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Everything Else => Financial Samurai Community Meetup => Topic started by: Sam on January 27, 2019, 08:14:37 AM

Title: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on January 27, 2019, 08:14:37 AM
Hi Folks,

My family plans to relocate to Honolulu, Hawaii in June 2019 and stay for at least one month, if not much, much longer. Preschool in SF starts end of August 2019, and there's a good chance he won't get in. That would be pretty sweet as it would allow us to stay in Honolulu for at least one year before he is eligible for preschool fall 2020 at 3.5 years old.

One of the things I'd love to do is arrange a lunch, dinner, or drinks meetup in Honolulu and hit the ground running with more people to know. I have family there, so that's great, but I'd love to meet people who are interested in:

* Tennis (I enjoy playing 4.0 - 5.0)

* Golf (haven't played in a while, but am around a 10-14)

* Hiking (enjoy the waterfall hikes and more, really want to get fitter)

* Surfing (want to get into the sport)

* Have their own online businesses and are entrepreneurs

* Scuba diving (haven't found many great spots)

* Texas Holdem Poker (love playing a friendly game)

* Mango enthusiasts (Makalapa, white purees, haydens and more)

* Foodies (we're spoiled by great food here in SF, but I'm slowly discovering some awesome eats in Honolulu. Bummed Ono's shutdown on Kapahulu (http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/35529411/after-nearly-six-decades-in-business-ono-hawaiian-food-to-close-in-august/), any good Hawaiian food alternatives? Also like 5th Ave Grill in Kaimuki, bummed Le Bistro shut down too! what's going on?!)

* Best/favorite banks? Know all of them are local banks.

* Best dentists, pediatricians, opthalmologists, optometrists, primary care physicians?

* Anybody is a member of Waialae Country Club? We want to live on the south east side of Honolulu as that's where my parents are (Kaimuki), and it would be nice to play golf and some tennis there.

* Thoughts on great preschool recommendations and Mandarin language immersion preschools? We're aware of Punahou, I'olani, and Mid Pacific for K-12th.

* Finally, is it me, or is the luxury property market super soft? I've been observing properties sit since 2016, especially in places like Kahala. Feel there's an opportunity.

Thanks for any thoughts and tips! I expect this thread will take time to get some feedback/momentum, but I got time.

Best, Sam
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: jekamom on January 27, 2019, 06:44:42 PM
Happy for you!  Exciting! 
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: couchfi on January 27, 2019, 11:54:42 PM
Sam, that's amazing, Hawaii is our favorite vacation spot and we go about once a year. Would love to retire there. As someone currently living in SF will likely hit my FIRE number in 5 years, this gives me a lot of inspiration :)

Question: aren't you also looking for a bigger house for your family? How are you planning to buy a new house if you're not sure if you're going to live here or Honolulu next year?
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on January 28, 2019, 08:14:51 AM
Couchfi - We're going to look for a house while on the ground in Honolulu for the month of June, and hopefully longer. We'll see what happens with preschool and if we can find a great deal.

I want to let destiny takes it's course and be flexible for a new adventure!
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Aivlysweetie on January 28, 2019, 11:26:56 AM
Aloha! My mom tipped me off to your Hawaii post, so here I am! She's a devout follower of your blog  :D

I live in Honolulu so would love to sit and chat while you're here for some of the things you're interested in!

Cheers!
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on January 28, 2019, 02:59:03 PM
Quote from: Aivlysweetie on January 28, 2019, 11:26:56 AM
Aloha! My mom tipped me off to your Hawaii post, so here I am! She's a devout follower of your blog  :D

I live in Honolulu so would love to sit and chat while you're here for some of the things you're interested in!

Cheers!

Sounds great! Any thoughts on my questions in the meantime? Thx
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Orphan on February 03, 2019, 06:55:34 AM
Sam,

Checkout Wasabi Bistro in Waikiki. Great local place. Small and quaint. Also, do you spend anytime up by the North shore/ Kahuku area when you are in town.?
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on February 03, 2019, 07:42:51 AM
Quote from: Orphan on February 03, 2019, 06:55:34 AM
Sam,

Checkout Wasabi Bistro in Waikiki. Great local place. Small and quaint. Also, do you spend anytime up by the North shore/ Kahuku area when you are in town.?

