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Hey there,
I've recently finished my degree and am thinking to do a gap year where the main objective is to travel around and work a bit to keep myself afloat. I'm 23 years old and Hawaii is looking like a very tempting starting location to me. I would probably be looking to reside in Honolulu for a few months and I wanted to ask the good people of TL who live or have lived there a few questions.
1) I'm looking for a place with a large young international community - does Hawaii/Honolulu fit the bill?
2) Regarding work, how easy would it be to find any? cafes/bars whatever, it's all good. On that note, how easy would it be to find "under the table" employment on a tourist visa?
3) How easy would it be to find a room to rent as a temporary vistor and non-US resident? My plan would be to stay at a hostel upon arrival and then immediately search for a single room in a 3-6 person shared apartment. I've had the Waikiki area recommended to me to stay as a good place for young adults, is this a safe bet or should I look for other areas?
4) Costs of living - everybody I've spoken to says Hawaii is an expensive place to live - is this relative to the rest of the US or to the rest of the world?. Being used to Norwegian prices, I can only assume it would still be a good chunk cheaper than Norway in any case.
If anybody with local knowledge/expertise could shed some light on these questions for me I would be very grateful. I'd be travelling alone and possibly heading out early/mid June. Would also be great if you can add what your basis for the information is!
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2) Regarding work, how easy would it be to find any? cafes/bars whatever, it's all good. On that note, how easy would it be to find "under the table" employment on a tourist visa?
You are aware that the US is currently still in the worst economic recession we've seen since like 1970, right? Without a work visa, idk how much would be out there for you.
Also, things like rent may be cheaper than Norway, but remember the US doesn't have a very good social welfare system. You get sick or whatever, you're going to be paying for all that stuff out of pocket. Even a single doctor's visit can be extremely expensive without insurance.
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[QUOTE]On May 04 2012 06:23 TheToast wrote: [quote]2)
Also, things like rent may be cheaper than Norway, but remember the US doesn't have a very good social welfare system. You get sick or whatever, you're going to be paying for all that stuff out of pocket. Even a single doctor's visit can be extremely expensive without insurance. [/QUOTE]
Huh?? I doubt that he will have to pay for it himself if he injures. His country should be paying for it)
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On May 04 2012 05:43 Sinep wrote: Hey there,
I've recently finished my degree and am thinking to do a gap year where the main objective is to travel around and work a bit to keep myself afloat. I'm 23 years old and Hawaii is looking like a very tempting starting location to me. I would probably be looking to reside in Honolulu for a few months and I wanted to ask the good people of TL who live or have lived there a few questions.
1) I'm looking for a place with a large young international community - does Hawaii/Honolulu fit the bill?
2) Regarding work, how easy would it be to find any? cafes/bars whatever, it's all good. On that note, how easy would it be to find "under the table" employment on a tourist visa?
3) How easy would it be to find a room to rent as a temporary vistor and non-US resident? My plan would be to stay at a hostel upon arrival and then immediately search for a single room in a 3-6 person shared apartment. I've had the Waikiki area recommended to me to stay as a good place for young adults, is this a safe bet or should I look for other areas?
4) Costs of living - everybody I've spoken to says Hawaii is an expensive place to live - is this relative to the rest of the US or to the rest of the world?. Being used to Norwegian prices, I can only assume it would still be a good chunk cheaper than Norway in any case.
If anybody with local knowledge/expertise could shed some light on these questions for me I would be very grateful. I'd be travelling alone and possibly heading out early/mid June. 1. lots of japanese. 2. not a good idea. large fines to companies that hire illegals. why would they risk it for someone who is going to be there short-term? 3. dont know. 4. hawaii is expensive relative to the most expensive places in U.S. i am in california and it is more expensive than here especially since you are looking at the most expensive area (waikiki) of hawaii.
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I would forget about either Hawaii or the US.
If you forget about Hawaii, you could get a localization/support job for any company that has costumers in Norway. You'll get a work permit for that.
If you forget about the US - there are other tropical/warm/comfortable/whatever places where you can actually work legally.
