moving to hawaii
Aug 4th, 2004, 08:59 AM
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moving to hawaii
my boyfriend and i are moving to hawaii in january. we are pretty much set on going to maui. but we want to know if kauai is any 'better'. we are small town people, don't really like cities.. is western maui as lush and beautiful as the rest of the island? does anyone have a preference as to which island is best to live on. we will be renting a place, not buying, and plan to work a short distance from home since we may not have a vehicle for a bit..
any help is appreciated. thanks,
melyssa
any help is appreciated. thanks,
melyssa
Aug 4th, 2004, 09:25 AM
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Although it is geared to the Big Island, the website www.konaweb.com has a forum on moving to Hawaii where you can ask questions. I know one member of the Konaweb is from Maui, so maybe she can answer your questions about moving.
Aug 4th, 2004, 12:05 PM
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Do you have employment already? What type of work are you hoping to get? I live on Maui, and while we have very low unemployment, most of the employment out there is minimum wage in the service industry. If you plan on renting walking distance to work in west maui, you will most likely have to live in Lahaina, which my husband refers to as "The Big City" because of the crowds and traffic.
Aug 4th, 2004, 12:15 PM
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There's an excellent book for folks wanting to move to the islands:
http://www.booklineshawaii.com/book/bgb/625307.html
This site gives lots of links to stuff you'll want to know -- some of it, in advance of a move:
http://www.hawaii.com/move/
We live north shore Kaua`i -- green and lush with mountains and waterfalls, amazing beaches, and a semi-rural (_very_ small-town) ambiance.
You can search for Kaua`i jobs and housing online via the website of our daily Garden Island newspaper:
http://www.kauaiworld.com/
http://www.booklineshawaii.com/book/bgb/625307.html
This site gives lots of links to stuff you'll want to know -- some of it, in advance of a move:
http://www.hawaii.com/move/
We live north shore Kaua`i -- green and lush with mountains and waterfalls, amazing beaches, and a semi-rural (_very_ small-town) ambiance.
You can search for Kaua`i jobs and housing online via the website of our daily Garden Island newspaper:
http://www.kauaiworld.com/
Aug 4th, 2004, 02:35 PM
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regarding jobs, i don't have one yet..i've been checking with the maui news online..but we aren't going until january, so it's a bit early. i've been a nanny here for over 5 years, so i can always do that..i can waitress, i'm good at customer service..i'll start really looking 2 months ahead
Aug 4th, 2004, 02:38 PM
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Hope this deosn't sound too harsh but GOOD help is hard to find on Kauai....(Heck, just about anywhere nowadays!)
Most of the restuarant's that are still in business since we've been going over have most of the same employees still working there.
Most of the restuarant's that are still in business since we've been going over have most of the same employees still working there.
Aug 4th, 2004, 06:27 PM
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Re: jobs in Hawai`i
Make sure you have enough money stashed to support you for the month or more it will take you to find jobs.
Except for "career" positions (teacher, nurse, engineer, management) you will be paid minimum wage.
And be prepared to work several jobs to pay your rent and stuff, as employers of service industry help (waitress, clerk, nanny, bartender, hotel worker, etc.) typically hire only part-timers (to save having to provide medical/dental insurance).
Make sure you have enough money stashed to support you for the month or more it will take you to find jobs.
Except for "career" positions (teacher, nurse, engineer, management) you will be paid minimum wage.
And be prepared to work several jobs to pay your rent and stuff, as employers of service industry help (waitress, clerk, nanny, bartender, hotel worker, etc.) typically hire only part-timers (to save having to provide medical/dental insurance).
Aug 5th, 2004, 02:05 AM
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auntiemaria,
Could you give me any info on the teaching profession in Kauai? I am an elementary school teacher and my husband and I dream of moving to Kauai "some day". Just wondering how the schools are, are the teachers mostly native Hawaiians or do they hire a lot of people from the mainland, is the teaching profession given much respect by the parents in general, and are they paid well? Also, how would my daughters (6,9) be accepted in the schools or is there quite a variety of students already and it's accepted? Thanks!
Could you give me any info on the teaching profession in Kauai? I am an elementary school teacher and my husband and I dream of moving to Kauai "some day". Just wondering how the schools are, are the teachers mostly native Hawaiians or do they hire a lot of people from the mainland, is the teaching profession given much respect by the parents in general, and are they paid well? Also, how would my daughters (6,9) be accepted in the schools or is there quite a variety of students already and it's accepted? Thanks!
