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State of Hawaii

3.9 (14 reviews)

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Recommended Reviews - State of Hawaii

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07.13.22 Pacific Ocean
May A.

Just Go (#35) Let's talk about Hawaii... the 808 was where my family first set foot on U.S. soil. I was 11 years old, I went to school at Moanalua. The transition from the islands to another island State wasn't as challenging as moving to, let's say, a State like New York. That would've been a culture shock for me. We lived in the island of O'ahu for 3 years... it wasn't until I became an adult where I truly appreciated the beauty of the islands of Hawaii because at 11 what mattered only was that we were always at the beach... life in Hawaii was simple... until we left for the mainland. Hawaii is known for its 750 miles of spotless coastline dotted with volcanoes, beautiful beaches, gorgeous scenic sunsets, and its ancient culture. I have many wonderful travel highlights in the 808 over the years but it wasn't only until 2021 where hubby and I traveled there together. While our vacation were mostly in O'ahu we've also enjoyed exploring (for the first time) the Big Island, Maui, and a day trip to Lanai. I've also met the most amazing Yelpers in the Yelp Honolulu Community. My memorable experiences: Koko Head Hike - for me, this was a challenging hike up 1,000+ steps to the top of Koko Head Crater with panoramic views of Oahu (New Year's Day 2016) Daughter's Wedding at the Noelani Gardens in O'ahu (June 2021) Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park located in Big Island (June 2021) We enjoyed two evenings of ghost tours with Master Storyteller, Lopaka Kapanui (July 2022) Haleakalā National Park in located on the island of Maui. Super windy at the summit at elevation 10,023 ft. (September 2022) Historic Lahaina located in West Maui - we stayed in Kihei but we kept coming back to Lahaina (September 2022)... we were fortunate to visit this historic town before the 2023 wildfires A day trip to the historic town of Lānaʻi City... a quiet and scenic island with few paved roads, no crowds, and lots of space to unplug and relax (September 2022) A visit to the Waiʻānapanapa State Park -- home to the Black Sand Beach named Honokalani -- while driving on the Road to Hana. Btw, that scenic drive on the Road to Hana was an adventure in itself with 620 curves and 59 bridges. (September 2022) Mahalo nui loa, Great State of Hawaii. Now make everyday moments extraordinary. Aloha! Review #3592

Great bay and beach
Stephen W.

Unmatched beauty. Friendly people. Tons of free public beaches. Moderate climate. Exotic food. Yes, real estate is obscenely expensive. But it's an island so everything is imported. Great place for vacation, we love coming here. Been to all of the islands and some more than twice. Don't limit yourself to Honolulu. Hawaii is so much more.

Gotta love this message from the state!
Frank B.

I came for a tan on vacation but a tan of this magnitude is a tad much. However it was a false alarm but the state ( thank god ) but made my trip memorable. Outside of this glitch I love Hawaii , the true relaxing place I enjoy hanging out. Where else can you swim with the turtles, look at amazing hot women on the beach and see whales jump out of the water. Anyways you should come to Hawaii soak up some rays and drinks some cocktails. And if your really getting nuked we'll sit on the beach with a cocktail and kiss your bum goodbye. At least it will all end in Paradise.

The 50th State

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2 months ago

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Social Security Administration

Social Security Administration

3.1(53 reviews)
1.9 kmDowntown

I saw most of reviews which most people had terrible experiences. But I was lucky to be taken in…read moreearlier despite having an appointment at 9am. They open exactly at 830am. They advise to check in on your phone with confirmation number once outside the door. The worker who helped me said that most times the people don't have current address where the SSN card be can mailed to and correct documents. I got receipt of my application, instructions in case my card doesn't come in 2 weeks, number to call. Card came in within 2 week mark so I can begin my next steps to changing my last name. Much appreciation to the staff for making my first trip to SSA building a successful one.

