Hawaii Working

Nowhere does money grow on trees (though Let’s Go researchers aren’t done looking), but there are still some pretty good opportunities to earn a living and travel at the same time. As with volunteering, work opportunities tend to fall into two categories. Some travelers want long-term jobs that allow them to integrate into a community, while others seek out short-term jobs to finance the next leg of their travels. In the major tourist areas of Hawaii, work is often available on the staffs of hotels and resorts, or at local restaurants. Another possibility is to check with the national car rental agencies, which may have jobs on their lots that need to be filled. Transitions Abroad (www.transitionsabroad.com) also offers updated online listings for work over any time span.

More Visa Information. A work permit is required for all foreigners planning to work in the US. Your employer must obtain this document, usually by demonstrating that you have skills that locals lack. It may be up to you, however, to apply for an Employment Authorization Document to prove that you may work in the US. Friends in the US can sometimes help expedite work permits or arrange work-for-stay exchanges. Obtaining a worker’s visa may seem complex, but it’s critical that you go through the proper channels. Visit the Destination USA website for temporary workers (http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/business_temp.html) for more information on the process for acquiring a work permit.

Consult the help wanted sections of local newspapers for more listings— Honolulu Star Bulletin and Hawaii Tribune Herald on Oahu, The Garden Island on Kauai, The Maui News on Maui, and West Hawaii Today on the Big Island are helpful sources. For links to Hawaii job banks, check out www.employmentspot.com/state/hi.htm and http://hawaii.gov/portal/employment, as well as the classified sections of the aforementioned publications. Note that working abroad often requires a special work visa.

Long-Term Work

If you’re planning on spending a substantial amount of time (more than 3 months) working in Hawaii, search for a job well in advance. International placement agencies are often the easiest way ...more

Short-Term Work

Believe it or not, traveling for long periods of time can be hard on the wallet. Many travelers try their hand at odd jobs for a few weeks at a time to help pay for another month or two of touring around ...more