Moving to Hawaii / Oahu from DC?
My work has recently given me the opportunity to live in Oahu for at least a year; I’d like some feedback to help decide.
I’m a 26 year old white male. I’ll be moving from the DC area, where I’ve lived most of my life. I’ve been itching to get out of the area; however, I’ll be leaving my family and friends behind.
Some of my concerns have to do with meeting new people, hosting, the culture, and if it’s worthwhile.
* With a lot of the people being tourists, is it hard to make friends and establish relationships? Is there much of a nightlife and stuff for a young person to do?
* Where are the good places to live? I’d like to rent a house, preferably on, or near the water. What neighborhoods would you recommend, and avoid?
* I’ll be here for at least a year, and if the work continues, I can decide to stay longer. Is it worth it?
* The culture here is rich in diversity. How hard is it to adapt and blend in? Will I be considered an outsider for a while?
Thanks!
April 29th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
The culture is one of the things I love about Hawaii – it is rich and diverse.
Lots of nightlife on Oahu.
Friends? I imagine it will depend on you – I have had no problems. Everyone I have met have been very nice.
Living near or on the water, VERY expensive. I love Waikele, Waipio and Mililani, but they are more interior. Remember, it’s a very short drive to the water. Stay away from Wainea.
If you want a change in life, a year in Hawaii would be wonderful – and yes, definitely worth it. However, it is expensive to live here – electric is high. You can find good deals on food, check out local farmer’s markets – buy at Walmart, Costco, K-Mart and stay away from the large grocery stores except for those things you can’t find elsewhere.
My husband is Arab-American, I am white – we had absolutely no problems blending in; however, we came to embrace the culture. Outsider? Didn’t happen to me, but I imagine everyone is different.
Good Luck
Aloha
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:55 am
I am not sure if I can relate because I am married with Kids. We lived in Hawaii and moved to the DC area. I know what you are use to but if you are ready for warm weather year round and beaches, go for it!! It is a wonderful place and has many of the same cultural experiences you are use to. It is expensive but I imagine you are use to that as well. I think it would be a great experience but then again I love Hawaii!!!!!
May 4th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
i just moved here from d.c./maryland also in january for work and change of latitude….you’ll like it…laid back … a lot warmer…. and slow pace…. good luck … u won’t regret it….peace
May 7th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
DO IT…
Hawaii is awesome, I don’t think I would live here forever, unless I was a multi millionaire who can afford a massive house. But I have lived here for a year and will be here for another 2 years. I am 26 and I just have to say that I love it here.
So to your questions:
Being 26 and any color white, hispanic, or what ever means you will have a great time. Some Hawaiians do have a bit of racism because there island was taking over a 100 years or so ago. But stay out of the neighborhoods and you will be good. Compared to the crime you are used to in DC, Oahu is heaven.
Yes there are a lot of tourists, but this makes it an awesome place to party and just have a good time. Everyday something is going on here. The nightlife is awesome and you can spend the days at some of the worlds best beaches. You will have no problem making friends I am sure. But ya Waikiki kicks *** for nightlife, so get ready to have a blast.
As far as good places to live, you need to decide on what is more important to you. Do you want to live close to where you will be playing (Waikiki) or work, where ever that is. I say work, traffic can be horrible in Oahu, there are only so many highways and there are a lot of cars. Its tough to say which neighborhoods are good. There are some that are beautiful in one part, but the other will be old and dingy. Waikele, Mililani, Waipio, Aiea, Pearl Ridge, are all pretty safe. Honolulu has some awesome highrises too. It also depends on how much money you have, rent is expensive but some are just outrageous so shop around.
The culture is great, so I suggest come to Hawaii, you won’ regeret it
May 10th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own personality and character. So, knowing what type of person you are and what you like to do will help you decide which of the islands you will like.
If you like tourists and fishing you should like the Kona area of the “Big Island” of Hawaii.
If you like solitude, a tropical feel, a rural atmosphere and you don’t mind rain, you should like the Hilo area of the Big Island. The west side of the Big Island has a few nice small beaches, including black sand beaches. Near Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the island you will find a green sand beach. Big beaches are not prevalent on the Big Island.
If you enjoy scenery, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing and don’t yearn for “night life” then the oldest of the islands, Kauai is for you.
If you are the kind of person who keep a bathing suit, snorkel gear or a surfboard in your car, then Maui is for you, because it has 120 miles of easily accessible and swimmable coastline, more than any other island.
If you have an artistic temperament or perhaps you like to get away and write, then seek out the island of Lanai.
If you love nature, hiking and solitude, then “the most Hawaiian” of the islands, Molokai is for you.
You’ll enjoy Oahu if you like beaches, shopping, tourists, high-rises, traffic and don’t mind a lot of other people. Honolulu is like a tropical version of NYC, or LA as it was in the smog-free 1950′s.