Military Hotrod Club - Hawaii or Germany?

Hey everyone, I am being assigned to Germany when I get out of tech school. I am currently at Keesler for weather training. I have the option to trade for Hawaii. Me and my wife where just wanting some opinions on both as far as what there is to do and life at each. I love warm sunny weather, and plan on buying another bike or fbody soon. She is wanting Germany for all the traveling we could do and so forth. I am told Hickam is on a very small island and to get anywhere where there is something to do you have to take a very expensive ferry ride. Any opinions? Thanks alot!

warm sunny weather all year round. then take Hawaii,Oahu.Hickam is on oahu.sorry no ferry here anymore.check us out @hifba.com

Yeah, thats the way I figured it. I heard some people get island fever because it is so small and you can run out of stuff to do? Is there a track near by? How is the housing? Better on or off base? Thanks again. Any info is helpful!

its best to go on hifba site.lots of active military that can answer most of your ?track closed back in 06. until now.will have something by next year hopefully.

My wife has been in for nearly 15 years and has spent 8 of them here at Keesler. I would KILL to be able to go to Germany. Think about it, its not only Germany you will be able to visit, you are literally at a hub in Europe and can take weekends in Italy, France, Spain, etc.

Do the smart thing and go to Germany, you lucky bastard. ;)

Personally if it were my choice I’d be take Germany over Hawaii. Everybody that I’ve met in the past almost 7 years (that I’ve been in the Military) who has been stationed in Germany has loved it. Two of the main reasons why they’ve all loved being stationed there is because 1.) the ability to travel to so many different countries for cheap (especially on a three day weekend) and 2.) the pay you get for being stationed overseas is much better than what you’d get for being stationed stateside. Especially with you being a car enthusiast, you’ve got the Autobahn and the Nurburgring race track for driving your car. Keep Your Germany Assignment. For the sake of OPSEC, I will not ask what base in Germany you’ve got orders to.

i'm not military but i've worked in Hawaii. If i had the choice you do i would go to Germany in a heartbeat :)

Thanks for the reply's everyone. This is seriously like splitting hairs! Luckily we have awhile to decide. How is the housing at both on/off base? Im told you cant have a refrigerator, ac, or washer/dryer in Germany? Thanks again everybody

Also, I was under the impression that you get cola in Hawaii as well? I just dont know if I can pass up a tropical paradise! I LOVE the beach!

I loved Germany while I was there, once my years were up I could of gone to Hawaii, for now I see it being easier to go to Germany then Hawaii then Hawaii to Germany, just how somethings pan out sometimes lol. My post is no longer there but I was just north of Frankfurt. I loved it, a 30 min train ride to Frankfurt, taxi's are cheap. Can train hop cheaply (dont recommend doing it freely, Polizei will catch u, not a good fine) to anywhere. Most EU nations all u need is a leave form to travel in between. Czech was awesome, but places that are Eastern and not quite with the EU will require a Passport, but that is pretty easy to get, worth doing IMO. I rented cars all the time, BMW's and Benz. Autobahn is a different experience. I dont who told you you cant have a refrigerator, ac, or washer and dryer? All Post housing will have laundry facilities, Cola is pretty nice, have Commissary on or nearby post's for groceries. Not sure on ur MOS so kinda hard to say which facilities you will end up, most have been refurbished or new housing on post.

My job is weather if that helps any?

Germany hands down. Hawaii is a nice place to visit, Germany is a nice place to live.

Also, I was under the impression that you get cola in Hawaii as well? I just dont know if I can pass up a tropical paradise! I LOVE the beach!


yes you get cola here.north shore pipeline surfing,waimea falls and lots more to see.you love the beach then you need to come here.good luck with your decision.see you around if you decide to come.

I just left Hawaii... it is cool for what it is and it does kinda get old quick, and traffic is a nightmare. But honestly I would have rather went to Germany. There is so much more to do, and when will you ever have the chance in a lifetime to just up and decide to go to Italy for a long weekend, or take a week of leave and go to Greece?

does anybody have a good website or some info on housing on/off base for both locations? I cant seem to find any good info anywhere. Thanks

Forrest City takes care of most of the military housing here in Hawaii, google it. I've lived here for almost 20 years and love it but would love to go to Europe. If you love to travel and love cars go to Europe! You could always MAC out to Hawaii to check it out later when your retired....

I spent 12 years in Germany.. Would go back in a heartbeat! My vote is stick with GERMANY!!!! Soo much too see in Germany, alone, not to mention all the other countries just a few hours away...

Im in hawaii

this place sux

no Track

just sight seeing totally lame

will have one next year.

There is for sure going to be a track next year?

still kind of early to tell according to my source.will know for sure around Oct.-Nov. timeframe or maybe even earlier.also ferry might comeback to serve island hopping again.

there is no ferry right now? So you have to take a plane everytime?

we use to have 2 yrs ago but some a--hole activist started protesting about environmental empact study wasnt being done right and we lost it.yes to go outer islands its a 30min.plane ride to maui.kaui and the big island.

I wonder if it is coming back? Apparently the security to protect the boat from the activists when it was in port costs the state way too much. I want to get myself and my dirtbike to some of the other islands so I can ride there....

