Oh, Oh, Hawaii

[Ava]

Believe it or not, I just got an opportunity to move to Honolulu, Hawaii.

I am seriously considering it.

I'm going crazy!!!!

A friend of mine who lived in Newark, NJ just moved to Honolulu. Let's call him A.

I didn't see him too often but I've known him well for a very long time. I met him through a mutual friend who sadly passed away at the age of 31 from a heart attack.

A is a cook and worked in a restaurant in Newark.

Someone opened a restaurant in Honolulu and offered him a job there.

He moved to Honolulu a month ago.

We have been keeping in touch through Facebook, but yesterday we talked on the phone.

He has a place where I can stay until I launch. He told me there are plenty of jobs there, and if I am willing to waitress (waitressing was my first job when I arrived in the U.S.) I could work at the restaurant until I get something else.

He's a good person and excellent company.

I am really tired of the loneliness and the long, dreary winters here.

I looked onto the CPA requirements and I could sit for the Hawaiian exam now. I went to Indeed and there are plenty of bank jobs I could apply to once I get there. For those who don't know my back story, I work at a bank and I am completing classes to sit for the Florida CPA.

Call me crazy, but I think I'm going to take this opportunity.

I'm going to finish the two classes I'm taking because eventually I may move to Miami. But working, getting the CPA, and living in Hawaii, even if it's only for a couple of years, sounds great to me.

The idea is to take my vacation to the old country at year end, then come back, rent out the condo and move.

I talked to my mom tonight about it, and she's so excited. She wants to visit Hawaii so badly. It would be like a dream come true.

[busymom]

Totally jealous! Yes, if I had a job lined up, I'd move there in a New York minute.

Check into the cost of living, because I remember when I visited there that groceries seemed expensive.

[Tennesseer]

Keep in mind in is much further away from family and friends in South America.

[Jaguar]

Damn that sounds awesome, go for it cause it's one of those "once in a lifetime thangs"!

[Tennesseer]

Sept 7, 2015 21:53:28 GMT -5 busymom said:

Totally jealous! Yes, if I had a job lined up, I'd move there in a New York minute.

Check into the cost of living, because I remember when I visited there that groceries seemed expensive.

Cost of living is very high. Most everything has to be imported from the mainland. Housing is very expensive too.

[Tennesseer]

Cost of living in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

[souldoubt]

What Tennessee said.  We go to Hawaii at least once a year and Honolulu is the one place we've been that we're not in any hurry to get back to as it's crowded and expensive.  Also you have to be aware of island time.  It sounds great and it is on vacation but I know people who have had issues going over there and trying to make a living because they ended up supervising people who were too laid back for their liking.  Good luck.

[quince]

1) Be aware of cost of living.
2) Be aware that the culture is DIFFERENT.
3) Be aware that there is racism...and the flavor of racism is different than what you may be used to on the continental US.

I think that people should visit places before they move there...if you have visited, no problem. If not, PLEASE THINK ABOUT DOING SO before relocating. Visit, scope out apartments, get a feel for the culture. (And the local pidgin!!!)

[Deleted]

I agree with visiting Honolulu before moving there.  I have a lot of family on the islands, and there's no way I'd live on Oahu, but I'm not a city person.  It's very crowded and the cost of living is extremely high.  But, I guess if you're staying at his place for free, you could always go on a trial basis. 

[Ava]

I am aware it's further away from South America, and that is my main concern.

I don't think I could do it forever, but as an adventure, for a couple of years, yeah. Traveling back home would be grueling and expensive. I could do it for a while. I don't think I could do it for the rest of my working life.

Cost of living is high, so I asked A about it. He said he's managing. He said where he's living is a working class neighborhood and prices are not that different from Newark when he goes to the supermarket. 

He's renting a two bedroom apartment, with everything included (A.C., water, electricity, etc.) for $1,600. That sounds really expensive to me but A said it's fine. if I'm willing to rent something smaller, like a studio, I'll be paying less. I need to find a rental that accepts cats, though.  A told me we can rent something together and split the rent. That wouldn't be too bad. He's close to work and 20 minutes away from the beach. He said that things move slowly there, and he loves that. He also said locals have been very nice to him.

About culture being different, I don't know if that could affect me. A and I come from the same country. He's already met other people from that country there, besides the restaurant owner. So we can get as involved as we want with outsiders. Personally, I prefer to interact with as many people as possible. But having a social net of your own culture gives you some sort of protection if you are unable to fit in the local environment.

If the pace is slow, I'll take it. I adapt to whatever is going on around me, but a slow pace would be very relaxing. I'm an atheist but A is catholic. He's already found a church to attend. People tend to gather and connect at church. A is very social. I'm sure he's going to connect with a lot of people. I would probably get involved in social activities at his church, like birthdays, picnics, etc.

