Hawaii Banking? (deposit, money, pay)

[Sweetbeet]

I love First Hawaiian. I use them for my personal and business accounts. The people are lovely (at least they are over here on Kauai). They are having a small problem with the processing on one of my accounts but are bending over backward to fix it (long story, something that really doesn't affect me and is unique to attorney accounts anyway).

I think they mail you the debit card but as I recall it doesn't take very long.

I keep some money in ING Direct also, for the interest rate. First Hawaiian doesn't offer very good interest on savings or CDs.

[mdand3boys]

Bank of Hawaii allows you to apply for an account, online, with a mainland address. It is a relatively simple process. First Hawaiian seems to require a visit to a branch and that you have a local (Hawaii) address.

[KonaKat]

Originally Posted by akboy

Hi KonaKat,
You are right! Thank You for this information. I was told by my WF bank here that they had branches in Honolulu, so just assumed it was true. I just did a search also, and nada. Thanks again. It seems First Hawaiian Bank would be my best choice after reading all the replies. Can i get a debit card also when i open an account? I don't write checks and never carry a lot of cash, always use my debit card. Anybody know how long it would take to get a debit card after opening an account? Thanks.

I'm not sure with First Hawaiian, but at the CU they make your card right there and hand it to you. You could call and ask tho, before you arrive just so you know. One really nice thing with Hawaiian Banks is that a real human being appears to answer the phone when you call! Amazing! I lost a debit card or 2 (once on the mainland during vacation) and I could call the number, got a real person who voided that card on the spot, so I had no worries).

Best wishes in your move.

[akboy]

Originally Posted by KonaKat

I'm not sure with First Hawaiian, but at the CU they make your card right there and hand it to you. You could call and ask tho, before you arrive just so you know. One really nice thing with Hawaiian Banks is that a real human being appears to answer the phone when you call! Amazing! I lost a debit card or 2 (once on the mainland during vacation) and I could call the number, got a real person who voided that card on the spot, so I had no worries).

Best wishes in your move.

Hi KonaKat, I am going to go with Bank Of Hawaii, can open an account online, and have the debit card mailed to me here before i leave. Thanks for the best wishes also. I will be arriving there May 2nd. Can't wait!

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by akboy

Hi KonaKat, I am going to go with Bank Of Hawaii, can open an account online, and have the debit card mailed to me here before i leave. Thanks for the best wishes also. I will be arriving there May 2nd. Can't wait!

Don't forget to add your Hawaiian Airlines number to the account. As much as you will probably be spending, you may at least get some free airline tickets!

(From another thread, check out AIG Insurance once you get there. They offer very large discounts if you have a Hawaiian Airlines number)

[nwcountrygal]

Must have got your air miles account!!!
take care!

[newUHprof]

Just thought I'd add a relevant fact to this discussion. Why not bank with someone on the mainland? Because they will call you at 4:30 in the morning. Bah! I am very sleepy today, and it is the fault of Countrywide Bank.

[sierra23]

Someone called me at 2am on the east coast from Hawaii...

[sjchan8168]

I think with the way things are going I will keep my mainland account and open up a local account. For my mortgage I will be going through wells fargo but their closing costs can cost up to 6k. Thanks for all the info, hope to see you all island side by end of year!

[localAZgirl]

MY daughter's father has been relocated to Hawaii for work and is in search of opening up an account for our daughter that will allow access in Arizona. What is the best way to do this and with what bank?