Pros and Cons of Moving to Maui, Hawaii


October 22, 2021

There are so many things to love about Maui. In fact, just about everyone who has been to the island has contemplated moving here for good. But moving to Maui requires a big leap of faith, and it’s not something you should decide in haste.

If you are thinking of moving to our beautiful paradise, take your time. Do your research well and weigh the pros and cons. Talk to a real estate agent in Maui for expert advice. Remember, there are serious considerations to make, so don’t hurry and jump in feet first. Below, we’ll take a look into the pros and cons of moving to Maui, Hawaii.

Advantages of Moving to Maui

Many people dream of living in an island paradise like Maui, and why not? It’s a very magical place, and living here is a privilege. If you need more reasons to move here, here are the pros of moving to Maui and living here for good.

Gorgeous Beauty of Nature

Do you imagine yourself waking up to the stunning views of the ocean? That’s one of the things you can enjoy while living in Maui. Most places in Maui are only a few minutes from the ocean. You’ll find gorgeous beaches everywhere where you can swim, snorkel, surf, or relax under the sun. The tropical greenery and colorful flowers are magnificent. And if you live in an oceanfront home in Maui, there’s nothing more relaxing than hearing the sound of the waves crashing against the shore as you drift to sleep every night.

Glorious Weather All Year Round

Maui is truly a paradise in every way. It has glorious weather all year round, with just enough breeze from the trade winds to keep you feeling refreshed. Most places enjoy sunny weather all year, especially in the Southside of Kihei, Makena, Lahaina, Napili, Wailea, and Kaanapali. But if you want to experience some rain, you can live in the towns of Hana or Haiku, as these are the wettest areas on Maui. The island may be colder in winter but it doesn’t snow, except occasionally on the summit of Haleakala. So, if you want to escape the harsh winter weather, Maui is definitely the best place to be.

Beautiful Local Culture and Friendly People

The culture of Maui is an ancient blend of unique traditions and ethnic influences. Its culture is what makes the island even more special. The island’s local culture influences everything, from language and religion to customs and cuisines. What’s more, moving to Maui means you will be welcome with open arms. One of the most well-known Hawaiian customs is the giving of lei, which is a welcome gesture and a way to offer friendship. Therefore, if you decide to move to Maui, it won’t be hard to adjust to the local way of living because the locals are very friendly and welcoming.

Safe Place to Live

Maui is generally safe for both locals and tourists. Unlike some other places in the world, Maui does not need any armed soldiers to guard the airport or patrol its busy streets. The island welcomes millions of visitors each year, and most of those who came here experience nothing more distressing than dealing with a sunburn. Of course, crime does exist, but the crime rate is generally lower compared to several other places in the US. To find out the crime rate and other statistics of an area in Maui, feel free to talk with a Maui real estate agent.

Disadvantages of Moving to Maui

Every place has its pros and cons, and Maui is no exception. While there are many good things about living in Maui, it is certainly not for everyone. Below, let’s talk about the cons of living in Maui.

High Cost of Living

All the great things about living in Maui come with a price. Compared to several other cities in the US, the cost of living in Maui is generally higher. Whether you’re planning to buy or rent, the prices of home properties and condominiums in Maui tend to be on the higher side. But if you are keen on moving to the island, you may be able to get a good deal if you speak with a Maui real estate agent. If you talk to us, we’ll help you look for a property in Maui that’s within your budget.

Food Can Be Expensive

Another factor to consider when moving to Maui is the price of food. Almost everything has to be sent to the island, and the logistics can add to the cost of most food items. This applies to those items you buy at grocery stores and all other ingredients that are not locally grown. If you came from states or cities where the prices of food items are cheap, you might be surprised at how much you could end up spending on your food in Maui.

Starting a Business Can Be A Challenge

If you open a business once you move to Maui, you might find it harder to succeed. Of course, this will depend on the type of business you run and some other factors, but starting a business here can be a challenge. If your business is in a regulated industry, you will have to deal with long streams of red tape to register it. And once you start operating, you need to work really hard to earn the trust and respect of the local community.

Limited Career Opportunities

If you plan on taking up jobs when you move to Maui, you may find it hard to find the job you really want. And if you do, the pay could be lower than what you are used to earning. That’s because the average salary in Hawaii is below national averages.  But you will have a higher chance of getting a well-paid job if you work in the tourism industry because that’s the island’s main source of economy. There are other professions to consider, but you’ll find it easier to get a tourism-related career.

Although moving to Maui does come with disadvantages, in general, the advantages of living in Maui outweigh the disadvantages. Sure, the cost of housing and food is expensive, but there are many ways to lower your housing and food expenses. It’s just a matter of adjusting to a lifestyle you can afford. If you have several other questions about moving to Maui and need expert advice about buying a real estate property on the island, talk to us. We are expert real estate agents in Maui, and we’ll help you decide whether moving to Maui is good for you or not.



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