Sure, I got up north every so often. Given the island is small, I plan to mix things up all the time. What's up?
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Orphan on February 03, 2019, 09:31:06 AM
We head over in May/June and get a few people together for golf at Turtle Bay and Fort Shafter. You would have a great time. If you're interested you have an invite...
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: eplusk on February 03, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
Just wrote up a long response for you via PM but the PM got blocked. Can you send me a PM that I can reply to or a work email address? I have a lot of recommendations for you but some of it edges on personal information so would prefer to do via PM.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on February 03, 2019, 12:57:52 PM
Quote from: eplusk on February 03, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
Just wrote up a long response for you via PM but the PM got blocked. Can you send me a PM that I can reply to or a work email address? I have a lot of recommendations for you but some of it edges on personal information so would prefer to do via PM.

Weird. I just clicked My Messages and it says nothing. I haven't done any PMing on this forum before.

Is there  really that sensitive of info about Hawaii living?  :-X
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: howzit77 on February 03, 2019, 01:20:37 PM
Aloha Sam!

Good to hear you'll be enjoying an extended vacation while you're back here in Honolulu.  I'd love to meetup when you're in town over the summer so be sure to keep us posted on when you plan to be here! 

Opal Thai in chinatown is a must....the owner is awesome and makes a custom order based on a few questions he asks you about what you like about thai food....ono!

Yeah, it was a bummer about ono's shutting down on kapahulu.  Highway Inn is a decent place for your hawaiian food fix...they have several locations including kakaako.

You asked about banks.  I personally like credit unions.  I use Hawaii state FCU.  There's a ton to choose from here and a lot of them don't have many barriers to entry, if any.  If your uncles cousins brother worked here like 10 years ago, then congratulations, you qualify for membership! lol.  The fact that some of these banks still charge monthly fees to hold on to your funds is so 40 years ago....it's annoying.

You are right that the luxury RE market has softened quite a bit.  There was a flood of new properties that have come online recently which makes it pretty attractive if you find yourself in that buyer pool.  bonus for you!

Looking forward to meeting up when you come down.  A round of golf at any of our fine courses sounds like a great excuse to get out :)

btw, you should work on getting your hawaii state ID or drivers license while you're here.  you'll save a mint on the kamaaina golf fees!



Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Mobius on February 03, 2019, 01:30:01 PM
Congratulations and good for you!

I have tried on multiple occasions to get my wife to consider relocating or at least spending some extended time there, but so far - no go...sigh.
Please post some articles on your experiences so I can use them for additional fodder, as I have not given up.

Good luck and have a wonderful time.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: eplusk on February 03, 2019, 01:37:12 PM
Quote from: Sam on February 03, 2019, 12:57:52 PM
Quote from: eplusk on February 03, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
Just wrote up a long response for you via PM but the PM got blocked. Can you send me a PM that I can reply to or a work email address? I have a lot of recommendations for you but some of it edges on personal information so would prefer to do via PM.

Weird. I just clicked My Messages and it says nothing. I haven't done any PMing on this forum before.

Is there  really that sensitive of info about Hawaii living?  :-X

Tried replying to your PM but the forum won't let it though. Not sure if it's a setting or not. Would like to get you the recs though somehow though. Not sure if you're comfortable PMing me an email or something -- up to you.

Nothing really sensitive about Hawaii living, was more for my own privacy.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Hawshrnk on February 04, 2019, 02:00:57 AM
Aloha Sam,
I hope you end up staying in Hawaii for awhile - so many great things here and the weather just makes day to day living so much better.

For tennis on east side, I would also look at Oahu Country Club - little further east, but lots of courts and players there. Beretania tennis club is a neat place in downtown Honolulu. I have no idea how their membership works but some great players there that I have played in league. I am partial to the Kailua Tennis Club on the windward side near where I live. I play 4.0-4.5 tennis and lots of 4.0-5.0 players there. Dinner is available and open to the public Tues and Fri nights and most weekends. If you stay into July, you should check out the Mens Night Doubles Tournament at the end of the month at the Kailua Racquet Club - you can even enter with a partner into the qualifying rounds. Open to anyone.

All my preschool ideas are windward side so probably not of interest coming through the tunnels every day.

Find someone who can get you on the Kaneohe Marine Base to play their course. It is not like the nicer courses but the back nine is on the cliffs over looking the ocean - amazing views for probably a $40 greens fees.

I think Hawaii has some of the best mangos anywhere. We have a Univ of Hawaii hybrid on our property that is amazing. If we ever meetup I will bring you some.