Just wanted to share my experience…read more 1. Call the local number ahead of time. The 1-800 number is a trap, you wait for over 1 hour on hold, and then they can't help you anyways. The local folks know exactly what can be done (their services have been scaled back because of budget cuts), and if you need an appointment or a walk in is okay. If an appointment, might be ~6 weeks out because of backlog, be prepared. 2. 4 separate people will ask you why you're visiting, be super clear in what you need + if you have an appointment or were told you didn't have to make one. 3. Listen carefully for the numbers being called. Their PA system is super mid, and depending on who is calling the number from what window, it might not be clear. Lol everyone in the waiting room banded together to try discern what's being said. "You got that ticket number?" "Think it was this, who caught the window number?" 4. The employees are short staffed, but very empathetic + helpful. You just have to work together with them, have your id + documents ready for when it's your turn and they ask for stuff. Thanks to the guy that helped me (think AF vet?), got what I needed to file taxes for my mom who recently passed.

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Social Security Administration - Proof of Identity for minors. School record. Please read.

Proof of Identity for minors. School record. Please read.

Social Security Administration - Sample medical record as identification. Please read.

Sample medical record as identification. Please read.

Social Security Administration

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Tsa Precheck Enrollment Center - Enrollment rooms.

Tsa Precheck Enrollment Center

3.6(14 reviews)
1.6 kmDowntown

What a farce. Do not go here super sketch.. seriously. Apparently there are two precheck websites…read moreone where you choose your time and another where they assign you a time. In this case bfs forced assigned time was Saturday at 820 and I'm thinking no government works on a Saturday this must be a scam..but it said they open at 830 on Saturdays on yelp it kinda looked legit. Anyway when I drop him off the doors are locked and there are a bunch of people some from Ewa beach that are here for the same thing. At 9 am the door to the building is still locked while people are still lining up others left in disgust. I asked a lady who was going into the building if tsa is even located in there she said there's a sign on the door you can call. Then she looked and said nope they took it down. Mind you this is a real location, but the one on richards st (1 block away) is way better, I was in and out in 15. There are also locations in Office Depot/max. Some guy in line said he came last week and after two hours they told him computers slow come back next week, only to stand in line to an unopened building. One guy had the phone number to the office and no one answered. It's now Monday and I wonder how long did they wait only to have to go back home. What could they do better? Not make Saturday appointments if the office is closed. If they are open but no one is showing let the hoard of people know versus letting them wait outside for hours. Communicate if computers slow after 15 minutes tell everyone it's up to them if they want to stay but it's slow. Check if the first website that turns up is legit or if there's a glitch with doling out Saturday appointments vs choosing, cuz why is it you can choose a time on the second site listing? Something is def amiss.

My wife has a 8:50 appointment. Arrived at 8:30 checked in and still are waiting at 10:12. Will…read moreupdate when she's done.

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Tsa Precheck Enrollment Center - Reception

