Thinking about living in Maui, the second-largest Hawaiian island, even though you’ve never set foot there before? No worries, you’re not the only one. Many of us feel that strong pull once we see the beauty of the archipelago’s crown jewel. The trouble is, people tend to forget that living in a tropical paradise has its downsides, too. If you’re serious about relocating to a wild Land of Black Sands, be sure to know its highs and lows.
Is Maui, Hawaii, a Good Place to Live?
Making informed decisions is vital when deciding to move across the world, especially if you’re relocating with kids. It’s the knowledge that gives you enough confidence for such an endeavor. The knowledge also helps you avoid relocating stress all the way and prepare for the inevitable culture shock that follows.
If you’re wondering if island life is right for you, being aware of living in Maui’s pros and cons before heading off will facilitate the whole process. Only weighing out the options can give you the answer you’re searching for. For example, if you pursue career growth, the answer might not be a positive one. However, if you’re in search of a laid-back atmosphere and untamed natural beauty, well, start packing.
If you’re on the fence about moving to the Central Pacific, we’ll go through all the ups and downs of living there. So, that you can determine whether or not it’s something you should take upon yourself.
Is the Cost of Living in Maui, Hawaii a Pro or a Con?
When moving internationally, particularly when relocating alone, setting your budget is not possible without knowing how high basic expenses are in the target country. It doesn’t come as a surprise if the first thing you’ve been thinking about is how much money do you need to live in Maui.
Unfortunately, it is true what people say. This is one of the priciest places to reside in. The costs are around 30% higher here than anywhere else in the US. There are a couple of reasons for that. Most of the products you come across are imported from the mainland, and the other one is Hawaii’s 4% excise tax.
According to Expatistan, the average cost of living in Maui per person is estimated at $3,140, whereas for a family of four, the figure goes to $5,500. However, you don’t have to rob a bank to afford a place here since there are many affordable spots on the island to reside on.
Housing Prices in the Destination Place
No matter where you live, housing will always be your most significant monthly expense. Since Maui is far from cheap, it’s crucial to plan it all well and start searching for a new home on time. In fact, make sure it’s a priority part of your relocation checklist.
Even though rent prices are widely depending on what part of The Valley Isle you reside in, these are ranges you can use to get an idea of what to expect. For example, a one-bedroom apartment can vary from $1,200 to 1,500. While the price for a two-bedroom apartment will be somewhere between $1,800-2,200.
To find just the right place, don’t forget to go through sites like Zillow and Craigslist.
What About Food?
Is it expensive to live in Maui? Well, when it comes to food, it’s notoriously hard to find any cheap food unless it’s grown locally. But, rest assured, there’s plenty of it all year round – from papayas, avocados, and bananas to all kinds of greens, potatoes, and all things nice.
Sure, your eating habits will also play an important role here, like are you cooking or dining out. Remember, you’re not relocating to France but to the most beautiful part of Hawaii, where you need no fancy restaurants to get the most heavenly food on earth. Still, to save some money, we encourage you to use your kitchen more and run to Costco or Mana Foods more often, too.
Other Cons You Should Consider Before Making a Decision
Although the amount of money needed to have a decent life is one of the determining factors when choosing a new home, it’s certainly not the only one. The second one is quality of life. And it is determined by many different factors, like work opportunities, access to quality healthcare, safety, education choices, cultural life, etc. So, let’s talk through some of them and see if this volcanic force of nature is promising enough.
Job Opportunities: Is It Hard to Live in Maui and Work There?
Whatever your reasons to move, we hope you’re not moving abroad all the way here to look for suitable work. Residing overseas at places like Valley Isle requires you to come either with a job lined up or with highly needed skills in the hospitality and food industry. Which are the primary income sources here. There are a number of work opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, with a median yearly salary of $50,000.
Then again, relocating to Hawaii and not having any professional skills related to tourism will not make this part of the world one of the best places to live abroad with family. However, tourism is not the only industry you can work in. Here are some of the other industries that will get you a job right away:
- Retail,
- Education,
- Healthcare,
- Construction.
Also, if you’d like to learn more about how to get a proper job once you move, check out the video below.