Try "Town" restaurant for locally sourced food. Pint and Jigger for some good cocktails and think they have a speakeasy there too. Nanzan Giro Giro is a neat small Japanese place - usually a set menu. Pig and Lady is now pretty famous but for a good reason!
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: bancheta on February 04, 2019, 11:12:01 PM
Preschools: Montessori Community School (Kaimuki), KCAA Preschool (Kahala or near UH)

Scuba: Island Divers (https://www.oahuscubadiving.com/) has some nice 2-tank and 3-tank dives on the weekends, combination of drift and wreck, leaving from Hawaii Kai or Kewalo Basin. Great guides in general and I have never had a bad experience with them.

Restaurants: The Pig & The Lady, Dagon or Rangoon, Senia, PAI Honolulu, Helena's or Young's (both in Kalihi) for Hawaiian Food

Surfing: Summer is peak time on the South Shore. Lots of breaks from Hawaii Kai through downtown. For starters, I recommend a lesson in Waikiki. It's cheezy and not cheap, but you can learn on someone else's equipment before you do something silly like buying the wrong kind of board before you know what you're doing.

Hikes: So many - Stairway to Heaven, Mt. Olympus, Kuliouou, Koko Crater, Makapuu.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on February 05, 2019, 09:32:35 AM
Quote from: bancheta on February 04, 2019, 11:12:01 PM
Preschools: Montessori Community School (Kaimuki), KCAA Preschool (Kahala or near UH)

Scuba: Island Divers (https://www.oahuscubadiving.com/) has some nice 2-tank and 3-tank dives on the weekends, combination of drift and wreck, leaving from Hawaii Kai or Kewalo Basin. Great guides in general and I have never had a bad experience with them.

Restaurants: The Pig & The Lady, Dagon or Rangoon, Senia, PAI Honolulu, Helena's or Young's (both in Kalihi) for Hawaiian Food

Surfing: Summer is peak time on the South Shore. Lots of breaks from Hawaii Kai through downtown. For starters, I recommend a lesson in Waikiki. It's cheezy and not cheap, but you can learn on someone else's equipment before you do something silly like buying the wrong kind of board before you know what you're doing.

Hikes: So many - Stairway to Heaven, Mt. Olympus, Kuliouou, Koko Crater, Makapuu.

Thanks for the recs on preschools! That's all that's on my mind really at present.

Thoughts on where you'd buy property? Kahala is nice and the prices seem quite soft. We have a home in Kaimuki, which is pretty central.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: eplusk on February 06, 2019, 09:44:05 AM
If you want your kids going to private school there are a few feeder preschools that will increase your chances. I don't have an exhaustive list but you should look into St. Clements, Unity, and Central Union also. I think Waiokeola is a feeder school also.

Regarding Kahala, the market is soft because there's a neighborhood called Kakaako where a lot of luxury condos are being developed. A lot of Kahala residents (older and wealthy) are downsizing to Kakaako condos. The same goes for Kahala-adjacent neighborhoods like Waialae Iki.

I can also give you the scoop on private schools (my wife and I both graduated from different ones), differences in local banks, and PCP/dentist/ophthalmologist recommendations via email if you're so inclined. Up to you.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on February 06, 2019, 11:36:19 AM
Quote from: eplusk on February 06, 2019, 09:44:05 AM
If you want your kids going to private school there are a few feeder preschools that will increase your chances. I don't have an exhaustive list but you should look into St. Clements, Unity, and Central Union also. I think Waiokeola is a feeder school also.

Regarding Kahala, the market is soft because there's a neighborhood called Kakaako where a lot of luxury condos are being developed. A lot of Kahala residents (older and wealthy) are downsizing to Kakaako condos. The same goes for Kahala-adjacent neighborhoods like Waialae Iki.

I can also give you the scoop on private schools (my wife and I both graduated from different ones), differences in local banks, and PCP/dentist/ophthalmologist recommendations via email if you're so inclined. Up to you.

Fascinating about Kakaako. Had no idea!  The homes on Waielae Iki have great views and are nice. Not as expensive as Lahala either.  But after living on top of a hill for the past five years, we want to live close to the beach so we can just walk there with our boy. Our favorite beach is in Kahala too.

I would love for him to attend Punahou or Iolani, but it seems quite competitive of course. My aunt and two cousins went to Punahou. Does that count as legacy? Probably not.  I like how the school is cheaper than the schools in San Francisco, and you can stick with it from kindergarten all throughout 12 grade. That's stability sounds wonderful to me.

