If you are considering HI, my first thought was Kailua-Kona too, hey I like it here.
It does have at least one DM program that I know of at
Jacks and quite a few OP’s or opportunity for employment – don’t know how that all works tho.
Kona is a central location vs operators spread out around the island (for the most part.)
Year round tropical diving with plenty shore diving to explore and lots topside to check out. Nearby islands to visit for their flavor (they are really different creatures.)
TBI anyway is really more of an English speaking 2nd world country. Took me a while to realize just what the bumper sticker saying ‘you’re not on the mainland any more’ really meant. Kona is pretty civilized but no freeways Kona side and not far out of it, it’s quite different,
Cost of living is high but gee, you’re going to be making a lot more money than I do to live on.
It is not uncommon for long term visitors here ie Triathletes, free divers ect come here to train and then the Snowbirds. It’s not all high rise condos and hotels for lodging, Ohana’s abound. I’ve one, if the roomie moves out your situation would be exactly what I’d be gearing it to. Wouldn’t need to bring anything but dive gear and work equipment – Ross is dirt cheap for clothes and can’t beat Longs, KTA for slippa’s and CostCo 6 months size just about everything else.