How's life in Hawaii ?

[Flying_Steph]

Since I've never been there but I might have to relocate to HNL, I'd be grateful for any info on that subject, so I know roughly what to expect (people, cost of living, climate, etc).

'Needless to say I'd particularly appreciate the point of view of people with a "European" sensitivity (like Oz, N-Z, and so on...).

If don't want to spend hours on the subject, there's also a "fast track question" based on my experience of the USA, and that question is:
"I love NY but get quickly bored in cities like LA, so do you think I'd enjoy living in HNL ?"
;)

Many thanks in advance for any feedback !

[Gladiator]

Do you have kids? If so you may want to consider the cost of private schooling.

[747400CA]

Having lived on Oahu and Hawaii (known as 'the Big Island') many years ago, here is one opinion, for what it's worth:

A tropical island paradise that (by virtue of your proximity to volcanic mountain slopes and orientation to the northeasterly trade winds that blow year-round) offers almost any variation of climate and vegetation, from desert-like sunshine amid the lava fields to rain forest wetness and foliage...

...A relatively isolated Pacific island state largely dependent upon a one large commercial and miliary economic hub (Honolulu) with tourism revenue and jobs supporting a primarily rural economy on the neighbor islands...

...A somewhat unique 'local' culture of native Hawaiians, Asians (primarily Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Filipino), and Portuguese that views the the caucasian ('haole' in the native Hawaiian language) minority of approximately 23% with varying degrees of acceptance (most often based on one's ability to assimilate the relaxed and informal 'local' lifestyle)...

...A moderately expensive locality where the high cost of property and rents, food, and durable goods is partially offset by the low cost of energy (little need to heat or air-condition your home), local transportation (everything is within driving distance - Honolulu traffic notwithstanding, that is), air fares (the two inter-island carriers offer inexpensive coupons to Hawaii residents with low fares to mainland U.S. destinations available as well), clothing (slacks and a Hawaiian shirt from Reyn's substitutes for jacket and tie as acceptable business attire), and entertainment (done mostly at home with a rare exception for business or celebration occasions)...

...An expensive locality to raise children with 'public' schools (the American variety, that is) not of good quality and private schools (the best being Punahou in Honolulu with church-affiliated parochial schools or local prep schools in the second tier)charging very high tuition fees...

...A significant lack of 'big city' cultural and entertainment opportunities that would likely compel one with fond memories of the European or New York city environment to travel 'off the island' several times a year - offset by...

...An outdoorsman's dream environment with virtually any recreation activity (including skiing the slopes of Mauna Kea for a brief few weeks in the winter) readily available for your enjoyment...

Put simply, you will make compromises in moving to Hawaii - but then, isn't this true of every location?

If you are inclined to pursue your investigation of Hawaii living, some recommendations:

If close proximity to an urban environment (without a 20-45 minute flight) is a key criteria and you have a large budget for your housing needs, you will do well to confine your visit / search to Honolulu and its 'bedroom' communities on the island of Oahu...

If frequent access to city living is unimportant but convenient commercial amenities and entertainment opportunities are still desirable, look on Maui, Big Island, or Kauai...

If near-isolation in a rural ranch / farming environment is your goal, look on Molokai or Lanai...

Find the book 'Lucky We Live Hawaii?' (written by a local author - check Books In Print) for a knowledgeable and unflinching opinion of all that is good and bad in being a Hawaii resident...

My personal preference, were I to go back - 'up-country' living (up the slopes of the volcano, that is) in small towns such as Kula (Maui) or Waimea (Big Island) where one can enjoy a distant ocean view from 2000-4000' above sea level amid naturally green grass, trees, occasional clouds and rain, with the opportunity to have a garden year round and put on a sweater or build a fire in in the winter.

Hope this helps - more knowledgeable opinions (other PPRuNers with more recent knowledge jump in, please) are of course welcomed.

Thanks to all.



[This message has been edited by 747400CA (edited 26 February 2001).]

[Kaptin M]

A very interesting and informative read, 747400CA, and a nice break from the usual invectives here in this forum.

[Flying_Steph]

Thanks a lot 747400CA, I guess that's the "ultimate" post on the subject.
;)

Many thanks also to Gladiator !
Have a nice day, folks

[Engineer]

F_S any job prospects in HNL ;) ;) ;)

[Flying_Steph]

Maybe, maybe... Nothing to lose, worth the try, definitely sounds fun and QUIET to me. But as I understand it, you better have a rather "cool & low profile" karma with extraordinary adaptation skills, and if you've been an ant in a former life is a plus (bee is okay too). Anyway I'm sure you already know all this.
;) ;) ;)

Why, you're seriously interested ? Happiness is not a white Diesel 10F anymore ?

Good luck "C" ! 'See you soon... apparently :)

[Engineer]

Must be looking at the same advert Aug time - thinking about it

Happiness is "if and when it flies" Your e-mail address is very apted Eating seaweed already :)

"Good luck "C" ! 'See you soon.. apparently" this intrigue me do you know something I don't???

Whatever stay cool and collective http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/cool.gif

[This message has been edited by Engineer (edited 16 March 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Engineer (edited 16 March 2001).]

[huntsman]

worlds best surf on the north shore of Oahu during the winter months, if you're into that sort of thing.
if you are, then the rest doesn't really matter.

[yan]

Hy guys,
Are you per any chance in touch with IASCO regarding the JAL contract out of HNL???