Here's a great example: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/417/ Norway qualifies.
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As those posting above me, I also suggest against Hawaii, but for different reasons. You say you want a year off to go explore, then don't go somewhere where the next closest destination is a thousand dollar plane ride away. Go somewhere where you can pick up and go to the next place if you want. You can find a job anywhere if you try hard enough, though Hawaii might be a bit difficult, especially if you are there short term.
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1. Definately a large young international community here. 2. Really hard. Not only is the US undergoing an economic recession, we're going through a state wide HIRING FREEZE. 3. Because of 2, also very hard all over the island of Oahu. 4. The cost of living here is the most expensive in the entire nation, including gas prices.
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Not a good idea if you have money. You'll just feel sad and depressed in Hawaii if you cant get out.
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Large asian community but it's expensive, especially because of its location as a tourist hot spot.
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+ Show Spoiler +On May 04 2012 06:23 TheToast wrote:Show nested quote +2) Regarding work, how easy would it be to find any? cafes/bars whatever, it's all good. On that note, how easy would it be to find "under the table" employment on a tourist visa? You are aware that the US is currently still in the worst economic recession we've seen since like 1970, right? Without a work visa, idk how much would be out there for you. Also, things like rent may be cheaper than Norway, but remember the US doesn't have a very good social welfare system. You get sick or whatever, you're going to be paying for all that stuff out of pocket. Even a single doctor's visit can be extremely expensive without insurance.
Yes, I realize this. But like Utikiz pointed out I would have Norwegian travel insurance that would cover such mishaps.
@DaPhreak - I realize it's illegal and bears a heavy fine, yet it's very very common in most places in smaller establishments like restaurants, cafes, bars. Obviously I wouldn't be telling an employer I am there for the short term.
@Thrill - I've recently come back from a 6 month student exchange in Australia and loved every minute of it. The reason I wasn't looking at Australia for this now (even though it has basically everything I asked for) is because I'm looking for a new adventure in a new place + Show Spoiler +On May 04 2012 08:44 RoyGBiv_13 wrote: As those posting above me, I also suggest against Hawaii, but for different reasons. You say you want a year off to go explore, then don't go somewhere where the next closest destination is a thousand dollar plane ride away. Go somewhere where you can pick up and go to the next place if you want. You can find a job anywhere if you try hard enough, though Hawaii might be a bit difficult, especially if you are there short term.
This is a good point, but for the moment I would prefer to stay in one location and live there for a while instead of hopping around. + Show Spoiler +On May 04 2012 09:20 Brindled wrote: 1. Definately a large young international community here. 2. Really hard. Not only is the US undergoing an economic recession, we're going through a state wide HIRING FREEZE. 3. Because of 2, also very hard all over the island of Oahu. 4. The cost of living here is the most expensive in the entire nation, including gas prices. Thanks for the info, I am guessing you are actually living there at the moment? Since I likely wouldn't buy a car, I was most curious about the price of food (especially meat). What would you pay on average for, say, beef per/kg?
Overall there's been a lot of negative feedback and I can understand that with the recession and such, but I have a hard time believing that life there would be as shitty as some people have made it out to be. Thanks for the input either way, please keep it coming Would also be great if you can add what your basis for the information is!
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[QUOTE]On May 04 2012 06:40 Utikiz wrote: [QUOTE]On May 04 2012 06:23 TheToast wrote: [quote]2)
Also, things like rent may be cheaper than Norway, but remember the US doesn't have a very good social welfare system. You get sick or whatever, you're going to be paying for all that stuff out of pocket. Even a single doctor's visit can be extremely expensive without insurance. [/QUOTE]
Huh?? I doubt that he will have to pay for it himself if he injures. His country should be paying for it) [/QUOTE]
Do you mean private travel insurance? Or is there some system in Norway in which the government subsidises it?
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Where you go in Hawaii will change your experience drastically. Some places are very rural and undeveloped (Kauai, Molokai), while Honolulu on Oahu is a big city basically. Maui and Hawaii are kind of a mix between the two. So decide if you want to spend time in the city or country and choose accordingly. Things are very expensive... $600 a month is considered super cheap for a studio. Can probably survive on $200 or less a month for food if you're frugal.