Being Away From Hometown
Being away from your loved ones is often the most intimidating part of moving overseas, especially now, during covid-19. It’s no wonder that you find it challenging to separate from your support system since being far away from home never seems like a great idea. For starters, flight tickets are not so cheap, so you’ll have to cope with not being physically able to be close to people you care about.
On the other hand, many expat communities can help you adjust easier and manage your emotions. Also, don’t forget that nowadays keeping in touch with friends is pretty simple thanks to modern technology. To contact them and keep up where you left off, you have to download one of many social apps, such as House Party, Skype, Zoom, etc.
Pros of Valley Isle
There are various reasons people choose to leave their hometown, but residing in a place that makes them happier is one. Some will go to another country for love, while others will view life by the beach as one of the most fantastic life offerings. Whatever the case, remember you’re going to Maui County, nestled in the happiest place in the world.
Maui’s Culture and People
Maui’s culture is deeply rooted in everything you know about the Hawaiian state and its traditions: Aloha spirit, philosophy, customs, language, hula dance, surfing. You name it. What makes it even more remarkable is its diverse local community and the fact there’s no dominant ethnic majority. There’s even a popular urban legend saying that a demigod named Maui pulled all eight islands from the sea and roped the sun on Haleakala.
Believe it or not, people are on the quiet side, in a good way. Their inherent nature is – just like the surroundings – wild, exciting, but they bring calmness back to your life. And since Hawaii is one of the friendliest places in the world, there are many tips for learning a new language if you’re interested in breaking the language barrier and getting a bit closer to natives. Having English as an official language is a great circumstance, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t improve your language skills and learn a language abroad.
Weather You Can Only Wish For
The truth is, if you’re looking for the best time to move, you’ll never get to pick the right date. Sure, if you want to enjoy the summer sun, drink coconut while adjusting, then, by all means, have packing services scheduled before the summer season, as well as other international moving services required to move successfully. However, if you want to catch whale season, winter is the right option for you. But if your goal is to save some money, avoid transitioning during Christmas time there. Whatever you choose, it’s good to know there are more than the usual two seasons here. That’s why when you pack up, get ready for the actual four seasons.
The Name Itself Reveals the Beauty of the Nature
Name Maui, also known as Valley Isle, stems from the fact that your future home sits between two mountains. It used to be one big island, but sea levels have changed how it looks over time. Adjusting to a new country comes naturally when surrounded by pristine scenery, full of lush forests and waterfalls. Enjoying the beach here is as natural as breathing, since all the places here are close to the ocean, and watching the sunsets leaves both young and old under its spell.
Island Life Is Way More Relaxed When You Get Used to It
The moment you set foot on the Isle, there’s a feeling of something new in the air, almost intoxicating, that makes you fall in love and never leave the place. And it’s no mystery at all. It’s all about that laid-back attitude and universal goal all locals share – being happy and going with the flow. For newcomers coming from urban jungles, these things may appear as an attraction at first, but their lifestyle changes for the better once they adapt.
Every adventurer and outdoor enthusiast will not be disappointed in the Hawaiian archipelago. On the contrary, you can easily make your adventure dreams come true once you are here. From hiking through a bamboo forest to snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles, or feeling the sea blowing and catching the morning waves, Valley Isle will be a paradise to you.
Best Places to Settle Once You’re Here
To help you find a place that is not on the pricier side, we prepared our list of irresistible but still affordable places to live in:
- Kihei – Kihei is a census-designated place on the southwest shore, recognized as the sunniest and driest spot on the isle. Being budget-friendly, with great beach access, vast selection for dining and shopping, Kihei could be a new home you’re striving for.
- Napili – A bit more upscale than Kihei, Napili is a northwestern town known as one of the most popular tourist destinations. You’ll enjoy eating fresh food while playing by the shore, all hidden from the usual crowds.
- Molokai – Although this one is the fifth most populated place in the Aloha State, it’s also one of the cheapest places in Hawaii. You’d be glad to know it’s the least visited of all the islands because it’s uncommonly quiet and secluded. However, that’s precisely why it’s a favorite choice of a large number of families.
You’re All Set, It’s Time to Schedule a Move
Now that you understand why that pull to move is so strong, the reasons why you need to plan everything a bit more in detail do not seem so scary. There’s always an international moving company you can contact to help you with things you can’t do on your own, but as for the rest, the motto was going with the flow, wasn’t it?