Reception

Tsa Precheck Enrollment Center - Bright and wide reception area

Bright and wide reception area

Tsa Precheck Enrollment Center - Entrance

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Entrance

Internal Revenue Service

Internal Revenue Service

2.0(2 reviews)
1.9 kmDowntown

IRS= Internal Revenue Service, I have mixed feelings with the IRS! We either love them um or don't…read more hehe. Before I go on with my review here's our Taxpayer Bill of Rights: *The Right to Be Informed *The Right to Quality Service *The Right to Challenge the IRS's Position and Be Heard *The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum *The Right to Finality *The Right to Privacy * The Right to Confidentiality *The Right to Retain REpresentation * The Right to A Fair and Just Tax System The reason for my phone call to IRS and my recent appointment with them was that I received mail, made me worried and couldn't sleep. It was confusing and luckily when I called the number, kind gentlemen that assist me was very helpful, he helped me schedule my appointment for the very next day and the earliest time spot. IRS is located at 300 Ala Moana Blvd. ( Federal Building) I know this building well as I visited the other offices here to do business for my momma & daughter now its for ME! Parking is not available in their lot, street parking but my suggestion is to park at restaurant row parking lot or the jury duty lot not knowing how long your visit will take you don't want to leave and feed the meters. You will have to pass security like TSA, the line was long on the day of my visit and the guard only lets in 1-2 at a time. There are 2 security lines, front & back of building, I waited in the long line and my appointment was at 8:30 am. * tip, let the security know your appointment time, he will let you in sooner. This security is more strict than TSA, take out your cell phone, bracelets, watch, keys in pocket. When we got to the IRS office, there was some " Karens" in line confused and grumbling as the office staff that checked me in mentioned "they are short staff and hiring" There were a few customers without appointment, not sure how long the wait is and they only service the ones with appointment first. My advice, best to get an appointment. I received my ticket number 100 and waited patiently for our number to be called. Only one case worker was available to assist during my visit. Why the letter from IRS?! I submitted my tax payment on line via IRS.GOV website on 4.15. 24, shows the payment went through but my mistake and my fault, I had to enter the primary SS number which is my husband -which I entered my SS number. This is the reason for the confusion and the letter. The case worker just knew from the letter and explained it well. For now we will have to wait til they switch payment over from my SS account to the right one via the "Tool", which it will take 4-6 weeks, now I am worried about the fees and penalty that will apply. ( Yikes.!) Lesson learned, from now on I will stick to paying my taxes when we get our taxes filed, I the usual way. I out-smarted myself, actually I wanted to pay via my credit card to earn those SouthWest Points, but chickened out, it was my very first time making a payment on the IRS.GOV. Oh well, now crossing fingers all goes well with the transfer and that I don't get assessed fees! Never mess with the IRS and you cannot win with Uncle Sam. ( I don't want to go on, makes me mad) but I am happy that our Tax dollars, are going to good use.....?!

I went through security and forgot I had my cellphone in my pocket. So I set off the metal…read moredetector. One of the security guards was very hostile. He was telling me that I don't know how to listen. I said I'm sorry I forgot I had something in my pocket. He said didn't I tell you to empty your pockets. He was being very loud and he kept going on and on. So I put my cellphone down and went back through the detector. He then yelled at me to get back over here and that he was not done talking to me. I just wanted to get through security and be on my way to my appointment. But that guy was ridiculous. I made a mistake. And it felt like he really wanted to punish me for it. I held my tongue because I could tell this person had some major control and anger issues. When I exited the building, another security guard stopped us and told us we couldn't exit this way. And then he was like just kidding. I laughed. I asked if he ever works in the front. He said no . I told him he should, he has a good sense of humor . The prick in the front is out to ruin peoples day. And he said a lot of people complain about the old guy in the front. So I guess I'm not the only one. First time I ever had to come to this building. But be prepared! The security is very tight and stricter than TSA. And you better not have anything in your pockets or you will pay!!!

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Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service

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City & County of Honolulu - View of Downtown Honolulu

City & County of Honolulu

3.0(20 reviews)
1.3 kmDowntown

I been to several different municipalities in the country. I loved C&C of Honolulu after few…read morevacation trips. Me and my partner officially called Honolulu our home as we moved to Waikiki in the turn of the century. We were able to afford a condo in a mid-rise building, then moved to a plantation-style house. Not fancy but sufficient and convenient to the beach and downtown (except met a slumlord). Back then, everything was within reach. I loved the cultures and atmosphere. The only thing we complained the most was the cost of necessities. Well, that was one of the reasons we moved to Texas because we ran out of money. Bottom line is... don't try to live in Honolulu poor. You would need at least a million dollars to live comfortably back then 25 years ago. Not sure how much it is now today.

After dedicating my life to military law enforcement and breaking barriers as the only African…read moreAmerican--and often the first employee--in every company I've worked for, coming back to the US after 24 years was supposed to mean progress. But in Hawaii, I found the same rotten mindset festering beneath the surface. Despite being treated warmly by many locals, I've faced the sting of prejudice from those who should understand us best: black officers who still, shockingly, demean us like slaves or dumbed-down caricatures. I encountered an officer who, completely unaware of my financial acumen, extensive law enforcement experience, and military service, had the nerve to act as if he was the sole guardian of the law. That moment wasn't just a slap in the face--it was a brutal reminder that despite decades of sacrifice and achievement, some of these outdated attitudes are still embedded in our institutions. It's infuriating to realize that after all this time, real change remains painfully out of reach. I'm left questioning where I belong, and the thought of returning to Japan--a place where, at least then, I felt my value was recognized--now seems like a potential path to hope. The fight against this injustice is personal, and it burns with a fury that demands not just acknowledgment, but a radical shift in how we are seen and treated.

