Twelve Things to Know Before Moving to Maui

Last Updated: June 31, 2024

Maui nō ka ‘oi

You’ll hear this Hawaiian phrase all over the Valley Isle. It means “Maui is the best,” and if you’re considering a move to Maui, you probably already agree.

For those who find Oʻahu too busy, Maui can be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. Others who crave conveniences and a little more excitement than the Big Island or Kauawill find several hubs of activity on Maui, including Kīhei, Wailea, Lāhainā, Wailuku, Pāʻia, and Haʻikū, among others.

You might be noticing a trend here—that Maui sits squarely in the middle of the Hawaiian Islands, both literally and figuratively. It also happens to be the second-largest in terms of area and the third-most populated of the four major Hawaiian Islands. For many people, Maui is the Goldilocks island. It’s neither too much of one extreme or another. It’s just right.

If you agree—and you’re looking to make Maui your home—we’d love to help you make a smooth transition to the Valley Isle. We’ve been moving individuals and families to Hawaiʻi since 1982, and we opened our Maui office in 2001. In all that time, we’ve learned a thing or two about moving to Maui, and we’ll share our must-knows with you below. With these tips under your belt, you’ll be perfectly positioned to make an easy move to Maui.

#1: The Cost to Move to Maui Is Entirely Up to You

We answer a lot of questions about transitioning to Maui. One of the big ones we hear over and over again is:

“How much does it cost to move to Maui?”

Our answer? It depends on you—and how you want to move. If you’re the kind of person who can pack two suitcases and go, then you can move to Maui for the cost of a plane ticket with baggage fees.

Now, if you have some belongings you want to bring with you, you’ve got a few more options. You could relocate to Maui with:

• A full 20-foot or 40-foot container packed with your belongings.
• What’s called a “less-than-container” solution, in which your belongings are packed into sturdy wooden crates called lift vans. These lift vans are then loaded into a container and sent to Maui.

If you’re curious how much these kinds of moves to Maui cost, your best bet is to get an in-person or online survey from an expert. They’ll consider three main factors when pricing your move:

1. Your current location and your destination on Maui.
2. The weight of your shipment.
3. What kind of specialized items you’re shipping.

Want some more details? Check out our article on the three factors that determine the cost of shipping a container to Hawaiʻi. It will walk you through exactly what our experts look at when putting together a quote—and start to give you an idea of how much your move will cost.

Next, in addition to wanting to know how expensive it is to move to Maui, many people we talk to also want to know how expensive it is to live in Maui.

#2: Yes, the Cost of Living on Maui Is High

We won’t sugar coat it. The cost of living in Hawaiʻi is high, the highest in the U.S., according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

If you’re moving from a large city like Los Angeles or New York, you might not see a huge difference. However, if you’re moving from a less expensive area, such Dallas, Texas or Portland, Oregon, you might feel the squeeze.

How does Maui stack up against the rest of the Hawaiian Islands? As you might expect, it falls somewhere in the middle in several categories. For example:

• Gas prices are generally cheaper on Maui than on the Big Island or Kauaʻi, but it’s more expensive than on Oʻahu.
• Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reveals Maui’s fair market rent to be more expensive than on the Big Island. It’s a little cheaper than the fair market rents for Kauaʻi, and it falls right within the range you’ll see on Oʻahu.

To give you some solid numbers you can plan on, take a look at these cost of living numbers for Maui:

Maui Cost of Living Figures

$1,062,971

Average home value

$1,701

Fair market rent (1 BR)

$211.15

Average household
electricity bill

$520

Basic food cost per month
(1 adult)

(Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Once you move here and get settled, you’ll discover your own little tips and tricks for keeping your bills manageable. One simple one: When it comes to buying gas, a Costco membership will quickly pay for itself. Plus, if you’re good at managing bulk purchases from Costco, a membership can really help you stretch your dollar.

And while we’re on the topic of comparing your current home to your new home…

#3: A Lot of People Move from California to Hawaiʻi

If you’re thinking about moving to Maui, you may wonder how you’ll fit in. Will you find a lot in common with other Maui residents? Will you meet other recent transplants? Will their stories be similar to yours?

Of course, everyone’s experience will be different. However, one thing we can say is this: If you’re moving to Hawaiʻi from California, you’ll be in good company. In fact, according to IRS data, the largest number of new Hawaiʻi residents move from:

• California
• Washington
• Texas
• Florida
• International locations

So if you’re moving from one of these locations, you’ll find kindred spirits who are also new to the Hawaiian Islands.

#4: You Can Bring Your Dogs, Cats, and (Most Other) Pets to Maui

In recent years, Hawaiʻi has made it a little easier for you to bring pets into the state.