Aug 5th, 2004, 04:32 AM
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we plan on prepaying for a place for the first 3 months so we are assured a place to live while we look for jobs..i've looked on maui news and some places are expensive, some are not. and some jobs i've seen odn't pay too bad..i saw an ad for a dishwasher that paid $12/hour. i'd rather not wash dishes, but if it pays the bills, then so be it.. i don't have a need for expensive things, and lots of things..i can do just fine on bare minimum if that's how it has to be for me to be in maui..we have no expectations...we'll figure it out 
Aug 5th, 2004, 06:43 AM
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Ashley-
My haole kids went to public school on Kauai, they had no problems with the local kids. The education they received wasn't top quality, I supplemented a lot with tutors and online classes thru a mainland university. Both my kids got into their first choice colleges, so I consider that a success for us. But in general the students aren't too terribly motivated on Kauai, they are not challeneged, many of the teachers are not top notch.
Kauai is part of the Hawaii Dept of Education. Hawaii is the only state in the US that is comprised of just one schol district. There is very little local decision making on Kauai. The teachers salaries are low, they went on strike a few years ago and wages did increase but they still lag behind other states. I know many teachers on Kauai who have parttime jobs to make ends meet ; the cost of living on Kauai is very high.
Oahu has a huge teacher shortage for the coming school year but the positions will be in less-than-ideal locations.
My kids' favorite high school teacher and his wife (they were very young) actually lived with us for a semester because they could not afford their rent any more. They moved back to the mainland after 2 years on Kauai, they were disappointed that they couldn't make ends meet on his teacher's salary. And a real shame for Kauai to lose such a talented, enthusiastic teacher.
Anybody moving to Hawaii without needed skills (such as nursing) needs to come with a huge nest egg and they need to be prepared to take a crummy service-oriented job at minimum wage. They also need to be prepared to work much more than 40 hours a week which doesnt leave a lot of time to enjoy Hawaii's charms.
One more thing: There is very little to none in the way of public transport on Maui or Kauai. To move to those islands without a car and no job is really going to be an exercise in frustration.
My haole kids went to public school on Kauai, they had no problems with the local kids. The education they received wasn't top quality, I supplemented a lot with tutors and online classes thru a mainland university. Both my kids got into their first choice colleges, so I consider that a success for us. But in general the students aren't too terribly motivated on Kauai, they are not challeneged, many of the teachers are not top notch.
Kauai is part of the Hawaii Dept of Education. Hawaii is the only state in the US that is comprised of just one schol district. There is very little local decision making on Kauai. The teachers salaries are low, they went on strike a few years ago and wages did increase but they still lag behind other states. I know many teachers on Kauai who have parttime jobs to make ends meet ; the cost of living on Kauai is very high.
Oahu has a huge teacher shortage for the coming school year but the positions will be in less-than-ideal locations.
My kids' favorite high school teacher and his wife (they were very young) actually lived with us for a semester because they could not afford their rent any more. They moved back to the mainland after 2 years on Kauai, they were disappointed that they couldn't make ends meet on his teacher's salary. And a real shame for Kauai to lose such a talented, enthusiastic teacher.
Anybody moving to Hawaii without needed skills (such as nursing) needs to come with a huge nest egg and they need to be prepared to take a crummy service-oriented job at minimum wage. They also need to be prepared to work much more than 40 hours a week which doesnt leave a lot of time to enjoy Hawaii's charms.
One more thing: There is very little to none in the way of public transport on Maui or Kauai. To move to those islands without a car and no job is really going to be an exercise in frustration.
Aug 5th, 2004, 08:40 AM
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Let me add one more thing, I am sorry that I sounded so negative LOL.
If you are young,enthusiastic, hard working, have no kids, and are looking for an adventure, then go for it. Hawaii is truly a paradise , even if you only stay for a few years.
BUT....If you are thinking of packing up your whole household (kids, pets, cars, furnishings ) and moving to Hawaii, then do a ton of research including a reconnaisance trip to look at housing. The realities of trying to support a family in Hawaii can be harsh.
