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I have applied for a job with the USDA in Waimea HI. I have been looking for work in the mainland to little avail. I have been a sol scientist for the last 15 years, and looking for a long term place to live, work so my son can finish high school without moving again and again. I was married in August of 2009 to a beautiful wonderful Filipina and we are working on immigration which is at its last steps. I know that moving to Missouri for her is a lot of differences climate, people, way of life. And, I hope to someday be able to move to the Philippines when kids are out on their own. So, I am considering after many weeks of research and prayer and searching for work to Kauai. I am a country boy and prefer the rural life, my wife is used to the island life, but not the expense of Hawaii, my son is a fisher/skater dude that is laid back and goes with the flow. some concerns I have is of course the housing. I have been watching craigslist and see a wide variety of prices and styles. I would be making very good money if I get the job with the feds, but that's very good for here mainland. Not sure about in Kauai. I have nothing to ship except a car that I own outright, and clothes computer and sons toys and skate boards. I am used to loosing everything and starting from scratch after divorce years ago, and loosing 2 longtime jobs at once in 2008. I am friendly, and even though i'm a big white guy I feel more comfortable in Filipino groups here, and with my new Filipino family. I would rather eat fish, rice, fruits and veggies than steak, burgers and french fries. I know it's better for me anyway. and water replacing soda is no big deal as long as I can get a morning coffee.
I guess I'm not sure what to exactly ask here, other than for words of wisdom. My wife is used to simple life, and I can live in a hut. I have heard there are great farmers markets in Kauai to buy your food from. is there also a fresh fish market that you can get sea fair for non tourist prices? I love the outdoor activities that appear to be there. and I am not afraid of being the minority.
Also, are there better places to learn about rentals? I don't need fancy home, but need at least a 2 bedroom. we don't need ocean view, or all that tourist wants.
And, I am curious about school their. My son has struggled with school, because he is an out of the box type of kid and all these teachers try to put him in the box. He's a smart kid just lacks direction.
I know it will be a huge move for everyone, and my family will miss me and getting to know my new wife, but looking for what is best for my immediate family and a way of life that is different from the normal way of life.
I have applied for a job with the USDA in Waimea HI. I have been looking for work in the mainland to little avail. I have been a sol scientist for the last 15 years, and looking for a long term place to live, work so my son can finish high school without moving again and again. I was married in August of 2009 to a beautiful wonderful Filipina and we are working on immigration which is at its last steps. I know that moving to Missouri for her is a lot of differences climate, people, way of life. And, I hope to someday be able to move to the Philippines when kids are out on their own. So, I am considering after many weeks of research and prayer and searching for work to Kauai. I am a country boy and prefer the rural life, my wife is used to the island life, but not the expense of Hawaii, my son is a fisher/skater dude that is laid back and goes with the flow. some concerns I have is of course the housing. I have been watching craigslist and see a wide variety of prices and styles. I would be making very good money if I get the job with the feds, but that's very good for here mainland. Not sure about in Kauai. I have nothing to ship except a car that I own outright, and clothes computer and sons toys and skate boards. I am used to loosing everything and starting from scratch after divorce years ago, and loosing 2 longtime jobs at once in 2008. I am friendly, and even though i'm a big white guy I feel more comfortable in Filipino groups here, and with my new Filipino family. I would rather eat fish, rice, fruits and veggies than steak, burgers and french fries. I know it's better for me anyway. and water replacing soda is no big deal as long as I can get a morning coffee.
I guess I'm not sure what to exactly ask here, other than for words of wisdom. My wife is used to simple life, and I can live in a hut. I have heard there are great farmers markets in Kauai to buy your food from. is there also a fresh fish market that you can get sea fair for non tourist prices? I love the outdoor activities that appear to be there. and I am not afraid of being the minority.
Also, are there better places to learn about rentals? I don't need fancy home, but need at least a 2 bedroom. we don't need ocean view, or all that tourist wants.
And, I am curious about school their. My son has struggled with school, because he is an out of the box type of kid and all these teachers try to put him in the box. He's a smart kid just lacks direction.