Hawaiʻi is a rabies-free destination, and the government plans to keep it that way. As a result, there’s a considerable amount of paperwork and legwork for you to complete if you want to bring your pet to Hawaiʻi.

However, if you successfully complete the checklist, you can secure a direct airport release for your pet (translation: no quarantine)! Our Complete Guide to Moving Your Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets to Hawaiʻi will walk you through everything you need to know.

One final note: In order to protect the state’s fragile ecosystem, certain species, including porcupines, snapping turtles, and geckos are a no-go. Make sure you review the full list of conditionally-approved species before you set your heart on Maui.

Now, if you’re the kind of person that wants to take it all with you—your belongings, your pets, and more—we have another piece of good news for you.

#5: You Can Also Move Your Car to Maui

“Do You Need a Car to Get Around on Maui?”

We get this question a lot, and the simple answer is this: If you want to see the whole island—and take advantage of everything it has to offer—then you’ll need a car to get around on Maui.

The island does have a public bus that costs $2 for a single fare or $45 for the month. However, the routes are limited, and you’re at the mercy of the bus schedule.

Here’s the good news: Getting a car to Maui is a pretty simple affair, especially if you happen to live close to a West Coast port, such as the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Seattle. You can simply drive your vehicle to the port and drop it off. Then, your chosen shipping company will simply drive it onto a boat headed for Kahului Harbor on Maui. Pretty simple.

(And, if you’re short on time, you can also arrange for door-to-door service, in which someone will come pick up your car, take care of all the arrangements in between, and then drop it off at your residence in Maui. Even simpler!)

Now that you know your car can go to Maui, the other question you should ask yourself is whether it should. If your car is nearing the end of its life—or you’re considering an upgrade soon—you might be better off selling it and buying another car in Maui. To help you decide, check out our guide to shipping your car to Hawaiʻi.

We’ve talked about the how behind your Maui move, so let’s talk a little about the where.

#6: You’ve Got Plenty of Options for Finding the Best Place to Live on Maui

One of the other questions we hear a lot from customers is, “What’s the best place to live on Maui?” In our opinion, it all depends on what kind of experience you’re hoping for:

• South Shore: If you want to be in a central location on Maui with easy access to restaurants, bars, shopping, and nightlife, then Kīhei might be the spot for you.
• West Side: If you don’t mind being a bit of a drive from Maui’s central hub, while keeping proximity to amenities, shopping, and entertainment, Lāhainā could be a good choice.
• Central: A number of families choose to live in Wailuku Heights, a residential neighborhood that offers cooler temperatures due to its slight elevation.
• North Shore: If the idea of living in a lush, tropical rainforest that’s tucked away from the tourist hot spots appeals to you, check out peaceful Haʻikū.
• Upcountry: And if you love cool breezes, farms, ranches, open fields, and quiet walks, look at an Upcountry location like Kula or Makawao.

At the end of the day, where you decide to live on Maui will form a large part of your experience on the island. If possible, make a pre-move visit and spend some time in each of the island’s neighborhoods so you can get a feel for what might fit you best.

Renting a Home on Maui

If you’re new to Maui, you may want to rent first before making a long-term commitment. This will give you a chance to try out island life—as well as a specific neighborhood—and decide what’s right for you.

It’s possible you won’t be able to secure a long-term rental before you arrive:

• Some landlords/property managers won’t commit to a tenant until they actually arrive on Maui. Some may prefer to screen potential tenants in person. Others may have been burned in the past when tenants change their mind at the last minute and decide not to move to Maui.
• Additionally, Hawaiʻi rental scams can happen. It’s never a good idea to pay for a rental sight unseen. (The exception: if you’re working with a reputable Maui real estate agent!)

Instead, your best option is to secure temporary accommodations for a few weeks and begin your rental search when you arrive.

Don’t forget to work your network! If you have friends or family on Maui, tell them you’re looking for a rental. Some of the best spots never make it to public sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Instead, they get passed from friend to friend.

Want more Maui rental advice? Check out our article: 8 Tips for Renting the Perfect Home in Hawaiʻi.

Buying Real Estate on Maui

Ready to make a permanent move to Hawaiʻi and buy a home? If so, two notes as you start your Maui real estate search:

• Some properties on Maui —especially if they’re condos. Take some time to understand this particular legal arrangement.
• If you’re planning on buying a place with the intention of renting it out as a short-term rental (STR), make sure you familiarize yourself with the Maui County STR regulations. For example, you’ll need a permit, and you’ll need an on-island property manager. Familiarize yourself with all the regulations before making an

Finally, if you’re in the market to buy, check out our guides to navigating the local real estate market like a pro:

• How to Buy a House in Hawaiʻi: Top Tips From a Local
• How to Find (and Choose!) the Right Hawaiʻi Real Estate Agent

#7: You Can Also Bring Your Family to Maui—or Not

We also get a number of personal Maui moving questions, such as:

“Can I move to Maui with my family?”

