If you have not been to Hawaii, be prepared for a different lifestyle – one that you can’t help falling in love with.
Hawaii was admitted as a state in 1959.You don't need a passport, visa or health certificate.We use American money and our water is some of the purest in the world.
Postage rates are the same as on the Mainland.All first class mail goes by airmail and there is only a small difference in the price between airmail and surface for packages.
Almost all travel to Hawaii is by airplane.The majority of flights arrive in Honolulu. However, some mainland flights arrive on Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai.There are three inter island airline companies that have regularly scheduled service between islands.Take the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of Oahu and visit our "neighbor" islands.
Hawaii's population is made up of many nationalities: Japanese, Caucasian, Chinese, Filipino and Hawaiian, among others.Almost everyone speaks English.However, some people speak the local version of Pidgin English.
Hawaii’s residents are the healthiest in the nation with Oahu cited as the “MedicalCenter of the Pacific.”People here on average live longer than those in other states – 79 years compared with the U.S. average of 75 years. Hawaii’s residents also are fortunate to have some of the best health care plans in the country with 90.8 percent of Hawaii’s residents covered by some form of health care.There are eight major, private health care plans in Hawaii.
The dress in Hawaii is geared to the weather.Most men wear aloha shirts or sports shirts to work.Only a few restaurants require jackets at night.The wear for women is equally casual and summer dresses can be worn all year.Many businesses allow muumuus at the office.
Oahu – The Gathering Place
The State’s capital is located here in Honolulu. The nickname, “Gathering Place,” is fitting because Oahu is the Pacific’s hub of business, politics, culture and entertainment.It boasts attractions from world-class restaurants to renowned surfing spots.
Oahu is 40 miles long, 26 miles wide and 608 square miles in area.It is wrapped by 112 miles of shoreline – most of it beautiful white sand beach.Oahu also serves as home to approximately 909,863 residents, 71 percent of Hawaii’s population (2006).
If your interests range from opera to polo, Oahu has it all.In a “coco”nutshell, Oahu has the charm and appeal of the other islands, yet it is a multicultural, metropolitan city. Some of the most expensive and luxurious real estate in the world is found on this multifaceted island.
Hawaii – The Big Island
The largest island in the state is the Island of Hawaii – all 4,038 square miles and growing.The volcano Kilauea, at VolcanoNational Park, continues to add new land to the world due to its ongoing eruption. You’ll find diversity here – something for everyone – from grand resorts and country inns to beautiful beaches and vast ranch land. It is blessed with varied geography and a multitude of activities: erupting volcanoes, deep-sea fishing, black sand beaches, ranching, rain forests, and the nearly 14,000 foot summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The island boasts the largest privately owned ranch in the country, Parker Ranch.
Maui – The Valley Isle
Known for its whaling town of Lahaina, and its dormant volcano Haleakala, Maui is the second largest in the island chain. Popular among honeymooners, it also is the hot spot for celebrities.If you dare take the road to Hana or scuba dive off Molokini, perhaps you, too, will discover the magic of Maui.
Kauai – The Garden Isle
This is the oldest in the island chain. It also is the wettest island, and some say the most beautiful. You’ll find lush, green valleys, beautiful steep mountain cliffs, a fern grotto that many have used as a backdrop for weddings, and the gorgeous Na Pali Coast, accessible only by boat tours.Many movies have been filmed here including JurassicPark, South Pacific and several Elvis Presley movies.The lifestyle is laid back, free from the pressure and the fast pace of a metropolis – perfect for a weekend (or lifetime) getaway.
Molokai – The Friendly Isle
This island is inhabited by hospitable local people, who graciously share their island with visitors, and those not so local residents who have succumbed to an “old Hawaii” lifestyle. On Molokai you can see the world’s highest sea cliffs, Hawaii’s longest waterfall, largest white sand beach and ancient fishponds.
Lanai – Once the Pineapple Isle
Lanai offers pure Hawaiian-style, plantation living.Castle & Cooke, Inc. (formerly held under Dole Food Co.) privately owns most of the island and the two hotels that dominate its economy.The Lodge at Koele and ManeleBay became the largest employers when the pineapple industry ceased operation. Many Lanai residents were retrained to work in the visitor industry serving guests of the two luxurious hotels.Lanai lives in its own time zone that encourages you to lay back and soak up its old-time, calm atmosphere.