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City & County of Honolulu - Corner of Maunakea and Hotel Sts. in Downtown Honolulu

Corner of Maunakea and Hotel Sts. in Downtown Honolulu

City & County of Honolulu - View of Downtown Honolulu

View of Downtown Honolulu

City & County of Honolulu - King St. in Downtown Honolulu

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King St. in Downtown Honolulu

Satellite City Hall - Massive wall-sized examples of "how to" do various paperwork

Satellite City Hall

3.4(96 reviews)
11.1 km

It's not often that a C&C or State clerk at the DMV or City Hall will offer fast and friendly…read moreservice, so today's experience definitely stood out. Props to Mollie Brunn at the service counter for a really great experience. She was polite, professional, friendly, and fast. I went in to transfer a vehicle title and registration into my name and was expecting that it would take forever. I had an appointment thru the AlohaQ website that I made a week ago and went in about fifteen minutes early. The location was pretty full, so I was glad that I had an appointment. I checked in at the front and was instructed to take a seat to be called. They have an electronic sign board behind the counters so you can see your appointment number, time, and place in line. Mollie called out my name about 5 minutes later and directed me to a window that was closed. She helped me there and verified my paperwork, and instructed me how to complete it. The entire process only took less than 5 minutes, and I was done with my new title and registration in hand. Hooray!!

I went here to renew my driver's license today and was amazed at how quick and easy the process…read morewas. I made an appointment at AlohaQ several weeks ago, arrived 20 minutes early, and was greeted by a nice lady. She asked if I had an appointment and if I had all the documents filled out, which I did in advance, and she checked me in for my appointment. She then had me sit in the orange seat section of the waiting area. I must have lucked out because the appointment before me was a no show so I got called up pretty quickly and was helped by a very nice local lady. After a quick eye test and picture, I was done in less than 10 minutes and I was walking out the door 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment time. I see the negative reviews, but my experience here was absolutely wonderful. I don't normally post reviews, but felt I needed to share my positive experience to let others know that Windward City Satellite City Hall has amazing staff and the process can be quick and painless, especially if you have all of your paperwork filled out in advance. Thank you to the ladies that helped me today. You are awesome!

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Satellite City Hall - Signage from the outside

Signage from the outside

Satellite City Hall - Wow! Fast in and out with online with AlohaQ.

Wow! Fast in and out with online with AlohaQ.

Satellite City Hall

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Honolulu Police Department - I lights

Honolulu Police Department

2.7(106 reviews)
1.1 km

We move from a different country and within one year we had all types of funny and learning…read moreexperiences!! We had kind of mixed experience from HPD First when we moved we had no idea that hawaii is a place for the homeless. We thought okay this is a very rich country, so there should be no crime!! We are wrong!! Some one stole our notebook, laptop paychecks! Even with the footages of the crime they couldn't do any thing. The detective did not informed us anything later or not gave any update and become a cold case. The good experience with HPD was someone hit our car and run. Although it's not a major accident. They took our case seriously and take necessary steps. Overall a mixed experience. There are so many room for the improvement.

See something???? Don't bother calling HPD. They won't help even if their job is to serve and…read moreprotect or even keep the peace. They will lecture you and tell you to look the other way and walk away. They make you feel like you committed a crime. That's basically what happened. While this cop is lecturing me the guy walked away. The cop said to blame it on the Prosecutor Office. He said he's not doing anything because the Prosecutor office would throw it out, even if a crime was committed. So HPD only want crimes with blood or money, even that is questionalbe, otherwise the cop said he won't waste his time. HPD doesn't need more cops. Mayor B should shoud mind his own.

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Honolulu Police Department - Gym inside

Gym inside

Honolulu Police Department - Gym

Gym

Honolulu Police Department - The line is ridiculous

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The line is ridiculous

State of Hawaii - publicservicesgovt - Updated May 2026

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