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10 Key Considerations for Moving to Maui

Moving to Maui is Easy, if You Plan Ahead

Is moving to Maui a lifelong dream of yours? Millions of visitors come to Maui each year and many of them board the plane back home "dreaming of moving here". That dream CAN become a reality! My first visit to Maui was in 1988, I was only 22 years old. I went back home (Gilbert, Arizona), moved out of my apartment, asked my mom to buy my car, quit my job and moved to Maui in June of 1989. Did I mention that my high school sweetheart had moved to Maui the year before?

Well obviously not everyone is a carefree 22 year old and can "up & move to Maui." Although I made it sound easy. It definitely was not. After all, if moving to Maui was easy, everyone would do it!

Life on Maui is amazing in so many ways, but it's also very different than any other place. If you have visited Maui several times, you are already aware of the cost of living. Some will experience far more sticker shock than others. The good thing about life on Maui is that you don't need seasonal clothes, heat, snow tires, fancy clothes, there's never a long commute and the beach is FREE entertainment. Big savings already.

I personally believe that the more you plan for anything, the more prepared you are to handle the good with the challenging. Any big move takes thought and preparation.

Each area of Maui offers a different lifestyle and you should determine what exactly you are looking for. If you are the free-spirited hippy type, kite boarder, windsurfer, you may enjoy the north side of the island such as Paia or Haiku. Maui's Up Country towns, Makawao, Pukalani and Kula offer a casual and laid back lifestyle, farming, rodeo life and often times much cooler temperatures. The south side, which includes Kihei, Wailea and Makena has a high visitor presence, amazing resorts, many vacation rental condos and homes, dry and sunny year round with gorgeous white sand beaches. Kahului and Wailuku are what we refer to as central or town. That's where you can find the Kahului International Airport, county and state offices, two public high schools, two malls along with a few chain stores such as Costco, Walmart, K-Mart & Home Depot.

Lahaina, Kapalua & Kaanapali is the West Side and also heavily inundated with visitors, resorts, restaurants and many tourist activities. Hana is the quiet, quaint little sleepy town on the east side of the island and is what most people think of when they think of tropical Hawaii. The bamboo forest, crystal clear waters, lush tropical scenery and waterfalls are undeniably breathtaking – but the commute is several hours, and conveniences and restaurants are few.

Here are 10 key considerations if you’re thinking about moving to Maui.

1. Need a job on Maui? Does the company you currently work for have an office or affiliate on Maui? Possibly transfer. Contact an employment agency here, apply online to major hotels, county and state offices or DOE. If your career requires a state license or certificate (teacher, insurance, real estate, doctor, contractor, massage, etc.), research the requirements for Hawaii.
2. Where will you live? The housing market for rentals and sales changes annually. The rental market can be more limited during high season (January-April). Contact a home/condo rental company well in advance to begin your search. When you are ready to make your Maui home purchase, of course contact ME.
3. Got Kids? Research preschools, public and private schools prior to arriving. My boys were born and raised here. I was very happy with Children’s Garden preschool, Kamali'i Elementary (public school in Kihei), St. Anthony (private Catholic School) and Seabury Hall (private). I also recommend moving in June if you have kids. Sign them up for summer sports or church camps in the area that they will be attending school, take them to beach, pool, activities in that area so they can meet new friends before school starts. FYI, the State of Hawaii Public Schools begin their school year at the end of July while some private schools begin mid-August.
4. Come to Maui for an extended vacation prior to moving. Live like the locals during that time. Rent a cottage, condo or home for 2-4 weeks, research jobs, schools, doctors, dentists, church, grocery shop, hair or nail salons, DMV, and utility companies. Being on vacation is quite different than living here!
5. Healthcare - Maui is a small island with 1 hospital and only so many physicians and dentists. We do have many great ones though. Research your medical insurance, make doctors and dentists appointments right away so when you REALLY need one, you are already an existing patient. Bring your health and medical records with you.
6. Shipping your belongings - Homes and condos may be smaller than what you’re used to. Think twice about what you plan to ship. Research shipping charges, container sizes, how long your belongings will take to arrive in Maui.
7. Shipping your vehicle - Contact the lender to obtain permission to ship. Contact your insurance carrier, inform them of the move. You may need to change insurance carriers and you want to be sure that your vehicle is covered during transit. Make sure our vehicle warranty will transfer to another state. Research shipping companies, the cost & how long it will take.
8. Pets - bringing your furry family member? It's imperative that you contact the Maui Humane Society well in advance. The State of Hawaii has special animal requirements.
9. Start to get familiar with the Maui community prior to your arrival by checking out mauinews.com.
10. Give ample notice to your current employer, landlord, children’s school, etc. Just in case you need to move back home, you want to be on good terms with everyone.

Maui is magical with its natural beauty, cultural diversity, small town feeling, and some of the kindest people in the world. I never tire of the double rainbow, the serenity I feel at the beach, the beauty of Iao Valley or Haleakala on a clear day, the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and most of all the wonderful people on the island that my boys refer to as their aunties and uncles. There is no place like Maui -- it truly is God's Country, Heaven on Earth.

I have called Maui my dream home for over 24 years. I married my high school sweetheart, raised two amazing sons, I am a REALTOR at the top producing real estate company on Maui and I am always grateful for this special place.

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