Need advice for moving to Hawaii!

U.S.A. Hawaii

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Hi! I would like to have some advice here. I am a Canadian RN and finally passed NCLEX recently. So, I am seriously checking out Hawaii now. My husband and I are thinking of Waianae because the price for real estate seems reasonable or I should say that's the only area we can afford to buy a house. I don't really have a choice except for Oahu island because of visa status. I am thinking of the Queens medical center as the first placement to work.

Now, my questions are:

Which side of Oahu island has more rain?

Why is Waianae area so much cheaper than other areas?

How long would it take to commute to Honolulu from Waianae or north of the island? Is it common for people to commute that distance?

Is there such a tour which we can check all main islands of Hawaii?

I was talking to a couple of people in other thread and I might be asking you same questions here.... :p We are going to check out there in May but we have only 10 days. I do appreciate your advice! Thank you! :) :)

Specializes in Everything but psych!.

I lived on Oahu for 6 months. It was not a good 6 months. Some people love Hawaii, some people don't. Being a tourist and being a local is two different things. Wainae is probably cheaper because it is not as close to the ocean/not as nice beaches nearby? Not close to the city, to the nightlife. If you pm me your e-mail address, I will send you some more info.

Overall, if I had it to do over again, I would choose a different island. Just wasn't my cup of tea. Hawaii is very expensive. I was working 2 jobs to make ends kind of meet. I would go back as a tourist any time though!

Now, my questions are:

Which side of Oahu island has more rain?

It rains more on the windward (east) side. There has been more rain all over recently which made everything grow so now there is more fodder for the brush fires. There was one last night past Waianae.

Why is Waianae area so much cheaper than other areas?

Waianae has a reputation for being a "wild west town." The residents there like that reputation but they are as nice as anywhere else. They would just like for it not to change so much. The leeward side of the island has more pure Hawaiians than the rest of the island. However Waianae ranks second only to the North Shore in the fastest rising house prices. I live in Waianae and my house has gone up $120,000 in less than a year. I'm about ready to sell it though as we plan to move to the Big Island for me to go to school.

I'll email you some pics if you want to look at it. You have crack heads all over the island and people will steal your car, mostly Toyotos and Hondas no matter where you live.

How long would it take to commute to Honolulu from Waianae or north of the island? Is it common for people to commute that distance?

I have two jobs, both in Honolulu. I would not want to brave the traffic anywhere on the island for the day shift but the evening and night shift is fine. Takes me about 40 minutes both ways.

Is there such a tour which we can check all main islands of Hawaii?

Yes, but you need 2-3 days per island. All the islands have websites also, at least the ones you're allowed to visit.

If you remember that Hawaii is a third world country, you'll do fine here. Oahu is the most "advanced." It goes downhill rapidly from that point especially in healthcare.

Wainae is probably cheaper because it is not as close to the ocean/not as nice beaches nearby?

Waianae is right on the water; most of the city is on one side of the road, the ocean on the other. The beaches are also some of the best on the island plus they are not as crowded!

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