I know A well. I trust him. I'm sure if he's telling me there's a chance for me, and he'll be helping me along, then that's how it's going to be. 

I'm ready for a change, I'm more than ready to move out of CT. Getting healthier and getting fit is making me more confident that I can go out and get stuff done. I'm ready for an out, and I'm ready for an adventure. I know life in Hawaii won't be perfect. Guess what? It's very far from perfect here in CT. I'm doing ok financially, nothing spectacular. Emotionally and socially I'm having a very hard time though.

I can stay there a couple of years, get my CPA, then transfer it to Florida and move there if I want.

[Ava]

Sept 7, 2015 22:51:30 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I agree with visiting Honolulu before moving there.  I have a lot of family on the islands, and there's no way I'd live on Oahu, but I'm not a city person.  It's very crowded and the cost of living is extremely high.  But, I guess if you're staying at his place for free, you could always go on a trial basis. 

I wish I could visit before moving there. But I don't have any more vacation days for this year. The few I have are already allocated to my visit home at year end.

[Deleted]

Sept 7, 2015 23:04:28 GMT -5 Ava said:

I need to find a rental that accepts cats, though.

Be aware the Hawaii is rabies free and has very strict quarantine laws for bringing animals into the state.  That's how I acquired one of my dogs.  I had an aunt moving back and she didn't think her old dog would handle the long period in quarantine.  It's something like 4 months.

Info.

hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/faq-for-animal-quarantine/#q2
 

[Ava]

Sept 7, 2015 23:12:40 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Sept 7, 2015 23:04:28 GMT -5 Ava said:

I need to find a rental that accepts cats, though.

Be aware the Hawaii is rabies free and has very strict quarantine laws for bringing animals into the state.  That's how I acquired one of my dogs.  I had an aunt moving back and she didn't think her old dog would handle the long period in quarantine.  It's something like 4 months.

That's a very long time. I didn't know that.

What happens to the animals while they are quarantined?

I need to look further into that.

[Deleted]

Sept 7, 2015 23:23:08 GMT -5 Ava said:

Sept 7, 2015 23:12:40 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Be aware the Hawaii is rabies free and has very strict quarantine laws for bringing animals into the state.  That's how I acquired one of my dogs.  I had an aunt moving back and she didn't think her old dog would handle the long period in quarantine.  It's something like 4 months.

That's a very long time. I didn't know that.

What happens to the animals while they are quarantined?

I need to look further into that.

They're kept in a boarding facility and monitored.  Read the link I posted above.  You can get out of the extended quarantine on the island if you meet the requirements before arriving, but it's going to require testing and a similar 4 month quarantine period at home before you leave, so if you were thinking of going soon that would put a damper on that.

[Ava]

Sept 7, 2015 23:28:53 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Sept 7, 2015 23:23:08 GMT -5 Ava said:

That's a very long time. I didn't know that.

What happens to the animals while they are quarantined?

I need to look further into that.

They're kept in a boarding facility and monitored.  Read the link I posted above.  You can get out of the extended quarantine on the island if you meet the requirements before arriving, but it's going to require testing and a similar 4 month quarantine period at home before you leave, so if you were thinking of going soon that would put a damper on that.

Thanks, I just read the information.

It looks like Ava qualifies for the 5 days quarantine.

I don't plan to move until mid February at the earliest.

I'll talk to my vet in November to make sure we comply with everything. She has the rabies shots and the latest one was administered in May.

She will have to be micro chipped, though.

Thanks again for all the information.

[msventoux]

I knew your name and avatar was of your cat, but it's still funny to read that "you" qualify for the 5 days rabies quarantine. 

I would love to do something similar, thought not to Hawaii, but I get bogged down at doing it alone and not having anyone on the other end to facilitate things.  Given your circumstances I would probably go for it, especially considering how dissatisfied you've been overall in your current location. 

Good luck in whatever you decide!

[bobosensei]

Does this "friend" work as a Thai Food cook?  Just kidding about that.

Everyone else said what I would have pointed out- be aware of getting the cat to Hawaii, the cost of living, and understand that even if you visited and liked it you were on vacation and liking a place for vacation is different than liking a place to live there for work.

