Moving to Hawaii next year, good idea to start looking for a room mate now?

So after about a year of trying to decide where I want to go after college, I have finally decided on Hawaii. I actually moved here to the mainland from Oahu about 4 years ago, and I have missed it every day since. I plan on moving to Oahu next summer (2009) after I graduate college. Since I have no family there, I will be alone and would really like a roommate. So is it a good idea to start searching now? That way both of us will be saving plenty enough and can also talk and get to know each other and possibly meet before the move? If so, what websites could I go to to find a possible roommate? I have looked at like roommates.com and other sites, but you must pay to read messages and stuff. So how do I this? Is this a good idea?

I used Craigslist when I was moving back (3 years ago), but most people will not talk to you until much closer to the time you are arriving. Decide where you want to live (Honolulu?) and become familiar with the neighborhoods and the prices (I did that first). People don't usually post until a month or two before the room is available. You can also post in housing wanted for someone else who will be looking for the same time frame.

Like anything online, you need to be careful with Craigslist. If I get any weird emails, I just ignore them and NOT answer them. CL should be fine for your purposes. Be very clear regarding your lifestyle (quiet, like parties, etc.), your age and what you want (no mixed gender, OK mixed gender). spend a month or so every day on CL and you will get a good idea.

I'd love to move to Hi w/ u. But, over the road truck drivers aren't really in demand there. Just make a small payment to get into those web site. In the long run, you'll benefit later for just a few bucks spent.

Well, I'd advertise for a roomate with the STAR BULLETIN in Hawaii now...........That way you can get to know the person or person's you'll be rooming with b4 you get there. Also you can look for people looking for a roomate now. You can try talking to people on the Hawaii chat rooms and feel them out that way also....................

craigslist has a link for roomates..anyone on there now needs a roomate soon though not in a year...but it never hurts to post 'cause somewhere someone is also thinking of moving to hawaii and mite be in your same situation and that could be the motivation both of you need...good luck

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/roo/

Good luck is all I can say!