Kauai Renting and Transportation (Kapaa, Lihue: apartment, how much, layoffs)

[delld]

I'm looking to move to Kauai in 3 weeks. I just got a job offer from the State of HI, DLIR. [SIZE=3]The job is based in Lihue. I’m wondering where is good place to live? What areas should I stay away from? I heard Kapaa is nice. I’m looking for something safe and cheap (I know those two don’t always go together). How much can I excpect to pay for a studio or one bedroom? [/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Also, depending on where I end up living is it practical to commute via motorcycle or scooter? I know grocery shopping would be tricky. But is this common? I don’t want to spend the money on a car as I heard the State will be doing a round of layoffs soon. So, this whole move is kind of a gamble. Thanks for the help.[/SIZE]

[jenalove]

You can find a studio apartment in Lihue for around $800-1000. Search on Craigslist or Garden Island News. You can definitely get around on a motorcycle. Kauai is not that big and weather is pretty consistent so a motorcycle would work. There are really no "bad" areas to live in on kauai. Anahola is known to be an area where the locals live, but otherwise you should be fine. Might want to check out the towns just south of Lihue such as Omao and Koloa, you might find something a little cheaper.

[Mar0]

No, I think Lihue or Kapaa is generally cheaper than Koloa or Omao. You might want some other means of transportation other than a motorcycle. I have friends who have a bike but also have trucks b/c it rains so much. When it rains in the winter, it can really pour and if you had to take a bike to work, you would be soaked by the time you got to work.