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Moving to Oahu in 2007
I will be moving to Oahu, Hawaii (Ewa Beach), around August 2007. My sisters husband is in the Navy and has been stationed in Hawaii (he is also Samoan, so has lived there his entire life), so my sister will be moving there with my nephew next year. Both my sister and brother -in-law asked if I would like to make the move to Hawaii so we (my sister and I) could continue running our business. I thought about it and said what the hell, why not, let's go. So that is how I came to be posting this email regarding a move to Oahu.
I would have asked my brother-in-law all the questions, but with him being out to sea so often, it is really hard to catch up with him. Okay, my questions.......wait....first off, I will be moving from Chicago. I have an 11yr old daughter (who by the way is so excited about the move). I am currently a Special Access Specialist for a communications company, however, I also have administrative experience, so my brother-in-law at least told me I should not have a problem locating a job. Now, my questions....... 1. I hear the cost of living is outrageous, could someone that lives in Oahu offer feedback? 2. I've started taking classes to learn the Hawaiian language. Should I continue to learn Hawaiian, or drop that calss to learn Samoan? 3. How are the schools (middle) in Ewa Beach? 4. Are there single parent groups? 5. I know there is a Dave & Busters on the island, are there theme parks? 6. What are the names of the bank institutions in Oahu? If possible, I would like to open an account now, if the same institution is in Chicago. 7. Do you guys have Krogers (food store) or Safeway? 8. This may be a really dumb question....here goes......I have been pretty much spring cleaning since I made the decision to move. Outside of maybe one or two sweatsuits (don't plan on coming back to the mainland anytime soon), is it safe to say, I could give away or throw out all our winter clothing? 9. Are there bowling leagues (children)? All in all, I am very excited about this move. I have heard nothing but good things about Oahu, from family and friends who have visited Oahu in the past. I am looking to become more mellow. Right now, I am constantly moving, and am looking forward to lazy days (weekends of course) at the beach, or hanging out on the lanai. All the information you guys can provide will be most appreciated. I forgot to mention, we already have a place to stay when we get there, but eventually, I will be looking for something of my own. Thanks for your input, Aloha : ) |
I am also thinking about living in Hawaii in the future. What fruits and vegetables are grown in Hawaii? What is the Hawaiian diet?
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Not sure what the job market will look like next year, but currently unemployment is pretty much at a real low. I know that my firm is having a hard time finding qualified administrative/clerical help.
1. Cost of living is pretty high. Many people work several jobs. The highest expense is housing. Gas is higher than on the mainland, cost of goods is also higher because almost everything is shipped in. 2. You really don't need to take Hawaiian language lessons - at least in the sense of needing to speak Hawaiian to communicate. It is good so that you'll be able to pronounce street names, I guess. Not sure why you would need to take lessons in Samoan. 3. Can't help you re schools in Ewa Beach. 4. I'm sure there are, but I don't know of any. 5. The closest thing to a theme park is the water park in Kapolei. 6. Bank of Hawaii, American Savings, City Bank, Territorial Savings, Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank. Those are the first that come to mind. 7. This is kind of weird. Are you asking specifically about Kroger or Safeway - or are you asking if we have grocery stores? If you're talking about national grocery chains, we have Safeway. There are also several other local chain supermarkets. 8. The coldest I recall the temperature ever getting at night during winter is in the mid 50's. You won't need a heavy winter coat, if that's what you're asking. 9. There are bowling alleys and there are league nights, but I don't know offhand if any of the leagues are for kids. It's good that your BIL grew up here (and I'm assuming still has family here) - you'll have a ready made family base to help you through the adjustment and transition period when you get here. |
Good stuff chepar! And here's my 2 cents to add on to her comments:
1. Cost of living is high, and many people work two jobs. HOWEVER....it can be done. As with any city, you will be able to find discount stores, cheap yummy mom-and-pop restaurants, Walmart, Costco, etc. The most outrageous thing is the price of gas, so try not to drive a big ol' SUV if you don't have to. 2. Ditto chepar! 3. I'm not sure how the middle schools in Ewa Beach are. Here's a link to the Department of Education: http://doe.k12.hi.us/ which you can then cross reference with this annual report: http://www.honolulumagazine.com/psg/intro.html If you decide to send your kids to a private school, here's a link: http://www.hais.org/school_directory.htm 4. You mean Parents Without Partners? I believe there are. 5. Ditto chepar. There's also a big arcade & theater at Pearlridge Center (www.pearlridgeonline.com). 6, 7, 8 - ditto chepar. I guess it depends on how thin your blood is. I think it gets colder out in the "country" where you will be, which is down in the 50s. But even at that, you will probably be wearing shorts and a sweatshirt. We call that a "two blanket night." 9. I *think* the military bases may have this. You should check with the Chamber of Commerce for a Newcomer's Guide--it may be $4 or something but well worth it. Keep checking the media outlets: honoluluadvertiser.com starbulletin.com khnl.com kitv.com khon.com kgmb.com and, here's a good one: http://ssl.honoluluadvertiser.com/li...006/index.html |
1. COL is high. Average house is something like $650,000 - and I do mean "average." I don't think the houses are built as well there, or with as good materials as on the mainland, but since everything has to be shipped in, that's understandable. I think condos average around $340,000.