The other thing is your friend's version of "being okay" could be a lot different than yours.  He might not be saving for retirement like you do, and he might not have to plan for regular expensive airfare like you will.  The cost of groceries isn't the only thing to think about.  Gas, insurance, and shipping your car there or purchasing another one, clothing, etc.  Would you be shipping the things you own or storing them and paying a monthly fee?  If storing them you'll need all new things or renting a furnished place (and you'll still need stuff like curtains and linens and kitchen appliances, pots, pans, and dishes etc.).  You might be able to survive for a couple of years, but if you plan to later move to Miami you need to be able to get yourself set up in Miami after leaving Hawaii.  You can't just spend down everything you have now to survive.  You need first, last, and a security deposit plus an emergency fund and money for daily living while you find a job wherever you go after Hawaii.

I'm not saying don't go, but consider whether you can keep moving in a positive direction financially while you are there so that you are able to go to Miami or whatever your ultimate destination is.  You could end up stuck in Hawaii trying to scrape together the money to leave. 

[Ombud]

Sept 7, 2015 23:04:28 GMT -5 Ava said:

renting a two bedroom apartment, with everything included (A.C., water, electricity, etc.) for $1,600. That sounds really expensive to me

That's average here and depending on wages, it might not seem high. It's all relative

[Ava]

Sept 8, 2015 0:25:03 GMT -5 msventoux said:

I knew your name and avatar was of your cat, but it's still funny to read that "you" qualify for the 5 days rabies quarantine. 

I would love to do something similar, thought not to Hawaii, but I get bogged down at doing it alone and not having anyone on the other end to facilitate things.  Given your circumstances I would probably go for it, especially considering how dissatisfied you've been overall in your current location. 

Good luck in whatever you decide!

I know; it's funny.

Yes, I have exactly the same problem. If I had some sort of support in Miami, believe me, I would already be there.

Thanks for the good wishes. I'm leaning towards going.

[Ava]

Sept 8, 2015 2:09:21 GMT -5 bobosensei said:

Does this "friend" work as a Thai Food cook?  Just kidding about that.

Everyone else said what I would have pointed out- be aware of getting the cat to Hawaii, the cost of living, and understand that even if you visited and liked it you were on vacation and liking a place for vacation is different than liking a place to live there for work.

The other thing is your friend's version of "being okay" could be a lot different than yours.  He might not be saving for retirement like you do, and he might not have to plan for regular expensive airfare like you will.  The cost of groceries isn't the only thing to think about.  Gas, insurance, and shipping your car there or purchasing another one, clothing, etc.  Would you be shipping the things you own or storing them and paying a monthly fee?  If storing them you'll need all new things or renting a furnished place (and you'll still need stuff like curtains and linens and kitchen appliances, pots, pans, and dishes etc.).  You might be able to survive for a couple of years, but if you plan to later move to Miami you need to be able to get yourself set up in Miami after leaving Hawaii.  You can't just spend down everything you have now to survive.  You need first, last, and a security deposit plus an emergency fund and money for daily living while you find a job wherever you go after Hawaii.

I'm not saying don't go, but consider whether you can keep moving in a positive direction financially while you are there so that you are able to go to Miami or whatever your ultimate destination is.  You could end up stuck in Hawaii trying to scrape together the money to leave. 

A is an excellent cook. He cooks Argentinian food, but adapts to different styles as requested. Right now he's working two jobs, one of them is for a Mexican restaurant.

And you are right that his version of being ok is different from mine. He doesn't save for retirement or doesn't have any long term plans. Still, we both love to live relatively good lives, we are not the type of people who sacrifice completely for tomorrow.

I would give up my furniture. I don't have anything of value. It's all 8 years old IKEA furniture - the cheapest possible- with A LOT of scratch marks from the princess. I wouldn't bother to move this furniture to Miami, either. I would just donate it to Goodwill or throw away the pieces.

I would then proceed to rent a small place and furnish it cheaply again.

As for running out of money when it's time to head for Miami, not worried about that. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Worst case scenario, mom and bro float me some money. I never said anything here because I'm fiercely independent and I've always stood on my own two feet, but both of them are quite well to do and more than willing to help me if I need it. Hopefully, it won't come to that. I could waitress for a few months and get enough money together for a plane ticket and a rental. Don't forget that I'll probably- hopefully- have a CPA then. That should help me land a job in Miami.

[Ava]

Sept 8, 2015 2:35:03 GMT -5 Ombud said:

Sept 7, 2015 23:04:28 GMT -5 Ava said:

renting a two bedroom apartment, with everything included (A.C., water, electricity, etc.) for $1,600. That sounds really expensive to me

That's average here and depending on wages, it might not seem high. It's all relative

That's exactly what A said. He said that's not too bad compared to Newark, if you wanted to live in a good area.

It sounds expensive to me because I only pay $700, including HOA fees.

I would love to live in a big, comfortable apartment like he's doing. However, I'm willing to downsize to 1 bedroom and move further out.