Niihau – The Forbidden Isle
This island is appropriately named.It is privately owned and cannot be visited – without permission.It is mostly ranch land and is known as the last outpost of true Hawaiian culture.Here, Hawaiian is the first language and what most residents speak.And they still practice ancient customs. It is known for its special, small Niihau shells used in leis and for its endangered species of plants and animals that can be found nowhere else in the world.
Settle in – Enjoy Living in One of the
World’s Most Beautiful Places
Weather
Hawaii enjoys some of the most delightful weather in the world.From
April to October the temperatures range from the low 70s at night to the
high 80s during the day.Winter weather, from November through March,
is normally cooler – from the mid-60s to around 80 degrees.Evening and
early morning showers are common throughout the year, and it does rain
more during the winter months. It is an unusual day in Honolulu when the
sun doesn’t shine at all.We normally have trade winds that blow from the
northeast at 5 – 15 miles per hour.However, occasionally we have "kona" winds that come from the south.During these times, the weather often is very humid and usually brings a storm.We have had a couple of hurricanes, but they are infrequent.
Food and Dining
As in any U.S. metropolitan city, there is a great breadth of food and cuisine available in the markets and restaurants in Honolulu including Italian, Mexican, French, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Hawaiian.
You’ll also find chain restaurants such as Bubba Gump’s, Hard Rock Café, Red Lobster, Sizzler and California Pizza Kitchen. Of course, the menu wouldn’t be complete without local family-style restaurants such as Zippy’s and the fast food eateries McDonalds, Burger King, Jack In the Box, Taco Bell, etc.
The University of Hawaii basketball, football and baseball programs are avidly supported. Its Women’s Volleyball Team has a tradition of being nationally ranked.It also has a large, loyal following of fans.High school sports also are followed avidly by Hawaii’s residents.
Fun for children is everywhere.Some favored spots are the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium,SeaLifePark, the new HawaiianWatersAdventurePark and the Children’s DiscoveryCenter.Don’t forget the beach!
Museums
Hawaii’s top visitor attractions are the USS Arizona Memorial
at Pearl Harbor and the PunchbowlNationalCemetery.These
attract well over a million visitors each year.
Hawaiian History museums include: the Bishop Museum, a state museum of national and cultural history; Hawaii Maritime Center, the story of Hawaii and the ocean; Iolani Palace, once the home of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani and the only royal palace on U.S. ground; and the Mission Houses Museum, where the Hawaiian language was first put into print in the 1820s.
The Honolulu Academy of Arts permanent collection offers a look at one of the country’s finest holdings of Asian art, American and European paintings and decorative art, along with a tradition of presenting acclaimed national and international traveling exhibitions.
The Contemporary Museum has a small but growing collection of works in all media spanning 1940 to the present. A highlight of the collection is David Hockney’s enchanting walk-in, garden-like environment.Changing exhibits of contemporary art also are featured.
Theatres
HawaiiTheatreCenter
The spectacularly restored Hawaii Theatre serves as host to a variety of community events throughout the year including Hawaiian performances, concerts, dramatic performances and other celebrations.
Each of the following community theatres offers a varied season of productions from musicals to dramas: Diamond Head Theatre, Manoa Valley Theatre and Kumu Kahua Theatre.
Symphony, Opera and Film Festival
Each year, the Honolulu Symphony presents a schedule of classical concerts at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall and at the Waikiki Shell – an outdoor arena next to Diamond Head.The Shell’s excellent acoustics and open-air atmosphere provide a romantic setting for concerts.
Hawaii Opera Theatre
The Hawaiian Monarchy brought opera to the islands in the 19th century and in that tradition, Hawaii Opera Theatre was established.For more information on HOT, you can find its web site at www.hawaiiopera.org
Hawaii International Film Festival
Each year Hawaii plays host to this extremely popular film festival, featuring more than 100 films from around the world.
Shopping
Hawaii offers one of the largest shopping centers in the country – AlaMoanaCenter.Upscale boutiques include Chanel, Christian Dior and Gucci.Department stores include Sears, Macy’s, as well as shops like Sharper Image, Warner Brothers, Nature Collection and Crazy Shirts.Small, local shops provide a flavor of the islands, as does the large Food Court where you can savor tastes from around the world.And there are a number of smaller shopping malls in other neighborhoods on Oahu.
Large chain stores you’ll find on Oahu include Barnes and Noble, Borders Books and Music, Eagle Hardware, Home Depot, CompUSA, CircuitCity, Office Max and Office Depot.
