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Do I have this right? You're moving to Oahu without a job or any knowledge of the Island? You should take an exploratory trip to check on, among other things, your chances of employment. Social work jobs don't pay well in HI. Good luck to you.
Thanks Viper, I knew where it was having been to it. I just couldn't recall the name of the town/community. I first went to it when it when it first opened years ago. It's a nice stop over for anyone.
Hawaii Kai is 7 miles from Honolulu. Traffic is insane in the morning going from Hawaii Kai to Honolulu and will take you 15-20 longer from 06:30-8:30 am M-F. It is the same going home from 3:30pm- 6:00pm.
I know people who have moved from Hawaii Kai to Kaimuki just to get away from Kalanianaole Highway. There's only one way in and out to Hawaii Kai.
The good stuff is is that Hawaii Kai is the only boating community on the island. A lot of places are on the water and have water access. It is also a really nice upper scale community near Hanauma and Koko Head.
Waikiki is typically what mainland people think of when they move to Hawaii. The reality is is there is no street parking and it takes an addition 15 min to get into Waikiki during rush hour. There are only a few streets leading into Waikiki and I would not want to commute there everyday to live.
If you want to become local and live with the local people then don't move to Waikiki.
Kaimuki is a great upcoming area that is centrally located near town. East Oahu is the richest area in the state and is the best location to the city. Hope that helps.
yup,
it is hard to believe that Hawaii Kai is only 7 miles away from Honolulu..
I would drive my bro and SIL to work when I was there just to give them a break..
The morning commute is hell on Kalanianaole...
Returning to HK is a bit of a nicer ride..you day is done and you get some real pretty vistas after Hanuama.
After Hanauma Bay, you'd be past Hawaii Kai and heading off to Waimanalo, though wouldn't you? Living in Hawaii Kai if her employment were in 'Nalo, Kailua or somewhere that direction from Hawaii Kai would make for a much more scenic commute and probably less traffic in that direction.
Regardless, the center of Hawaii Kai (Honolulu) to downtown Honolulu is closer to 14 miles than 7.
Quote:
Originally Posted by simphony
Waikiki is typically what mainland people think of when they move to Hawaii. The reality is is there is no street parking and it takes an addition 15 min to get into Waikiki during rush hour. There are only a few streets leading into Waikiki and I would not want to commute there everyday to live.
If you want to become local and live with the local people then don't move to Waikiki.
Plenty of local people live in Waikiki condos - and have parking in the building.
Street parking is available - you just need to know when and where to look. For quite a few hours on Monday and Friday late morning to mid-afternoon, you'll find spots on the Ala Wai Canal after street cleaning. Many hotel workers get off mid-afternoon, so grab spots on the side streets near the zoo at that time. Metered spots are free 6pm to 7am and all day Sunday.
I like Hawaii Kai a lot and feel it would be a great place to live. To me, it has a smaller town feel with a nice little shopping area and a good mix of restaurants. Plus close to nice beaches and hiking areas. But I really dislike spending my time commuting in a car. Not just the time, but the stress driving in traffic as well.
In Waikiki and the surrounding area (like McCully, Ala Moana, Kakaako, etc) I would not want to rent a place with a plan to find street parking for my car. If the building you rent in does not come with a parking stall, I would recommend renting a permanent parking stall (either in the building or in a nearby parking garage) and just factoring that expense into your housing budget. You should be able to find a monthly parking stall for $200 or less in Waikiki area. I was renting one for awhile and the cost was $225 per month ... and that was one of the higher priced places near my unit.
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