Moving to Maui

Maui has always been one of the best choices for those looking for an island getaway. As such, many people do not just fall in love with the island; they ultimately decide to make a move here! With a rich cultural history, scenic environment, wealth of outdoor activities, and much, much more on offer, it is no wonder why many people consider making Maui their home. If you too are ready to move here, I have put together a fantastic guide for making your move to Maui a simple affair.

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Figure out what part of Maui you want to move to
Maui offers a variety of places to live in, depending on your preferred lifestyle. Like any other place in the United States, each area has many distinct characteristics.  Here is a list of popular areas to help you figure out where to purchase your home in Maui:

  • West Maui
    If you love tropical weather, the west side of Maui offers a warm and sunny enclave throughout the areas of Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Napili, and Kahana. Here you will find a sunny climate and many homes and condos fronting some of the world’s best beaches; a setting which provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy various activities and entertainment not found anywhere else on the planet!
  • South Maui
    A popular place for single folks, young families, and retirees alike, the South Maui areas of Wailea, Makena, and Kihei offer a selection of luxury condominiums and homes, many beachfront with fantastic ocean views, and centrally located to a variety of shops and dining options.
  • Upcountry
    Homes in Upcountry Maui are nestled in the foothills of Mt Haleakala, where residents enjoy a cooler temperature due to the area’s higher elevation. The bicoastal views from atop the rolling hills of Upcountry are simply breathtaking.
  • North Shore
    The North Shore of Maui includes miles of spectacular undeveloped beachfront property, dramatic rugged shorelines, world-class surf breaks, and an exceedingly diverse population within a primarily rural setting.
  • Wailuku
    Located just ten minutes from the Kahului Airport, Wailuku is a part of Maui’s central business district and the seat of government for Maui County. Here you will find charming storefronts throughout this historic town showcasing dozens of family businesses; many of which have been in continuous operation for generations, along with historical buildings and theaters, hip boutiques, antiques, local coffee shops, and much more.

Consider the moving costs

  • Remember, Maui is an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. As such, shipping fees can add up quickly. Now is a good time for a bit of housekeeping to de-clutter your belongings to only those items that you really want to make the move with you.
  • Ask yourself if you really want to take your old furniture or would rather buy new ones when you arrive? Large, bulky items are usually quite costly, in time and in money, to pack and ship.
  • If you do choose to ship your belongings, do your research on the shipping companies that cater to Maui.

Shipping your car and pets to Maui

  • While Maui is a relatively small island in the middle of the Pacific, having a vehicle to travel around in is almost a requirement here. And while you could sell your current vehicle(s) and buy a new one here, if you have a new(ish) vehicle with a lot of miles left in it, you would be advised to simply ship it here instead. Pricing for shipping varies, with current rates from the West Coast to Maui in the $1,500 range from California and Seattle ports. For more information, contact Matson or Pasha Hawaii.
  • If you have pets bring with you to Maui, keep in mind that Hawaii is a rabies-free state. By Hawaii state law, all pets must adhere to pet quarantine requirements provided by the State of Hawaii.

Make plans in advance

  • If you have not already, create a “moving budget” that takes into consideration your essential costs before, during, and after your move (such as plane tickets, shipping fees, food, entertainment, etc.)  Add a bit of padding to this budget to take care of any unexpected issues (eg. cancelled flights, delayed car shipments, etc.) and emergencies.

Join the community

  • Once settled in Maui, check with your new friends, neighbors, or colleagues for recommendations for schools, physicians, service providers, etc.
  • To make the most out of your new home on Maui, get involved in community projects and activities such as ecological clean up, restoration projects, church-related activities, local charities, etc.
  • Moving to a new place and getting acclimated to the community may take some time, but is worth every second!

Take things slowly, and always remind yourself why you chose to be in Maui in the first place — to live your life in paradise!