Central Oahu offers Waikele Premium Outlets stores that include brand name outlet stores. Discount retailers Price Costco, Sam’s Club, WAL-MART and Kmart also are close by.
Recreation
Hawaii’s climate allows for all kinds of outdoor sports, which is why Hawaii is home to many sporting events, local, national and international throughout the year.Some include the Sony Open Golf Tournament, the Pro Bowl, The Honolulu Marathon and the Pipe Masters surfing competition, surfing’s most prestigious event on the World Championship Tour.
Of course, water sports top the list.The ancient Hawaiians created the
sports of surfing and canoe paddling.And swimming has long been a
part of life in Hawaii. Duke Kahanamoku won Hawaii’s first Olympic
gold medal in the 100-yard freestyle in Stockholm in 1912.The 1916
Olympics were cancelled because of World War I, but Duke went on
to win medals in the 1920, 1924 and 1932 Olympics.For more information on water sports you can take a look at the web site www.gohawaii.com/hokeo/activity/watersport.html.
Golf
For many in Hawaii, golfing is a passion.There are 88 courses on Oahu, ranging from private, semi-private and resort courses to public and municipal courses that charge daily fees.Following are a few. Also, for more information on golfing in Hawaii you can check the following web site www2.hawaii.edu/golfstuff/golf_courses.html.
Private Courses Resort Courses
Honolulu Country ClubHawaii Prince Golf Club
Mid-Pacific Country ClubHiltonTurtleBay Country Club
Oahu Country ClubKo Olina Golf Club
Waialae Country ClubMakaha Golf Club
Municipal CoursesPublic Courses
Ala Wai Golf CourseMakahaValley Country Club
Kahuku golf CourseOlomana Golf Links
Pali Golf CoursePearl Country Club
Ted Makalena Golf CourseWaikele Golf Club
West Loch Golf Course
THE COST OF LIVING IN PARADISE
As you probably have been told, Hawaii is more expensive than most places on the Mainland because almost every item has to be imported.If you are coming from San Francisco or New York you probably won't notice much difference, but if you are coming from the Northwest, Midwest or South you will probably suffer from “sticker shock.”We do not have a self-sustaining economy and Hawaii has one of the highest costs of housing in the country.
However, there is an up side.Our year-round, mild climate means you do not need winter clothes and it is not necessary to heat or air condition your home.Also, there are many entertainment activities that are inexpensive or free.Beaches are free and available to everyone.Many people enjoy year-round hiking, barbecuing, concerts under the stars, snorkeling, scuba diving, shell hunting, sailing and surfing.
Tourism and government spending account for almost half of the dollars in Hawaii’s economy.Small changes in visitors or military spending are felt in all sectors of the economy.Although Hawaii’s economy had been flat for the past decade, the tide has changed as visitor numbers have increased and federal spending has stabilized.
Unlike the plantation economy of the first half of this century, most people in the private sector work in small businesses.Self-employment is rapidly growing on Oahu, and more and more entrepreneurs are working out of their homes or small offices. Honolulu is considered the second most expensive city in the nation (San Francisco is first), the average wage in Hawaii is $49,910 and the median family income on Oahu is $71,300*
Most likely you will arrive by air.As the airplane descends over Oahu, be sure to get the aerial view of the island – the mountains, shoreline, high-rises and clusters of residential areas.It is an awesome sight.
Once on the ground, you probably will become one of the 884,267 vehicle owners in Hawaii.There is traffic no matter where you live and Hawaii is no exception. Traffic is usually heavy during morning and evening peak hours – 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
If you prefer being a passenger rather than a driver, you’ll be happy to know that for the past several years Honolulu has won the national award for the best bus system in the United States.It offers more than 60 routes and 4,000 bus stops.And, if you have four hours to spare, you can travel around the entire island of Oahu for a bus fare of only $1.50.
Join the other 250,000 people who ride TheBus each day.It’s efficient and inexpensive.A monthly pass for adults and college students is $27, for intermediate and elementary students it is $13.50.Senior citizens can obtain a two-year bus pass for $25.For more information about TheBus, call (808) 848-5555 or look at its web site www.TheBus.org.Of course, taxis also are available.
Directions in the islands are rarely given using east and west or north or south, although you will find these signs, but rather using landmarks.On Oahu, you’ll often hear the directions “toward Diamond Head” (East) or “Ewa” (West) or “mauka” (toward the mountains) or “makai” (toward the ocean).