Which preschools would you think our feeder schools for those two great schools? I have someone different advice here in San Francisco regarding getting into the top grade schools. My friends say that it is better to go to a non-target feed preschool because these schools want diversity. Thoughts on this?

Btw, are you working in Honolulu? What's your background again? Thanks

Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on February 06, 2019, 11:39:01 AM
Howzit - For sure on the Local rates. So many great public courses.

Do you think it's worth joining Waialae CC if I can get in? Membership is equity, so it's not like a sunk cost. I love that course! Oahu CC not bad too.

What do you do in Honolulu?  Ever get island fever?
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: amida94818 on February 07, 2019, 01:08:42 PM
PRESCHOOLS
What locations are you considering? We applied for Seagull Schools for our son, but the closest location they have to you is Downtown, so might be too far for you.

REAL ESTATE
It seems like prices/number of houses sold across the island in general.

In case you don't already know, there are a few realtors here who offer buyer rebates, for as much as 50% of the buyer's commission (so I think that comes out to 1.5% of total purchase price).

BANKS
Our family prefers mainland banks to local ones for the interest rates (Discover and Lake Michigan are our two favorites), but we do have a few local ones for the perks.

Hawaii State: free checks, free notary services
Other credit unions: whenever we jump for lower HELOC rates, we open an account
American Savings Bank: open during weekends/holidays (we have tenants deposit rent directly to our ASB accounts and keep their deposit slip as a receipt of payment); they have had some enticing account opening bonuses that we've taken advantage of in recent years

HIKING
Not as big a fan of waterfall hikes as I am of ridge ones, but here are some suggestions in order of decreasing kid-friendliness:

Likeke Falls, Kaneohe - half an hour, easy
Kid-friendly due to short length of trail, but there may be some parts that you may need to carry your son.

Lulumahu Falls, Nuuanu - 1 hour, easy
Kid-friendly if you are a baby wearer; not suitable for your son to hike on his own.

Waihe'e and Hamama Falls, Kaneohe heading towards North Shore - 1-1.5 hours, easy
Kid-friendly since most of the trail is a gravel road up. It might be at a steeper incline than a little kid can handle, so kid may lose stamina on the way up.

Jackass Ginger Falls, Nuuanu - 1 hour, easy
I did this a while ago and don't remember it being too difficult, so I would say it's kid-friendly, but don't hold me to this.

Naohia Falls (Ice Ponds), Kalihi - 30 minute, easy
NOT kid-friendly due to one stretch of steepness to get to falls.

Kaau Crater, Kaimuki - 4-5 hours, hard
NOT kid-friendly at all
Best combo of ridge and waterfall. Total of 3 waterfalls if you get through the entire hike.

Other hikes that aren't waterfall ones but I'm including 'cause they're awesome:
Makapu'u Lighthouse, Waimanalo - 1-1.5 hours, easy
SUPER kid-friendly; City & County of Honolulu paved the place, put concrete benches/rails at scenic points, even has a port-a-potty.

Hanauma Bay Ridge, Hawaii Kai - 1-1.5 hours, easy
Kid-friendly up to the end of the road to the cell phone tower. Incline might be kinda tough stamina-wise for your son to walk the entire thing.

Koko Head, Hawaii Kai - 1-1.5 hours, medium/hard
Best cardio in 30 minutes or less.

Pu'u Ma'eli'eli, Temple Valley, Kaneohe - 1.5-2 hours, medium
If you're pretty fit, you could baby wear your son on this trail, otherwise, not really kid-friendly due to steepness of some parts.

Mokoli'i (Chinaman's Hat), Kaaawa - 2-3 hours, medium
NOT kid-friendly. Kayak to the island then hike to the top.

Olomana, Kailua - 4-5 hours, hard
NOT kid-friendly. The best hike ever.

ONLINE BUSINESS
I started a general lifestyle blog in late 2017 with the intention of building it enough to quit my job when I plan to have baby #2 so I could stay at home. Have been getting a pretty steady $2000/month, but that's not nearly enough money and hard to scale because income is mainly traffic-based (87% ad income, 12% affiliate, >1% product income).

