Moving from South TX to Hilo Hawaii

[Topher]

Atredi...You gave me a good chuckle (in a nice way) reading your ongoing posts. aahh.the saga of youth!! We can only hope to grow from our past experiences and look forward to those yet in the future. Don't think you were truly ready for such an endeavor. Sounds like you got some of your parent issues resolved though, so that in itself is a great trade-off. I am considerably older than you but have the same wanderlust spirit.I am planning on visiting Hawaii for the first time in 2009. From there, who knows?? Take care of yourself and try to always smile at whatever life throws at you...: Peace Topher

[rjs]

Originally Posted by atreidi

I am contemplating and planning my move to Hawaii. So far this is the plan.

1. I will take a bus from South TX to San Diego.
2. The same day I arrive at San Diego I will take a pre-purchased plane to Hilo.
3. Once I arrive at Hilo I will stay at a cheap hotel.
4. The same day of my arrival I will visit 3 different apartments I had previously searched and choose one.
5. The second day of my arrival I will move in to my new apartment and settle in. I will pay for 2 months of rent.
6. The first 2 months I will concentrate on getting a job.
7. Once I find a suitable job I will begin looking for a new apartment that is "relatively" close to my new job.
8. Once I find a place and a job I will consider buying a car/motorcycle on the island or importing my own from inland.

My budget is $2,500 to $3,000 max for the 2 first months.

Bus Tickets $85.
Plane Tickets $250.
Hotel $200.
Rent/Electricity/water per month $850 (shared). (Or lower)
Bus/taxi/auto-rental per month $200.
Food per month $450.
Leisure expenses per month $0. (I will try)
Health expenses per month $0. (I can only hope)

Travel Expenses = $535
Total Expenses per month = $1500

Job Hunting
I am 23 years old. I have a BBA in Economics and some MBA hours.
I have 5 years Management experience. I've worked in banks, retail, hospitals, consulting and logistics. I am very optimistic about finding a job in Hilo, not only because of my experience but also because I am willing to take any job I feel comfortable in. Even if I have to do a job I don't particularly like. It will only be a temporary job while I get settled.

I expect my job hunt to last at most 4 weeks.

Motive
The reason I want to move is to have a change (drastic) in my lifestyle. I am looking for a more relaxed slow paced lifestyle.

The reason I am writing all this in this forum is just to get some advice or pointers to help me decide how to move. Or advice on a way to do it cheaper or better. I also have a few questions.

How easy is it to find a Room to rent in Hilo? (so far i've seen many online, roomates.com and craigslist)

How varied is the entertainment activities available in Hilo?

Is the nightlife very active?

Do you recommend me to move to Hilo?

Thank You all

Wow, I do hope you find what your looking for. Peace, and safe travels.

[MrDezi]

Originally Posted by Topher

Atredi...You gave me a good chuckle (in a nice way) reading your ongoing posts. aahh.the saga of youth!! We can only hope to grow from our past experiences and look forward to those yet in the future. Don't think you were truly ready for such an endeavor. Sounds like you got some of your parent issues resolved though, so that in itself is a great trade-off. I am considerably older than you but have the same wanderlust spirit.I am planning on visiting Hawaii for the first time in 2009. From there, who knows?? Take care of yourself and try to always smile at whatever life throws at you...: Peace Topher

There is one thing I can tell you about this trip. It changed my life. It allowed me to Understand what I really wanted to do with my life and more importantly to set my priorities straight. YES, I spent alot of money on this trip, but in the long run I know it was a decion that changed the course of life.

[worktolive]

Don't look at it as a failure. It's a learning experience. If you never risk it and try something, you'll never learn anything (and you'll have alot of "coulda, woulda, shoulda" thoughts tormenting you later in life). At least this way, you know this particular dream is not the right one for you. Good luck - it took me three moves after college before I finally found the right place so don't give up!

[xb90]

Hey astreidi, how did this all work out? It's a little over a year since the last post to this thread and I'm just wondering did you ever make the move from Texas to Hilo?

I've been living here for about 5 years now and just wondering how any newcomers are doing. Personally, I telecomute to a mainland job (not an easy gig to arrange but good if you can find it). It seems that employment would be the biggest challenge here but I suppose that depends on your requirements.

[mdand3boys]

I believe that the hostel that is in downtown Hilo charges about $35 per night according to the sign out front. It may be the same one mentioned in the other post.

As to jobs and getting one in 4 weeks on the Big Island - it probably won't happen. BI unemployment is around 10%+ right now and you will be competing against "born-here-locals" who already know people and have local references. If you don't already have an 808 area code cell phone, get a throw-away one now. No one will call you for an interview if you don't have a local phone number or a "real" local address. A hotel or hostel address won't cut it.