Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yaya]

The budget carrier Hawaiian Airlines will start direct service to Incheon next year, but I'm wondering if I should bother with Hawaii at all since I hear things are really expensive and most of the natives are jaded toward tourists.

[conyo]

I lived on Oahu for 3 years and it's not that bad. It can be expensive especially on the other islands.

Plan early, use Hotwire, expedia, priceline, etc to find the best deal. I stayed at Ritz in Maui for $55 a night for a room that pretty much was less than 50m from the beach.

Timing is kind of hard because it's always tourist season. Just stay away from Spring break which is the worst time. December and January usually pick up too because of the killer 20ft+ swells that arrive during that time.

Oahu is possible on a budget. Plan your meals because that will instantly zap your budget. Walmart whole chicken is great...lol...or any supermarket, just don't forget to become a rewards member at checkout.

Stay in the tourist areas and you won't have a problem with locals. Venture out to the wrong beach and I hope you packed some kreen bottles (Heinekens).

Serious if someone sounds like they are talking English but you can't understand them then move on....that's pigeon talk and it's not meant for tourist.

Last bit...rent cars from the airport and always select the cheapest one. If you land in the afternoon more than likely your economy class will be all out which means free upgrade. Or you can bus it around the island but that's a PITA with all the transfers. One benefit of the bus is that you don't have to worry about traffic.

[Johnny5]

Spent 3 months on Maui. Great island. Probably the most beautiful place I have visited. The locals are a little hostile, but even living there I barely noticed it, so as a tourist I think it won't be a problem.

[thedsr]

Don't bother going to Oahu, that place is a dirty island. The only nice thing about it is the North Shore for surfing. Otherwise go to Maui or Kauai if you like more low key places.

[Yaya]

By the sounds of the posts on this thread, I think I'll skip Hawaii.

[conyo]

Hawaii is really not that bad. To me Korea is way worse. You can plan it out online or rough it out and camp at the beach.

[hagwonnewbie]

Hawaii is a paradise, but it can be an expensive tourist trap, too.

You could find temporary housing on craigslist. Otherwise, you'll have to drop major funds. Think 80 -100 dollars a night for an available, clean and secure hotel room.

When I go, I stay in Kailua with friends, so I don't know much about other areas.

You'd be a fool not to check it out if you can get a low fare.

[Yaya]

[devanna]

Being from Hawaii, I'd have to say that yeah, Oahu is pretty much your average big city. If you really wanna experience the paradise that people talk about and laidback attitude of the islands, you might wanna skip over Oahu and try the other islands, like Maui, Kauai or the Big Island. They've got the same beaches with less people and great hiking for those of us who are adventurous. There aren't many choices by way of hotels on the outer islands, however, so expect some outrageous prices during peak times. I find, when I do have to go off island, that priceline usually gives me some good prices especially when you use the 'name your price' thing ^^

[goingtothecountry]

I lived in Ohau, specifically Downtown for about 9 months and in Wikiki when I first got there for about 3 months. I found the locals to be very friendly. I wouldn't worry about it just don't mess with them and they won't mess with you. I would suggest staying at a hostel in Wikiki even if money isn't an issue. I had the time of my life the first 3 months I was there, living in a hostel but then my dumb but had to go and land a job.

[Yaya]

I've heard that basically to get a job or do biz in Hawaii, you have to have grown up there or have a lot of money.

I also talked to this American soldier who said he lived in Hawaii for a year. He said the first couple of months were great and then he went crazy over being on an island and said he'd never live there again.

[kiwigirl :O)]

I went to Hawaii for Chuseok 3 years ago..and I loved it...

The North Part of Oahu is really beautiful..I did a tour of Kualoa Ranch (they have filmed a lot of LOST here as well as parts of Jurassic Park and other movies/tv shows)....that is well worth it...you can also go horse riding there too

In Honolulu...I had a good time with the locals...on the flight from Seoul to Tokyo (stopover) I meet this awesome Hawaiian family....they gave me their phone number so that I could meet up with them in Honolulu....I ended up staying with them for my last night and they took me out for dinner and bought a care package for me to take back,....they were so kind!!!!

I went to Kauaii too...that island is lovely....and for the most part unspoiled and still natural....

The Ala Moana Mall is good and there is a Dole Pineapple plantation that you can visit and see hundreds of different pineapples not to mention Haunama Bay..

Anyway....I think its worth going..I would go again and check out the other islands

[devanna]