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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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