Hawaii... Here I come. (Hilo, Waipio: employment, live in, restaurant)

[TexasCasey]

Hello all & thanks for all the thoughts & suggestions. I have put together a plan... So many of you have replied to thread or sent me DM's about visiting first, that I have to believe you can't all be wrong. At the same time, I don't want to spend the money for a scouting trip/vacation, so close to the time I intend to move. I have worked hard to have 12-18 months of living monies saved up.

I have come up with a compromise. I am going to come out in June, to Kauai, as I had planned. But I am not going to send my truck, or any belongings that I can't carry with me. My plan is to find somewhere on Kauai that I can really just sleep & store my suitcases for two weeks, while I do some exploring. During this time I am going to look for some apartment or Ohana house that is furnished that will rent to me for two months. During this two month period, I am going to visit BI & Maui at least, maybe some others to make sure that Kauai is really the island for me.

Of course during all of this, I hope to "meet" Hawaii & Aloha for myself, enjoy some new food, meet some new people & have some fun, too!

I am setting myself up here in Texas, so that if I get "Spit Out" (love that term), I can run home & be in descent shape to start over. And if Hawaii does become my new home, I can send for Truck & a few other things later.

So many of you that have helped me already... What do y'all think of my 'Grand Idea'??? Maybe give myself a chance to visit, while learning to live, with a bail-out clause??? Comments, Suggestions, Alterations would all be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot, -Casey.

[nwcountrygal]

Originally Posted by TexasCasey

Hello all & thanks for all the thoughts & suggestions. I have put together a plan... So many of you have replied to thread or sent me DM's about visiting first, that I have to believe you can't all be wrong. At the same time, I don't want to spend the money for a scouting trip/vacation, so close to the time I intend to move. I have worked hard to have 12-18 months of living monies saved up.

I have come up with a compromise. I am going to come out in June, to Kauai, as I had planned. But I am not going to send my truck, or any belongings that I can't carry with me. My plan is to find somewhere on Kauai that I can really just sleep & store my suitcases for two weeks, while I do some exploring. During this time I am going to look for some apartment or Ohana house that is furnished that will rent to me for two months. During this two month period, I am going to visit BI & Maui at least, maybe some others to make sure that Kauai is really the island for me.

Of course during all of this, I hope to "meet" Hawaii & Aloha for myself, enjoy some new food, meet some new people & have some fun, too!

I am setting myself up here in Texas, so that if I get "Spit Out" (love that term), I can run home & be in descent shape to start over. And if Hawaii does become my new home, I can send for Truck & a few other things later.

So many of you that have helped me already... What do y'all think of my 'Grand Idea'??? Maybe give myself a chance to visit, while learning to live, with a bail-out clause??? Comments, Suggestions, Alterations would all be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot, -Casey.

Casey

sounds like a good plan to visit.. how old are you . ... how much do you have live on - I know you said a year ... honey it the island calls you and it sounds like it --- it is tough if you are looking for job.... find people network - real like get it in writing. You are going to the smallest island- the big island you need at least 10 days to see it - not alone network with people.

although you sound great - a down to earth person - it can work out all great for those called. it is just so differnt is all of us are saying. You wouldn't think it so but somehow just is. Look for a place you can be roomates - simplify life - don't talk too loud! and never call Hawaiian a redneck ( even if seems much the same) Update us on your journey

My thing- ask the island if it wants you - make some kind of Aloha and look for sign it accepts you - kinda strange i know - not into alternative - but some - ask the island for a sign you should be there - it will tell you if not or overwhelming yes--- as for the people! My favorite - find some Lau laus OMG soooo good - buy on corner or markets!!! don't spend more than $10 for three though - that is a high price.........

good luck honey! hope you find what you are looking for!

[Brav989]

Well whatever you decide just remember Hawaii is sort of its own country in its own way. There will be a culture shock to you no doubt. Certainly different than moving from any mainland state to any mainland state (and I've been to many). Remember you're the newbie there and things tend to run different and sometimes much slower than on the mainland. That's just how it is and it probably won't ever change; and it's probably for the best. Just roll with the punches.

[hotzcatz]

It sounds like a workable plan. You aren't spending a whole lot to get here and if you decide to stay or are able to stay, then you can send for your things. Having a bolt hole to return to if necessary is a really good thing, too! It seems well thought out.