I know it will be a huge move for everyone, and my family will miss me and getting to know my new wife, but looking for what is best for my immediate family and a way of life that is different from the normal way of life.
Thanks for any input and words of wisdom.
I'll try and answer a few of your questions, I live in Kalaheo about 15 minutes from Waimea.
Kauai has the largest population of Filipina in Hawaii so your family would fit in well.
Yes, there are farmer's markets and stores selling fish but the prices aren't any cheaper then the mainland. I always found this odd...
Public schools on Kauai aren't the best as a whole and probably worse on the west side were you're looking to settle. I'm sure there are exceptions and there is always private schools.
It's a small rural island so there isn't that much rental inventory so rents versus quality can be a problem.
Most of the Filipino's are in Lihue, Hanamaulu and Kapaa. Waimea is more Hawaiian and Hawaiian mix. Your wife will be very happy on Kauai as was mentioned the Filipino and Filipino mix are the majority on Kauai.
Why do you want to live in Waimea? Waimea is also more paniolo/cowboy type place.
As for the schools they will work with you (that's been my experience).
There is a big filipino population in Ele'ele. I work with tons of filipinos and they almost all live on the west side.
If I were you, I'd live in Ele'ele, Koloa or Kalaheo b/c it is more central to Lihue (more affordable shopping and a convenient area all around) but not too far from the west side.
Have you been to Kauai? It can take a lot of adjustment because it is very rural and quite different from the mainland.
My friend's mother was a special ed/autistic specialist teacher and had absolute horror stories on how the DOE treated kids with special needs. Obviously I understand that your son doesn't fall into this category, but it is indicitive on how the education system treats everyone IMO. Waimea HS is threatening to cut its band program next year. I would not have been happy being a student there. I would say that Kauai High is a teeny tiny step up from WHS and therefore if you were leaving past Ele'ele, your kids would go there.
But yes, your wife will love it here. My boyfriend is filipino and I am always the haole girl at the filipino get togethers. Too bad I really, really dislike most filipino foods!!!!
Waimae is where the job is located. I can see that the island is pretty rural. I don't mind that. Lihue is fine with me also as long as commute isn't really bad, I guess the traffic isn't as bad there as it is in Honolulu. The poor education is about like here in Missouri. No Fridays off yet but many have fired half the teachers, cut things to bare bones. My son doesn't do school activities. Anti Social I think. He is happy to be at home and fish and skate. The job I am looking at is with the NRCS USDA and would work with many of the farmers. I enjoy the filipino food. Esp. the Lechon and Pancit. I love fish and rice which are staples for the fils. And fruit would be nice to have fresh. There are no good pineapples in Missouri.
My job would pay about 45K plus 15% COLA would this be livable there? Or would we always feel poor and never able to travel home to the Phils or save for future plans?
I have never been there, I have been to the Phiippines several times, but that is much different in cost factors climate is a bit closer than Missouri. My son likes that there will be more asian persuasion there. He feels more at home than with the Haole(sp?) except that hes 14 and 6'3" tall.
I don't think he will have to much troubles with the surf dudes, since he understands the lines and ques and letting others lead through his skateboarding. Plus he will always let others go ahead of him. He did like the idea of the robotics club that is on the island.
In regards to homes I have been looking at the classifieds and CL and there are several that don't seem to bad, or to expensive. and then there are others that are very expensive, but when I look at them they are to fancy for my likings. I understand that size is smaller there than mainland, but I have been living comfortably with my son and daughter in 600sq.ft. and 1 bath 2bdr. but $440 a month is going rate here. I would love to be able to build a hut or two on a small property with basic needs. I have seen some of the "Green" yurts there which I guess is code for no electricity? But they are asking as much if not more for them than the 2bdr apt.
I'm open to everything though... I have applications and interviews from Missouri, to Wyoming to Hawaii. and I know where ever the Lord wants us the door will open. Will just have to trust him to provide enough for us to live and prepare for the future.
