Dennis
As an Army haole I can tell you that there are some locals that won't warm up to you right off but I blame how our young military act for that. What I can tell you is if you make the effort to get to know the locals then you become part of the family. I have more "cousins" and some how became "uncle" to a bunch of kids
When I was on my last deployment my wife and son were basically adopted by some good local friends.
The cost of living is high, but you get used to it. I will admit there are some things I have put off till I PCS again to purchase.
We love Hawaii, love the people and love the beach year round