Living on Maui – Let’s Explore!

So you’ve decided to move to our Valley Isle. But where on Maui do you want to live? Well, believe it or not, it makes a pretty big difference. You may only live 15 miles away from work, but those 15 miles may take you 2 hours or 15 minutes depending on several factors, one lane, winding, uphill, slow speed limits, traffic, etc. The terrain on our island can change dramatically in a matter of minutes, which makes it hard to tell how far things are just by looking at the map. So, let’s explore a little!

West Maui

Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Honokawai, Kahana, Napili, Kapalua

Just a short walk or drive can take you to many of the island’s most beautiful beaches and best shops, restaurants, and events. Small to medium surf breaks, excellent snorkeling, beach camping, beautiful view of the West Maui Mountains, sunsets and neighbor islands of Lana’i and Moloka’i. Great area for whale watching from December to April.

South Maui

Maalaea, Kihei, Maui Meadows, Wailea, Makena

Short walk or drive to great beaches, low-key restaurants, and events. Great snorkeling, swimming, water activities and reasonably comfortable to escape the crowds as you go further South. Great area for whale watching from December to April. Best variety of choices when dining out. Lovely scenery of Haleakala, the West Maui Mountains, and sunsets. This side has proximity to Kahului and Wailuku, where most big business offices, concert venues, and movie theaters are located.

Central Maui

Waikapu, Kahului, Wailuku, Waiehu, Waihee

Extremely close to the best amenities, like big shops, banks, grocery stores, Costco, restaurants, movie theaters, concert venues, etc., and only a short drive to get to most other places in North, South and Upcountry Maui. Great beaches for windsurfing, Wailuku has charming coffee shops, music stores, family-owned restaurants and is close to beautiful and Maui’s sacred Iao Valley.

North Maui

Spreckelsville, Paia, and Kuau

Near to many of the island’s best surf spots. Surrounded by local health food stores and restaurants, eclectic shops, art galleries, coffee shops and cafes. Beautiful beaches that are great for surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing. Low-key, relaxed vibe and a good area for growing vegetables and fruit. Somewhat less crowded than other areas of Maui.

Upcountry Maui

Makawao, Haiku, Pukalani, Olinda, Kula

Cooler temperature and beautiful, high elevation views. Surrounded by local restaurants, shops, art galleries, small coffee shops and cafes. Doesn’t rain nearly as much as north shore Maui but enjoys the same benefits. Upcountry is an excellent area for fruit trees and vegetable gardens. The panoramic scenery of ocean, mountains and rolling clouds. Not overly crowded or touristy. No big resorts, less street, and road traffic. Close walk or drive to most amenities. Home to the island’s only winery and vodka distillery. Shorter drive to the summit of Haleakala.

East Maui

Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana, Kipahulu

It’s gorgeous. Imagine a paradise rainforest wonderland. Now imagine living in it. Waterfalls, sea cliffs, lava tubes, bamboo forests, freshwater pools, whatever, the east side has it all as far as nature is concerned. By far the most Hawaiian place on Maui, from the people down to the way of life.

Wherever on Maui, you decide to call home, the aloha and magic that is Maui will always be here, waiting for you.