We live in Aiea, just outside of Honolulu. The weather is truly ideal although if you really like the seasons, you won't like it. We just go to the mainland when we miss the seasons and are happy to return. People are friendly and it feels safe here more than other places. The public schools are notoriously bad, teachers are not required to have teaching certificates since they pay them so little here, therefore there are many expensive private schools. The private schools tend to be very good to excellent. It isn't easy to get into the local culture on a personal level although that depends on one's activities & life style. So many people leave here after a year or two that it is understandable if locals are cautious before investing in strong relationships with people recently come to live here. Wages are lower than most anywhere on the Mainland-there really is a "Paradise Tax" living here. And everything is expensive plus taxed on top of that: groceries, doctor visits, etc. Landlords are truly slum lords as a general rule here. Do not expect to find a rental that has been recently painted, for example, even an expensive one. The local people are warm in general--aloha still exists although I hear much less than a couple decades ago. It is a special place but like all places is full of contradictions so one has to choose what is more important to them.
Joy | Aiea, HI | Report Abuse

Also, there are a lot of homeless here and not much social support.
Joy | Aiea, HI | Report Abuse

Hi Natalie. What about the drugs and the crime? I have heard they are pretty bad in Honolulu. Also, how are the public schools? I am considering moving my family to Hawaii after I am finished with nursing school. Thanks for any information you can provide to me.
Jul | Carmichael, CA | Report Abuse