New person on Maui who can offer advice (Kihei: fit in, transplants)

[prettyislndgrl]

I recently moved to Maui and can offer advice on my experiences.

First off, nothing, including this forum will assist you in preparing for Maui. Each individual has very different experiences.

You will hear it said often that Maui accepts or rejects. I feel this has little to do with money, 401k, whether you have a dog, a job etc.... it's very hard to explain. You have to be on Maui. Nothing and I mean nothing will prepare you for your own personal journey. I didn't believe it until I was here. Maui is a very spiritual place. I feel she brings people who are lost souls, kind hearted, need love, need fixing etc. There are plenty of 'rich' folks who buy up Wailea. Met a man a few weeks ago at a bar in Wailea....sure he has a home here but no real life....he can't fit in and it was obvious.

I highly suggest a vrbo rental. If you are a single person like myself I can connect you to a man at a Kihei unit I rented an efficiency from. If you are a couple or family I'd look for something larger at homeaway or vrbo.

I'd stay away from these rentals Paradise Gardens, Piilani Gardens, Regency Apts., Harbor Lights, and Puuone Terrace.

My personal experience is that housing is who you know. Now, on that note after only 3 weeks I connected to a born and raised man who owns several properties and rented me a 2 bed 2 bath and took my dog for an incredible price. Lower than the mainland. He wanted to help me, no strings attached. He said I had a good heart and made him laugh. That's what I mean by Maui takes care of you. I didn't look for it, it found me. Yes I put the word out, but it came to me easily. I did look at many units and I'm not going to hold back they were utter and complete messes! At least in a reasonable price range. Also, many seemed just plain 'not right' in my gut. Be prepared that people live on top of each other and it can be noisy mostly due to those crank open shutter like windows and that things echo. I'd run a fan or ac if you are so lucky to get it to drown out the noise. If you can afford it my favorite areas in order are Makena/Wailea, Kula, Haiku, and Napili- quitter and more Hawaiian in feel, less desert.

As far as dogs, I left my with a friend after she got her required items for quarantine. You could bring him or her and board the dog. There are several great vets and boarding facilities. That way you could bring the dog with you to see homes. Otherwise, find a place and then bring the dog. I had a large amount of luck finding a rental that allowed a dog. But, again it seemed like they liked me. That I'm a single professional with a sweet, smaller dog. I suggest seeing the unit, talking story, and then bring up the dog. Worked for me. Or, make friends with a connected local like me and get discounted housing....although I have heard my situation is unusual.

On cars. I suggest only bringing a car if it's in great condition and under warranty. Fixing cars is expensive here. A basic oil change is around $40. I do believe Walmart might do it a little cheaper. Although I wouldn't condone this on the mainland, I leased here through Honda. Reasoning- they have to honor the Honda of America lease rate and requirements. They can't up the car price at all. If it says $159 a month with a price and residual payout- it is- whether in HI or CA. However, if you buy, they most definitely will increase the buying price by 2-5k or more and give you all sorts of excuses. Cars are limited here. You can't go in and say I'd like the black sport model with grey leather....it's what they have on hand. Also, gently used cars are hard to find. Island cruisers aren't my thing as they are unsafe to me being a lady. So, I got a great sedan for a low payment just like on the mainland, and as I'm not driving a lot it made sense! I can also turn it in in 35 months or bring it to the mainland as it's through a major corporation.

Other things.....everything is plain different here. It is beautiful, there is so much to do. There is a great mix of people here. I am never bored. I saw Rent and Les Mis at the Macc. I am always exploring on the weekends. Northshore is very beautiful. Mostly been snorkeling, but since the shark issues for the past month I haven't gone as much. I find the happy hours delicious and affordable. I haven't gotten island fever. Work keeps me busy and I find my expenses the same here as on the mainland. I find incredible deals at Macys. My grocery bill isn't much more at all. I do eat vegetarian about half the time though to save a little. The main difference is my job (same work here as the mainland) pays me slightly less. I might pick up some part-time work eventually. I came here with only 5k and have saved money compared to the mainland. Yet again, my water, trash, garbage, and cable were included in rent so that only leaves electric. I use work for my internet, so my overall cost and space for living is cheaper than what I paid on the mainland.

But, like I said you never know. I hear stories of people all financially prepared and ready for Maui, only to run back to the mainland not due to finances, although that can be one reason. It seems white males are the least accepted here from several stories I have heard. I also met a lady here 8 years who can't find stable housing for her and her dog, yet I did it after a few weeks. She has a lot of drama too....which leads me to my next issue.

Maui is very spiritual. She sort of has this vortex between crazy and healthy. I can't tell you how many mainland transplants I have met who live in constant drama here. Bad relationships, drugs drugs and more drugs and all sorts of other issues. Stay far away from it!

You just have to come and see. No amount of reading suggestions on city data will let you know if you will like and it will like you back. Many like Maui, but it seems many aren't like back by her.

It's a really karma and chakra like place all about giving and love. Hard to explain.

[Mary22]

Very interesting read. I'm sure it will be useful to those who are thinking of coming over. The houses on top of each other was a big wake up call for me. I like space and quiet. Glad you are happy

[kmkratschmer]

Inspiring post, glad it's working out for you. I'm trying not to over prepare for my move to HI later this year, and I greatly appreciate your views and experiences.

[larisa.murren]

Great posting! Very positive, close to my thoughts about Maui. Hope to meet you in Maui!!!

[msliz123]

I'm totally digging your post and the message you are sending. I am in the process of moving to Maui and it's helpful to hear a perspective that is spiritual in nature and not based on fear. Much gratitude!

[Joliefille]

Yes, its awesome to dig her post, but it was 3 years ago and no further posts. Homeless or mainland?

[rockinar]

Main thing as a youngster moving there is to stay away from the drugs. I'm not talking about weed. Weed is harmless and everyone there does it. You can't avoid it. LOT of the youngsters smoke meth too. Don't talk to them, don't hang with them, don't even look a them. Stay away from the tweekers and you will enjoy it there. Also don't plan on staying long. Probably 90% of people who move there get island fever and move back within 2 years.

[nitaworm]

Yeah, there are drugs in Maui - but where I live at, whew, I grew up in a crack infested city. Where I live now is way worst than Maui. My son's friend died of an OD at a party. The prescription drug abuse where I live now is crazy - and leads many to heroin addiction to the point of it doubling in the last 2 years. So...with that said, drugs are everywhere.

[artistx]

I truly love your words. I'm 60 yo, an artist, retired art director, yoga teacher, coming to Maui second week in December. I contacted two realtors who have not emailed me a thing as promised. I think they laughed at my budget of 450/buy, up to 2500/rent. Their reaction was very discouraging. I hope that the spirits in Maui embrace me as well, in my short time there.

I wanted to ask what you thought of Haiku. People who know me and know HI say I belong there and I love the sound of the vibe, but I hear its rainy and doesn't have a beach to swim in. Part of my dream is floating in those healing waters as a daily practice. Safety, privacy, open mindedness and weather are my priorities.

Would love your feedback. Thanks again!

[rodmeister]

Great post! A lot of good information here as well as mental preparation for those who would move to Maui.