"I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business, or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness, and the memory of it will remain with me always." - Mark Twain
Moving to Maui is a dream shared by many people. The funny thing is that it doesnt take a whole lot to turn it into a reality. Get yourself a one-way plane ticket, and join the locals who call this place home. People who live on Maui refer to Kahului simply as "town." It is right in the middle of the island, which makes it an ideal home base.
The cost of living in paradise: Sure, living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has its costs, but it also comes with benefits
"I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business, or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness, and the memory of it will remain with me always." - Mark Twain
Moving to Maui is a dream shared by many people. The funny thing is that it doesnt take a whole lot to turn it into a reality. Get yourself a one-way plane ticket, and join the locals who call this place home. People who live on Maui refer to Kahului simply as "town." It is right in the middle of the island, which makes it an ideal home base.
Finding Your Piece of Aloha
The cost of living in paradise: Sure, living in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has its costs, but it also comes with benefits. Rent can be pretty high here, but since it's warm all year, you have more options: there are people on Maui living in tents, yurts, and teepees. For a more traditional structure that has four walls, expect to pay about the same for a studio apartment in Kahului as in any other Maui neighborhood that isn't right on the beach.
Finding a place: Places are always for rent. You do have to be quick though, because locals are always trying to snag a better place than they currently have. Expect to pay at least a months rent as a deposit. Also, having good references helps.
Where to Stay
The neighborhood you choose isn't going to make a huge difference in what your life in Kahalui will look like, but there are subtle nuances from 'hood to 'hood. Here's a quick guide:
Central Kahului: There are a couple hundred streets here with names that only a true local could pronounce. A lot of the older homes have added studio apartments on at least one side of them and sometimes on top as well.
Harbor Lights: This area is right across from Kahului Harbor. It's close to the shopping centers. There are a few rental condos here.
Maui Lani: The Maui Lani area is a new sprawling housing development on the way out of town toward Kihei and Lahaina. It has a mainland suburban feel to it. If you are looking for a newer home with a garage, small yard and room for an orange tree, you might like it here.
Life on the Island
Is Kahului paradise?People live in Kahului because it is convenient and close to the rest of the island. The beach towns are a quick 15- to 20-minute drive away.
Maui has some of the best sand beaches in the world, which makes it an awesome, photogenic place to live. It has great surfing, hiking, scuba diving and a ton of other options for outdoor fun. Having a backyard like this is why people pay the big bucks to live on Maui.
Get yourself a Maui cruiser: A car on Maui is essential to get around with. There is a bus system, but it will take four times as long to get anywhere.
