Hawaii... Here I come. (Hilo, Waipio: appointed, rental, credit rating)

[SkyBob]

Originally Posted by KonaKat

The problem is though, if you want to write a check for your rent or have the cash for deposit. Lot's of landlords don't want to take an out of state check for rent, they take awhile to clear. Not always but it can be an issue sometimes. There are times when a local bank account is necessary.

Couldn't I have a Bank of America account (which has no branches in Hawaii) and put in a change-of-address for my Hawaii residence? The checks would have a Hawaii address printed on it. That wouldn't be an out of state check, would it?

An alternative is to go to one of the ATM machines, pull out enough to cover the rent, and go buy a money order. Would that work?

Bob

[newUHprof]

When I first got here, I had a mainland bank with a local address. It was OK most places, but not everywhere. Remember that both your address and the bank address are printed on the checks, and some places will look at both.

Also, if you get direct deposit there might be a problem. My employer, and my husband's, doesn't do electronic direct deposit. If your bank is local, they get a tape with the info that day. If your bank is on the mainland, they drop a check in the mail. Yeah, really.

In my experience, it's not true that the rates here are significantly lower than mainland banks. Just shop around. We're getting a good deal at a local credit union.

[whynot?]

Originally Posted by TexasCasey

Earlier someone had asked about my vehicle... It is paid for & proctically new, so I assume bringing it with me is probably the right decision... Is it pretty much the same procedure for shipping to Kauai as it would be to Oahu?

I don't know what "practically new" means, exactly, but Arkansas Traveler and newUHprof recently mentioned in another thread that if your car is less than a year old, you'll have to pay state taxes on it when it's shipped: http://www.city-data.com/forum/7164119-post10.html Just a thought so there's no nasty surprise.

Shipping a car to a neighbor isle is just like shipping to Oahu, only it takes a few extra days because they all go to Oahu first.

Back to banking for a second, we're on Maui and have accounts here and on the mainland. The only people who ever give our mainland checks a second glance is -- I swear -- Bank of Hawaii.

Any time we transfer funds they take the check from teller to supervisor to branch manager and whisper and declaim, then tell us they're going to put a 2-week hold on it "to be sure it clears." This after seven years of banking with them without any kind of shadow of a problem on our end ever. It's like banking in the pre-electronic era in my small, rural hometown -- for better and for worse.

[KonaKat]

Originally Posted by SkyBob

Couldn't I have a Bank of America account (which has no branches in Hawaii) and put in a change-of-address for my Hawaii residence? The checks would have a Hawaii address printed on it. That wouldn't be an out of state check, would it?

An alternative is to go to one of the ATM machines, pull out enough to cover the rent, and go buy a money order. Would that work?

Bob

The bank is out of state, that's what they're looking at.

And sure, you could zap cash from your ATM if you can get that much in a day.

[TexasCasey]

Thanks whynot? & to the professor... That is now on my list...... my "mark 1 thing off & add 3 things to it" list.

[mdand3boys]

Thanks from me as well for the banking info. I think I am going to open an account through one of the island banks before I even leave the mainland. I can always change my address later. May make things easier.

[Globetrotter800]

I'm in a quasi similar situation, but I have a job offer taking me to Oahu. I did face your dilemma a year ago: stay where I am and stagnate, or go where I've always felt at home. Even with this offer, the entire move isn't paid for due to the small size of the company, it involves a paycut, and I have to give away 75% of what I own. It's worth it for me. You only get one chance at this thing called life. You seem to have thought about this for awhile and planned for it. I'd say go for it. I've seen some great advice on moving and shipping cars on this forum. I'm really optimistic about my move. Good Luck!

[MovingAloha]

TexasCasey, I've done exactly what you are contemplating. In 2002, I packed up the family and moved from DC to Hawaii. I did have money from my 401K, so that helped tide me over till I found a job. I moved to Oahu and still had some friends there from my Navy days. It was rough for about six months, so be prepared for that. As for banking, the banks there are like any on the mainland, I now live in Austin and none of the banks are paying anything worthwhile as far as interest.
I love the islands and I'm making plans now to move back to Oahu either late Summer or sooner. I am saving for a cushion. But if you really plan this move out, you will be okay - just go into knowing that it's an island and things do not happen at the same pace as the mainland. I'm an Aiea/Pearl City Girl, so that is where I'm focusing my home search. I am also using my contacts to get back into the Federal job market. If you have a network - USE IT!
Best of luck to you - I think taking knowledgeable risks is what makes like worth living!

[hotzcatz]

Since the truck is paid for, bring it along and bring a small camper top for it, too. Then, if things get really bad you can at least sleep in your truck.

I know some folks who lost their jobs and then their house about three months ago and they've been living in their truck. Having a camper top on it would make their life a whole lot easier. Neither one of them have much specialized job skills, he was a clerk and she did either cashier/waitress or landscaping, I'm not sure which.

[nwcountrygal]

Texas

My advice due to the fact I am in a very similar position. I have the finances to help make any transition also. Thank god - I wouldn't even consider moving without it. I would plan on visiting the island a couple of differnt times before moving. I came over for two weeks first in November... which then extened into December. I was so in love with the island and people ... it was a no brainer. I was back before the end of December and stayed until first week of Feb. The two trips were very differnt.

Still in love with the island but second time the novalty wore off. The rose colored glasses came off. More like what it is like being with someone the first month compared to a couple of years later.

Still love the people and the place... Already booking a trip back in April..and looking at purchasing a house. but you really need to spend time where you want to live and live. Not vacation. I am used to small town living ... I can see how it would become a very small island if you are not used to it. And even being used to it as a small town - it is still differnt.

I too was all ready to move my truck - get down to a couple of suitcases. But moving everything over right away I wouldn't recomend. I instead bought a Honda CRV to get around - spent around $5k - cheaper than rentals for the space of time and quicker than waiting for truck shipped. Made sure the condition of it and resale down the line would get me out of it -if and when I decide to bring truck over.

I don't know if I could live year round on the island. It would be a scary thought to move everything over and decide not right. My family did this 6 years ago - first came decided to stay for a year and see what happened - they waited 3 years to make sure no island fever before they got rid of all the mainland things... they still love it - still there. If you can come and stay - rent a place - make sure before diving in I would. The employment is very difficult at this point in time and it isn't as easy for a newbie from the mainland to find a job. I really would check out what you can get for a job first while visiting - it may also dictact where you can live.

I opened a Bank of Hawaii account - used my mainland account debit card mainly - wire transfer bank to bank is quickest if you need cash in account but it costs $40 dollars otherwise they do hold your check up to 10 days before clearing it. Paid my bills online. Used family address - Due to getting a PO Box is near impossible! at least in Puna area. Have my statements emailed vrs sent.

Lots of things to check out if you willing for the change of how things are done. Like take trash to dump... used to that but most people not. Not much night life - if you need it .... you will miss it. Cell phones work but not all the time. Electricty wow it is expensive - but living without a heater is great!!! And when it does rain Wow I live in WA thought I knew rain - Not at all!

True it is wonderful - much Aloha- reality is a differnt way of life - Simple is best. It is a change. Really check out first.

Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for!