Help with moving to Maui!?

Question

Hi- I am on the mainland (Washington, D.C. exactly) and I am thinking of moving to Maui come next spring. I wanted to know of any suggestions for my move. I am looking at a job in Wailea- however I am aware that Kahului is the place to live. I currently do not own a car (I rely on public transportation), and I was thinking of picking up a moped once I get there (or if possible, relying on public transport- however I know the bus system is going to be limited). Also, I have a cat and I know that the regulations and preparation to get a pet into Hawaii is quite extensive. Can someone please advise? Thank you!!

Answer 1

Aloha, and I live here in Maui, and I have heard that it is a lot easier to bring your animals, as they have shortened the quarantine time. As long as all the shots for the cat are up to date, you should have no big problems. You need to call the animal center here in Maui, to get all the procedures, or it is probably on the Internet. You will want a car, when you get here as the traffic is really bad, and you will need a way to get your groceries and supplies to where you will be living. You should check out Kihei, and Kihei Village for a one bedroom condo. Kahului is OK, as long as you are in a good neighborhood. Living here is much different than the mainland, and things move kind of slow here, but I do think that they have improved the bus system, so that may be to your advantage. A moped is OK for around town, but not for coming over here to the west side, as you have to deal with winds, that are maybe 20-25 mph, and it can be very hot, and there is a lot of traffic. Well, good luck, Aloha...............

Answer 2

I am originally from Maui, but moved to Honolulu 4 years ago. The jobs on Maui are limited as is the public transportation. If you are getting a job in Wailea, a moped ride from Kahului would take at least an hour. Most people do not use mopeds for such long trips and the highways can be dangerous there. As far as your cat, if you begin preparations ahead of time you may not be required to leave your cat in quarantine at all. There are various requirements such as rabies vaccinations and titers and blood tests, but if they are done well ahead of time you may be allowed to take your animal directly home with you. If not, in some cases a short quarantine is required. If you do no preparations for your animal, the quarantine required is six months and is quite expensive. Oahu has many more opportunities for jobs and much better public transportation. Consider moving here to Oahu first and then visit Maui and see how you like it. Also keep in mind that while the cost of living in Honolulu is very high, the cost of living on Maui is even higher. My Mom sold her house and is waiting for a new house to be built. In the mean time she's renting a 3 bedroom for $2500 a month. Just to let you know.

Answer 3

There are few job opportunities in Hawaii and even less in Maui. Unless you want to work for tips in a hotel you will find the going rough. Sorry to say but your idea is better than the reality. I'm not saying to not do it, just be prepared for it being a lot harder than you expect.

If you get a moped, you will get run over and killed. Plus the distances are much greater than you think, and the roads less. Public transportation isn't very good on the islands, it will work for you but it will wear you down too.

Good luck all the same. Hope you do go and it works out for you.

Answer 4

Without a college degree you will have a hard time finding a job that will support you on Maui, I am afraid to say. The gas alone from upcountry to Kahului (probably the closest place you could find work) would be a small fortune. I think unless you are independently wealthy, this is not a plan that will work out well for you. Sorry...