2. Few people speak Hawaiian. Samoan might be better if you want to speak to your relatives-is-law. But for business purposes, Japanese would be better (if you will deal with tourists) or Tagalog if you will work with local families (many Filipino families there speak it). 5. There is a water park near Kapolei (not far from Ewa Beach). There is also SeaLife Park which is like a mini-Sea World. There are no full theme parks with rides like roller coasters; however, there are carnivals and fairs with temporary rides by E.K. Fernandez (they are put up specially for the event, such as the State Fair in the Stadium parking lot) then taken down again. There are also game arcades around the island like FunFactory. And, there is an ice skating rink right across from Aloha Stadium. 7. There are many Safeways. Other gorceries are Times, Star, Foodland. There are also health and organic stores like Down to Earth. There are Long's Drugs stores, and Walmarts, Costcos and Sam's clubs. 8. I would keep some. You might visit someplace cold while you are there (are you never going to leave Hawaii?). Also, even if you visit the neighbor islands, you can encounter freezing temperatues, such as on Haleakala. I would keep a little bit of winter clothes. 9. Oahu lost many of its old bowling alleys. But there are still a few around, and I think the military bases all having bowling alleys. A small tip, if I may - when you do get there and are invited to anyone's home, you ALWAYS take your shoes off before going in. I learned the hard way (I didn't know any better). And people drive slowly - even more so when it rains, even a light drizzle. I love Hawaii, and would certainly take an opportunity like the one you have. Good luck. |
I forgot to add something, and I hope I don't offend anyone from Hawaii.
But in my opinion, the people of Hawaii can seem like the biggest racists around. There is a stereotype for everyone - Haoles (whites) are greedy land thieves, Japanese are secretive and nerdy, Hawaiians are lazy and on welfare, Filipinos are violent (I think same steretype for Samoans), Chinese are tight with money, etc. But if you can get past all that, it turns out that there are so many nice people, and everybody looks racially mixed, that I don't know where it comes from. Somehow it seems so racist, yet there are so many diverse people living in harmony. It was really weird. |
Oahu07:
2. You don't need to learn Hawaiian nor Samoan unless it is of interest to you. English is what people will be speaking. 7. Grocery store chains are Food Pantry, Safeway, etc. 8. I would keep some warm clothes, as there can be storms and cool weather on Oahu. Also if you ever travel off-island you might want them. |
Hey, Jolie, I'm sure you didn't mean it the way it sounded, but the stuff about racism is actually something that goes back to the plantation days. So many cultures & ethnicities were thrown into one place that one way of coping with it was to highlight the stereotypes and turn it into humor. If you go to comedian Frank DeLima's show, you will see that he makes fun of every ethnicity, even his own. Heck, I make fun of my own. That's what keeps us living in harmony. It's not true racism like you see on the mainland.