$45K w/cola would be better than most here make but still not a lot of money in terms of the cost of living here. Still if the family was frugal (and a Costco member) it would work out fine. There are of course pretty good benefits and security working for the Federal Government so that has to be factored in.
If moving to the Philippines is your dream then Kauai will come in a close second.
PS: Lihue would be too far to commute, Kalaheo would be about as far as you would want to go East.
Thank you for the information. There are some nice homes for rent in Kalaheo and Eleele.
I understand why so many are apprehensive to the move to Hawaii. So many decisions and no easy way to just swing by for a visit. You just have to put your faith in the Lords hands and that your making the right choices and jump in with both feet when the opportunity flies by.
Don't forget about Hanapepe as a possible place to live near Waimea. Main street has little art shops, stores, eating places and there are craft fairs all the time I lived there for 8 years and it's a very nice little town with friendly people. It's know as the "biggest little town" on Kauai.
As far as living in and around Hanpepe/Kalaheo area; the towns are centrally located as far as access to the South Shore (multiple surfing spots) and Pakalas (west side surfing spot). North shore is best in the winter but very far away. Depending on which spot your surfing at a caste system does exist just like other places.
Greets Ozark, funny that I came along this post...I was born and raised in Waimea until I moved away to see the world. The funny part is that I'm looking to retire in a few years and relocate to MO (I just bought a place in Columbia and I'm looking for a small spread in central/north central MO or by the lake area in the sticks...the woods, not the water). The cost of living on Kauai is high and the amount you're making would be adequate for a single guy but for a family, it would be a lot harder. Hell, I make a little more than that and I'm not rich, it's a little more than adequate. The westside is the best side as long as you're an outdoorsman, hunt = swine, goat (seasonal), deer (seasonal lottery), fowl (seasonal: pheasant, francolin, chukar, quail, dove)...no landowner rights in Hawaii so a license is necessary), fishing = freshwater in the river (prawn, shrimp, gobi, mullet (the State will no longer propagate trout fry so freshwater stream/reservoir fishing will probably die off); saltwater:shoreline and boat; dive, etc. Hunt for shrooms (but don't do it without a knowledgeable person as poisonous varieties abound), harvest bamboo shoots...grow a garden, and always share your bounty and they will share with you. If you live on the westside, hot and humid summers, and some chilly winter/spring mornings with that mountain air rolling down into the lowlands. Best of luck to you, and like Balad said, a lot of folks are making it with much less dough.
Also, there is a possible positions on the big island in Kealakekua and Kamuela which, looks like ther are more choices for housing and cost is less for more. From what I am reading it's a bit more affordable there?
I am reading that there is wet side of town and a dry side of town. It must be that the mountain and the trade winds affect the perciptation? That is very interesting. Here in Missouri if you don't like the weather just wait a second it will change.
Trout fishing in the fresh water streams. That would be cool. Trout fishing is my favorite fishing. Also the pig hunting would be great since they are little monsters that need to be wiped out. Here the feral hogs are on the increase and the Conservation Department says if you see one shot it. They aren't supposed to be here and they only damage the environment.
I would love to have a small garden space and sharing is what it's all about.
Summer here is Hot humid dry some years wet some years. Wet this year. And then winters are mild for mainland. last year we had a long cold snowy winter but thats not normal. So anything above freezing isn't cold to me. Anything below 90 isn't hot for me either.
It sounds like a place that would be very in tune to my way of life. I am not a man that has to have this or that or that other thing. I've done that and it only lead to heart ache and sorrow. My son is ready to move tomorrow. And my wife in the Phils. Says dear where ever the Lord sends you I will follow. My college age daughter is about to get out on her own but says Hawaii? well can I come along too? Is there Art colleges in Hawaii?
Thanks for all the helpful tips. I would love to be able to come there for a month, but being unemployed in this economy has been making ends meet pretty difficult. We are making it and doing odd jobs and small business is letting us save a little but not enough for a month there with out work. Unless we camped the whole time.
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