need advise about moving to Hawaii (Halawa, Aiea: work, housing, transportation)

[fromthemidwest]

I'm planning to move to Hawaii soon to work as a civilian at Tripler.

I need suggestions as to where to live that will be convenient, close to where I'll be working (and safe). Also what good temporary housing options I may have before I'm able to check out permanent housing.

What are the best arrangements for transportation...before and after I'm able to purchase a vehicle.

What necessities should I bring with me on the flight from the midwest. I won't have much room so plan on purchasing most items when I get to Hawaii.

Your ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[hotzcatz]

Aiea is close to Tripler and Halawa is too. Can you call Tripler and ask their personnel department if they have any temporary housing advice? Do you know who your boss will be? Can you ask them for advice? Asking one's co-workers and neighbors for advice is done a lot in Hawaii. Folks generally work in co-operative groups for all sorts of things.

For the flight, bring an empty water bottle so you can fill it up once you get past airport security. Also bring snacks since the airlines don't seem to have food much anymore. And some skin lotion since the airplane air is dry.

To bring from the MidWest? A recipe for your favorite BBQ sauce since the BBQ sauce you find in Hawaii will be different than you are used to. A swimsuit and you can get SPF 50 suntan lotion once you get here. A smile is really helpful, too! And remember it is an island and everyone you talk to knows everyone else so talk to and about everyone as if they are all in one family.

There is a swap meet at Aloha Stadium (which is near Aiea) every weekend and there is good used stuff on the inside ring. The outer ring of it is mostly touristy stuff which can be fun, too. Also garage and yard sales have good stuff. Houses are small in Hawaii so folks don't have room to keep stuff, whenever they get new stuff the old stuff generally has to go to make room.