05-19-2008, 05:49 AM
Aloha, Lenny. Multiple visits are very helpful if you can afford them. It gives you a chance to experience life here at different times of the year (yes, there are seasonal differences) and to stay in rentals in different neighborhoods. The Bear and I were fortunate to have both worked for a company that sent us to Honolulu quarterly for trade shows for several years before we moved. We would take vacation time for at least a few days after each trade show, sometimes staying on the BI as much as 10 days. We initially bought a lot in Orchidland, but eventually settled in an existing house in HPP. We love our neighbors and neighborhood for the most part, and you will know when you find the right place.
Having said all that about visiting, getting a rental to start would be a good idea, especially if you are not able to manage numerous and/or lengthy visits. I know people who had several six-month rentals before finding the right neighborhood for their families.
The job market does seem to be weakening, and you should be prepared for the "newcomer cold shoulder" from a lot of employers. There is a reluctance to hire recent transplants because so many of them decide the island is not for them and leave after a while. (Sometimes this feels like racial discrimination if you are caucasian, and there are big differences of opinion as to whether race or recent arrival is the real issue. I'm sure there is some of both going on.) Of course, if you have some critically needed skill such as medical or engineering, it would be relative easy to find a job. You should check the on-line version of the Hawaii Tribune Herald and the state Labor Dept. website for advertised job listings. You should also be aware that some jobs are not advertised and approaching companies which might have a need for your skills could get results. Do a lot of research before you start your job search.
Hope this advice helps. Use the search function here on Punaweb to tap into the past discussion of these issues. There is a massive amount of information here.
Cheers and good luck,
Jerry
Having said all that about visiting, getting a rental to start would be a good idea, especially if you are not able to manage numerous and/or lengthy visits. I know people who had several six-month rentals before finding the right neighborhood for their families.
The job market does seem to be weakening, and you should be prepared for the "newcomer cold shoulder" from a lot of employers. There is a reluctance to hire recent transplants because so many of them decide the island is not for them and leave after a while. (Sometimes this feels like racial discrimination if you are caucasian, and there are big differences of opinion as to whether race or recent arrival is the real issue. I'm sure there is some of both going on.) Of course, if you have some critically needed skill such as medical or engineering, it would be relative easy to find a job. You should check the on-line version of the Hawaii Tribune Herald and the state Labor Dept. website for advertised job listings. You should also be aware that some jobs are not advertised and approaching companies which might have a need for your skills could get results. Do a lot of research before you start your job search.
Hope this advice helps. Use the search function here on Punaweb to tap into the past discussion of these issues. There is a massive amount of information here.
Cheers and good luck,
Jerry