The highways that crisscross Oahu are H-1, which stretches across Oahu from Diamond Head to Ewa.H-2 takes you through Central Oahu to the communities of Mililani and Wahiawa. The Pali, Likelike and the new H-3 run across the Koolaus to Kailua and Kaneohe on the Windward side of the island.
Vehicle Registration
If you are planning to bring your vehicle to Hawaii, you must apply for a Vehicle Permit within 10 days of your vehicle's arrival.There are several items you need to have with you to register your vehicle:
1.Current Certificate of Registration from last state.
2.Bill of Lading from shipping.
3.Proof of "no-fault" insurance. (You need to obtain a "no-fault" card from your insurance company before you can obtain a vehicle safety inspection certificate.)
4.Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate.
5.Certificate of Ownership, if not held by a lien holder.
6.Completed application for registration.
7.For cars built in 1981 or prior to 1981, you also will need a Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
8.Patience.
You may apply by mail or in person for the Vehicle Permit at the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing (DMV) or at any of Oahu's nine Satellite City Halls.For more information, contact the DMV at
(808) 532-7700 between 7:45am – 4:15pm, Monday – Friday.
Licenses
You may use your Hawaii Vehicle Permit with your existing license plates for one year, or until your Mainland plates expire, whichever comes first.You also may retain your out-of-state Driver's License until it expires (although those under the age of 18 must apply immediately for a Hawaii Driver's License).DON’T LET IT EXPIRE.A written driver's exam and eye exam are required and possibly a road test.However, if you let your license expire, a road test is a requirement.You can purchase a 158-page manual of Hawaii's driving laws, along with a sample written exam, for approximately $4.65 at any bookstore or Longs Drug store.Anyone over the age of 15 with parental or guardian consent may apply for a license.
Parking
Finding parking can sometimes be difficult.However, there are many parking garages downtown with daily and monthly rates.Metered street parking also is available, except in some places during peak commuting hours.An expired meter fine is $30.00.Street parking is free at most places on Sundays, holidays and after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays.Be sure to check parking regulation signs – some metered parking lots require that meters be fed 24 hours every day.
THE ESSENTIALS
Phone Service
Hawaiian Telcom furnishes the primary telephone service statewide.You may establish service by calling (808) 643-3456, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday – Friday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday.You can apply in person at one of the conveniently located Phone Marts and buy or rent your phone there as well.A deposit of $60 to $120 dollars may be requested depending on whether or not you already have phone jacks installed.There is an additional cost for installing new phone jacks. Calling anywhere on the same island is considered a local call.The area code for all of Hawaii is (808).Basic service is approximately $20 per month.Installation is approximately $45.50.
Electricity
Hawaiian Electric Company provides all electricity on Oahu.A deposit of $50 and up is required to set up service, plus a one-time $15.00 new account fee.The deposit is refunded after one year of service. A new resident may get a waiver for the deposit, if he can provide a letter of credit from a recognized Mainland utility company.Service can be established in one day, and possibly on the same day, if you call early enough (there is an additional $10 charge for same day service).Call (808) 548-7311.You will be billed monthly.Average residential bill is about $80 per month.
Gas
New customers can call The Gas Company at (808) 535-5933 for information and service.Either a refundable deposit of $100 or a letter of credit from any utility company is required.(At the end of one year, your deposit plus 6 percent interest will be returned to you.)Business hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.If you call before noon, it’s possible to get same day service.Be sure to have a list handy of those appliances requiring gas.
Water
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply provides water to most of Oahu, as does each countyBoard of Water on neighbor islands.Some resort communities have installed private systems.Although surrounded by water, Hawaii depends on winter rain to fill the underground aquifers.Water is precious, so remember to conserve whenever possible.Call (808) 532-6510 between 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to begin service.Again, if you call before noon, it’s possible to get same day service.Requests for same day service made after regular hours may require a $10 charge.If the water is already on, simply call and have service transferred to an account in your name. (If you are renting, the water may be included in the rent.)An average water bill, which includes the sewer charge, is about $75 for two months of service.
Refuse Collection
Residential communities are serviced twice weekly.Some townhouse and condominium projects contract for private collection.For refuse collection service and schedules call (808) 523-4424.There is no separate charge in Honolulu for refuse collection.Note:There are recycling stations around the island where you can take newspaper, glass and aluminum cans.Many are located at public schools. Call (808) 527-5335 for more information.