Trying to start another blog (with my sister) that's more niched to nurture a more targeted audience. Will most likely end up keeping my job and building this on the side. Thank goodness for our retired parents to help watch our young son. And kudos to you for being able to find a way to work while being able to be at home with your son, in high-cost-of-living area, nonetheless, as that is not easy.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: eplusk on February 10, 2019, 10:14:06 AM
Quote from: Sam on February 06, 2019, 11:36:19 AM
Quote from: eplusk on February 06, 2019, 09:44:05 AM
If you want your kids going to private school there are a few feeder preschools that will increase your chances. I don't have an exhaustive list but you should look into St. Clements, Unity, and Central Union also. I think Waiokeola is a feeder school also.

Regarding Kahala, the market is soft because there's a neighborhood called Kakaako where a lot of luxury condos are being developed. A lot of Kahala residents (older and wealthy) are downsizing to Kakaako condos. The same goes for Kahala-adjacent neighborhoods like Waialae Iki.

I can also give you the scoop on private schools (my wife and I both graduated from different ones), differences in local banks, and PCP/dentist/ophthalmologist recommendations via email if you're so inclined. Up to you.

Fascinating about Kakaako. Had no idea!  The homes on Waielae Iki have great views and are nice. Not as expensive as Lahala either.  But after living on top of a hill for the past five years, we want to live close to the beach so we can just walk there with our boy. Our favorite beach is in Kahala too.

I would love for him to attend Punahou or Iolani, but it seems quite competitive of course. My aunt and two cousins went to Punahou. Does that count as legacy? Probably not.  I like how the school is cheaper than the schools in San Francisco, and you can stick with it from kindergarten all throughout 12 grade. That's stability sounds wonderful to me.

Which preschools would you think our feeder schools for those two great schools? I have someone different advice here in San Francisco regarding getting into the top grade schools. My friends say that it is better to go to a non-target feed preschool because these schools want diversity. Thoughts on this?

Btw, are you working in Honolulu? What's your background again? Thanks

Feeder schools for those 2 schools are St. Clements, Unity, Central Union, I believe Waiokeola, and not sure what else. My list isn't comprehensive but I could find out for you. I don't think Iolani or Punahou are necessarily looking for non-target feeder preschools. Never heard that before, at least.

I work in Honolulu and also have an e-commerce business that's locally registered but basically all the business is done nationally. Lived and worked on the mainland for over a decade before coming back to Hawaii a while ago.

I'm pretty private when it comes to providing personal information on the internet. Any additional information I give would be pretty easy to narrow down who I am (I'm not someone special or important, but do have a unique background which makes me easy to narrow down online). We need more talented people here and I want people to have more exposure to digital-based career opportunities, which can overcome some of the liabilities created by being on an island in the middle of the ocean.

Your blog provides a ton of value to me so I'd love to help you out with better info if I can. If you're interested, send me an email or create a burner email account and PM it to me and I'm happy to share my contact info and background since I can't directly PM you. You can decide if you want to follow up further or not. I know I'm just some random person posting on your forum so I totally get it if you don't want to also.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: waynetang on February 11, 2019, 10:20:13 AM
Hi Sam,
FYI, Maryknoll school just announced that they are expanding their Chinese Immersion Program to K - 12.  If you have access to StarAdvertiser.com, check out the article on 2/9/19 front page and Page B1.  Students enrolled in the program spend half a school day learning regular courses in English and the other half learning in Mandarin.  Punahou is a great school attended by more privileged kids but Maryknoll may offer a more diverse experience for your son.  Just something to consider.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: waynetang on February 11, 2019, 10:32:51 AM
Correction:  Maryknoll is expanding their Chinese Immersion Program from K & 1  to  K - 6  (not K - 12).
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: troybot on February 11, 2019, 11:33:14 AM
Aloha Sam,

I came here 6 years ago and haven't looked back, glad you're making it out this way.

* Golf - I'm an 18, favorite courses are Turtle Bay Palmer course, Ko Olina, Kapolei, Ewa Beach and Royal Hawaiian

* Hiking - I prefer the ridge hikes out here. Less people, views are great and it's one heck of a workout. Hawaii Loa Ridge, Mt Olympus, Kuliouou, etc

* Foodies - Mexican - El Ranchero, Ramen - Agu, Sushi - Sushi II, Burmese - Rangoon, Indian - Himalayan Kitchen, Breakfast - Orchids, Poke bowl - Temura's, Italian - La Cucina and Kalapawai

* Finally, is it me, or is the luxury property market super soft? Looks like it's across the board soft, I purchased my last rental October 2018 and was able to purchase 15% lower than asking

-Troy
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on February 11, 2019, 03:13:49 PM
Quote from: waynetang on February 11, 2019, 10:20:13 AM
Hi Sam,
FYI, Maryknoll school just announced that they are expanding their Chinese Immersion Program to K - 12.  If you have access to StarAdvertiser.com, check out the article on 2/9/19 front page and Page B1.  Students enrolled in the program spend half a school day learning regular courses in English and the other half learning in Mandarin.  Punahou is a great school attended by more privileged kids but Maryknoll may offer a more diverse experience for your son.  Just something to consider.