Top West Maui Restaurants

Many find West Maui to be the most dynamic region on the island Maui; as is evident in its incredible dining scene. The area is home to a wide variety of dining options, from quaint fine dining restaurants to casual eateries and quirky food trucks. Given the wealth of dining options in the area, it can be a daunting task to decide where to eat; to help you with this here is a list of some of the top West Maui restaurants that are worth checking out:

Hula Grill & Barefoot Bar
Located within the Whaler’s Village, a popular shopping destination in the Kaanapali area, Hula Grill serves delicious comfort foods, including famous Hawaiian specialties like Poke Tacos and Hawaiian Ceviche. This dining spot also features the Barefoot Bar, which serves refreshing cocktails and some delectable pupus (appetizers) as well. This beachside dining spot is famous for its celebration of Hawaiian culture through its aloha-inspired interior and Hawaiian menu. Serving authentic Polynesian dishes, the restaurant’s menu is a creation of Chef Peter Merriman, a distinguished chef and restaurateur who founded some of Hawaii’s best restaurants. The delectable menu allows customers to explore authentic Polynesian flavors while getting a taste of the freshness of Maui’s local produce harvested from the local farms in the island. Open daily, Hula Grill is the perfect place for a romantic dinner dates and big family gatherings alike.

Japengo at Hyatt Regency Resort
Set at the beachfront of Hyatt Regency Resort in Kaanapali Beach, Japengo is an Asian fusion restaurant serving a blend of Asian cuisines prepared using island-grown ingredients. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining spaces overlooking the gorgeous West Maui coastline out across the waters towards the beautiful outer island of Lanai. Japengo has a diverse range of items on its menu. Some of the most popular dishes include wok-fired and roasted items, sashimi, sushi rolls, and a variety of Asian side dishes. There are also “special items” that can be ordered as half-plates, which is a great option for diners who wanted to savor a full spectrum of the restaurant’s menu in a single visit. Japengo also features a sushi bar that is open for dinner and Happy Hour. As an added perk, this restaurant sources their ingredients fresh from local farms on the island!

Roy’s Kaanapali
Owned by restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant serves a fusion of Asian and local Hawaiian dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Known for its scenic views overlooking the West Maui Mountains and Kaanapali, Roy’s features a higher end upscale dining ambiance featuring expertly prepared selections, which will amaze your palette. The menu here features a savory selection of International and Hawaiian cuisines, including appetizers and refreshing cocktails. Open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, Roy’s in Kaanapali is famous for its delectable family-style appetizers that include sushi rolls, fish sandwiches, spring rolls, and much more!

Lahaina Grill
Conveniently located just off of Lahaina’s famed Front Street, Lahaina Grill is an award-winning restaurant famous for its delicious menu consisting of appetizers, soups, and salads. Some of the most popular dishes on their menu are the sautéed mahi-mahi, Wagyu beef ravioli, and Maui onion soup.They also have a delectable list of delicious wines and cocktails on the menu, the most popular of which is the Maui Mule, which is the island version of the famous Moscow Mule.

Monkeypod Kitchen Kaanapali
Monkeypod Kitchen is another West Maui restaurant located in the wonderful Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali. This restaurant is one of three locations currently serving the islands. Famous for their delicious foods made from sustainably sourced ingredients, Monkeypod Kitchen welcomes guests to dine in with a casual ambiance and live local musicians playing in the background. Monkeypod’s menu consists of salads, pizzas, burgers, and tacos. They also have wines, craft beers, and craft cocktails. If you have kids, Monkeypod is a great option as they also offer exclusive meals just for your keiki. Visit during happy hour for additional discounts on a wide selection of appetizers and craft cocktails.

Leilani’s on the Beach
Set against the backdrop of the world famous Kaanapali Beach, guests at Leilani’s can enjoy dining with a gorgeous beachfront view just steps from their table. When dining at this West Maui restaurant, guests can choose to eat at the beachside grill or the more formal dining room area. Both dining areas serve appetizers, salads, seafood, and desserts. Although their menus are totally different, there are a few crossover selections as well. If you will choose to dine in the dining room, it is highly recommended that you try the Chef’s Tasting Menu. The Aloha Hour at the beachside grill is also worth a try.

These are just a few of the many dining options available to you when you make your home on Maui. Keep an eye on my blog for more great places to enjoy before, during, and after your Maui home purchase. Mahalo!