5 Great Things About Being Stationed in Hawaii

Today, John is meeting with his boss to discuss future assignments. There are a couple of ideal positions that he’d like to apply for. Should he get picked up for these, we could be leaving Hawaii as soon as next February, or as late as next June.

Although I didn’t always love being stationed on Oahu in the beginning, it’s certainly grown on me. I was starting to develop a little bit of island fever before our trip home last year, but upon returning to the island, there is no other place I’d rather be.

Schofield Barracks has inched it’s way up my list to earn the title as favorite duty station. There is just so much to love about Oahu, and the Hawaiian islands. But let’s be honest here. Really, the top thing about being stationed in Hawaii is the beauty of the islands and the perfect weather year-round. But if you want to get a little deeper, there are so many reasons why being stationed in Hawaii is so awesome!

The Aloha

Before actually arriving on the islands, much of the military population is warned about the unfriendly locals and how they don’t support the military. I’ll be honest, I was worried about this. However, it couldn’t be further from the truth!

I have yet to encounter an unfriendly local. Everyone here is so friendly and respectful and always willing to lend a helping hand. I truly believe that if more people had a little aloha in them, the world would be a significantly better place.

All Five Branches

Oahu is home to all five branches of the military. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard can all be found on this 597 square mile rock in the pacific. Because of this, you’re almost certain to never be too far from a military installation, and with your military ID, you can gain access to them.

Low on gas? Don’t pay the local prices! Hop on base and fill up your tank for an average of 40-50 cents less per gallon. Shoppettes make that quick beer run from the beach a breeze. And don’t forget, no taxes!

OCONUS, Kinda

Yes, being stationed in Hawaii is an OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) assignment, but unlike just about every other OCONUS duty station, you’re still in the good ‘ole US of A. Because of this, there are no new languages to learn (although you could take up Hawaiian Pidgin English if you wanted to) or crazy driving laws to figure out.

When you’re not cruising the coast and enjoying the beaches, much of life is pretty regular. You’ll have no problem finding many of the same big box stores and brands that you’d find on the mainland. On-base commissaries and exchanges help to keep the expenses low, but everything you’ll ever need is available on the local market as well. You’ll have no trouble finding items from Country Crock to Klondike bars where ever you are.

The Culture

Although so much of the everyday life is very similar to what you experience on the mainland, Hawaii has a culture that is all it’s own. Did you know that before it became a state, Hawaii was it’s own kingdom? Yep! Oahu is actually the home to the ʻIolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States.

Much of the customs and traditions are so uniquely beautiful. If for nothing else, getting to experience that aspect of Hawaii makes living here worthwhile.

No Passport Required

Since Hawaii is the 50th state, you do not need a passport to come to here. Feel free to island hop or go back and forth between here the mainland- no passport needed! And BTW, since Hawaii is a state, don’t refer to the lower 48 as “the states,” it’s the mainland, brah.

Although other OCONUS assignments require you to get a no fee passport, those aren’t good for exploring outside of the country you’re stationed in. You’ll need a regular one to explore neighboring countries.

Have you ever been stationed in Hawaii? Do you wan to be?

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of MSB New Media & Unilever. The opinions and text are all mine.