SCHOOLS
Hawaii is unique among the 50 states -- it is the only one with a statewide public school system. There are 240 public elementary, middle and high schools. A superintendent and an elected Board of Education administer the school system with almost all of the funding coming from state government. Public elementary schools cover kindergarten through 6th grade, intermediate schools include 7th and 8th grade and high schools are grades 9 to 12.Some schools are more highly rated academically than others are.For more information about Hawaii’s public schools you can write to the Department of Education at Department of Education, P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu, HI96804, or access its web site at www.k12.hi.us/.
To enroll your child in school you will need:a birth certificate; a certificate of release and proficiency from the last school attended; proof of medical examination within 12 months prior to school enrollment; proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps and rubella and a negative tuberculin test or chest x-ray.
There are more than 100 private schools in Hawaii – approximately 92 on Oahu.These are licensed by the State Department of Education and are required to offer instruction meeting the state's minimum standards.Although the price tag for a private school education runs from approximately $6,000 to $10,000, one in five of Oahu’s students attend private schools. If you would like more information on Hawaii’s private schools, you can access its web site at www.hais.org.
Oahu is home to the University of Hawaii Manoa with approximately 20,000 students.The average cost for residents is approximately $40 per credit hour. The UH Manoa is well known for its programs in astronomy, oceanography and scientific research.Its system also has a four-year branch in Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii, and six two-year community colleges. For more information on the University of Hawaii Manoa take a look at its web site at www.uhm.hawaii.edu/visitor/
There are three private colleges in the state: ChaminadeUniversity, Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus, and HawaiiPacificUniversity, all on Oahu.If you would like more information on these, please let me know.
CHURCHES and PLACES OF WORSHIP
Hawaii is a community with diverse places of worship offering religions from Buddhism to Christianity, Judaism and Shintoism.There also are many different churches within these classifications.Just a few are listed below (mostly headquarters).If your choice is not listed, please ask me for more information.
Assemblies of God (808) 836-5545
3400 Moanalua Rd., Honolulu, 96818
Baptist
FirstBaptistChurch Of Honolulu
(808) 521-4708
1313 Pensacola, Honolulu, 96814
Waikiki Baptist, (808) 955-3525
424 Kuamoo, Honolulu, 96815
First Southern BaptistChurch of Pearl Harbor
(808) 423-1318
3121 Arizona Rd, Honolulu, 96818
Buddhist
Hompa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
(808) 522-9200
1727 Pali Hwy., Honolulu, 96817
Soto Mission of Hawaii, (808) 537-9409
1708 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, 96817
Catholic, Roman
Catholic Diocese, (808) 533-1791
1184 Bishop, Honolulu, 96813
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
HawaiiHonoluluMission, (808) 942-0050
1500 South Beretania St., Suite 410
Honolulu, 96814
Episcopal
The Episcopal Church in Hawaii(808) 536-7776
229 Queen Emma St., Honolulu, 96813
Jewish
Temple Emanu-El, (808) 595-7521
2550 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, 96817
Lutheran
Calvary-By-The-Sea (808) 377-5477
5339 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu, 96821
Our Redeemer Lutheran, (808) 946-4223
1404 University Ave., Honolulu, 96822
Methodist
United MethodistChurch(808) 536-1864
20 South Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, 96817
Muslim
Muslim Association of Hawaii, (808) 947-6263
1935 Aleo Pl., Honolulu96822
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian of Honolulu, (808) 532-1111
1822 Keeaumoku, Honolulu, 96822
Mililani Presbyterian (808) 623-6663
95-410 Kuahelani, Mililani, 96789
TrinityChurch Windward (808) 262-8587
875 Auloa Road, Kailua, 96734
DOCTORS AND DENTISTS
Two associations provide referral services.To locate a medical doctor, call the Honolulu County Medical Society at 536-6988.To find a dentist, call the Hawaii Dental Association at 536-2135.Both can be reached 24 hours a day.
HOSPITALS
Below is a list of hospitals on Oahu.
CastleMedicalCenter, 640 Ulukahiki St. (Pali Hwy. at Waimanalo junction), 263-5500.
KahukuHospital, in the NorthShore community of Kahuku, 293-9221.
St. Francis Medical Center, 2230 Liliha St., 547-6011.
Straub Clinic and Hospital, 888 S. King St., 522-4000.
