Commuting to HNL
 

Just wondering if I can get some insight to commuting to HNL from the west coast?

Can you afford it on first year pay?

My thinking is how possible is it to live in HNL on first year pay?

I'm with United and heard we have a lot of pilots who live in Hawaii and commute to the West Coast bases of LAX and SFO... so definitely doable on the commute (but painful on the body). I grew up in Hawaii (on Oahu) and believe its one of the most beautiful places to live... cannot beat the weather, the people, and the laid back lifestyle. The problem is it cost a butt load to live there... and if you/family have a certain lifestyle expectation (from mainland living) then it will be a tough pill to swallow finding something comparable on a 1st, 2nd or 12th year Wide-body Pay at a Major!

If offered the job I'd scoop it up for sure... you could always live on one of the outer islands for a lot cheaper... and honestly most of them are less commercialized and have the same charm and atmosphere without the high living cost and crowds.

Commuting seems like a pretty bad idea. Hawaiian does have a lie flat sleeping bunk on the 330 that you could utilize. But why after already flying 6+ hrs would you want to endure another 5-6hrs?

If you live on the west coast, or mainland in general just work for an actual airline that pays normal rates.
Hawaiian is behind the average and probably won't be above it anytime soon.

As far as the other outer islands being cheaper...I don't think so. Last time I checked a shack is still about 600k on every island except for maybe Molokai or big island pahoa area. Good luck with that!

What's wrong with living in a shack in Hawaii? :)

My house is a 1900 sqft two story 2 car garage 2006 build on an outer island. Probably valued around $620k.. we even have running water.

Note to OP.... do your own research. Like money, stocks, and many other things. Don't listen to other pilots

Ironically, living anywhere on the west coast that HAL services (with major exception of perhaps Las Vegas which really isn't costal) would probably cost just as much if not more....

That is just flat-out wrong for most pilots. Give me a 30 mile radius and I can find you a much better deal in any city with maybe* an exception for SFO.
Trust me, I did EXHAUSTIVE research before deciding to leave HA. Cost of living was the #1 reason.

Comparatively you could live like a king outside of SMF/PHX/LAS even PDX - not costal, but MUCH cheaper.

Apples to Apples probably SFO is more expensive, but for housing, School, and everyday expenses - I could find you better options in every other HA city.

Sleeping bag on the beach...