this is not exactly a travel question.i am planning on accepting a job in honolulu.it doesn't pay that much,but it is something i want to do.does anybody have any reccomendation on where in oahu i should live that is not too expensive?rental property that is.thanks.

Hi Tom -

It really depends on what part of the island you will be working. Rent tends to be fairly high here - also depending on what you are used to paying - but it is possible to find a wide range of rents. You'll probably want to live reasonably close to the area you will be working because traffic can be kind of jammed up getting through downtown during rush hour.

When I moved to Hawaii a few years ago I bought a map in advance and then searched classified ads on the internet (starbulletin.com) to find a place to rent.

Generally, rent will be lower past the H1/H2 interchange (near Pearl City) heading out towards Wainae and Mililani - however that traffic can be tied up for hours. Rent is also somewhat lower on the windward side of the island (Kaneohe, Kailua) and the traffic into Honolulu isn't quite as bad coming from there.

I hope this helps. Maybe some of the people you will be working with can give you recommendations?

You can also look on www.hawaiishomes.com for rentals. When I first moved out, I lived in an area called Makiki. It's close to town and fairly inexpensive....I soon found that the neighborhood was FULL of poor young yups like me! (Pardon the expression!)

Right now, apartment prices are depressed and therefore apartment rentals are cheap. So I believe you can get a decent place in town (in a safe neighborhood) for a good price. Other neighborhoods in town that are good: Nuuanu, Moiliili, McCully. If you can get a place in or near Manoa, more power to you!

Stop teasing! How much is the rent. Let's say a 2 bedroom apartment. Thank you.

No teasing - 2 bedroom apartment rent ranges $500 - $2500+

It's highly unlikely that you'd find a 2BR for $500, at least not in town. My guess it that you would pay at least $1000 for a decent 2BR. For a 1 BR, around $700 or more. I second the recommendation on Makiki or Manoa or Nuuanu if your job is in town.

No advice, but some encouragement.
In 1978 my wife and I, and our eighth
grade daughter, packed our bags, and
with virtually no money, headed for
Honolulu (we did have one credit card
with a $4000 limit). After searching
endlessly for a suitable rental, we
found one at the Ala Wai Manor, right
at the concave of the Ala Wai Canal,
at a monthly rate of $325. What an
experience. We stayed three years and
regret ever having left.

Best of luck to you! You'll have your
ups and downs, but the ups are fantastic!

You might try doing what we did: calling
condo or apartment managers, and letting
them know you'll take care of them if
they can find a suitable apartment for
you.

Cheers,

Gerry K