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Ohh you lucky lucky (*(*^&^
As a frequent traveler between mainland and Honolulu, I can alleviate your fears on the cost of living. What they call high cost of living...you will find quite normal coming from CHicago. I live in Miami, and actually I find most items approximately the same. Housing is about the same as Chicago, actually I think you will find it better. As for language, if you wanted to add a language that would be helpful there..that would most definately be Japanese! Japanese is to Honolulu as Spanish is to Miami. The grocery stores are my dream come true...lots of fresh fish, sushi, etc. and I saw little price difference as compared to back home. I envy you....but I will see you there in about 10 years! |
p.s. Hawaiian words are part of our everyday life. Not conversational Hawaiian, mind you, but words here and there. Directions go from Ewa to Diamond Head, Mauka to Makai.
My friend's toddler speaks Hawaiian and every so often, I will spout off a word that I know and he'll shoot me a look, like, "very good!" Not sure about the comment re: Filipino since there are so many different dialects. One more thing....the unemployment rates are very low here so hopefully that will remain till you get here! Jobs are plentiful right now--it's so hard to find good help (people who don't have psychological problems etc) |
Ewa schools would be a rough transition for a new child to Hawaii. They are newer but cultural differences would be great and the schools don't test well. The peers will be rough for your daughter unless you have family youngsters to look out for her.
I've been here 13 years and have yet to learn any language. I took French for the fun of it. The grocery stores don't have the selection like the mainland. It will be an adjustment yet hopefully a great experience. |
I lived in Hawaii for two years in the 1970s. I do not recall ever hearing anyone speak Hawaiian. Everyone spoke English.
What many Hawaiians do speak is something called "pidgeon English". Pidgeon English was very common when I lived there. I do not know if there are classes taught in this. But after being exposed to enough pidgeon, you can probably figure it out for youself, even without classes. Pigeon was used mainly by native Hawaiians speaking amongst themselves, not in interaction with other ethnic groups. Everyone I met who spoke pidgeon also spoke regular English. As a previous poster mentioned, rascism is probably the biggest cultural issue you will encounter, or at least it was when I lived in Hawaii. Afro-americans had a particularly difficult time. But there was also considerable anti-white discrimination. |
Thank you so much for your responses. I am even more excited about this move. You have helped me calm down quite a bit. I talked to my sister and found that my daughter will be attending school in Pearl City with her extended ohana. So instead of Ewa Beach school info I will take a look at the links for Pearl City.
Chepar, if you could provide information regarding your company, and the administrative opportunities offered, I would greatly appreciate it. I would like to get my resume out there soon. As far as grocery stores, I was interested in finding out if any of the chains were familiar. My BIL's family mostly live in Hawaii (Pearl City), so I will have a very large extended family awaiting my arrival. I currently have t-mobile as my cell phone provider. Will I need to change carriers? I kind of figured the cost of living was pretty much the same as any major city. I just didn't want to get to Hawaii and find a loaf of bread with a price tag of $7.00, or a gallon of milk at $5.00 (wait, we are pretty close to $5.00 a gallon on the mainland). Right now, I pay $2.49 a gallon for gas within the city limits. How much is gas going for in Hawaii? My Mom told me to throw this in, so when she comes to visit she will know if she needs to bring extra money......does Honolulu have casino's? Today, Chicago will have a high of 39 degrees. August 2007 is not coming soon enough. I dread the cold weather. : ) Aloha |
we have tmobile here as well as all other major carriers (in case you do decide to switch at any point).
Casinos/gambling is illegal in Hawaii, which is why Las Vegas is called 'the 9th Island.' Gas is hovering near $3 a gallon...depends when and where you buy. You might want to wait till you get a little closer to August to send your resume....I don't think anyone will be hiring a year in advance! subscribe to the Career Builder in the honoluluadvertiser.com site. Hawaii has changed a lot since the 70s. Just be respectful of the culture, don't keep lamenting that you want things to be like they are on the mainland, and be open to everything you experience. One of our shopping center GMs was white and had an african american wife and they & their kids were so sad when they relocated to the mainland after 10 years here. they lived in central oahu as well. He looks back on his time here as a gift....I don't think that's the attitude of someone who felt racism, esp since the family is constantly yearning to move back. |
At regular supermarkets, bread is about $3 a loaf and milk is about $6-$7 a gallon - regular price. However, if you sign up for those supermarket customer cards, there is always something on special, so you can get the bread for more like $2 per loaf and milk for $5 per gallon (if you're not picky about the brand). Or go to Costco, where it's cheaper.
