COMMUTING AROUND MAUI

Commuting around Maui for the most part is less hectic than commuting on Oahu. With occasional traffic, you still want to keep in mind the amount of time it’ll take you to commute around, especially from home to work. There is a public bus on Maui but just a heads up, these buses run only a few times a day and is very limited to where it travels to on the island. Best solution is to have a car.

WEATHER

Weather in Maui can significantly be different depending on which area you live in. Areas such as Lahaina and Ka’anapali are often sunny and hot. With areas such as Central Maui, it does get pretty breezy from all the tradewinds. When living on the south side of Maui such as Kihei, Makena and Wailea, these areas tend to be hotter in the day and a bit cooler in the evenings. The cooler temperature areas on Maui are located “upcountry” which includes Kula and Makawao. When living in the upcountry parts of Maui, make sure to have a jacket to keep you warm on the daily. If you plan on living out on the east side of Maui which includes the small town of Hana, this area tends to rain more than other parts of the island.

Although not too common, one thing to keep in mind is the drought that Maui is currently experiencing. There are chances of brush fires happening in the area, as it already has in the past.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

When living on Maui, you’ll be exposed to an abundance of adventures awaiting your exploration. You’ll find many shops, restaurants and other outdoor activities for your enjoyment.

You can find yourself driving on the whindy roads to Hana, strolling through the lavender fields in Kula, or kicking back on a beach in Makena. You could also catch a concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center or sipping on a glass of wine in Ulupalakua, the upcountry side of the island.

NEIGHBORHOODS

West Maui: Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua

As one of the most visited cities in Maui by locals and tourists, the west side of Maui provides many attractions such as shopping, boating activities and a variety of local hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The area of Lahaina can be very hot but overall, the atmosphere that surrounds this place is a bit more calming than the strip of Waikiki.

Living in the Lahaina area is convenient if you have or plan on looking for a job at one of the many hotels or resorts there.

One unique thing about Lahaina is that for just $50 round trip, you’ll be able to take a ferry out to the neighbor island of Lanai. Only 45-minutes each way, this’ll save you about $100 from booking a round trip plane ticket. Like many of us locals, we’re always on a tight budget.

Central Maui: Waikapu, Kahului, Wailuku, Waiehu, Waihee

Located in the central area of Maui, you’ll find towns such as Kahului, Wailuku, Waiehu and Waihee. When living on this side of the island, you’ll be just minutes away from numerous markets, shopping malls, boutiques and coffee shops.

You’ll need to be aware that this side of the island is the hottest area on Maui. In this area, you’ll also find yourself driving along roads of sugarcane and pineapple. If you do plan on traveling to another island or elsewhere, this is area is conveniently located near the airport.

South Maui: Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, Makena

On this side of Maui, you’ll find it to be a bit more touristy, especially with all of the high-end hotels in the area. Here you’ll find more of the older crowds (late 30s and so on) and vacationers in the area.

One thing you can’t complain about though are the beautiful beaches that are just minutes away by car. One of the beaches include “Big Beach”, which is also one the top rated beaches to visit in Hawaii by USA Today.

South Maui offers a great environment for different outdoor sports such as golf, swimming, tennis and running. You’ll also find yourself just walking distance to different restaurants and shops.

Up-Country Maui: Kula, Makawao, Pukalani

Also known as the “upcountry” part of Maui, this area is home to fields of lavender flowers and Haleakala. When living on this side of the island, make sure you have some jackets on hand because the air generally does get pretty cool up there.

If you think about Kula, imagine amazing panoramic views of the beautiful nature that surrounds this country-like town. Eucalyptus and jacaranda trees are pretty common when driving along the neighborhood roads.

If you imagine yourself living in Makawao, picture a “paniolo” (cowboy) town. Here you will find rodeo activities and events happening in the area. You’ll also find numerous health spas and hip art galleries and boutiques. You’ll also be surrounded by a variety of farms in the neighborhood.

With the town of Pukalani, you’ll find yourself in a more country-like neighborhood with cooler temperatures. Before the famous mountain of Haleakala, the town of Pukalani offers more of a country-living lifestyle with many small shops and markets in the area.

North Maui: Paia, Spreckelsville, Kuau, Haiku

Considered the “North Shore” of Maui, this place is great if you love the surf culture. On this side of the island, you’ll find famous surfing spots such as Ho’okipa and Jaws. Wearing “slippahs” and surf shorts or yoga pants is definitely the daily fashion here. This artsy community of Maui provides a more laid back lifestyle. Haiku is a great place for those who enjoy the ocean and also love being in a more rural community.

This side of the island also offers many restaurants and cafes to visit for your enjoyment. You can also check out a few boutiques and art galleries in the area. Although not to large, the community and lifestyle on the north shore of Maui will provide you many things to explore.

East Maui: Hana

Just a heads up before deciding to move to this side of the island, you will be basically be away from everything. That pretty much includes shopping malls and many restaurants. As far as it is, the beautiful town of Hana is a close-knit community of less than 1,000 people. This would be perfect if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. You will find yourself living in a more quiet, peaceful neighborhood that continuously enriches the Hawaiian culture within their community.