Moving to Oahu : Waianae, Waipahu, Kalihi (Honolulu, Waipio: apartments, renting, roughest)

[fibblez]

Hi, I live in Oakland, Ca. Im looking to move my children out of this area because it is becoming to rough for us. I have family who live in Oahu, and they tell me that Waianae, Waipahu, and Kalihi would be very affordable as far as renting an apartment / House. Can anyone help me out with better understanding the lay outs of these cities, as far as how safe they are, how affordable and how "Mainlander" friendly they are? I have heard some things about all three that they were rough in their own ways, and I have heard that the "Lower" side of Waipahu isnt really the best place to be. Thanks for your help, looking foward to your replys

[TERRIE]

Imo...you Just Named The Three Places I Would Never Live On Oahu...just My 2 Cents

[fibblez]

are they that bad? tell me more about them if you have the time

[Jonah K]

There's a reason that Wai'anae, Waipahu, and Kalihi are relatively affordable -- those are three of the roughest neighborhoods on O'ahu. I would never voluntarily move to those areas with children in tow; however, they are probably no worse than Oakland. Of the three areas, Kalihi is probably the best, simply because commuting from there to most jobs more convenient.

[aloha2003]

The words "out of the frying pan and into the fire" come to mind here. Do yourself a favor and visit www.honoluluadvertiser.com, and read the headlines for a couple of weeks.

[orangecat]

Waianae is less desirable for me simply because the commute time to town is too much. Expect a good 2 hour commute daily, one-way, on a good day. There are plenty of other reasons I wont get into about Waianae, but are reflected in the threads on this forum.

Waipahu is a very large community of 50k so it's hard to generalize it as 'good' or 'bad'. Village Park, Waipio, and Waikele are often grouped as 'Waipahu' so if that's the case, then these communities are nice. However, Waipahu has some major ghetto areas near the industrial portions and they are not nice neighborhoods. Waipahu is still a bad long commute to town, so that's a real downer.

Kalihi is also a large area with huge ghetto areas while other sections are okay. Commute time is fantastic though as you're near everything.

[NHGirlGoneHawaiian]

You may want to consider Kunia (on the opposite side of the highway from Waipahu). I lived there for a year (now living on Kauai) and thought it was a pretty good place to be, except for the commute into Honolulu - it was an hour and 15 minutes on some days (each way). I always felt safe walking in the neighborhoods. I lived in the apartments across from Wal-mart and the grocery store (Times I think), which was almost too convenient, but at least I didn't have to get in a car to get there. I would recommend Hawaii Kai - it's nicer, further out of the city and generally pretty safe. Either way, you should definitely visit before you move. The "paradise tax" (the extremely high cost of living), the attitude by a lot of the locals toward haoles, the traffic, the very sad-excuse-for-a-police department, and a lot of homeless people should be taken into careful consideration. I came from New England with no idea, and trusted everyone, but learned real quick that the loacals will take advantage of you if you let them.

[Chococat889]

I live in Waianae for 5 years so far... My husband and I are working in town. The traffice is just "A LITTLE TOO MUCH" for us.
You may want to check out Kapolei area. It is a small town between Kunia and Waianae. I like that area. It is still growing and very convenient. If you can live and get a job in Kapolei, you pretty much don't need to go outside the town. However, if you find a job in town or away from that area,... We will see you in the traffic.
I will not concider Waipahu area. The housing is cheap for reasons. But, as ORANGECAT mention, Waikele is a good area. Just... I am not sure about the school. If you get a job in town or closer to town, Kalihi may be better (althoguh that town is a little rough as well). At least, you don't need to stock in traffic too long if you are in Kalihi.
Well, good luck on your search. Aloha!

[fibblez]

Thank you all, im planning a visit next month, so I'll keep my fingers crossed

[Jesse.Aitui]

Hi I live in Waianae in Maili Kai. Theres a new development called Sea country above me.. The homes are about 450K right now, nice neighborhood. Im in the process of moving up there.


I do admit I laughed when you say your current neighborhood is rough then mention waianae..lol! Waianae is infamous. If youre white..do not live in makaha. Sea country is alright I think. Theres plenny white people up here, Ive never seen them treated bad but then again im not around them all too often.

I will say I met a really nice young caucasion male one day..turned out he lived up in sea country...we became friends... he was new to hawaii. One day he calls me up and says hes moving- he had gotten mobbed in nanakuli.

It all depends though... I just dont know if waianae is the place you want to be in. Good luck


Ps- I work from home so do not have to do any travelling to get to town. Let me tell you- traffic is insane and the drive is so long.. I think thats one reason waianae is somewhat affordable... youre out so far in the country.