Going to be PCSing to Hawaii next year, getting a lot of mixed answers about it. Does anyone have any input?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:12:38 -0400

I'm either that its really good or absolutely terrible, anyone have any input? All I know is that I'm going to the the 500 MI COMPO, but don't really know too much about the unit that I'm going to. Can anyone help me out?

Response by SGT James Sims made May 27 at 2015 11:20 PM

SGT James Sims — Wed, 27 May 2015 23:20:20 -0400

The Island is what you make it, my family loved it.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made May 27 at 2015 11:46 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 27 May 2015 23:46:17 -0400

I loved Hawaii! Get out and take in all of the beauty of the island. Hiking trails are awesome, beaches, snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, etc. You see my theme here? If you do not like the outdoors, it might be a long duty station. Get into activities that gets you involved with the locals, most of them are great people. You will hate the traffic, but it is what it is. It is an expensive place to live, but there is tons of stuff to do without breaking the bank. Don't let your unit put you up in the Best Western off of Nimitz, that place sucks. So does Tripler lodging. If it is just you and your husband, there is a place right off of Red Hill exit on the H1 that rents by your income. Lots of military live there and you can bank a sizable chunk of your BAH. Speaking of Tripler, that place is hella hard to navigate without getting lost. Just be patient, everyone goes through it. KBay side of the island is beautiful, as is the North Shore. Remember, Hawaii is just like any other place, it is what you make of your time there. This is just my opinion, I loved it, but after three years, I was ready to get back to CONUS. Good luck and enjoy the island.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 28 at 2015 12:11 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Thu, 28 May 2015 00:11:28 -0400

Is hard to be away from home but most of time hawaii would be a better choice of assignment.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 28 at 2015 10:29 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 28 May 2015 10:29:07 -0400

I can't answer your unit specific questions obviously, but I was stationed in Hawaii (Wahiawa/Whitmore Village, close to Schofield Barracks) from 2007-2010. Hawaii is awesome!
Don't become a barracks rat/homebody/bar rat. Get out and see the sites.

Be prepared for the highest prices in the country. Gas, groceries, etc. Yeah you should get COLA and it helps, but there will still be some sticker shock. Try to do most of your shopping on base.

If you've got pets that you plan on bringing, look into quarantine laws. A quick Google for Hawaii domestic animal quarantine laws will provide all the answers you need. Also take into consideration housing. A lot of places in town won't allow large dogs, and base housing has no size restrictions though they do have breed restrictions (no Pit Bull Terriers and other "bully" breeds).