The cheapest place to get gas is at Costco, and right now it's about $2.65. No casinos, no gambling, no lottery, etc. Right now my firm has filled whatever positions were open, but to be honest, employers are pretty desperate these days for good help. If the job market is the same when you get here as it is now, you should have no problem finding a job. As far as cultural issues, Hawaii has its own unique "local" culture. Things are not going to be the same as on the mainland, but if you are open, accepting and respectful of the differences, then you shouldn't have a problem. Having a family base here will help the adjustment tremendously. As far as the racism claims, this is something that sometimes bugs me. I'm not saying it doesn't sometimes exist, but you'll find the majority of people in Hawaii that are not so close-minded. However, the same thing can be said of probably every other state in the nation - that racism sometimes exists, but most of its residents are not so close-minded. The difference is that in Hawaii, the majority of people experiencing racism are white, which must be a very different experience for them. I have friends who have moved here from the mainland and talk about how racist Hawaii is. It's a matter of perspective, because they haven't experienced it anywhere else. Along the same lines, I could say the same about North Carolina and Texas - places where I have lived and personally experienced racism - but of course I'm not going to label the entire state as being racist. To the OP - the friends that I mentioned that complain about racism are in the minority. I have many other friends that have moved here and have not had such negative experiences. I wouldn't worry too much about it. |
Even thought it is a posting board for The Big Island, www.konaweb.com has great practical information for moving to Hawaii, in general.
You need to read up on shipping belongings, cars and their shipping and licensing, pets, etc. |
To the OP, MelissaHI, and others - I apologize for the way my post came off - I didn't mean that everyone in Hawaii is a racist. I suppose an example of what I meant is that people can call you "Haole" or "Pake" (or whatever term defines you by race) and yet not mean any insult by it - more likely, it's friendly talk. It was just a different experience for me.
I love Hawaii and the people in it, and I'm just very sorry if I offended anyone. |
Jolie,
I spoke to someone, who was very fair and she told me how she and people were sometime distinguished. She lived in Hawaii as a young woman in the 70s. I was telling her of my idea to retire in Hawaii because I was interested in the beaches, and the foods associate with a tropical island. She told me about how people are categorized and that prices were high there. |
As far as warmer clothing is concerned, I lived on Oahu for a year a long time ago when my husband was stationed at Schofield and maybe wore a sweater once or twice on a cool, rainy night. If you're used to Chicago weather, you won't need anything but summer clothes.
If you should go to the mountains on another island, just buy a wrap and save on the packing from home. |
To get a better understanding of the racial thing, go to see Frank Delima's show when you get here. Here's a link to his site:
http://www.frankdelima.com/about.html He sums it up best when he talks about how we make fun of our ethnicities: <i> He celebrates, not disregards, ethnic differences and integrates them into his comedic routines. "Humor breaks down barriers and being able to laugh at oneself is the first step down that road," Frank explains. </i> |
In Hawaii race is always talked about in a way that would not be acceptable elsewhere. It's a very open way of life in understanding your neighbors. There isn't hate behind it mostly though rude comments can be heard when someone is mad. The thing is people are very protective of their own cultures and familes. Outsiders are slowly opened up to though we all have friends of every race. Schools have a different enviroment...Will she go to Pearl City Elementary? I know they don't put up with poor manners towards others. That school goes up to 6th grade. You should order local books and get familar with life here.
