Plans for Hawaii... (part 2)

[seek_truth]

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-plans-for-Hawaii-part-1

Past experience:
I have done this before here a couple of years ago in a Honda Civic. I did it for a couple of months. I have military access so I would sleep on base in the parking lot there. I got questioned just once and it was because I didn't put anything on the windows. I just assumed no-one would care on base. I'm pretty sure most don't but from now on, I will put up curtains in whatever vehicle I decide upon.

Basically since I have done this before, I kind of know what to expect a bit. It was a pain to sleep in the Civic since I couldn't lay down flat but besides that mostly it was a fine. I always sleep on the floor anyway so sleeping on the floor in the car was nothing new at all. Not bad for the body if you are laying down flat. I'm not sure why I read about it being bad for the body.

My plan:
What will be in the car/van:

- Clothes: I will have 6 pairs of regular shorts/shirts, 1 belt, 6 pairs of workout shorts/shirts, 1 sweater, 10 boxers, 15 pairs of socks, my sandals, and my sneakers. I think that's it. All of it should fit inside of my duffel bag.

- Other: My backpack, laptop, umbrella, and camera. Personal hygiene stuff such as toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shaving razor & cream, nail clipper, hair clippers, lotion, oil for hair, and mouthpiece.

That's all I have for now. I am getting rid of everything else including all my dress clothes and shoes, all my books, and all my other computers/gadgets.

I will sleep on base. If I need to go to the loo at any time at night, they are open on base. Or on campus too if I am in the area. I will clean up in the morning and night on base as well since the gyms open at 0400 and close at around 2100. I'll wash clothes on base too.

There are some areas though that I need some help with:

1. Food
I did not figure this one out last time since I had people that cooked for me. What are your thoughts here? I was thinking of eating with a friend most of the time and paying them or buying them groceries. I am fully aware that I can not do this alone, I just want to do as much as I can alone that is realistic, practical, and fun. I do not want to eat out if I don't have to nor do I like it. I don't trust people with my food unless I know them.

2. Dirty clothes
How will I keep my car and everything else in it smelling normal if I have dirty clothes in the back that stink? If I can't reasonably do this alone then I will use my friend's place for this too. I can wash and fold her clothes every weekend for free in return.

Other things I will need to do is put up curtains in whatever vehicle I choose and then that's it.

How much do you think it would cost per month for a lifestyle like this here in Hawaii? I plan to travel abroad eventually down the road but for now I will focus on this. I also sometimes get scholarships as well which is why I am waiting until after the summer ends but before the fall semester starts to make this transition. My scholarship program runs from June to first week of August and school starts the 3rd week of August. It is cutting it close, I know. But honestly, I think this should be an easy transition especially since I am trying to be as realistic and practical as possible.

Am I missing anything? Please let's discuss this together fully and in-depth.

 

[Patrick46]

Am I missing anything? Please let's discuss this together fully and in-depth.

yeah.....a surfboard!!!!

What island are you on...Oahu??

You're certaintly doing this in the right place, as I've thought about doing the same kinda thing...but over on the Big Island, in Kona.

Your ideas sound pretty doable and complete, except for the meals thing. Can't you buy your meals at the PX?? (or whatever you military folks call it??)

Cooking in a van, or from a van is quite easy. Alotta folks use a regular small campstove, which can be bought and stowed away very easily. Some are able to cook some amazingly elaborate meals on 'em too! Once you get used to cooking like this, then you can always modify it to your liking.

There are several threads on this forum dedicated to cooking. Some are discussions on how to cook meals in a van, and some are more recipe oriented. There's alot to read and learn.


THANKYOU for your service, and Welcome to the forum!!

Patrick in Oregon

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Comfort is on top of my list of needs. Nothing less than a van provides enough space to actually live in...Just my opinion.
I know the market is different there, but I'd sure try to find one I could afford.

 

[seek_truth]

Thank you both for the feedback so far. If you don't mind, please check out my other thread which is part 1 of this post to get a complete picture of my situation so far.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I'd think that even there 15K should get a person a decent van.

We are based in Arizona and our clothes get sweaty, even in winter sometimes. We hang them to air dry so they don't stink so bad in the hamper. Add an old sock tied in a knot with baking soda and you should be fine on dirty laundry. Do a fresh one every once in a while.

 

[Malibusurfer]

I lived on Kauai and went to Maui quite often. Both islands are very van dweller friendly. I assume the other islands are the same...
Respect the locals and your good!!!

 

[Patrick46]

I'm not savy enough to do this, but I think onna the other Mods might wanna compress these two threads into just one.

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-plans-for-Hawaii-part-1

It's the same story, and the same author...just a continuation of his first thread. No need for 2.

 

[seek_truth]

yeah.....a surfboard!!!!

Unfortunately, I don’t surf but I might start up one day.

Cooking in a van, or from a van is quite easy. Alotta folks use a regular small campstove, which can be bought and stowed away very easily. Some are able to cook some amazingly elaborate meals on 'em too! Once you get used to cooking like this, then you can always modify it to your liking.

This is more of what I am looking for. A campstove that is very mobile and efficient. Also, just a few cooking essentials to along with it. (pots, etc.) I will need to choose the best product for the campstove, utensils, etc. so I will look around those threads you mentioned. But if you know right off the top of your head what the best product is, feel free to list it.

For those of you who mentioned getting a van, I am considering it. I have read that they are not as reliable as a station wagon. (very rare to find a manual van, at least from what I’ve seen) But a friend of mine wants to sell me his 2000 Honda Odyssey (120,000 miles) for $4000. According to KBB, that’s not a good deal so I may have to talk him down to the recommended KBB level.

 

[Belinda2]

Hawaii also has lots of beaches people regularly live. At night I saw the beach areas fill up with lots of people and you can easily network there to find information.
You also will have zero problems on that base with this lifestyle. Many service members after being in 10-20 years are given this location as an incentive to stay their future years in the military.
Anywhere else, I believe living arrangements can be expensive. I found a loaf of bread to never be less than $3- $3.60.
Thank you for your service.