WahiawaGenerealHospital, 128 Lehua St., 621-8411.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Pet Quarantine
The Hawaiian Islands are free of rabies.All cats and dogs entering Hawaii (except those from the also rabies-free islands of Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand) MUST be quarantined at the state-operated quarantine station for a period of 30 days (if the pet qualifies) or up to a maximum of 120 days.Fees range from approximately $555 to $1,080.Regulations and fees are subject to change. For more information, write or call The Animal Quarantine Station, Department of Agriculture, State of Hawaii, 99-951 Halawa Valley, Aiea, HI 96701.Telephone number (808) 483-7151.For information regarding plants, birds and non-domestic animals call (808) 586-0844.
Media
Hawaii has many AM and FM radio stations that play every kind of music from rock and oldies to classical and Jazz.You can sample Country Western music as well as Hawaiian music.
We also get most of the cable channels that are available on the Mainland, as well as stations with local programming.Some Mainland programs, such as sporting events, are "satellite delayed."Don't make a bet on a football game with a friend on the Mainland, unless you are sure it hasn't been played yet.Oceanic Cable services most of Oahu.Call (808) 625-8100 for cable hook up.Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 10:45 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 8:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Hawaii currently has two daily newspapers: The Honolulu Advertiser, a morning paper with a larger circulation, and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, the afternoon newspaper. Both papers have been in circulation for over 100 years. Call 538-6397 for subscription information.
There are a number of local magazines, the largest include Honolulu Magazine and Hawaii Business Magazine.The local weekly business newspaper is Pacific Business News.
Libraries
Hawaii is the only state in the country that has a statewide library system. You can apply for a library card at any branch.
The University of Hawaii Manoa also has two libraries on Oahu – Hamilton and Sinclair. The BishopMuseum maintains a library, as does MissionHousesMuseum.And the State Archives are open to the public as well.
HOUSING
Most of Oahu's land is still zoned for agriculture.However, the city, state and federal governments along with Hawaii’s eight large landowners, also account for much of the land owned in Hawaii.This limits the availability of individually owned land for housing, which causes lot sizes to be smaller and prices to be higher than in other states across the country.
Condominiums are very popular alternatives to single family living.There are many "condos" within easy driving distance to (or in) town and, on the average, they are less expensive than single family homes.As in any metropolitan area, the closer you are to town the more expensive property is.However, the farther away you live the more time you will spend commuting.
There are two methods of land ownership in Hawaii, of which you will hear frequently.The first is "fee simple," which means you own the land and all the improvements (house, apartment, etc.) on it.Most homes on the Mainland are fee simple.
However, most of the land in Hawaii is "leasehold."This means that you own the home or apartment, but someone else owns the land under it.You will pay lease rent to the landowner for a specific period of time (usually 55 years) at a specified rate.Usually, the lease rent is fixed for the term of the lease term.There are some leases that call for rent increases at specific steps in time, and they all have pre-determined renegotiation dates.
Oahu is divided into 9 zones.Each zone is comprised of many neighborhoods.For example, Waikiki is Zone 2, as are Manoa and Nuuanu.The following contains short descriptions of each zone.A coordinating map follows this section.
ZONE #1:
This is a mix of light industrial and residential and is referred to as the SaltLake area.The airport and several military installations are located here.Most of SaltLake is fee simple.There are a good number of condominium buildings where the median price of a condominium is $305,000.Single family homes range in price from $284,000 to $2,895,000.Commuting time to downtown during peak hours is 20-30 minutes.
ZONE #2:
This is the zone called "town."The University of Hawaii, Ala Moana shopping center and the downtown financial district, among others, make up this zone.It is the most densely populated area on the Island.Waikiki, Makiki and downtown predominantly consist of high-rise condominiums, where prices vary from as low as $146,000 to as high as $5 million or more for a luxury penthouse.Manoa and Nuuanu are single family neighborhoods, mostly fee simple.These are very desirable locations due to their proximity to town and easy freeway access.A large majority of homes in these neighborhoods are older.Again, prices vary from a low of $348,000 to a high in the millions, depending on lot size and condition of the home.
ZONE #3:
This is a planned and well-developed area.It consists almost entirely of single family residences.Among the many neighborhoods in this zone are Diamond Head, Kahala, Waialae, Aina Haina, Kaimuki, St. Louis Heights, Hawaii Loa Ridge, NiuValley, Kuliouou and Hawaii Kai.The median price of single family homes varies by neighborhood from $925,000 in Hawaii Kai to $1,750,000 in Kahala.A few condominium buildings are found in the Waialae area, but most of the condos are concentrated in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood.The price range for condominiums is from $289,000 to $1,000,000 plus.Most of this zone is in close proximity to downtown, but Hawaii Kai residents require more time to commute.The road was widened a few years ago but there has been a lot of new homes build in the past few years so the travel time is now about 30 to 45 minutes during rush hour and 20 to 30 off peak hours.
