So I know that on a certain level this is a stupid question, because - duh - it's Hawaii. But I'm wondering from those you there now or who have been there before what it's really like to live on Oahu. I did a site visit at my program of interest just a few weeks ago, and every time I asked someone this same question they never really gave me an answer that satisfied me.

See my father was stationed at Schofield Barracks for over 3 years, and he says that the island can start to feel really small after awhile. Also, even though I've moved around a lot, I've lived mostly on the East coast, so I'd like to know just how different it is out there.

Any information would be greatly appreciated, especially anything in the next day or so since I'm struggling with finalizing my rank-order list by October 15th. Thanks a bunch.

While I can't speak for Oahu specifically, my Island has been referred to by some as the closest thing to it (but with more charm and much less commercialized). We too attract tourists from all over the world.

I can honestly say that living and working on a tropical resort island paradise (what Oahu is also), is absolutely wonderful. I have found my dream job. I would go for it if I were you.

We pulled in there a couple of times on port calls and I loved it. When I met up with my friends that were stationed there, however, they griped about how small it was, how the interSTATE didn't connect to another STATE, astonomical cost of living, real estate, and how the weather got old. Yet EVERY ONE OF THEM ended up doing a second tour there. I think Hawaii is like Seattle, the locals gripe about it because they don't want you moving there....... :D

See my father was stationed at Schofield Barracks for over 3 years, and he says that the island can start to feel really small after awhile. Also, even though I've moved around a lot, I've lived mostly on the East coast, so I'd like to know just how different it is out there.

Well, for one, it doesn't snow there like it does on the east coast. And people actually slow down and enjoy life rather than rushing through it. But if you miss the east coast feel you can always enjoy the horrid traffic on H1 (which you shouldn't have to deal with in AM but will when leaving the hospital) and you get the luxury of paying for parking almost anywhere you go in Honolulu or Waikiki.

Still the area is beautiful, but the housing is outrageous and it is very difficult to find rental properties so you almost have to buy. The farther from Tripler you are, the cheaper the housing. The Army base housing absolutely sucks too... The navy stuff is beautiful though (supposedly the army will be upgrading to that over the next 6-8 years).

Well, for one, it doesn't snow there like it does on the east coast. And people actually slow down and enjoy life rather than rushing through it. But if you miss the east coast feel you can always enjoy the horrid traffic on H1 (which you shouldn't have to deal with in AM but will when leaving the hospital) and you get the luxury of paying for parking almost anywhere you go in Honolulu or Waikiki.

Still the area is beautiful, but the housing is outrageous and it is very difficult to find rental properties so you almost have to buy. The farther from Tripler you are, the cheaper the housing. The Army base housing absolutely sucks too... The navy stuff is beautiful though (supposedly the army will be upgrading to that over the next 6-8 years).
I though about going there but being married with children it is going to be difficult. I spoke with some locals and here are some pros and cons

Cons: High cost housing, bad/ok school (public), traffic, crimes (*thieves like to steal hondas* high cost of living...*)

pros: Beach is free...

Personally I was impressed with the hospital and people working there. I think if you are single you should seriously consider going there. Looking at the mountains and the ocean while working in the hospial is something I always will remember and yes, people living in Hawaii are much more nice.