[kdunn57]

How is it going ?? Are you doing ok in the Islands My thoughts are with you.
kdunn

[Globetrotter800]

My move finally happened. I'm in the process of looking at and applying for places. I was wondering what is normal information to provide on an application? I expected the whole process to be different and prices to be higher. Is it normal to provide your bank acct numbers on the application along with ssn? I know the ssn is needed for the credit check, but I am uncomfortable giving out both. I know copies of paystubs are normal, and I empathize as a owner trying to rent out a place on the mainland how important it is to get a reliable renter. Plus, does anyone know how to get a free credit rating (not report)? The realtors have suggested getting my own rating to save on the application fee.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Globetrotter800

My move finally happened. I'm in the process of looking at and applying for places. I was wondering what is normal information to provide on an application? I expected the whole process to be different and prices to be higher. Is it normal to provide your bank acct numbers on the application along with ssn? I know the ssn is needed for the credit check, but I am uncomfortable giving out both. I know copies of paystubs are normal, and I empathize as a owner trying to rent out a place on the mainland how important it is to get a reliable renter. Plus, does anyone know how to get a free credit rating (not report)? The realtors have suggested getting my own rating to save on the application fee.

Go directly to the experian.com site and sign up for the advantage program (or whatever they call it) Sure, they want you to pay for it, but you have 9 days to cancel at no charge. Get the entire report and your score and then cancel the membership.

[TexasCasey]

Hello all, I just got back from my first trip to HI. Spent two weeks on BI. Had intended to get over to Kauai for a few days too, but ran out of time.

First of all, from everyone I talked to, it sounds like the last two weeks have been much rainier or overcast than normal for the entire island (all islands, from what I saw on the news). So, I am gonna try to be realistic about the fact that Kau District & Kona/Kohala side of the island are normally much more sunny than what I experienced.

My first impressions are simply... Wow, what a beautiful place... I mean the scenery, the people, the food, the traffic... everything that is important to me.

The scenery: Ok, be real, it is Hawaii - even overcast, do I really have to say much more. Got to Southpoint, Polulu & Waipio Valleys, Akaka falls, several parks/beaches on each shore. Even found a number of sandy beaches for snorkeling. Never did get up to the Vocanoes & never did any scuba diving. It was all that I expected & I know there is more to see.

The people: Met & made good conversation with a wide variety of people - from the recluse type up in HOVE, to 5th gen Hawaiians along hwy 11 from Hilo to Kona & up in Hawi, to transplanted locals all over the place, even talked story with a few 'bums' with their carts, wandering Alii Dr. All I can say is I never had any uncomfortable moments nor was I made to feel unwelcome. Usually asked how life was & told a little of my plans & for the most part thought I just met good people.

The food: Was surprised that the big fast food chains were not any higher than they were, I found any meal to be about a buck higher than at the same chains here in Texas. Loco Moco! Now that is my kind of breakfast! Ono! Now that is my kind of fish. I already loved teryaki, found that to be very popular - guess I should of realized that, but never thought about it. Tried a few mexican places - guess I really love "Tex-Mex"... will have to adjust my taste buds. I had kind of expected restaurant prices to be higher & was not disappointed. But overall, loved every meal I ate, except the Mexican.

The traffic: Wow, was extremely impressed with the taffic flow, even considering so many places, it is ony one path from point A to point B. Once I figured out a few main roads & a few side roads in the Kona area & the Hilo area, it was a breeze to get around. Found traffic jams a few times on Hwys 11 & 19, during rush hours, so I finally found ways to avoid those.

Okay, I just wanted to relay a few of my thoughts & just realized this has gotten away from me... So suffice it to say, my choice between Kauai & BI is only more muddied now! Do I just go to Kauai & check it out for a month or so, then move on to the BI, if that is what I decide??? Do I move to BI & just plan on several trips to visit Kauai??? Well, either way, I guess I am lucky that I will be traveling lightly & solo! Man, why didn't I go to Kauai the last 3 days? I knew I should have! But, I know why... Because I already feel in love with the Kona & Kohala areas & wanted to spend more time there.

Aloha evyone... see you in June!

[mdand3boys]

TexasCasey, I am happy to hear that you had such good experiences on the Big island!
Did you also check out rental prices? Did you stay in hotels or vacation rentals?

[HankDfrmSD]

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.

I have a checking account in a Hawaii bank, and one in a California bank. I have my checks printed so that my California address is on my Hawaii account checks, and my Hawaii address is on my California account checks.

All my checks are "local" in both places.

Hank