“Can I move to Maui alone?”

Our answer? Absolutely! We’ve moved both individuals and families of all sizes to Maui.

Once you start meeting your fellow residents, you’ll hear a whole spectrum of moving stories. You’ll encounter people who uprooted their entire family to move to Maui, single people who moved to Maui on their own, retired couples who moved to Maui to enjoy the golden years of their lives—the list goes on. You’ll also meet Maui residents with moving stories that go all the way back to the Polynesians who packed up their belongings in voyaging canoes and journeyed to Maui over the water.

#8: Can I Move to Maui and Get a Job?

Absolutely. Some people move to Maui to accept a job offer. Others bring their job with them and work remotely from Maui. But plenty of others move without a job and secure employment once they arrive.

If you plan on getting a job when you get to Maui, you’ll find a quick list of the island’s biggest industries below so you can focus your search:

• Hospitality and food service (e.g., hotels, restaurants, bars, tour operations, etc.)
• Retail
• Healthcare & social services
• Construction
• Education

If you have experience in one of these fields, you’ll likely find it easier to get a job once you arrive on Maui.

#9: Are There Good Schools on Maui?

Maui has several options to ensure your kids get a great education while you’re living on the island. Below, we’ll lay out the three different options for schooling on Maui so you can make the right choice for your family.

Public Schools

In WalletHub’s public school rankings, Hawaiʻi took 35^th place, just behind Missouri and ahead of Ohio. To learn more about the public schools on Maui, visit the state Department of Education website.

Private Schools

Maui also has a number of private schools to choose from. Popular choices include Seabury Hall, Carden Academy of Maui, Haleakala Waldorf School, and Maui Preparatory Academy. You’ll find more information on Maui private school options through the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools.

Homeschooling

Some families on Maui choose to homeschool their kids. If you’re considering this route, check out the Hawaiʻi state requirements for homeschooling so you’ll be ready to go once you arrive.

#10: Is There a Lot to Do on Maui?

If you love exploring the outdoors, you’ll find plenty to do on Maui, including:

• All kinds of watersports, including surfing, snorkeling, kiting, foiling, stand-up paddling, swimming, scuba diving, sailing, canoeing—just about anything you can imagine. Maui’s got it all: wind, waves, gorgeous beaches, and turquoise waters just waiting for you.
• Hiking trails with breathtaking views. Make your way up Maui’s steep slopes, through its forest reserves, or around the coastlines. You’ll find an incredible diversity of landscapes. Two of our favorites: Waiheʻe Ridge and the Lāhainā Pali trail.
• More than 80 beaches so you can find the perfect one for you. Check out our list of the 12 best beaches on Maui to kick off your adventure.

Looking for more ideas on how you might spend your time on Maui? Check out our list of fun activities to do on Maui.

#11: What’s the Best Way to Avoid Island Fever After Moving to Maui?

Island fever after moving to Maui can seem very real. Living on an isolated island can leave you feeling claustrophobic or restless. You might also feel bored or listless, with little interest in the things you used to love.

Our favorite cure? Hop on an interisland flight. A weekend on a different island can inject that feeling of new-ness back into your life—and give you a new perspective. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest offer frequent, inexpensive interisland flights to Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Hilo, and Kona. A weekend away may be just what you need to cure that case of island fever.

#12: What’s the Best Way to Meet New Friends on Maui?

If you don’t know a lot of people on Maui, it can take time to make new connections. Maui can be a transient place. People come and people go. As a result, Maui residents can be wary of investing in a friendship before knowing whether that person will stick around.

Our #1 tip for meeting people? Find a cause that matters to you and volunteer. Getting started is as easy as Googling “volunteer opportunities Maui.” By spending time with people who share your values, you’ll quickly meet like-minded people in a low-pressure situation. Friendships are sure to follow.

We also suggest all aspiring Maui residents study the history and culture of Hawaiʻi and its indigenous people, the Native Hawaiians. With this background, you’ll get a much deeper understanding of the people you’ll meet on Maui. Check out our article, Respect the Culture: Dos and Don’ts When You’re in Hawaiʻi, for resources to get started.

Is Tap Water on Maui Safe?

The Bottom Line?

If Maui is calling your name, go ahead and answer. If you haven’t already discovered why Maui is the best, you soon will.

Ready to make the move to Maui? We’d love to help you make a safe, easy, and affordable transition to the island. Just reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with one of our experts to put together a complimentary quote for your move.