Currently in my 4th year teaching, last 3 as a high school math teacher. I understand teacher pay is low, it's low everywhere, I have VA disability to supplement my income. I'm wondering if there's still a real need for high school math teachers in Hawaii or if recent pay increases have helped alleviate the shortage. I currently hold a masters in education, bachelors is physics and political science, a full math certification in Rhode Island, and a temporary ESL certification as I work toward a masters in TESOL.

Additional question: Any areas I should concentrate on applying to as an Army veteran that has high populations of military dependent students?

Hello. We are relocating to Oahu in early January and have received quotes from several movers, however, I have heard derogatory things about most of them. Reviews have complained that companies "pad" the pricing or add hidden costs at the end to make the final amount more than what was quoted, or have lost or broken items in transit, that communication was poor, etc. For those of you who have done a long distance move to Oahu, who did you use and do recommend them? Why or why not? Also, it's crazy expensive. We have been quoted between $19K and $34K. FWIW, we are moving from the east coast of the US. TIA!

I’m moving to Hawaii in 2 months from Canada as part of a three year work contract in healthcare, I’m just wondering if anyone knows of any queer groups or ways to meet friends?

I’m likely going to be in Honolulu or Oahu.

I have a great (albeit small) crowd of queer friends here and am a bit nervous for such a big move, and would love to find ways to socialize and connect beforehand.

If you have any leads, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Moving to Oahu next year and looking at shipping a car from San Diego to Honolulu. I've read a lot of good reviews of Matson but not so much for Pasha. Matson doesn’t ship from San Diego, only Pasha does. Anyone have experience with shipping a Tesla with Pasha from San Diego? Or should I drive to Long Beach to ship with Matson? Appreciate the answers

My daughter is moving to the island late next spring for a new job. We know all about the housing shortage and are already looking, but I’m having some difficulties finding reliable info on average utility costs for apartments in the area. What should she expect? Her apartment size will be a Studio. Two people.

Aloha we are moving back to the islands with our cat (she moved with us when we moved away). However, it's more complicated moving back with a cat as opposed to away from Hawaii with a cat. I already spoke to my vet about the titer tests needed to avoid quarantine. Does anyone have a recommended airline that accepts cats in cabin? We flew Hawaiian to Hawaii but my partner may need to fly first class back to hawaii (they need special accommodations). I'm curious which airlines allow pets in first class? I saw that Alaska allows for pets in first class. Does anyone know if they accept Hawaiian miles? We are looking for a direct flight from Oakland, San Jose, or San Francisco. My partner might move with the cat before I do, otherwise I'd just take her with me on a regular economy or comfort seat. Also would love any advice people have for moving with a cat. She's old, shy, and nervous but very sweet. Probably the most stressful thing about the move is making sure she's okay. Mahalo!

Hello, would it be difficult to find a part time gig driving trucks as a black woman? I didn't think this would be an issue till I received a lot of pushback from truck drivers on another platform.

Some told me that I wouldn't get hire because I'm not a local but I've already made a few calls to some companies and the people I talked to seemed very nice. I just got my CDL and would like to gain experience driving a manual transmission, as that is what most companies use in Oahu.

I’m not one to take others’ opinions at face value, but I’m curious to hear from locals, aside from the cost of living.

Ps: I’ve already purchased my ticket, so I’m going regardless, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.

My fiancée and I, both early 30s, are interested in moving to Oahu. She works in the medical field. I work remotely. We currently live with family in the San Diego area. We’ve been thinking of moving out of CA for a while. I do feel some concern about pushing the locals out but my partner really loves the tropical vibe as she likes Florida. Our pre tax combined income is a little over 300k. If we do move over, we would start by looking for an apartment first before looking for a house to buy. We are both homebodies but like to do outdoor activities and aren’t really city people so we’d be more interested in living outside of Waikiki or further out. We have a couple of friends out there so we wouldn’t be completely alone. We have two dogs and a cat. The past few times we’ve been there, we really liked it. We plan on going again in December to visit and participate in the Honolulu marathon and to also try to view it as less of a tourist and more as someone who lives there.

We have two cars, would probably sell one of them. We don’t have too many belongings, maybe enough stuff to fit in a bedroom (bed, dressers, tv, clothes etc) and wouldn’t mind selling stuff before we move.

Is there anything we need to know before we make any more decisions?

TLDR: moving from San Diego to Oahu, any regrets? Also a little ethical concern over pushing out locals. Any advice?

Edit: someone is downvoting all my responses. Doesn’t look like they want us to move lol.