ZONE #4:
This is the Windward side of the Island, so called because the trade winds blow from the ocean, through Kailua toward Honolulu.The area is referred to as Kailua/Kaneohe area, but there are several other neighborhoods including Lanikai, TempleValley, and EnchantedLake.It is made up of mostly single family homes, with several clusters of town homes, condos and one high rise. Kailua is a small community town with beautiful beaches and a small shopping area.KailuaBeach is world famous for windsurfing.Kaneohe is a larger town with a modern shopping center and a small industrial area.It has oceanfront parcels, but no beachfront parcels.Single family home prices start from about $429,000 and condominium prices range from $200,000 to $899,000.Oceanfront properties will be over $1,000,000.Commuting time to town during peak traffic hours is approximately 35-45 minutes.
ZONE #5 & ZONE #6:
These areas are often referred to as "The North Shore," where many surfing championships are filmed at such places as SunsetBeach and the Banzai Pipeline.It is considered good country living.However, one of the most popular visitor attractions, the PolynesianCulturalCenter, is in Laie.It is owned and operated by BrighamYoungUniversity, which has its Hawaii campus there.A number of small communities line Kamehameha Highway, which runs along the coast, including Kaaawa, Punaluu and Kahuku.TurtleBay Resort and golf course are located in Kuilima, where visitors and local people are reminded of the true beauty of Hawaii.
Other popular visitor attractions are WaimeaBay and SacredFalls, which also are located near the center of these two zones.The little town of Haleiwa is known for its artists, galleries and boutiques.It is a charming and easy-going community.Other neighborhoods are Waialua and Mokuleia, where Hawaii's Polo Team plays.Mostly single family residences occupy this zone, with a few condominiums and vacation rentals.The median home price is $635,000.Some people do commute to town--at least an hour or more during peak traffic times.
ZONE #7:
This area is where precise rows of pineapple and sugar cane fields once occupied much of the land.Wahiawa, located in this zone, is a small but well populated town.There are shopping stores but no large shopping mall.Schofield Army Barracks is located here, which provides a heavy military population.Single family homes make up most of the area with a few apartment buildings.The median price of homes is $490,000.The commute to town is well over one hour during peak times.
ZONE #8:
This is the Leeward Coast of Oahu stretching to the tip of the Island known as Kaena Point.It has the driest weather and the most hours of sunshine per day, along with beautiful, often deserted beaches.Scuba diving is popular at ElectricBeach and the surfing beach at Makaha is world famous.Several popular oceanfront condominiums along with a large townhouse development and single family residences make up this locally populated zone.Prices range from $135,000 to $749,000 for 2 bedroom, fee simple units.Other neighborhoods include Nanakuli, Waianae and Maili.Single family homes range from $225,000 to $2,000,000 plus.The drive to town at peak times is at least one hour.
ZONE #9:
This zone covers a large area of Oahu and is the second most densely populated area. It also is the most rapidly growing area.Residential neighborhoods are being built where sugar cane and pineapple fields once stood.The new, planned community, Kapolei, is in this zone.It has been planned to become a “second city” on Oahu with commercial, office and industrial areas in which to work as opposed to another bedroom community serving Honolulu.The many neighborhoods included in this zone are Makakilo, Mililani, EwaBeach and the city of Kapolei, Waipahu, Pearl City and Aiea.
Single family homes make up most of this zone, but there also are many condominium buildings and townhouses.Hickam Air Force Base and Barber's Point Naval Air Station also are found in this zone.The median price for single family homes is $584,000 for the Makakilo $505,00 for the Ewa/Kapolei area, $597,500 for the Mililani area and $635,000 for the Pearl City/Aiea area.These neighborhoods are popular because of the easy freeway access and proximity to town.However, commuting to downtown during peak hours takes approximately 30 - 60 minutes.
NOTE: Your first driving experience around the island will probably seem confusing.Every street name seems to start with a “K,” but don't be discouraged – recognizing and pronouncing Hawaiian words gets easier quickly.Just remember that directional words east, west, north and south are often replaced and used by their Hawaiian counterparts – “mauka” (toward the mountain), “makai” (toward the ocean), Diamond Head (toward Diamond Head), or Ewa (toward the town of Ewa or West).