One major thing I want to say is learn all you can about the history and culture before you come/while you're here. People here are super nice and will help you out, but not if you treat Hawaii like your own personal Disneyland. Lots of tourists do this and it's a shame because it makes things unpleasant for everyone. Let me know if you have more questions. I'm at University in Hilo right now and there's a big group from Norway attending college here.
One last tip... for pronouncing Hawaiian names all you have to focus on is the vowels. Consonants are mostly the same as in English. Vowels are nearly always pronounced the same, no matter what they are surrounded by. So Hookane for example is "ho oh kah neh" rather then "hucayne". Vowels are always ah eh ee oh oo (a e i o u).
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On May 05 2012 04:07 Mothra wrote: Where you go in Hawaii will change your experience drastically. Some places are very rural and undeveloped (Kauai, Molokai), while Honolulu on Oahu is a big city basically. Maui and Hawaii are kind of a mix between the two. So decide if you want to spend time in the city or country and choose accordingly. Things are very expensive... $600 a month is considered super cheap for a studio. Can probably survive on $200 or less a month for food if you're frugal.
One major thing I want to say is learn all you can about the history and culture before you come/while you're here. People here are super nice and will help you out, but not if you treat Hawaii like your own personal Disneyland. Lots of tourists do this and it's a shame because it makes things unpleasant for everyone. Let me know if you have more questions. I'm at University in Hilo right now and there's a big group from Norway attending college here.
One last tip... for pronouncing Hawaiian names all you have to focus on is the vowels. Consonants are mostly the same as in English. Vowels are nearly always pronounced the same, no matter what they are surrounded by. So Hookane for example is "ho oh kah neh" rather then "hucayne". Vowels are always ah eh ee oh oo (a e i o u).
Thanks for the advice. I intend to involve myself in the culture and take it in: it's part of the reason I like to travel and I am glad to hear it is a friendly place. Since you seem to know what you're talking about when it comes to Hawaii, would you say the rest of the posts telling me not to go give the correct impression about the place? There's been a lot of negative feedback but I'm not easily deterred. I would appreciate your input on the situation.
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I went to Kauai last year and the place was awesome but not that exciting. I imagine the larger islands are a lot more social, but Kauai was really quiet.
Why Hawaii over some other places like London, LA, Montreal, or Paris? I imagine they'll all have a larger international community and it would be easier to find work.
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On May 06 2012 00:57 Masq wrote: I went to Kauai last year and the place was awesome but not that exciting. I imagine the larger islands are a lot more social, but Kauai was really quiet.
Why Hawaii over some other places like London, LA, Montreal, or Paris? I imagine they'll all have a larger international community and it would be easier to find work.
Well, Hawaii is a tropical warm country with nice beaches. I want to go somewhere where the weather is completely different and somewhere that's far away from home out of my comfort zone. I actually have a british passport as well so London isn't even a consideration. Paris and London are like an hour away, it would feel silly in a way for me. What would be the bonuses with LA or Montreal? I know little about them.
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On May 06 2012 00:19 Sinep wrote:Show nested quote +On May 05 2012 04:07 Mothra wrote: Where you go in Hawaii will change your experience drastically. Some places are very rural and undeveloped (Kauai, Molokai), while Honolulu on Oahu is a big city basically. Maui and Hawaii are kind of a mix between the two. So decide if you want to spend time in the city or country and choose accordingly. Things are very expensive... $600 a month is considered super cheap for a studio. Can probably survive on $200 or less a month for food if you're frugal.
One major thing I want to say is learn all you can about the history and culture before you come/while you're here. People here are super nice and will help you out, but not if you treat Hawaii like your own personal Disneyland. Lots of tourists do this and it's a shame because it makes things unpleasant for everyone. Let me know if you have more questions. I'm at University in Hilo right now and there's a big group from Norway attending college here.
