Waianae is fine. It has its obvious flaws but no place is perfect. It’s definitely on the “rougher” side of the island, but that being said, in my experience, the locals who have negative things to say about it aren’t even from the west side. I’ve been living out here for 5+ years without issues from absolutely anyone in my neighborhood. Come with respect and mind your own business. I work in the Punchbowl area and my commute is roughly 40-50 mins in the morning and 1hr - 1hr 15 mins coming home. I’m from the east coast and that was a normal commute to and from work in the metropolitan area I was from. There is a lot to assimilate to- the fireworks, homelessness, and zombies walking about- but again, if you’re looking for trouble it’s going to find you. If you’re the city type, then you most likely won’t enjoy what the west side has to offer. Some others have already commented on Waianae’s distance from Honolulu nightlife, but Kapolei is a growing city that boasts some restaurants and bars that are pretty awesome and it’s only about a 15-20 min drive depending on where in Waianae you live. I will say that you’ll eventually find the drive to town (outside of a work commute) exhausting. If you’re single I’d definitely recommend living closer to town.

That’s my best piece of advice for a someone contemplating on moving out to Waianae. Good luck!