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There are so many things to look into when making a move to Hawaii, but if you take it one step at a time (like I am doing now), read through the messages here and keep all your ducks in a row it can be done. At 73 my situation is admittedly different than most thinking about moving, but I can still remember when we were youngsters we moved several times and it was not that difficult for us. We made new friends and the neighbors usually were very friendly and helpful. I've also heard of youngsters having major problems going from grade school to high school without moving.
It seems like "Ya pays yer money and takes yer chance"!
Mickey
I've been in communications with Tammy before her post here. And she's been doing a lot of research and evaluation for her and her son's personal situation.
I agree with Mickey. Fitting in as a teen, has so much to do about the personality of the child and the home support they get. As a child my first move happened at 7, moving to a new country, learning a new language, etc. Then moving three times to different schools by 14.
At 14 moving back to the US, mother went into real estate and flipped houses before it was hip. More schools are a newbie. A positive outlook and being friendly will help anyone in being accepted in a new locale. That also works for ADULTS.
Married 30 years and moved 13 times for our corporate jobs with two girls. They did just fine, level headed, family values and morals in place, they finished their schooling. And one daughter is still in contact with two friends from 2nd grade. Her BFF from 6th grade is the god mother of both her boys.
Financially of course it's easier with two adults with no kids BINKs. Kids cost money, at least no prom dresses are in the future for Tammy's budget.
Most important is that her son is excited about the possible move. If he was against the move, then you would need to really consider that into the equation. There are several teens in our complex, some looking very haole, but they said that they liked the WH and made many friends quickly. Now that could be because they were outgoing and even wanted to talk to an OLD lady from CA.
I'm sure Tammy will evaluate all the info on the forum plus her direct messages and chose that's best for her and her son. ; )
Being called a haole, can be and cant be a bad thing depends on how the word is used. For example if you are reffered to as the haole neighbors, it is ok thats just a fact of life we are haoles. If however the word appears with a certain colorful word that starts with "F" in front of it ex. "that f***ng haole" then there is a problem. I have never been reffered to as a haole, and it wouldnt bother me if I were. I guess what I'm saying is that the word haole shoulnt be a deterrant for your move to Hawaii.
I've been in communications with Tammy before her post here. And she's been doing a lot of research and evaluation for her and her son's personal situation.
I agree with Mickey. Fitting in as a teen, has so much to do about the personality of the child and the home support they get. As a child my first move happened at 7, moving to a new country, learning a new language, etc. Then moving three times to different schools by 14.
At 14 moving back to the US, mother went into real estate and flipped houses before it was hip. More schools are a newbie. A positive outlook and being friendly will help anyone in being accepted in a new locale. That also works for ADULTS.
Married 30 years and moved 13 times for our corporate jobs with two girls. They did just fine, level headed, family values and morals in place, they finished their schooling. And one daughter is still in contact with two friends from 2nd grade. Her BFF from 6th grade is the god mother of both her boys.
Financially of course it's easier with two adults with no kids BINKs. Kids cost money, at least no prom dresses are in the future for Tammy's budget.
Most important is that her son is excited about the possible move. If he was against the move, then you would need to really consider that into the equation. There are several teens in our complex, some looking very haole, but they said that they liked the WH and made many friends quickly. Now that could be because they were outgoing and even wanted to talk to an OLD lady from CA.
I'm sure Tammy will evaluate all the info on the forum plus her direct messages and chose that's best for her and her son. ; )
Ruby
Ruby, you say it so gracefully!!! Cody and I thank you!!!
Being called a haole, can be and cant be a bad thing depends on how the word is used. For example if you are reffered to as the haole neighbors, it is ok thats just a fact of life we are haoles. If however the word appears with a certain colorful word that starts with "F" in front of it ex. "that f***ng haole" then there is a problem. I have never been reffered to as a haole, and it wouldnt bother me if I were. I guess what I'm saying is that the word haole shoulnt be a deterrant for your move to Hawaii.
Hi timbo,
It won't bother me one bit! However, it does bother me what I have heard about what can happen at school. The more research I do I think it may tend to happen to happen in some(a few) area's over others. What's your thoughts on it? Do you think the new kids from mainland are given a hard time? Keeping in mind I wouldn't move to a area thats all local's. If it's still all locals thats the way they want it.
LOL use to be TINKs = Triple Income No Kids, then 2007 hit, DINKs = Double Income No Kids, then 2008 OINKs = One Income No Kids, forced retirement for one in 2011 = BINKs = Budget Income No Kids... in Makaha
Tammy, maybe I missed it, but I didn't see that you've ever visited the Hawaiian islands. If you have, ignore the rest of this paragraph. Before making the huge expense to move here, try a visit first. Walk the neighborhoods and apartments in your price range, ride public transportation on Oahu, buy groceries, talk to the locals and people who did what you're trying to do on your budget. In other words, try it out for a few weeks and see if the vibe is really what you imagine. If you can afford to take your son out with you to visit, let him also talk to kids his age, check out schools, hangouts.
Finally, sit down with a calculator and look at your monthly expenses in Iowa. Everything--including groceries, incidentals, medications, trips to McDonalds, you name it. When you have a total, add 30 percent to it. That'll be your bare-bones budget in Hawaii, without emergency reserve. I know it sounds like I'm all about the money, but you know how it is. When you don't have enough of it, it really sucks.
I know you're trying to make a good decision. Blessings to you, no matter what you decide.
Tammy, maybe I missed it, but I didn't see that you've ever visited the Hawaiian islands. If you have, ignore the rest of this paragraph. Before making the huge expense to move here, try a visit first. Walk the neighborhoods and apartments in your price range, ride public transportation on Oahu, buy groceries, talk to the locals and people who did what you're trying to do on your budget.
Bravo! An excellent point that I completely missed.
OP, have you been here? Are you willing to take a trip out here before moving? Highly recommended.
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Ruby
Before making the huge expense to move here, try a visit first. Walk the neighborhoods and apartments in your price range, ride public transportation on Oahu, buy groceries, talk to the locals and people who did what you're trying to do on your budget. In other words, try it out for a few weeks and see if the vibe is really what you imagine. If you can afford to take your son out with you to visit, let him also talk to kids his age, check out schools, hangouts. 