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Aloha Islandmom,
I asked my sister and was told my daughter will be attending school in Pearl City, not Ewa Beach, like I thought. My daughter will enter 7th grade next school year, which I believe will require her to attend middle school (middle schools do not exist in Chicago). When does the school year officially begin? I am moving in August, however, my sister is leaving for Hawaii right after the 4th of July. Should my daughter leave with my sister, or can she wait and leave with me, without missing school? School generally begins the Wednesday after Labor Day with the last day of school around the 3rd week in June in Chicago. I know it will probably be a real culture shock for the both of us. I have looked at a few websites for information on how to obtain a State ID or License, as well as what information is needed in order for my daughter to enroll in school. I have come across plenty of vacation guides, however, I can't seem to find relocation guides. Does anyone know of a website I can browse, or a book, cassette, video, etc., I can purchase? All of your comments, suggestions, and/or advise it greatly appreciated. |
I know there are State of Hawaii websites because I looked into moving at one point. I remember in particular I was checking out the dept of agriculture, because they were who controlled animal quarantines, for bringing cats or dogs with you to the islands.
Sorry, not a very good answer, but you need to find the government websites somehow. |
Oahu07- Do you know how to use a "google" search? I just tried quickly and put in keywords like, Hawaii government, relocation to Hawaii, and found many websites listed.
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This is a bit old and about "retiring to HI" but it may be useful...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34538200 Debi |
did my links not help you? most if not all the schools are on a 'year round' schedule. you can probably check with the department of education. Here's a link to the Department of Education:
http://doe.k12.hi.us/ which you can then cross reference with this annual report: http://www.honolulumagazine.com/psg/intro.html If you decide to send your kids to a private school, here's a link: http://www.hais.org/school_directory.htm and here is a link to a book people order when moving to hawaii (as previously posted). http://ssl.honoluluadvertiser.com/li...006/index.html |
This year the new year-round school year began the first week of August. If your daughter can go in July it would give a chance to get settled in before school starts.
As for ID, if you have a valid driver's license now, all you need to do is pass the eye exam and written test and surrender you current license and they will give a HI license. Getting a HI ID is actually harder. If it jas not been suggested yet, you might want to pick up Toni Polancy's "So You Want to Live in Hawai`i." |
has anyone ever encountered a hurricane, mud slide, etc. while living in Hawaii (Oahu)?
I looked over the websites for the schools, and my daughter is going to freak. Although it seems the kids are out for a week every other month, she will still be in school pretty much year round. Oh Boy. Was it really difficult for any of your guys with kids to adjust? |
I think kids adjust easier than adults, generally speaking.
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As mentioned previously, Hawaii is on the year-round schedule.
I've been through a couple of hurricanes, earthquakes, and recently the Pali had a landslide. Acts of nature are not uncommon no matter where you live in the world.....why do you ask? |
Just didn't want to move somewhere where I am always looking for the next big earthquake, hurricane, etc. I know many of these things can happen anywhere, someone just made a comment the other day about tsunami's and hurricane's and earthquakes always hitting Hawaii. I had not heard of this, but wanted to put it out there just in case this person was speaking the truth. Maybe just still have a bit of nerves causing me to worry needlessly.
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Since I've lived in Southern California or Seattle the majority of my life, you just get used to earthquakes. Kind of scary but they would not influence my decision about where to live. I would not worry yourself about nature. The islands have weathered many storms, and so will you
:-) |
I am a bit curious...Are you really sure you want to do this move and are really ready for this? You seem to have lots of doubts. Have you considered all that you are about to undergo? And your daughter may seem "excited" about this move, but the reality of leaving familiar surroundings {school, friends, neighborhood etc} may be quite different than she is expressing to you. Sometimes children pick up on parents thoughts and act in a way that will please parent or meet parents wants. What is it exactly that you hope to gain by making this move? And one last thing, which is very personal and I am just posing for you to think about. No mention has been made of your daughters' father and or his family. Do you have permission to move your daughter to HI? Are you going to deprive your daughter to her father and his family?
