NY —> Hawaii: Two teachers looking for advice... Maui/Big Island (professionals, budget)

[Arktikos]

Originally Posted by ar1ax

..Let me know if there are areas in Maui that fit this description some-what, other than Paia & Haiku (our current top Maui pick.) Thanks!!

Not much. Maybe parts of the Waihee Waiehu area or Iao Valley.

[trinity1111]

I would absolutely recommend to anyone moving to Maui, sight unseen, to rent ONLY thru a Realtor or Rental Office exclusively. Do NOT rent straight off of Craigslist, unless you can visit to SEE the place and MEET the Landlord. Maui is FULL of Predatory Landlords. ESPECIALLY IN HAIKU and PAIA. And these Landlords range from Doctors to Business Owners to Hare Krishna Temple "Goddesses".

The courts are backlogged months with Landlord/Tenant issues, the Judge will not side with you. The judge ask you why you did not do your do diligence before handing over $$ and signing a contract, without even meeting someone or seeing the place..or reaching your perspective Landlord online with a Background Check. There are Landlords that if you look their names up on the court records, have 30 - 40 cases with Tenants suing them to get back their Security Deposit. It's a revolving door and the Judges are burnt out on it. This Justice system is not like the Mainland. These Landlords make a living keeping Security Deposits and finding a new victim every 6 months.

These Predators are smooth, sweet, and slick and have all the decorum of a caring genuine person. They also have all the photos dolled up, many photos on Craigslist rentals are 30 years old. There's a running list of Haiku "Hustlers" Landlords.

And that's if you show up and there's actually a place at all. Many times contracts are signed, documents exchanged, $$ deposited, and there's no house to move into, just abandonment termite infested shack. You think I'm exaggerating? NO. There is a CRISIS on Maui. And the county doesn't have enough employees to bother. The cops will just shrug you off and tell you it's "Civil" and file a complaint with the court. Getting a hearing date takes 3 months at Maui District Court.

Of course there's honest and great Landlords. Of course!! And it goes both ways, there's everything from great to horrible tenants. I'm not picking sides on the Landlord/Tenant argument. But often times you have to be on Maui for a while to get the good connections. All the houses with the great Landlords are never put on Craigslist and are never advertised. There's no need, it's word of mouth.

Anyone sending these Craigslist Hustlers $$$, consider yourself forewarned.

[ar1ax]

Originally Posted by trinity1111

I would absolutely recommend to anyone moving to Maui, sight unseen, to rent ONLY thru a Realtor or Rental Office exclusively. Do NOT rent straight off of Craigslist, unless you can visit to SEE the place and MEET the Landlord. Maui is FULL of Predatory Landlords. ESPECIALLY IN HAIKU and PAIA. And these Landlords range from Doctors to Business Owners to Hare Krishna Temple "Goddesses".

Thanks for the info! Wherever we land, we're planning on renting an airbnb & touring listings once we're there and hopefully finding one that's month-to-month. We are definitely aware that craigslist is not an accurate portrayal.

[ar1ax]

Hey everyone! So... we were hired for some unconventional teaching positions (that are great)! Planning on moving to the beautiful Hamakua coast in about a month. Thanks for all of your help!

[trinity1111]

Originally Posted by ar1ax

Hey everyone! So... we were hired for some unconventional teaching positions (that are great)! Planning on moving to the beautiful Hamakua coast in about a month. Thanks for all of your help!

Congrats!! Momona !! ("sweet" in Hawaiian)

[ar1ax]

Originally Posted by trinity1111

Congrats!! Momona !! ("sweet" in Hawaiian)

Thank you! It's nerve-wracking because now planning the move is "real" but it's also very exciting.

[hotzcatz]

Which school did you get? Any specific questions about the area, just ask or PM me if you prefer.

[ar1ax]

To anyone still reading this, we're looking for a studio or 1 bedroom in Hamakua/North Hilo/Honokaa-ish & would appreciate any leads on places. We have excellent credit, no pets, no kids, & excellent references. Any DM's with information would be much appreciated.

[GraceKrispy]

Hope you found a place to live and have been happily ensconced in your new jobs by now! Congrats

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by GraceKrispy

Hope you found a place to live and have been happily ensconced in your new jobs by now! Congrats

Your congrats is premature. The last posts by the poster switched it up to Florida.