A loves comfort. He said he's living in a very nice apartment with pool, barbecue and close to work. I am willing to commute and forgo the amenities. I could make it work with one bedroom even though mom comes and stays with me half the year at this point. But we get along great and we would manage.

[hoops902]

::
I can stay there a couple of years, get my CPA, then transfer it to Florida and move there if I want. ::

Some/most states have a work experience requirement prior to getting the CPA license.  If you can't find a CPA job in Hawaii, you'll want to be sure you haven't taken the exam in vain and have to re-do it later in Florida. 

[HoneyBBQ]

Sept 7, 2015 21:45:51 GMT -5 Ava said:

He's a good person and excellent company.

I am really tired of the loneliness and the long, dreary winters here.

What sort of relationship will you be expected to have?

[HoneyBBQ]

I think it's completely bizarre and naive to move to a place you've never been.

I understand you want away from the dreary winter, but this sounds like a bad idea to me. 

[teen persuasion]

What about transportation, once you are living in Hawaii?  My DD1 is living there now, and this is her biggest issue.  She is living on one base but working elsewhere, doesn't drive or have a car.  Apparently there isn't much in the way of mass transit, or at least for her needs, and she says traffic is nuts.  Last time she was home she tried to pass a road test here, since anecdotally it is ridiculously difficult to pass in Hawaii, so she could eventually buy a car there (no luck, she needs more practice).  We discussed the cost of shipping a car back to the mainland vs selling if she is reassigned, but she said her branch would ship it for her, so not the problem for her that it would be for a civilian.  

Yes, costs all around are higher due to the need to ship things in.  But she is definitely enjoying it there.

[kittensaver]

Yanno, Ava, don't listen (too long) to the naysayers. You're young and free of many obligations - I say go for it. So the cost of living is high - big deal, you'll adjust. You have only yourself to worry about - no spouse or children, right?

If you are young and almost carefree (out of school, no dependents) this is the absolute ideal time to have an adventure. Who cares if it lasts forever or not, its an adventure. You have a place to land with a person you know and trust, and can stay there until you get a job and your own place. If your cats are young they will be okay in quarantine - just visit them very often until you can bring them home. The only thing you will really need to do is save up enough for a plane ticket back to the mainland/home in a few years if/when you decide it's not for you.

I hope you have a wonderful time - even if you decide not to stay.

[Deleted]

Sept 8, 2015 4:38:15 GMT -5 Ava said:

Sept 8, 2015 2:35:03 GMT -5 Ombud said:

That's average here and depending on wages, it might not seem high. It's all relative

That's exactly what A said. He said that's not too bad compared to Newark, if you wanted to live in a good area.

It sounds expensive to me because I only pay $700, including HOA fees.

I would love to live in a big, comfortable apartment like he's doing. However, I'm willing to downsize to 1 bedroom and move further out.

A loves comfort. He said he's living in a very nice apartment with pool, barbecue and close to work. I am willing to commute and forgo the amenities. I could make it work with one bedroom even though mom comes and stays with me half the year at this point. But we get along great and we would manage.

There's not a lot of "further out" on Oahu.  The island is pretty small and it's expensive everywhere.  There's also some really bad, shady areas.  Meth use is insane on that island.  Unless you're whale watching from the safety of your vehicle, stay clear of the west coast entirely!

[Wisconsin Beth]

WE had someone on the boards move to Hawaii a couple of years ago.  I don't remember who though. 

[Deleted]

Sept 8, 2015 10:14:14 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

Yanno, Ava, don't listen (too long) to the naysayers. You're young and free of many obligations - I say go for it. So the cost of living is high - big deal, you'll adjust. You have only yourself to worry about - no spouse or children, right?

If you are young and almost carefree (out of school, no dependents) this is the absolute ideal time to have an adventure. Who cares if it lasts forever or not, its an adventure. You have a place to land with a person you know and trust, and can stay there until you get a job and your own place. If your cats are young they will be okay in quarantine - just visit them very often until you can bring them home. The only thing you will really need to do is save up enough for a plane ticket back to the mainland/home in a few years if/when you decide it's not for you.

I hope you have a wonderful time - even if you decide not to stay.

I'm not trying to be a naysayer, and I agree, now is the time to just do whatever and have fun.  I just think she should visit it first.  The image of Hawaii is that it's paradise, but so many that go even on vacations aren't fond of Oahu.  They'll say, "I loved Maui or I loved Kauai or the Big Island, but I don't care if I ever go back to Oahu".  Of course, the people I talk to are all from around here, so not city people.  If you're coming from the east coast it wouldn't be quite as overwhelming.

[swamp]

Go.

If you hate it, move.