What is it like being stationed in Hawaii?

2019-09-06T09:06:39-04:00

I’m a 92A, I plan on re-enlisting soon and Hawaii was one of my options if i choose to re-enlist. Is anyone stationed in Hawaii it was stationed there before that can tell me what their experience was like?

Response by SFC Michael D. made Sep 6 at 2019 11:42 AM

2019-09-06T11:42:52-04:00

Lots to do. Night life is great. Beautiful sights to see. Wonderful beaches. High cost of living. Don't be a barracks rat. Go out and see stuff.

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Sep 7 at 2019 4:23 PM

2019-09-07T16:23:12-04:00

Everyone wants this station...unless you eat on post, food is extremely expensive!!!

Response by SFC William Adamek made Sep 10 at 2019 12:07 PM

2019-09-10T12:07:48-04:00

Like everywhere else, your experience is based off the unit your assigned to. Of my 22 years in the service, Hawaii was my worst assignment. I became an Army recruiter many years later and that 3 years in Hawaii was worse for me than recruiting duty. Horrible leadership and leadership troop support. So a lot of what you experience is based on the unit your assigned to.

Response by SGT Ej P. made Sep 10 at 2019 3:16 PM

2019-09-10T15:16:12-04:00

You should find somebody you know to ask so you get the more personal answers.. Not everybody is built to live in an island or can handle being surrounded by water and if you don't know for yourself then you'll find out if you come here, Oahu is not that big but is more crowded because of the Military presence and PEARL HARBOR. You do TDY often in other countries and train outside the island so make sure your GTC/GOVCC and DTS profile is up to date when you get here. If you're light skinned and don't tan then you need the best skin care because it's sunny 97 percent of the time. It also helps if you are adventurous in food because what you don't always see in the mainland as far as Asian and Polynesian food is what we have here anywhere you go. "Heavy Traffic" may mean differently to you once you've experienced it daily here. High rises are common dwelling depends on where you get stationed and your situation and the space you get for what you pay in the mainland is about half or less than what you get here unless you can pay more and that is normal here because 1, we don't have a lot of space - you're on an island, and 2, cost of living is expensive (excl COLA and BAS). And the locals... as long as you know that you are not in the mainland because way of thinking is different there than here in Hawaii (that used to be its own country by the way just in case you forgot because a lot of people come and either forget or don't know and act like they can do whatever they want), and respect is huge here - respect to the land and ocean, respect to the native Hawaiians, respect to the local people, etc - then you'll be ok and be friendly find a local friend who can help you navigate and learn dos and donts. Those are just some tips for you.

Response by SSG Stan Tichko made Dec 10 at 2020 7:25 AM

2020-12-10T07:25:02-05:00

I am a retired 95B Military Police. Was stationed in Hawaii from 1981 thru 1984. Best weather ever. Clear blue water. Bellows Airforce Base beach was the place to go. Best beach. Great experience

Response by SFC Sid Grant made Dec 10 at 2020 8:55 AM

2020-12-10T08:55:43-05:00

SGT Ejp summed it up very well, I was there fir 4 years, years ago. I’m from eastern Washington and use to open roads and driving long distances. I got got rock fever at 6 months and had to get off the island every chance I had. Great place and beautiful but you need to get out and explore the island and islands. If you get a great assignment you’ll love it. Spent 4 years assigned FT Derussy as an MP at the 72 acre park at Waikiki. Tough duty but somebody had to do it