Moving to Oahu beginning of January and looking at shipping a car from LA/Long Beach to Honolulu. I’ve read a lot of good reviews of Matson or Pasha…anyone have experience with either one of these? One over the other? Appreciate the answers

I've googled that its safe/legal to sleep in a vehicle only during the day, but is it legal to be living in a motor home?

Moving to Hawaii (specifically Oahu) for university and I need a good bank that doesn't have monthly fees and I have easy access to. Closing my main bank account on the mainland for security reasons and I need any and all advice for banks that is friendly to students, etc.

Any and all ideas, advice, etc with explanation is welcomed!

My husband and I (and our golden retriever) are about to sell our house in Virginia and we’re entertaining the idea of residing on Oahu for 3 months in a furnished apartment before we buy another house in VA. We visited 4 years in a row from 2014-2017 and got engaged out in Yokohama Bay, so we have some knowledge of the island, areas and highways. We’ve stayed in Ko Olina and Waikiki. I’m looking for recommendations on which city to stay in where I would be able to get the most out of our time there. Prefer to be no more than 5-15 mins from water, I’ve saved a place in Kapolei, but 100% open to suggestions. We love to hike, go to the beach, fish, go out to bars (dive or club vibe), go out to eat/street food, and explore and meet new people. We plan to primarily work remote, but I can bartend/serve, so perhaps some place within 20 minutes of where I could do that, if needed. Also, if anyone has better recs on long term car rentals, I have a few saved on turo (around $750/month). And anything else you’d like to share, suggest or recommend! Mahalo!

Can anyone recommend a real estate agent they trust on the island of Oahu? I tried finding one through Zillow but that was a nightmare. Also I'm not sure if this is the right sub so if not please redirect me :)

Both my wife and I are in our mid-30s now and our families have a long history of living on Oahu. We were one of the first in our families to experience life living in the continental US for 10+ years (our parents went to college there, but they returned home afterwards). We recently decided we’d like to move back home to raise our first kiddo near family, but one of the things that is a bit of a mental block for us is regarding the shikataganai (仕方がない) culture that we grew up around.

Growing up, I think I believed that this type of mindset was a good thing and it helped me ‘get over’ hardships more quickly and just focus on things in my control. After moving to NYC and making a lot of activist-type of friends who were super outspoken about not accepting the status quo for what it is, I was pretty culture shocked. I really loved emotionally connecting with so many people and I met so many passionate and compassionate people who cared about the world (regardless of industry) and lead pretty courageous lifestyles.

I’ve visited back home multiple times, and I have been feeling a disconnect between my friends and family for several years. They’re aware of some of the social causes I care about and some of them will vote, but almost all of the conversations we’ll have is about food, sports, the weather, or the newest tv show. Don’t get me wrong - I like all of those topics, but when discussing what’s going on locally, nationally, or internationally, they seem to just not really invest much energy into any of these topics.

I used to just kind of accept this difference and move on with my life, but as we’re moving back home it seems like it’s going to be a point of contention for us. I’ll try to bring up really relevant topics to their daily lives (not just things happening far away from them) like the red hill fuel spill, Mauna Kea, the housing and homelessness crisis, and etc…. they’ll MAYBE share what they think, but they generally just pass the buck and just focus on their own lives. While not everything can be contributed to just the culture, I just feel like shikataganai culture in Hawaii is more learned helplessness.

Now that I have a newborn daughter and am getting a bit hypervigilant with all the changes happening with the US federal government, I not only want to protect her but I also want her to fight back and resist messaging that she is not in control of her own life. My deepest fear is not for myself, but that my daughter will just let things just happen to her, not fight back, and move on with her life. After living in nyc, I realized I had just been letting things happen to me when I grew up and I felt so empowered after my experience living in the city.

I understand that my experience is my own, but I’ve talked to other friends who’ve moved away from home who feel the exact same way and worry about moving back. I love all my friends and family, but I think I need to figure out how to respond to this a bit more for my and my family’s sake. I’ve tried bringing this up with friends, but I’m often met with either apathy or some resentment/pushback (e.g. ‘don’t try to change your home just because you don’t like it - Hawaii is not the mainland and if you don’t like it, stay away’). Most of my friends and family members are more townies, but typical locals ethnically (mixed Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, Korean, Portuguese, etc.).

I’d really love to hear locals’ perspectives on the issue, but also love to hear how others (namely POC) also have adapted to moving to Hawaii.

