ohanas (best neighborhoods, sublet, apartments)

[waiverrn]

Someone told me these are like "small mother in law" apartments, rooms next to a private home? Is that right? Do people advertise these for rent? What is your best source to look for housing before you get to the islands? forums, craigs list, realtors?, thanks

[whynot?]

I think the general consensus here is to take a short-term rental (hotel, vacation, VRBO condo, etc.) BEFORE you rent on any island. There really is a great deal to be learned/observed by being here -- even for a short amount of time -- that cannot be anticipated from the mainland.

Yes, "ohana" are often like "mother-in-law" apartments, sometimes attached/sometimes detached from the main residence. But check out the neighborhoods before you rent anything.

Best wishes.

[lost_traveler1]

Ohana units are like dream rentals and they will be hard to come by. If you are looking in Oahu then try searching using the areas "Kaimuki" or "Waialae."

There are some on Maui and on the Big Island, but they may be occupied by well, mother-in-laws...

[Mar0]

Are you moving to Oahu?

All you can basically find on Kauai are ohana units.

[mdand3boys]

vrbo.com and homeaway.com are probably the 2 biggest ones.

CALL - DO NOT EMAIL - to get the best pricing. A phone call (remember the time zone!) will show the owner of the property that you have a genuine interest, etc. With the economy in a shambles, you will be able to get a drastically reduced rate, maybe even cheaper than renting a normal apartment when you factor in electricity, cable, internet, phone, water....

Be polite and flexible.

[waiverrn]

Yes Oahu is where I am coming to. Thanks for the websites. I do plan to be in a motel a week while looking for a place. Thanks everyone.

[MrSaturdayNight]

I dunno if I would do the motel route...did you say for 1 week? I think that might be pretty expensive and I have a feeling you may not be in the best neighborhoods with that route. What I did was just look on craigslist for a temporary sublet for 2 months. Even if the place looks to be a piece of ****, it will only be temporary till you are here to actually see the apts AND neighborhoods and commit to a year lease. 1 week may not be enough time to find a good place. If you are only gonna be here a max of 1 year for work then I suggest instead of looking for a 1 bedroom, look for shared apts or houses...those rents will be much much cheaper with utilities usually included and best of all it will all be furnished.

[Galactastica]

there never seemed to be a shortage of Ohanas on the Big Island, all shapes, sizes, attached, detached, they come in every flavor it seems. just depends on where you want to live!