I as assuming you live outside the United States since you called you called your friends ‘natives’. We do have Native Hawaiians but they are different from natives.

If you live within the United Stated you will not gain any International experirnce.

Many people have to work to jobs to live here. But a roommate always helps.

I think with some luck & a lot of looking, you might be able to find a studio in Waikiki that you could afford. You will not need a car, as you can walk &/or take the bus pretty much anywhere you need to go. But $16/hr is not really a “living wage” in Hawaii, so you will need to be very frugal, which it sounds like you are prepared to be. Living in Waikiki will be convenient for you, but will not give you much of a feeling for what Hawaii is really like. If your relative does not move with you, you might do well trying to find a roomate through craig’s list or the newspaper & live outside of Waikiki. I would check out the bus lines & try to find something on a bus line that goes to Waikiki, so that you can avoid the expense of a car. That will not fly on your salary. If you are working in the hospitality industry, you may have to work shifts, so you want to make sure that the bus runs in the evening. Our bus system is very good, but not so much so after dark.

(I think when she used the word native, she meant it the way we use the word local. I have heard it used that way before.)

Honolulu, Hawaii is a very busy area – you can walk to most places or easily use the local Bus system (usually one making a stop every few minutes) for transportation. (beats paying over $4/gal for gas!)

At $16/hr you can rent a room from someone ($500+/mo) or maybe a studio ($800+/mo) and provided you are frugal, you’ll be able to do fine.

Everything is taxed, so be prepared … tax rate is lower than just about anywhere else, which is ok, but you are still taxed on food and meds unlike on the mainland.

Everything is expensive, it’s not an easy situation for anyone – but if you have the determination, you just might make it.

For Rent dot com or rent dot com are great places to start, also check out craigslist dot org (for rentals) and freecycle dot org (link listed below) for things for your place.

As a personal note – I definitely suggest practicing your written communication skills as they are lacking – and there will be times you’ll need them to get by. I understand typing errors, but some of your errors are more grammatical (need to learn to write out your sentences so they make sense).

Hawaii and her people are warm and welcoming – as long as the visitor isn’t one who thinks s/he is better than the “natives”. Waikiki is full of visitors, as is the Honolulu area – you should be fine.

First of all, you may want to work on your English skills. Other than that, you sound good to go.

You’ll be fine. I had a studio apt in Waikiki for $700 a month. You have to look hard but you can find some deals. Look in the Honolulu Advertiser on Sundays, and check craigslist. Just watch your spending(credit cards) and you should have no problem.

I lived in Hawaii for 3 years not making that much. Its a really great experience. Its also very easy to meet people. You’ll have a good time.