I'm PCS'ing to Hawaii in May 2017 (F Co 3-25). Can someone give me some insight on how island life is and what to expect?

2017-02-07T19:02:19-05:00

Response by CPT Ryan H. made Feb 7 at 2017 7:11 PM

2017-02-07T19:11:37-05:00

It's amazing. Depending what your optempo looks like, I'd live off base in either Waikiki or Koolina. It's sunny there every day of the year. Commute isn't that bad, and it's nice to be able to put your feet in the sand every day. Pay attention to schools if you have kids tho.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 7 at 2017 7:27 PM

2017-02-07T19:27:54-05:00

Best Army post in the world! Loved it.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 7 at 2017 7:57 PM

2017-02-07T19:57:03-05:00

Can You Pack Me in Your Household Goods! I did 2 years and It was pretty good at CINCPACFLT. I learned to Love Udon and Narruto (Noodles and Fish Sausage) Don't Knock it Until You've Tried It. Dried Korean Squid, Hawaiian Teriyaki Steak and Luau Pig. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy. The Only thing I Found to Dislike in my Tour was the "Run the Howle (Whitey European) off the Road" Game that Kind of Sucked but at Least I learned How Bad it Can Become for a Minority. Learned quite a bit about Japanese Culture and Had a Blast Hanging out with the Samoans.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2017 8:57 PM

2017-02-07T20:57:48-05:00

Lots to do on the island. But sometimes it's can be difficult due to OP tempo. If you have family make sure they on your orders.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2017 8:58 PM

2017-02-07T20:58:11-05:00

Absolutely the best assignment in the Army! Not sure of your personal situation (wife, kids, vehicles, etc.) but I would definitely try to live off post near one of the beach areas. We lived in Kailua, which is over the mountains on the windward side of the island and lived every second! It is a long ways away, but travel to and from Schofield will be against traffic...took about 35 minutes from my driveway to 25ID HQ. If you have kids I would definitely try to spring for private school, as public schools are horrible...at least they were back in 2008-11. Take the time to get out and try new things...eat poke, learn to surf, go hiking and make friends with the locals and soak up all the different cultures you can. Do all the touristy stuff that people save years to go do...it will all be right in your backyard!

Response by LTC Angie Habina made Feb 7 at 2017 10:01 PM

2017-02-07T22:01:51-05:00

Traffic. Expect a lot of traffic. All the time. Endless traffic.
Expect the highest prices for milk and gas ever...and COLA barely makes up for it.
You're either going to love it or hate it. I was ready to swim off the island and I can't even swim! The sun and beach are nice, but everything moves super slow.
And it'll all depend upon your family life too. If you have pets, get them taken care of NOW so you don't waste money on he quarenteen. I sold my care before my pcs to the island and bought one there so I didn't have to wait...rental cars aren't reimbursed and taxies will charge 7 points and 3 limbs. And make sure you have a sponsor.
There's a lot of petty crime, human trafficking, and heavy drugs.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Feb 8 at 2017 7:38 AM

2017-02-08T07:38:21-05:00

I thought it was the best location I served in my 24 years of service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 12:59 PM

2017-02-08T12:59:58-05:00

Island life is great. I was part of the aviation unit when i was there, (C 3-25). It was a very fun unit to be part of and very relaxed. F co didn't really do much air traffic stuff at that time as it was all done by civilians. Not sure if it is still this way or not, but either way, the brigade is very nice to be a part of.

Response by SFC Zachary Palacios made Feb 9 at 2017 10:23 AM

2017-02-09T10:23:49-05:00

There is a lot of outdoor type of stuff to do and experience. Don't be like other soldiers and complain that they are stuck on a rock and hate it the whole time you are there. Experience the different cultures and ethnicities. I know you will enjoy it if that is the kind of stuff that you like to do... hiking, fishing, surfing, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, shark tours, ride in a submarine, sea life park.... a lot to do there... if you like to eat, the cuisine is phenomenal!!!! Enjoy your duty station!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-02-09T12:18:57-05:00

I was in 1-14 INF. Which is now disbanded, we were in the field every month so when you arent training make sure you explore the island. North Shore beaches are awesome my personal favorite was waimanalo. Def a lot of must see things. Do hikes. Youll see the whole island!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2017 1:03 PM

2017-02-15T13:03:20-05:00

Always heavy traffic so plan to leave extra early for everything, so much to do for hiking and beaches. Lots of cool things to go see and enjoy. 3BCT is real busy all the time so expect to be working a lot. Great weather! Visit other islands!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 3:24 PM

2017-02-16T15:24:09-05:00

Island is awesome, the unit not so much

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 2:36 AM

2017-03-13T02:36:27-04:00

I love it here so much I'm retiring and staying! Feel free to message me on FB or email me and ask me any questions you might have. You can find me on global. I'm getting my realtor's license and my husband is a home builder. Let me know if you think you may want to buy a house. The prices are somewhat high but research the housing price trends and see if you think buying is the right move for you and your family.

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