Help a haole get set up in Hawaii

[///AMG]

Never have had any interest whatsoever in visiting HI. Have had several opportunities and have avoided them all. Looks like I may finally be forced to this fall. IMHO, give it back to the islanders, and cut the umbilical cord....

 

[BobDDuck]

A bit off topic, but do Hawaiians appreciate mainlanders using Aloha/Mahalo in greetings or because it is their language would they prefer you not?

It depends. I've been here 8 years now and feel ok (if it's appropriate) staring an email with Aloha instead of hi, but I very rarely say it. I never use Mahalo. I do use some Hawaiian words to describe location like mauka and makai. More often I find myself using pidgin in conversation.

 

[LostComm]

Somehow I managed to convince a 135 carrier in Hawaii to let me fly a PC-12 around. I’ve been domiciled away from home before, but Hawaii’s got some... unique differences.

Anyone here familiar with a resource to find good info on being based out there? Finding a crash pad? A car? Etc etc. Was thinking about getting in touch with HAL’s ALPA group, but wasn’t sure if they can help a non-member.

Thanks guys.

I lived there twice - though it's been a few years. The first time I traveled a lot, so I went back when I could because I felt like I missed "Hawaii" the first time. A friend recently moved back and confirmed a lot hasn't changed.

1. The North Shore is the place to live. It quieter, the commute into HNL isn't bad (Though H1 does get traffic), and it's possible to really enjoy the island. There are bungalows near Dillingham or other places to rent along the whole North Shore. I was able to find a great place near Wiamea from a guy that lived in HNL.
2. Crime is no joke. Everything from your vehicle's inspection sticker to the movers. Stuff gets stolen. A safety deposit box isn't a bad idea for valuable papers and such.
3. Get a surfboard early. Your life is better if you surf. Doesn't need to be a super fast thruster - get a longboard and be consistent. It gets into your soul.
4. People say they'll visit you - they won't. It's just awfully far, expensive, and seems exotic.
5. Sooner or later you'll get island bound, and it'll be time to leave.
6. There's always some Soldier or Marine or Airman that can't afford their car. I recommend a Jeep, but some kind of convertible for sure.
7. If you do land on the North Shore - be careful on big wave days of traffic (October - November usually).

Good luck and aloha!