After 31 days, I officially became a Hawai'i resident! Like NYC, finding an apartment can be challenging and when you find something you love, you have to act fast! However, unlike NYC, owners won't even consider you as a potential tenant if you aren't already physically on the island. Makes securing a place a bit difficult when you're moving 4,957 miles and across an ocean...but in the infamous words of Tim Gunn, you "Make It Work"! And so I did.
I found an amazing condo in the Pearlridge/Aiea area. It's not next to a beach, but I got the next best thing...next to a mall! I still have amazing views of the bay, Pearl Harbor, Aloha Stadium and the mountains...and with only a 10 minute commute to work, it doesn't get better than this!
Again, like Manhattan, O'ahu is made up of so many little neighborhoods condensed on one island. Finding an area that speaks to your interests and personality is key. If you're an avid surfer or beach bum, then check out North Shore. Kailua has been a key area for transplant mainlanders who love being outdoors. If you like being in the burbs, then Kapolei is totally the place for you. If you love the night-life, then Waikiki it is. For me, I love shopping, simplicity, food and then shopping again! So this little neighborhood with virtually no traces of tourists, a Saturday Farmer's Market and ample shopping makes #thisdivasmile!
And after work, when I can enjoy a view like this, I remember why moving to Hawai'i was the best decision I could have made!
A hui hou!
