this hawaii life thing that I cannot seem to find on here:

If I have an income of $200k a year and 3 kids ranging from 4 to 18, bearing in mind I would be working in Waikiki - where is our best place to live? What quality of life will we realistically be able to expect?

Are there any really nice neighborhoods with 2500 - 3000 sqft houses? 4 bedrooms, newer constructions, safe?? If so, where are they and what are the areas to look in?

Best schools?

I appreciate all your help!!!!

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by Murumegirl

Okay I have read so many of these threads but want to know a side of this hawaii life thing that I cannot seem to find on here:

If I have an income of $200k a year and 3 kids ranging from 4 to 18, bearing in mind I would be working in Waikiki - where is our best place to live? What quality of life will we realistically be able to expect?

Are there any really nice neighborhoods with 2500 - 3000 sqft houses? 4 bedrooms, newer constructions, safe?? If so, where are they and what are the areas to look in?

Best schools?

I appreciate all your help!!!!

In my opinion:

The best (and most expensive) area on Oahu near Waikiki is Kahala.

Kahala - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

classifieds - craigslist

The two best private schools on Oahu are Punahou and Iolani. Pretty high admission standards.

Punahou

Iolani School

Hank

[PalmSpringsDan]

200K a year? What do you do??? I want your job!!!

I'm pretty certain you'll be more than comfortable.....although a bit of a drive, maybe check out the Kailua / Lanikai area....pretty nice.

[flowermom]

I agree with the other posters regarding Kahala and Lanikai. Also, consider Portlock, Hawaii Loa Ridge, and Wailaie Iki. All are in east Honolulu. Remember the "better" private schools run around $15,000 (plus you are expected to "donate" to the school, attend fundraisers, etc.). Some parochial schools can be less - more like $7,000.

I think whether you and your children could live comfortably on that amount depends on the lifestyle you want. How often do you want to visit the mainland. Do you want to do inter-island travel. Will your kids attend private school, etc. There many things to consider that will effect the bottom line. For example, if you buy or rent in any of the areas mentioned - houses run $1.5 (for the size you are looking for, newer, etc.) and up, up, up. Paying for the house alone may eat up a large chunk of your salary. Then, you have schools, etc.

We have been in Honolulu about a year and have one child. I find that a lot of little things add up. The electric bill, food expenses, gas, school tuition, after school activities, etc. alll seem to be a bit more expensive than the mainland and over time it does make a difference. Especially because we like to travel and this has gotten so expensive too! (Sigh..how I miss Aloha and ATA).

Our income is good, but I find we spend everthing we make here. That is just my experience....

Best of luck to you!

[dmoon808]

hawaii kia, kahala, or koneohe. all lovly. beautiful.. recoment a trip first tho

[SkyBob]

Where are hawaii kia and koneohe? I can't find them on my map.

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by SkyBob

Where are hawaii kia and koneohe? I can't find them on my map.

Hawaii Kai - Google Maps

Kaneohe, HI - Google Maps