One last tip... for pronouncing Hawaiian names all you have to focus on is the vowels. Consonants are mostly the same as in English. Vowels are nearly always pronounced the same, no matter what they are surrounded by. So Hookane for example is "ho oh kah neh" rather then "hucayne". Vowels are always ah eh ee oh oo (a e i o u). Thanks for the advice. I intend to involve myself in the culture and take it in: it's part of the reason I like to travel and I am glad to hear it is a friendly place. Since you seem to know what you're talking about when it comes to Hawaii, would you say the rest of the posts telling me not to go give the correct impression about the place? There's been a lot of negative feedback but I'm not easily deterred. I would appreciate your input on the situation.
Well finances would definitely be an issue. To be safe I would make sure to build up some money to live on before coming over here. Yes it is difficult to find a job but not impossible. Personally I don't think it's so bad that you should be advised to stay away, but admittedly I'm living as a student so I don't know how it is to work and pay for food/housing right now.
There's quite a bit of people who try living here for awhile and then end up staying many years. Again I think the main thing is that they are the ones who respect the people and culture. To me that seems like the biggest difference between people who end up loving it here and those who come just for the novelty of good weather but hate living here.
If living for free on a farm in exchange for work sounds appealing to you, you might consider this: http://www.wwoofhawaii.org/
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On May 06 2012 02:59 Mothra wrote:Show nested quote +On May 06 2012 00:19 Sinep wrote:On May 05 2012 04:07 Mothra wrote: Where you go in Hawaii will change your experience drastically. Some places are very rural and undeveloped (Kauai, Molokai), while Honolulu on Oahu is a big city basically. Maui and Hawaii are kind of a mix between the two. So decide if you want to spend time in the city or country and choose accordingly. Things are very expensive... $600 a month is considered super cheap for a studio. Can probably survive on $200 or less a month for food if you're frugal.
One major thing I want to say is learn all you can about the history and culture before you come/while you're here. People here are super nice and will help you out, but not if you treat Hawaii like your own personal Disneyland. Lots of tourists do this and it's a shame because it makes things unpleasant for everyone. Let me know if you have more questions. I'm at University in Hilo right now and there's a big group from Norway attending college here.
One last tip... for pronouncing Hawaiian names all you have to focus on is the vowels. Consonants are mostly the same as in English. Vowels are nearly always pronounced the same, no matter what they are surrounded by. So Hookane for example is "ho oh kah neh" rather then "hucayne". Vowels are always ah eh ee oh oo (a e i o u). Thanks for the advice. I intend to involve myself in the culture and take it in: it's part of the reason I like to travel and I am glad to hear it is a friendly place. Since you seem to know what you're talking about when it comes to Hawaii, would you say the rest of the posts telling me not to go give the correct impression about the place? There's been a lot of negative feedback but I'm not easily deterred. I would appreciate your input on the situation. Well finances would definitely be an issue. To be safe I would make sure to build up some money to live on before coming over here. Yes it is difficult to find a job but not impossible. Personally I don't think it's so bad that you should be advised to stay away, but admittedly I'm living as a student so I don't know how it is to work and pay for food/housing right now. There's quite a bit of people who try living here for awhile and then end up staying many years. Again I think the main thing is that they are the ones who respect the people and culture. To me that seems like the biggest difference between people who end up loving it here and those who come just for the novelty of good weather but hate living here. If living for free on a farm in exchange for work sounds appealing to you, you might consider this: http://www.wwoofhawaii.org/ I can support myself for a while, so that's not really an issue. I'm looking for something new in my life and it seems Hawaii would be a good choice for me. I don't particularly feel at home in my own country so maybe I'll be one of those that comes for a short time and never leaves
The farm work could be appealing for a short-term experience for me, thanks for the link and advice once again.
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You're welcome and good luck. If you end up on Maui I can probably better answer any questions you have because that's where I grew up.
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Well, I instead to start in Honolulu, but there's no reason I won't travel around and stay other places. How does Maui compare?
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Maui is slower paced and less developed. If you want man made entertainment there's more in Honolulu, but if you're outdoors type then probably more to do on Maui. If you're from the city then Honolulu is probably a good place to start.
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