CoastieChicks.net
:: Honolulu, HI - Parrothead
Station/Boat Location~
USCGC WALNUT (225')

Date there~
October 2000 to 2003

Weather~
What can I say, its Hawaii! Pretty much 80's year round. Can get hotter (low 90's) in the summer months and can get cooler (low 70's) in the winter months. Rainy season runs from October to March, but it doesn't rain daily and even though its raining, its warm.

Military facilities~
You name it, they have it. All branches are represented with some form of Exchange and Commissary. Closest to housing is the Navy Exchange and Commissary just built and opened in October, 2002. Biggest exchange and commissary in the world - that pretty much says it all.

Medical~
Prime pretty much rules here. I think you would have to get a waiver to go out on the economy. We chose to have our care through Tripler Army Medical Center (big pink hospital on the hill and they actually use it as a landmark here), but there are several other smaller clinics that you can use. One of my neighbors uses the navy clinic (Makalapa Clinic). On a whole I am pretty pleased with the care we have received here. Our pediatrician (currently a third year resident) is the best and fortunately for us he's leaving at the same time we are. If you choose to go with Tripler, your care will more than likely be handled by a resident since it is a teaching hospital. Do not let that scare you, they are closely monitored by "older" staff doctors. I actually was more impressed by my dds' resident pediatrician than I was by one of the older doctors.

Housing~
Older (built in early 1970's) cinderblock style housing is pretty much the norm. Townhouse style and usually four to a block. One covered parking spot per unit. Military tile floors. Attached screen porch (lanai) on rear of unit and a covered storage area in the front. Do not bring everything you own, take advantage of the CG's offer of paid storage on the mainland. There is not a lot of storage in the units.

There is also some newer housing (built maybe 4-5 years ago) that is apartment style. Mostly officers and warrants live there, but there are a few enlisted families in their also. Personally I don't care for apartment style living no matter how new it is. Can't tell you much about it other than you can view pictures of it on the ISC Honolulu web site (as you can the older housing).

Lets just say I've lived in better and I've lived in worse. Depending on what your status is (children or not, double income or not and what your pay grade is), its a good deal. Housing on the economy is VERY expensive here and utilities are also. Even with my DH being a Chief with a lot of years in, its still economically worth it for us to live in housing. You can get a waiver to live outside, but I'm not sure what the rules are to get the waiver.

Shopping~
Just remember that you are living on an island and they don't have every store that you are used to on the mainland. They don't have any of the Lerner chain here so if you are used to those stores, forget it. A couple of Walmarts, Costco, Sam's Club, Pier One (only one) and a lot of the designer shops in Waikiki and at Ala Moana Mall. We did/do a lot of online shopping which can also be a nightmare because some online stores really sock it to you on the shipping charges. You will get used to it. Also, one one ToysRUs on the WHOLE island!

Fun Activities~
Water activities abound. MWR has some great deals on all tourist type activities. If you love water and the outdoors, you've got it made.

Child Care/Schools~
Our children aren't grade school age and I won't even go there on this subject. Its very volatile and while some have good experiences, others have bad.
We have our child in a military preschool, but don't count on it unless the Air Force decides that all of a sudden the Coast Guard is actually a military service. Right now you would be last on the list in the pecking order (all other branches before you) so you will never get in.
There are other preschools (private), but they are VERY expensive IMO. If you have a second income, you can probably afford it.

Adult Schools~
University of Hawaii, Community Colleges, Hawaii Pacific University and the military members can arrange with their command to take classes. My DH (on a ship) has been able to take numerous classes and they are arranged around the ship's inport and underway schedule.

Additional Info~
We have loved our stay here and its a once in a lifetime experience. We had been putting it on our dream sheet as a "dream" billet for eight years and it finally happened for us two years ago when a Chief retired out of Spear.

Homeport HI

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