Hello. Family of 3 looking to move to the Big Island and hopefully creating a nice community. I am a CNA, my mother does offgrid work, and my aunt is retired looking for peace and community. I am looking at the area around Hilo, Mountain View general area. I hear it’s nice with lots of variable temperatures. Some say high crime, though like any rural place it seems dependent. We are used to living offgrid and like living in tiny homes. I plan to continue my work as a CNA and was wondering if I could support my mother, aunt and myself off of a probably 15/hour pay with a house fully paid for with off grid utilities, growing our veggies and potentially livestock. (If its permitted, livestock can be hazardous, but I raise rabbits and chickens currently). We will soon be visiting the area but this was my most pressing question. We have about 300k in savings for land purchase and house building, is that enough to build housing for that area? Wondering if one big house or 3 tiny houses is cheaper…Permits will take a while from what I understand which is ok. Curious about insurance rates in the Hilo/Mountain View area aswell…Thank you in advance. I’m sorry if this breaks the no COL rule, I just didnt see this specific question as we have no wants to live big or proud. Just our current quaint lifestyle, but in Hawaii.

Also…any CNAs willing let me know the general PRN pay differential in that area? If theyre hiring aswell? Im working in a level 1 trauma center, have about a years experience.

Shipping a leased car to Oahu, BMW requires Marine Transport Insurance. None of the insurance companies know what this is. Has anyone ever ran into this? Any suggestions?

I’m moving at the end of this month from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Putting my expensive furniture pieces in storage until I can figure out how I could efficiently and affordably move them.

Please comment or PM me if you have container access and would like to potentially share space!

Mahalo!

My husband and I will be PCSing and it’s going to take a month and a half for our stuff to arrive after we do. What should we bring with us in our suitcases that may be beneficial? We’re going to bring an air mattress but is there anything you wish you would’ve taken with you to have while you wait for your stuff to arrive? We’ll go to Costco and purchase things like pots and pans and any other necessities like that.

Hello everyone,

I am moving from the mainland to Honolulu in the next few months. I need some advice. My car is not paid off; I still owe a little over $15,000 on it. I bought it last year cause my previous vehicle broke down completely and I had to have a car where I live currently. Also, shipping would cost $1,600. I could do it though. Alternatively, I have looked into selling it, but have not gotten any offers from dealerships that would cover the full payoff amount. So basically I would still have to owe a few grand on it if I sold it. Even so, I would save money in the long run. Then I would move to Oahu and be using public transportation or bicycling, moped, etc.

Given this info, would you ship or sell? TIA :)

Hi all!

I’m in the process of applying for public health jobs with the Hawai’i department of health and am looking to move next year, likely to Honolulu.

One of my main hobbies is film photography. I’m wondering if there are labs that people like to use in the city, or if people mail their film out to labs on the mainland for development and buy film online?

Bear with me here haha I love reading, learning, and experiencing everything possible; especially when it comes to cultures and religions. I've read a bit on Hawaiian culture and I plan to research more, but I figured it might be insightful to ask people directly. I'm not religious nor particularly spiritual, but I love taking part, wherever appropriate, in practices/traditions. I am extremely white and aware of it (50% italian 25% Scottish/Irish). So I don't want, in my eagerness, to potentially disrespect cultural/religious aspects when I get there.

Additionally, I work in the mental health field and will be getting a grief/applied thanatology certification while I'm down there and need to know as much as possible about cultural/spiritual beliefs and practices surrounding aging, dying, and death within Hawaiian culture so that I can counsel with cultural competency.

Any tips, advice, or (ideally) suggestions of reliable sources (books, documentaries/series, etc) to help prepare me?

Kia Ora!

I have just moved to Honolulu after 5 years in New Zealand due to visa issues. I have worked in bars for 12 years and it’s been a very long time since I have had to basically start from the ground up in terms of employment. I’m a bartender by trade and have also managed bars the last four or so years.

What do you all think are the best neighborhoods to go to for a night out? Or some really good “trendy” food spots and neighborhoods. Only asking so that I know the prime areas to start my job hunt

Alternatively, if you know anywhere specifically hiring or work in the industry please let me know or through some tips my way please :)

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could share any insight or advice. I am 28 years old (F), Chinese American, born and raised in MA.

I’ve been living here my whole life. Im a healthcare provider so it’s a great place to work however, I struggle a lot mentally during the winters (mainly Oct-March) which is almost half the year. I can’t stand the lack of sunshine and cold weather. All I want to do is be in the sun, be in at least 70 degree weather, and be near the ocean, etc. I love planting and harvesting my own veggies (which can only be done in the summer here), and I envy those who get to catch & cook as part of their lives. Growing up in an immigrant Asian household, my parents taught me to never waste food. For example, they always bought fish whole and used every part of it one way or another in cooking (you get the jist). My partner is pretty wasteful with food and it lowkey kills me every time I see him throwing something away for the sake of “clutter.”