The reason we had a relatively easy time on Kauai was becuase my husbands company paid for our relocation (40 foot container of household goods, 2 cars, pet quarantine, airfare, one month in a hotel while we waited for our shipment, etc.) and gave us a substantial cost of living allowance while we lived there. They also paid for all of us to visit Kauai before we moved there so we could buy a house and visit the schools. When we moved back to the mainland last spring after 6 years (it was a temporary position) they paid for our relocation again, even our pets' airfare, LOL. These costs can be exorbitant and crippling for a family that does not have corporate support.
If you are young,enthusiastic, hard working, have no kids, and are looking for an adventure, then go for it. Hawaii is truly a paradise , even if you only stay for a few years.
BUT....If you are thinking of packing up your whole household (kids, pets, cars, furnishings ) and moving to Hawaii, then do a ton of research including a reconnaisance trip to look at housing. The realities of trying to support a family in Hawaii can be harsh.
The reason we had a relatively easy time on Kauai was becuase my husbands company paid for our relocation (40 foot container of household goods, 2 cars, pet quarantine, airfare, one month in a hotel while we waited for our shipment, etc.) and gave us a substantial cost of living allowance while we lived there. They also paid for all of us to visit Kauai before we moved there so we could buy a house and visit the schools. When we moved back to the mainland last spring after 6 years (it was a temporary position) they paid for our relocation again, even our pets' airfare, LOL. These costs can be exorbitant and crippling for a family that does not have corporate support.
Aug 5th, 2004, 08:58 AM
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I live on Oahu, so I'm not super sure how the rental market compares on the other islands. However, with the current shortage of dormitory housing at the University of Hawaii, coupled with an already-tight rental market, rentals on my island (esp in metro Honolulu) are hard to find at a good price.
I used to wait tables part time, that's a REALLY good gig if you get a job at a good hotel while you look for a different job. If you are like me, you may keep the 'regular' job and continue to wait tables on the side. I just couldn't give up all that extra cash!
I used to wait tables part time, that's a REALLY good gig if you get a job at a good hotel while you look for a different job. If you are like me, you may keep the 'regular' job and continue to wait tables on the side. I just couldn't give up all that extra cash!
Aug 5th, 2004, 09:17 AM
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Ashley24:
For info on teaching positions see http://doe.k12.hi.us/personnel/teachinginhawaii.htm
I haven't heard of any shortage of teachers here this year. Faculties at most schools on Kaua`i are a mix of locals, mainlanders, and even teachers from Japan, Europe, etc. As vivi has noted, we've got a full "rainbow" of kids at our schools. I've never heard of any racial problems.
melyssalee14:
That $12/hour dishwashing job you see advertised, is probably for only 2-4 hours per day. Call and ask for details, before you get your hopes up.
It's truly sad to see how many folks -- from early-20s to retirees -- move "to paradise", only to end up selling everything to pay for their move back to the mainland after a year or two. If only they'd done more research _before_ making the move...
But the flip side of that is, garage sales here are the best!!
For info on teaching positions see http://doe.k12.hi.us/personnel/teachinginhawaii.htm
I haven't heard of any shortage of teachers here this year. Faculties at most schools on Kaua`i are a mix of locals, mainlanders, and even teachers from Japan, Europe, etc. As vivi has noted, we've got a full "rainbow" of kids at our schools. I've never heard of any racial problems.
melyssalee14:
That $12/hour dishwashing job you see advertised, is probably for only 2-4 hours per day. Call and ask for details, before you get your hopes up.
It's truly sad to see how many folks -- from early-20s to retirees -- move "to paradise", only to end up selling everything to pay for their move back to the mainland after a year or two. If only they'd done more research _before_ making the move...
But the flip side of that is, garage sales here are the best!!
Aug 5th, 2004, 11:11 AM
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One of my husband's colleagues (restaurant proprietor) moved back to South Carolina from Honolulu a couple of years ago.
His biggest beefs with living in Hawaii:
Kids weren't getting the best education.
They felt isolated and clausterphobic.
Expensive and time consuming getting on and off the island.
Everything was so expensive.
This was a guy making over six figures a year and his wife also had to work full time to come close to maintaining the lifestyle they had on the mainland.
Not that they didn't love Hawaii but they are very happy to be back here.
His biggest beefs with living in Hawaii:
Kids weren't getting the best education.
They felt isolated and clausterphobic.
Expensive and time consuming getting on and off the island.
Everything was so expensive.
This was a guy making over six figures a year and his wife also had to work full time to come close to maintaining the lifestyle they had on the mainland.
