Tell me about Kihei and Lahaina compared to Waikiki

[odille]

We want to buy land to build quality "tent camping" and have an organic garden to help feed the locals for free. 3-5 acres is a hope and I know in Lahaina/Kihei can be pricy but can some one direct us in areas where this may be possible. We thought on the east side of Maui as well near East Maui Animal Refuge is and thought if they can do their thing there maybe we could find land near by at a good price????? ANY help is appreciated. Thank you JIM

[whynot?]

I am all for dreamers and do-gooders, but it sounds like you might need to spend some time on Maui to learn about the land, the climate (weather and political), not to mention the tourism industry and local charity work. The one thing Hawai'i has really absorbed in its short tenure as a US state is bureaucracy, and your plan would seem to unroll the entire labyrinth of it at your feet.

In addition to what I would think of as prohibitive ag land pricing and a shockingly tedious permitting process, I do not understand why you would choose either West Maui (Lahaina) or South Maui (Kihei/Wailea). Both are prime resort areas that have very hot, dry climates, and neither has plentiful or inexpensive water for crops. East Maui has *plenty* of water for crops, but too much for camping for most folks. Not to mention that there's a very delicate balance over there of "needing more" and "having enough."

Please consider a lot of research and an extended stay unless your funds for land and legal fees are unlimited. Best of luck.