Honolulu for us? Are we ok being white? (Waianae: neighborhoods, live in)

[Ellwood]

We spend time in HI every year and have stayed on all the islands. Each island is unique unto itself, so it depends what lifestyle suits you. Honolulu is basically a city but there are many beautiful parts of Oahu other than Honolulu. For us, Maui has everything we enjoy. We prefer the southern side and usually rent a condo. It has decent shopping, great day trip opportunities, great beaches, Hana, hiking, interesting little places along the roads. Kauai is very laid back, less populated, many areas undeveloped, but a beautiful island with outstanding scenery. Lanai is extremely limited, undeveloped, very quiet, and also beautiful. Molokai, is very rural. As far as the people of HI, we have always found them welcoming, helpful, friendly and happy. We have never experienced any racism or negativity.

[Mililani Gal]

armyvet40

Ah ha...the incident in Waianae. As a local, even I do not go to Waianae to go to the beach. Waianae does NOT have the best beaches. Probably that distinction belongs to the Kailua side of the island. I go to Ala Moana Beach Park which has Magic Island for family picnics, Waimea Bay to watch the big surf, Ko Olina (Lagoon 4 has the most parking) for a really nice beach on the west side Koolina Lagoons
If you are at K-bay, then visit the beautiful beaches in Kailua, do you have access to Bellows, that's a great beach too. Have you tried Hanauma Bay (gotta pay, but lots of marine life). Whenever you see photos of Cameron Diaz or Justin Timberlake surfing in Hawaii, its in Kailua. Michelle Pfeiffer and David Kelley own a home in Lanikai, Kailua.

Waianae up until just recently had a lot of homeless camps. The City is trying to clean up the beaches and get the homeless off the beaches, but Waianae is a very, "for Hawaiians only" kind of place. Although I was born and raised on Oahu, I rarely go to Waianae. Don't get me wrong if you are from Waianae the people are super, but they know when you are an outsider, even if you are a life long local girl.

I'm sorry to be so defensive about all of your comments about Honolulu. I just don't think it's as bad as you comments make it out to be. Waianae is an area of the Oahu, I do not recommend friends visit when they come to Oahu. Another area to kind of stay out of Kalihi. Can be kind of a rough neighborhood. But again, like all cities around the world, there are always going to be less desirable neighborhoods to stay out of.

Please take advantage of our beaches while you are here. People pay a lot of money to visit these beaches. Just try the ones listed. Oh and don't bring any type of umbrella or tent to Ko Olina, it's not allowed. Try to find a nice palm tree to shade. This beach has private security and feels very safe. Also, FYI, alcoholic beverages are illegal at beaches and parks. But difficult for HPD to manage, so if you must have a cold one, bring a can (for safety), and take your chance!

Being White is not the issue. Depending on the type of local you encounter, it's either no big deal, or they don't like you. My best advice would be to follow the golden rule -- do unto others and you would have others do unto you. Be friendly and respectful, and if you'll find those friend locals in no time. Be demanding and opinionated, and no matter who you run into, local or tourist, you will not be liked.

[ZhugeLiang]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

May sound crazy, I just wanna know that my wife and I wont be looked down upon for being white. We are moving to HI temporarily (a job came along which will allow us to live there for about 6 months), and I have heard that we may not get treated too well being white. Please tell me I have nothing to worry about.

Which island we would feel comfortable, and have no worries?

Thanks!!!

You will get some cold looks from some people here, there's no getting around it.

But it's not nearly as bad in Honolulu especially near Waikiki, as it is around the westside of the island and most of the "Hawaii for Hawaiians" crowd are generally no threat to you for higher paying jobs and can't afford to live in your neighborhood anyway, so it's generally not a relevant issue.

[ZhugeLiang]

Originally Posted by NOTAM

my sister, a long time resident, says that she notices mainlanders TALK LOUD and she notices this especially at the grocery store, they will yell to their friends down the aisle. locals dont do that.

As someone who lives here, I'd have to strongly disagree. Locals are extremely loud in their regular speech. That isn't even debatable.

Your friend doesn't sound like they have spent one day on the islands.

[Raggy dee Ann]

Originally Posted by BornInFL

May sound crazy, I just wanna know that my wife and I wont be looked down upon for being white. We are moving to HI temporarily (a job came along which will allow us to live there for about 6 months), and I have heard that we may not get treated too well being white. Please tell me I have nothing to worry about.

Which island we would feel comfortable, and have no worries?

Thanks!!!

What island will your job be on? Wouldn't you be living on the same island your job is?

[isaackko]

As a local, even I do not go to Waianae

I think a majority of local people hold this sentiment.

[sevenofsix]

Originally Posted by Raggy dee Ann

What island will your job be on? Wouldn't you be living on the same island your job is?

yeah I don't get that part

[Eeee]

Originally Posted by NOTAM

huh? i don't believe it. i was recruited heavily, and could have worked anywhere! is she an RN or LVN/LPN? if she's not an RN like me, well yeah, there are less opportunities.
hiring only locals? no way. heck, there are tons of travel nurse companies staffing tons of RN's out there on 13 week plus assignments.

hospital at Hawaii got smart, they hire contract nurse them self. didn't have to go thru agency. Hospital hire nurses elsewhere for 6 months, quick or leave after that, its' up to you

[Eeee]

Originally Posted by ZhugeLiang

As someone who lives here, I'd have to strongly disagree. Locals are extremely loud in their regular speech. That isn't even debatable.

Your friend doesn't sound like they have spent one day on the islands.

There are soft talkers and loud talkers everywhere whether you are "mainlander" or "local". Can't sum people with one or some of your experience. It's depend on how people were raise, personality and preferences.

[maitehfrustrated]

Hi, I probably couldn't be any whiter.... I lived in Hawaii for 38 years and NEVER had a racial problem. All anyone has to remember is NO MATTER who you are, if you walk around with a chip on your shoulder, someone will try to knock it off.

The people are loving, happy and welcoming. But as in every city, there are a few.... You'll be fine. Aloha