Not that they didn't love Hawaii but they are very happy to be back here.
Aug 5th, 2004, 02:04 PM
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GoTravel:
Lest anyone think we who live in the islands, are trying to block new residents, may I interject some replies to your post?
Re: education
Level of educational quality varies from school to school. Private schools, home-schooling, and the recent proliferation of charter schools, provide educational alternatives for all students.
Re: "isolated & claustrophobic"
?? Most of us appreciate the rural solitude...and with all our wide open beaches/mountains/valleys, I'm not quite sure how anyone could feel "claustrophobic".
Re: expensive to travel
Yep...which is why it's good to research the islands to find the one you don't want to leave. I travel inter-island on business almost monthly, and am always eager to get home to Kaua`i.
Re: "everything was so expensive"
Well...that depends on what you're wanting to buy.
As noted by many, these islands aren't for everyone. But many of us wouldn't go back to the mainland, ever.
Lest anyone think we who live in the islands, are trying to block new residents, may I interject some replies to your post?
Re: education
Level of educational quality varies from school to school. Private schools, home-schooling, and the recent proliferation of charter schools, provide educational alternatives for all students.
Re: "isolated & claustrophobic"
?? Most of us appreciate the rural solitude...and with all our wide open beaches/mountains/valleys, I'm not quite sure how anyone could feel "claustrophobic".
Re: expensive to travel
Yep...which is why it's good to research the islands to find the one you don't want to leave.
I travel inter-island on business almost monthly, and am always eager to get home to Kaua`i.Re: "everything was so expensive"
Well...that depends on what you're wanting to buy.
As noted by many, these islands aren't for everyone. But many of us wouldn't go back to the mainland, ever.
Aug 5th, 2004, 02:41 PM
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Melyssalee4
I moved to Hawaii (Oahu) from NYC five years ago and now getting ready to move back to the east coast (DC area).
I fell in love with Hawaii after vacationing there quite a few times and wanted to try living there. I moved there without a job and was able to find something pretty quickly. BUT in general the pay scale is lower than other metropolitan areas and the cost of living can be just as high.
On the upside a lot of your entertainment/recreation is free as all beaches are open to the public and a favorite pastime is hanging/cooking out with friends and family. Hawaii is the place if you love outdoor activities like biking, hiking, surfing, etc. Plus you don?t have the costs of heating or winter clothing, etc.
The reason I?m moving back is because it did become isolated and claustrophobic feeling after awhile. I started to get the dreaded rock fever. I guess I?m a city person at heart and really started to miss having easy access to lots of restaurants and diversity of cuisines, concerts, museums, classes, etc. When I first moved here, I was content to travel inter-island only. But in the last 2 years or so I started traveling to the mainland and internationally and getting anywhere from Hawaii involved at least a 5 hour plane ride. I also think it?s an easier move to make if you don?t have school age children.
But I would definitely do it all over again as there is nothing in the world like the Aloha spirit. I?ve made many wonderful friends in my time in Hawaii. There?s nothing like the beauty of the islands in both its natural beauty and in the people.
Good luck!
I moved to Hawaii (Oahu) from NYC five years ago and now getting ready to move back to the east coast (DC area).
I fell in love with Hawaii after vacationing there quite a few times and wanted to try living there. I moved there without a job and was able to find something pretty quickly. BUT in general the pay scale is lower than other metropolitan areas and the cost of living can be just as high.
On the upside a lot of your entertainment/recreation is free as all beaches are open to the public and a favorite pastime is hanging/cooking out with friends and family. Hawaii is the place if you love outdoor activities like biking, hiking, surfing, etc. Plus you don?t have the costs of heating or winter clothing, etc.
The reason I?m moving back is because it did become isolated and claustrophobic feeling after awhile. I started to get the dreaded rock fever. I guess I?m a city person at heart and really started to miss having easy access to lots of restaurants and diversity of cuisines, concerts, museums, classes, etc. When I first moved here, I was content to travel inter-island only. But in the last 2 years or so I started traveling to the mainland and internationally and getting anywhere from Hawaii involved at least a 5 hour plane ride. I also think it?s an easier move to make if you don?t have school age children.
But I would definitely do it all over again as there is nothing in the world like the Aloha spirit. I?ve made many wonderful friends in my time in Hawaii. There?s nothing like the beauty of the islands in both its natural beauty and in the people.
Good luck!