Anyways I recently visited Hawaii and idk what it was. The weather, how everyone at the restaurant I went to knew each other (community feel), the way people live and love their land here. Additionally, the people there looked more like me.

Everyday since I’ve been back home I can’t stop thinking about Hawaii and I feel my heart just isn’t happy here in New England. I have these crazy thoughts about moving there but Im very well aware of the controversy with mainlanders moving there. I’m worried I won’t be accepted or won’t be able to make friends. Does anyone have any insight?

Thank you!

Hey everyone, based on my research it seems that most of the island (where I am looking) is subject to HOA’s; (Salt Lake/Foster Village, Makakilo, Mililani)

Is there anywhere in any of these areas that are not subject to an HOA? The main reason I ask is I would like to be able to possibly expand or remodel the house after living there for a few years and I want to know how much of a headache dealing with the design committee will be—I reviewed Mililani’s CC and R’s and it seems the whole areas is subject to pretty strict rules (only one family can live there, no ADU with a kitchen…etc). I certainly understand the reason for the rules, but given that we are looking for a very long-term purchase, I would like a little more flexibility with the design and modifications of my home.

It also seems that the HOA alone will drive up construction costs significantly. If there are any areas that are better to remodel than others, I would love to know about them.

Hello I've been offered the opportunity to move to my company's Honolulu branch and I'd love to just jump at the opportunity but I'm a little hesitant about the insane cost of living increase.

My new position would means I'd be making around $55,000 a year which while is a significant increase from my current pay, from all of my research doesn't seem like a lot in Honolulu. My company has also said they'd assist with moving costs but they haven't said much more than that.

I've been thinking a lot about moving, as I've only ever lived in one state my entire life and I really want to see other parts of the country and what life is like there but I can't just throw financial stability to the wind to do it lol.

Just wanted to hear if people think this is doable and just hear from any Hawaii natives/transplants about life there and what to expect etc.

Hello

Planning on purchasing a car on the mainland and shipping to Oahu (moving to honolulu from Oregon where there is no sales tax). A local friend said there may be restrictions on bringing a car from the mainland - car needing minimum mileage and/or age else you'll need to pay HI sales tax. I've done some research around car registration in honolulu and see no mention of this. Anyone heard of this? I will be using the car on the mainland for a while but if there is any minimum age/mileage restrictions I'd want to try to hit that

UPDATE: looks like if you pay sales tax in another state it doesnt matter (eg if you buy a car in CA (and pay sales tax there) you dont pay sales tax when you register in HI (since you paid sales tax somewhere). In the case of OR where there is no sales tax, HI wont collect sales tax if the vehicle is over a year old

Trying to figure out how much it would cost me to move into a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment that does not include electric bills. This is for Honolulu area.

Update: all the comments are making me think I should get a place that includes electric bills…

Hi all,

I am having trouble finding quotes or estimates for shipping a travel trailer from the mainland to the Big Island. I am considering to buy a 17 ft, 20 ft, or 30 ft trailer but I want to know the shipping cost before making the purchase.

I see some price ranges between $3k and $15k. Ideally I would pay $2k (like the price to ship my car). But where can I get reliable prices? Has anyone done this before?

Hi all. I am being offered a job position in Kauai (I work healthcare, with additional sources of income where all together I foresee around 200k a year.) There are lots to consider, but what is really giving me concern is the housing. I’ve done my research, and have seen people say it’s “impossible” to find somewhere to rent if you have pets. I have two cats and a large dog (60 lb) and am not willing to leave any of them behind. I feel like this might prevent me from taking the job. Is this a valid concern? Yes I am aware of pet import policies but I am more concerned about finding housing. I’ve also read archives but am hoping for more of a specific insight into Kauai.

Hey y'all, I have a couch and some home goods-type stuff (art, some lamps, etc.) I am looking to get to my sister in Honolulu from my home in Los Angeles. I priced out a small POD and they are crazy expensive, like the price has doubled from when she moved back 4 years ago (she's been there 15 years total but moved back for a couple in between). And it just doesn't seem worth it because what I need to send wouldn't even fill a small POD and the whole point of sending her the couch is because, as y'all know, new furniture is prohibitively expensive on the islands.

So, we're looking for someone or a group of people to share a shipping container to Honolulu to get her the stuff. We've heard of people getting them free from their companies who are paying to relocate them to the islands, and that oftentimes people moving have lots of extra room in their containers, that would be awesome to share. Or if someone on here is in LA and moving to the islands soon, maybe we could share your container with you and we are happy to pay you for your trouble.

No boxes, except maybe the lamps, but we can leave them open if you'd like to check them before putting them into the container.

If you're in LA and moving to HNL, please reply to this and/or private message me so we can chat more! Mahalo.