Local advice (Hilo: place to live, used car, areas)

[Balad1]

For what it's worth I still think that if fishing, scuba and other oceans sports our important to you then Kona would be a much better choice.

[hotzcatz]

There are some folks in Hilo who build Force boats. Great boats for this area since you are basically in open ocean as soon as you launch. If I could afford it, I'd get a 24' force and go out and annoy the marlin. All we have are kayaks so the marlin are safe.

There are some new car dealers in Hilo as well as a lot of used cars. Folks don't really judge you by what you drive so you don't have to get a fancy car. If you are getting a boat, then maybe a truck to move it with would be good, but the gas mileage on trucks aren't so good. Hmm.

There are quite a few old car clubs around, if you are going to get a "fancy" car, then an old classic might be a thing to have.

[savingsakura]

Originally Posted by Balad1

I'm not refering to how you will accept people but how well they will accept you. Your initial posting expressed concern for fitting in so I felt Kona would be best versus Hilo.

No offense... but, sooooo bogus ! A surgeon would be well perceived and respected by the locals. We welcome you and your family! Aloha

However, technology is best on Oahu. Scuba, snorkeling, surfing spots and experts are abundant here. Traveling to the neighbor islands is just a hop, skip, jump away. The neighboring islands are remote and offer the same beauty in their land and people.

[DonnieG]

THX hotz...very good info..and greatly appreciated...i will definitely look into Force boats. I've found a few car dealerships online and will be purchasing used... probably SUV and it will have to be 4X4. I've lived on an island b4 and know what the salty air can do to a vehicle. Plus the wife and i are simple people who enjoy the simple things in life.

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

There are some folks in Hilo who build Force boats. Great boats for this area since you are basically in open ocean as soon as you launch. If I could afford it, I'd get a 24' force and go out and annoy the marlin. All we have are kayaks so the marlin are safe.

There are some new car dealers in Hilo as well as a lot of used cars. Folks don't really judge you by what you drive so you don't have to get a fancy car. If you are getting a boat, then maybe a truck to move it with would be good, but the gas mileage on trucks aren't so good. Hmm.

There are quite a few old car clubs around, if you are going to get a "fancy" car, then an old classic might be a thing to have.

[mdand3boys]

The waters around Kailua-Kona tend to be much calmer than those around Hilo. That makes for much better fishing (and fewer sea-sick passengers). Kona has the best harbor for smaller fishing boats as well.

[DonnieG]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

The waters around Kailua-Kona tend to be much calmer than those around Hilo. That makes for much better fishing (and fewer sea-sick passengers). Kona has the best harbor for smaller fishing boats as well.

THX!!

[hotzcatz]

Since you were asking about shipping a boat from Maui to Hilo, you've found a boat already?

[DonnieG]

I've found a CAT in Maui i'm interested in. Just curious if i purchase the boat how to get it from A to B.

[hotzcatz]

Cats are fun! Although they are very stable. Either right side up or upside down. Shipping is a much better choice for a cat than sailing across the Aleniuhaha, especially for a boat you aren't familiar with. Call Young Brothers and ask them for a quote. Is it on a trailer? Is this like a Hobie or Prindle?

[DonnieG]

It's a power cat...not a sailing cat. I would love to learn to sail. But my eye is on the fishing at the moment. It's a Twin Vee. Also looking at the sea fox 23' walkarounds from Windward boats on Oahu. Not sure though. I have experience on Power Cats...mainly Glacier Bays and World Cats. They ride great...especially where i'm from..gulf coast..where the waves are choppy and close together. Just know whatever i come across must have twin outboards.