I'd say Germany man. Hawaii is a nice place to visit but to get stuck it , it kinda blows. The roads here are shit so unless your down on driving ur bike pos roads go for it. You do get nice COLA though so thats a plus and it does stay warm year round. Its crazy it dips in the low 60's and you are out in hoodies and such. I got 10 months on island, and I can't wait to leave. At least with Germany you have options on where to go what to do. Not so much here. If you are into outdoor sightseeing and stuff Hawaii has plenty of stuff to do though.

We are planning two trips while we are there. New Zealand and the Philippines. It is just more expensive to do things but me and the wife make over 175K a year. I would say that if you are lower enlisted got to Europe because you can do more within your budget.

I got my short sheet today so I think its going to be Hawaii for sure. Im just more excited about tropical paradise than traveling to many places I dont really have an interest in. I love the beach and the outdoors. I would much rather see an active volcano than sight see in Europe. To each his own though! Thanks again for all of the input. Is anybody there now in the weather squadron? And if so do you have any info or advice? Thanks

mmmm Id give a left nut to go back to hawaii.... Traffic does suck there but hell have you ever tried to go through any MAJOR city during rush hour? It sucks as well. Hawaii Never got old to my family or I. Like anything it is what you make of it. If you like the beach then you are golden. COLA YES. You can google that as well on the amount.
You have a PM

I got my short sheet today so I think its going to be Hawaii for sure. Im just more excited about tropical paradise than traveling to many places I dont really have an interest in. I love the beach and the outdoors. I would much rather see an active volcano than sight see in Europe. To each his own though! Thanks again for all of the input. Is anybody there now in the weather squadron? And if so do you have any info or advice? Thanks


it seems thats your bottom line.you love the beach.then this place is for you.check us out @hifba.com and introduce yourself.see you around when you get here.

Welcome to the 17th OWS! I am retired weather and work for the 17th off-site over at Pearl Harbor. Germany would have been an awesome assignment too, but Hawaii is not all bad. This is my second time here for a total of more than 6 years. It has some shortcomings just like everywhere else. But if you like outdoor activities, hiking, beach, cruising, you be fine.

I would rate military housing here very good to excellent. You will live much better than most that live n the economy. Your housing will also be more conveniently located than most can afford also. Stuff I took for granted when on active duty. You really won't have to deal with traffic day-to-day unless you elect to live off-base.

ArmyOneSource.com should be able to show you whatever you want to know about any given Army Base.

I spent 4 years in Germany ('98-'02), in Hawaii now, and am about to go back to Germany this summer. Both places are Awesome! As stated above, you will have a much better opportunity for travel in Germany (a once in a lifetime opportunity if you will).
I LOVE to travel so yeah, I've gotten a little "cabin fever" here in Hawaii but there is ALOT to do here if you get out and look for it. The people here are (for the most part) very laid back and easy going. Except for that 35th SS guy. LOL Just kidding mang.

If I had to choose, I'd say go to Germany first then head to Hawaii afterward, but that only because they are slowly shutting down more and more bases in Germany and Hawaii will always be there.

Scott


P.S. Hey Matt, how are ya? Haven't heard from you in awhile.


As long as you and your family are open minded you will love both places. Good luck with your decision.

hey watch it.

Guess the location depends on what you want. Spent 4x years in Hawaii. Yep, the island is small, but there was always something to do. The weather was spectacular year round too.

Been in Germany 3 weeks now. Weather is cold and crappy. Lots of cool stuff to see though that you will never see in the US of A.

BTW, you get paid COLA in both locations. As for convenience, Hawaii is easier to live in. Too much BS and beurocracy in Germany getting things done (for example, I am still working through the red tape to get my damn electric bill without paying 19% German VAT tax.) In Hawaii you're "overseas" but still in the US. It cuts down on a lot of stupid.

^^^^^ Thanks, thats another thing I didnt want to have to deal with. Especially being at my first duty station. Very good feedback though, thanks for all the advice!

Guess the location depends on what you want. Spent 4x years in Hawaii. Yep, the island is small, but there was always something to do. The weather was spectacular year round too.

Been in Germany 3 weeks now. Weather is cold and crappy. Lots of cool stuff to see though that you will never see in the US of A.

BTW, you get paid COLA in both locations. As for convenience, Hawaii is easier to live in. Too much BS and beurocracy in Germany getting things done (for example, I am still working through the red tape to get my damn electric bill without paying 19% German VAT tax.) In Hawaii you're "overseas" but still in the US. It cuts down on a lot of stupid.

Sup Phil! when you comin back to Paradise.:D

Sup Phil! when you comin back to Paradise.:D

Hi Rex. It'll be awhile. I'm in Europe for at least 3 years. Come up on retirement after that. Hawaii is an option, but will probably go back to Virginia.

BTW, run the cars at Maui or the big island lately? I found out that for about $35 you can run on the famed Nurburgring.... which is 45 minutes from my house. That will be my "new track" for the time being :lol:

Take care.

Cool,nicee seen your other thread about goin to Germany.have fun crack wide open that bugga up on the straightaway and hang on.
Couple of us last year went to maui got on the superferry for the weekend and made some runs.came out of the hole lifting the front a few inches on the 35th SS but had to abort due to windshield fogging up couldnt see shit.prolly high humidity.but we had fun.too bad no more ferry.we might have somethin next year.enjoy yourself in Europe Phil.