I don't expect you to publicly answer these questions...rather they are for you to think about. Some times...we get caught up in an idea and it sounds like the thing to do to get away from things...but you really need to be sure. Moving from Chicago to HI is a BIG move...and I don't mean just the miles. Hope this helps... Debi |
I am a black female & lived in Hawaii for 2 years and never encountered any racism whatsoever from any locals. My close base of friends consisted of samoans, filipinos, hawaiians, japanese, chinese and whites. The thing I love about Hawaii is that a majority of everyone born & raised there is "cosmopolitan", meaning mixed w/2 or more races. So, you may hear someone make a racial joke, but 9 times out of 1o, there are poking as much fun at themselves as they are w/you. I never felt out of sorts or alone when I lived there. I had plenty of "aunties" looking after me & the people of Hawaii are the friendlest people you'll ever meet.
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I think a move like this is a fantastic idea!! Of course you have some doubts and jitters about it. It's a big deal. But what an adventure!
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A couple of other things to consider: have you lived in Chicago all you life? If so, do you drive;have you done much traveling? You most likely will need to drive in HI. Traveling often gives you an idea of what it's like in other places. If you have lived in 1 area all your life...other places [especially HI] will be much different.
What about childcare for your daughter? And is she involved in activites at home and will she miss them and the kids in them? It seems you will be living with relatives at first. Be warned...as much as you love them [and vice versa] this type of living arrangment can have problems, especially when there are in-law factors and children and where child raising [differences in how to] can happen. You may be the best of relations now, but living under one roof can strain that relationship. Again, not asking for replies. Just trying to help you think this through. I have been through the same thought process, more than once, and just hope to help you be sure you are doing what is best for your daughter and for you. Debi |
Debi brings up some good things to think about...but I don't know that you should be expecting the worst! Have you done more research on Hawaii, so that you can make a more informed decision about this move? The person who said that Hawaii 'always' has hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes was not just wrong; that was kind of mean of them to make you feel you're moving to some horrible place. Unless, perhaps, they love you very much and are trying to convince you not to move.
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I've lived on Oahu since 1976.
1 hurricaine (Iwa), no damage 1 hurricaine warning- Iniki- veered away to Kauai 1 earthquake (last month) whole lotta shaking, no damage 1 tsuanmi- 2 inch swell, major traffic jam Whoo boy...it's one scary disaster after another! |
Oahu, IMO you have been given a lot of good information to think about.
BTW, my BIL and SIL were in Hawaii for quite a long time. My SIL left her good winter clothes stored at a family members home (who had room for them) as she would come to the mainland to visit family from time to time and needed those clothes. So if you have good winter coats/jackets/sweaters/shoes etc. you might want to think about doing that (maybe your mother could store them for you) as no doubt at some point you might need them. Just a thought. Best wishes to you and your daughter regarding your decisions. |
DebitNM,
I've thought all of this through including my daughter leaving friends and family behind. Her father is fine with the move. Says it will give him one hell of place to visit, because he knows our daughter will probably always want him to visit instead of the other way around. I have always been a pessimist, so that is why I am asking so many questions. I have been on a lot of websites now (thank you my Fodor's family), and have gained quite a bit more knowledge of this land I will soon call home. As far as the living arrangements, my sister and I live together now, and when her husband comes to visit (30 days at a time), he stays with us. No real big change in the living conditions, besides location. I lived mostly in Chicago, although, I lived in Georgia for a couple of years. I have traveled quite few places (all within the continental US). My daughet was the one that actually told me to stop being a chicken. : ) I don't have concerns about this move, more so jitters. My daughter is in quite a few activities. I looked to see if the same activities are offered in Oahu, and they are (bowling league, volleyball, skating, etc). I drive all over Chicago and many surburbs, so I can get around, once I learn my way. I am going to leave my car in Chicago with my Mom (seems too expensive to try and ship). I will purchase a new car when I get there. I am thinking a cute little Volkeswagon Beetle - drop top : ) I kind of figured my friend was pulling my leg about all the hurricanes, tsunami's and such. Just wanted to be sure. Thanks LoveItaly, I think that is a good idea, leaving my winter clothes with my Mom. I know I will have plenty of more questions the closer I get to August, so I want to thank you all in advance for your responses. Here is another question I have....... How long did it take to get use to the time difference? My sister was telling me about some bread (purple) that my nephew loved. What is it called, and do you know if I can purchase the bread mainland? Thanks again for your responses. Aloha |
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