Mainlander seeking advice on moving to Hawaii (Honolulu: apartment, to rent)

[TaraBara]

I’m looking for some advice and input about moving to Hawaii.

A bit of background: I currently live in Georgia, and have been unemployed for some time now. Gone on countless interviews locally, but so far, no dice. Because of this, I’ve expanded my job search nationwide. On a whim, I applied to a job in Hawaii (Honolulu). I fit the job description perfectly, and was really drawn to the position.

A few days ago, I had a phone interview with the employer, and (I think) it went really well. I’ll find out next week, if he calls me for the second round of interviews. If hired, he said I should be prepared to move within the next month or so.

I now find myself scrambling to learn anything and everything about Hawaii. Of course it’s beautiful down there, but I’m not naïve. I know it costs a pretty penny to live down there, among other things I need to consider. To further add to my concerns, I’m not exactly sure how much this employer would pay me if hired.

I’m in no position to buy a house, so I’d have to rent. Judging from what I’ve seen, the average apartment runs $1,000 per month (more or less). If less, I’d probably have to go without central heating and air. Or maybe not?

I also have a dog. I know there’s a lot of paperwork involved in getting her down there, although I haven’t really looked into this just yet. God only knows how much it would cost to relocate her. One thing’s for sure…I can’t NOT bring her with me.

Aside from the dog, it’s just me. No family to support or take care of. On a similar note, I have absolutely no one in Hawaii to help me out or show me the ropes. Kind of scary, now that I think about it.

Then there’s the question of my furniture and other belongings. How does someone from the mainland transfer these items? Should I just sell them and repurchase if/when I get there?

I guess I’m just looking for some homespun advice on my situation. Of course, I don’t even have the job yet, but in the event that an offer IS extended to me, I’m trying to get some ducks in a row. I don’t want to move to the island, only to end up broke and stranded because I didn’t research.

Please lend me any advice you might have. Thanks so much for reading this!

[hothulamaui]

if they offer the job and it pays a living wage and you are up for an adventure I would do it. oahu is large and you will find lots to do and people to meet. your dog may be ready now if he is UTD on shots and a few other things. I think too, if not you can still bring him they just won't release him till the requirements are met. I am unsure of the cost but I would guess at least a thousand plus? as to furniture I would sell all that is not special and store the rest. I live on maui but I am sure others can tell you all about oahu. good luck what a fun adventure

[mdand3boys]

Get it in writing.

[TaraBara]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

Get it in writing.

Thanks for that profoundly insightful answer.

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by TaraBara

I also have a dog. I know there’s a lot of paperwork involved in getting her down there, although I haven’t really looked into this just yet. God only knows how much it would cost to relocate her. One thing’s for sure…I can’t NOT bring her with me.

If you bring your dog, she either goes into six months quarantine in a State Kennel, or you comply with the following rules, which I believe take a minimum of six weeks. You must comply COMPLETELY:

Animal Quarantine Information — Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Read this discussion here, by folks who have been through the process:

Recent direct release of pets at the airport? Please share your experience.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by TaraBara

Thanks for that profoundly insightful answer.

I wasn't kidding. Get the job offer in writing. If you peruse older threads on the same subject, you will see why. There are many people here who will tell you the same thing.

[hotzcatz]

Yup, absolutely get the job offer in writing and don't be surprised if the job you end up with isn't quite what you expected. Frequently folks get a job while they are on the mainland and get here to either find out the job has vanished, been given to someone else or doesn't match the job description at all.

If you don't have time to get the dog completely ready to fly over, is there anyone who can take care of her during the waiting time? By then, you'd be relocated and found a place where you could have a dog and by then, you'd hopefully know if living on an island is something you want to do.

[KoaKine]

One of the hardest things to do is rent a place in Hawaii with a dog! If you come out and just get a quick little place without the dog then you will have a much better chance to get a place that will allow dogs.

[TaraBara]

Originally Posted by HankDfrmSD

If you bring your dog, she either goes into six months quarantine in a State Kennel, or you comply with the following rules, which I believe take a minimum of six weeks. You must comply COMPLETELY:

Animal Quarantine Information — Hawaii Department of Agriculture

Read this discussion here, by folks who have been through the process:

Recent direct release of pets at the airport? Please share your experience.

Thanks Hank. This was very helpful.

[tyvin]

What's the job?