Hawaii

[kedhegard]

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Thinking about doing the IM residency at Tripler. Is anybody there currently? Is it nice? Attitudes of superiors? Cost of living? Thanks much for any info, and take care.

-KE

 

[kedhegard]

Please guys, anything you know or have heard would help. Thanks again.

 

[R-Me-Doc]

I'm surprised you're not getting more feedback.
I was at Tripler for a med school rotation way back in 1997. Yeah, of course it's nice, it's in Hawaii. The hospital was well equipped and the staff and residents, as I remember, were all pretty accommodating and friendly. Hawaii, in case you have never been there, is godawful obscenely expensive, but you get a huge housing allowance (although if you have a family and need more space, even that will be tight). Pretty much everything in Hawaii has some kind of "military discount" option, so that can help cut expenses a little bit too. That's about all I can tell you from my limited experience. All in all, it'd probably be a great place to spend a couple of years for residency. Just keep in mind that you're on this tiny island 5000 miles away from anything else . . . .

 

[kedhegard]

Do they have mostly on post housing, or is it "find your own place"? I've been looking, and it looks like even a smaller house is going to be a hard find. They all pretty much look run down. By then I will have at least one kid, and I will want a little yard, so I'm not much for buying a condo. Know anything about the attitude of the locals toward military, also? Thanks.

 

[HeavyD]

The info that I can provide is marginal, at best. I lived in Hawaii for several years as a kid and this is from where my comments are based. Saw how few replies you have been getting so my 2cents might be better than nothin'. Being a military member makes you someone from the mainland, a 'Howlie' (the deragatory term locals call everyone else). Most all local people are extremely nice and happy. The 'spirit of Aloha' is a real thing over there and will find many people who will show you wonderful hospitality and friendship. There are those who detest you for the simple fact that you did not grow up there, however. You'll be able to recognize this type readily and just steer clear of them. If you have kids who will be school aged, I recommend either getting a good deal of gouge from fellow service members currently in the school your kids will be in or, seriously consider private schools. Spent 1st grade through 6th grade over there and really had to adapt/ learn how to learn coming back to mainland schools.
We (my family) go back about every other year for a few weeks to visit old-time friends; some of the wonderful people I mentioned above. Last year a gal. of milk was ~$5.50. Groceries in general are super expensive until you adapt to a more local lifestyle. Fantastic fruits and veggies at farmers markets and such locally grown and much more reasonable than most grocery store prices. You will develop a love for rice you can't imagine right now.
Homes are built to different standards than what you may be used to. A simple three bedroom'er on elevated foundation and glass luver-style windows is quite middle-class in many communities. You won't spend much time in-doors anywhy so anything more than the basics in a house is only excess. If you plan to spend most of your time inside, Hawaii is not the place for you.
Recently, Honolu'lu was the ranked the most healthy city in America. The ocean and all associated activities has a lot to do with this. Running, biking, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, etc. are all widely participated activities over there.