Great heads up! Thanks!
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: belapug808 on April 30, 2019, 12:32:32 PM
Hi Sam!

Great blog, still learning, but love the topics & discussion. Keep doing what you do!

Welcome back home... my family live in Punchbowl, my hubby is local, I'm a southern Cali girl, but I've always felt this is home, in spite of the high COLA. We adjust. ;) We have a 4-year-old.

So to narrow down areas where I can respond:

* Have their own online businesses and are entrepreneurs - working on mine right now, an online course.

* Foodies - we love food, my husband is a pretty decent cook at home. Recommendations:

Hawaiian: People's Cafe (downtown), Yama's (Young St), Highway Inn (Nimitz Hwy), Tamura's generally has good poke
Japanese: Yanagi, Sushi Murayama (can be pricey but onolicious, Chef is so cool), Tokkuri Tei (Kapahu/Diamond Head) lots of smaller shops all over Honolulu if you are willing to explore
Indian: Cafe Taj Mahal

* Best/favorite banks? We do business with Bank of Hawaii & Central Pacific Bank. no issues with them.

* Best dentists, pediatricians, opthalmologists, optometrists, primary care physicians?

I love our OB-Gyn, she speaks Mandarin and English, a go-getter. Right balance of "knows-what-she's-doing, matter-of-fact" yet super-personable. Her daughter takes singing lessons with me. Dr. Lynette Tsai.  We go to Uchida Dentistry in Kahala, two twin sisters and their dad run the place.  We like it.  I'd recommend Dr. Chen and Kuo- husband and wife (Ala Moana Building).  Dr. Chen, have had him for 15 years. He speaks Mandarin, too. ;) but he's solid in English. Youngish dentist. ;)

* Thoughts on great preschool recommendations and Mandarin language immersion preschools? We're aware of Punahou, I'olani, and Mid Pacific for K-12th.

Not versed on the Mandarin Language immersion element. 

But feeder schools for the Big 3 (based on parents I've known when their kids got in)
  -- Hanahauoli (Makiki area)
  -- Maryknoll
  --Hongwanji Mission School (HMS). ** (Nuuanu area)

I will be teaching at HMS in the fall, but what I do know (as I've interviewed directly with HMS Head of School) is that this school has solid academics, a sound program, and great teachers.  It's not a "fancy" looking school, but it definitely gets the job done (without the big price tag). HMS students who take lessons from me (I have my private studio) have gotten accepted into Punahou and Mid-Pac. Not all had "ties" or strong connections, although I'm sure it helps. Sometimes you just gotta be persistent. As far as preschool, yes, they do have 40 seats available for PS-PK at HMS, but lots of applicants, so I'd apply sooner if available.

Hope this helps... !

Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on May 01, 2019, 09:18:33 AM
Very helpful Bela! Thanks!

I think we're going to arrive at the end of June or sometime in July. It'll be fun to have a meet up.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on July 24, 2019, 11:41:37 PM
Anybody in Honolulu want to grab a beer? Arrived for a quick trip to take advantage of mango season!

Flying back on red eye on july 29.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: troybot on July 25, 2019, 05:12:53 PM
Let me know if you end up getting a FS meetup going while you're out here on your quick trip. Always down for a frosty pau hana beverage.

-Troy
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: Sam on July 26, 2019, 09:09:09 AM
 Looks like there's about 13 people going to the surfing pig off Waialae Ave at 1pm on saturday.

I'm going to meet up with another reader there today at 4:45 PM. I'll wear a Financial Samurai Hat. Let me know if you plan to join.

Cheers
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: troybot on July 26, 2019, 10:29:55 AM
Awesome, I'll swing by on Saturday.
Title: Re: Relocating To Honolulu, Hawaii in 2019!
Post by: eplusk on August 17, 2019, 03:13:19 PM
Are you in town at all for the rest of the year? Would love to take you to coffee as a thank you for your post on Healing Back Pain.