NEWCOMERS CLUBS
Social clubs on Oahu help new arrivals plant Island roots.One of the best ways to acquaint yourself with a new place, is to meet people who also are new to the area.One of the most convenient ways to do this is through a newcomers club.
Oahu has several such groups, but the largest is the Newcomers Club of Honolulu, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to "extend a warm aloha to newly arrived residents, helping to make their transition to Island life as pleasant as possible."
The club has more than 300 members and offers a wide variety of activities, ranging from sports like golf, tennis, and bowling, to walking tours, parties, get acquainted coffee hours, and gourmet dinners in members’ homes.The club publishes a newsletter, and prints brochures containing practical information on subjects of interest to newcomers. They also hold frequent lunches at some of Honolulu's finest restaurants.Various community leaders, such as the mayor and city prosecutor, have been featured speakers at these luncheons.
If you would like more information, write to: Newcomers Club of Honolulu, P.O. Box 25613, Honolulu, HI96825.
For people who live across the Pali there is a Windward Newcomers Club with more than 200 members.Like the Honolulu Newcomers Club, this organization sponsors numerous enjoyable activities that help "malihinis" (newcomers) adjust to Island life.For information on this group, write to Windward Newcomers Club, P.O. Box 753, Kailua, HI96734.
Traditions
The Lei
In Hawaii, a lei is a gift of the aloha spirit.Leis are given
when friends and family leave the Islands or return.A lei,
like the word Aloha, can be a well wish of hello or goodbye.
Leis are given at graduation ceremonies, birthdays, weddings,
for your sweetheart and for just about any occasion. They are
made from a wide variety of flowers, leaves and plants.The leipo‘o is a lei for your head.Hawaiian language authorities Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert describe the lei simply in the Hawaiian Dictionary – “…garland, wreath; necklace of flowers, leaves, shells, ivory, feathers, or paper given as a symbol of affection...” May 1st is celebrated as lei day – May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.
Removing Shoes
Before entering a home, it is the custom here to remove your shoes.You will see many a doorway with numerous shoes and slippers standing guard.This custom probably came to Hawaii with Japanese immigrants.It is expected that you, too, will leave your shoes at the door, unless specifically asked to keep them on.So when looking at houses or visiting wear slip-on shoes.
Music and the Hula
Music and the hula have always been Hawaii’s heart and soul. The past couple of decades have seen a resurgence of hula and Hawaiian music – including the unique, Hawaiian-style slack key guitar.Many local performers have appeared across the mainland U.S., in Europe and the Orient. You can hear the soft, sweet sounds of Hawaiian music every where you go, throughout the year.
COMMON HAWAIIAN WORDS
And now for fun.No matter whom you associate with there are some Hawaiian words that are used in every day conversation.The following are a few of the more frequently used words and their definitions:
Akamai - smart, intelligent, clever
Aloha - hello, good-bye, love, good feelings
Auwe - too bad, alas, what a shame
Ewa - a growing“SecondCity” on the leeward side past Pearl Harbor - used in directions
Hale - building
Haole - currently means Caucasian, but the original meaning was foreigner
Kai - ocean or sea
Kamaaina - long time resident
Kane - man (frequently on restroom doors)
Kapu - keep out, forbidden - watch these signs when you are hiking.
Kaukau - food
Keiki - child
Kokua - help, cooperation
Lanai - porch, veranda or patio
Lei - necklace of flowers, shells, feathers, candy, or nuts
Lua - restroom
Luau - Hawaiian feast - everyone should go to at least one
Mahalo – thank you
Makai - toward the sea - used for directions
Malihini - newcomer
Mauka - toward the mountains - used for directions
Muumuu - Hawaiian dress - they come in all shapes and sizes now
Ohana - Family, often a close knit group
Ono -delicious
Pali - cliff or cliffs
Pau - done, over, finished. Very commonly used and quite often in conjunction with pau-hana
(quitting time at work).
Poi - purple - gray paste - like substance made from taro root.
Hawaiians dip their kalua pig in it.Most newcomers think it tastes like library paste. Evidently eating library paste is common on the Mainland or how would so many people know what it tastes like?
Credits:Information in this package has been compiled from a variety of sources, including the Bank of Hawaii and GTE Hawaiian Tel newcomers’ information packages.We hope it will help make living in Hawaii enjoyable.
