Aloha everyone. I have a guest blogger today: Nathan Joynt. Let’s read some of his thoughts about living in Maui:
Remember the old saying, “be careful of what you ask for ’cause you just might get it”?
Well that’s what I often think of whenever I come to Maui. One of the most appealing things about Maui is often one of the things that can drive people crazy — the extremely laid-back lifestyle.
Many people say they would give anything to live in Maui (the prettiest of all the islands, if I may say) for the chance to unwind and forget about their worries. But I think sometimes folks aren’t really prepared for the type of lifestyle Maui offers. In fact, they may feel very much out-of-place. Especially at first. Unfortunately, this can sometimes manifest itself into a feeling that Island locals don’t want you here and sometimes a belief that if you aren’t Hawaiian, then you don’t belong in Hawaii.
This just simply isn’t true.
I’ve lived as high as the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and as low as the Maui coastline. And even though both of these locations have their obvious differences, they do have at least two things in common. A slower lifestyle overall and plenty of tourists year in and year out. I personally love speaking with tourists because I enjoy telling them about some of the best places to visit. Plus, I know tourism is great for the economy. And the slower lifestyle can truly be a blessing. Especially for those who want a change from the anxious lifestyle of many of the bigger cities in the U.S.
So, if you’re really dreaming about living in Maui … picturing the island paradise and relaxing by the ocean … by all means I say, come and get it! But remember, what you think you want the most, may be the single thing that will drive you crazy if you aren’t ready to slow down.
If you know you are ready for what can be an extremely fulfilling and pleasurable lifestyle. A place where people are as kind and outgoing as anywhere else on Earth. A place where culture is second to nothing. Then come to Maui. There are plenty of new Maui condos and homes being built in many areas of the island and amauiblog.com can help you get in touch with the right people to help you out and to start making new friends!
Aloha!
I’ve never been to Maui, but I’d sure love to visit one day. It sure looks like a beautiful place. Those damn Corona commercials 😉
That exact picture looks like the cliffs above Santa Barbara City Beach near the community college. That was the best place to live, even though my room-mates were on the far side of flakiness.
I have visited Maui a few times and it is a must visit. It’s beautiful and relaxing but if you’re looking for a happening night life this is not the right island. Great views and very relaxing. I’ve enjoyed all my visits to Maui and will continue to travel back!! Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing! Great throughts and suggestions for those who may be thinking about a move to the Islands. I agree, you really need to be ready for the lifestyle that awaits, because Hawaii (Maui especially) will not be a place of hustle and bustle any time soon, and locals plan to keep it that way. You need to be ready to make the change so that you can truly appreciate all that Hawaii has to offer, and before you know it, you will wonder how you ever functioned on anything other than Hawaii time!
Natalie Surowiecki’s last blog post..Travel Channel This Weekend – Big Island
Great guest post, and some good comparisons. One of the unexpected things I fell in love with Maui years ago was how laid back everyone is on the island. I’m sure some of that was do to the hectic lifestyle my wife and I have here on the mainland, but it’s something we see ourselves trying out someday (soon, hopefully).
We talked to a local shop owner a few years back, and she had some good advice for those thinking of making a transition over to Maui. Basically she said not to pack up everything an leave all at once. Put most of your stuff in storage back home, and give island life a shot for 6-12 months. If it’s not your thing, you’ll know right away. Otherwise, send for the rest.
I did want to mention that I imagine family life with a few keiki and, say an Italian Greyhound, for example, might not be as laid-back as a single person or older couple who’s children have gone through college already. I think our Maui Momma here might have a little to say about what being a busy wahine in paradise can feel like sometimes. 🙂
Still, it’s an absolutely wonderful place to visit, and I can’t wait to try calling in our home someday (even for just a year to start with).
Kris’s last blog post..Sunday Photo: Hamoa Beach
Very nice article. I stayed Maui 1 year and Oahu for five. I really enjoyed Maui’s people and the relative ease of getting around versus Oahu and the crowds, traffic, parking issues.
Maui is an incredibly beautiful island. Personally I like Haleakala, and the western coast. Hana is also breathtaking… But, the best? That’s a good question for debate… though you know Oahu has amazing beauty if you’ve stayed there too long you might start to overlook it and focus on Maui or Kauai… Don’t forget – Big Island is also phenomenal – yes? 🙂
I wrote an article about moving to Hawaii that somebody might like to read. Not sure your policy on posting links – so, if anyone wantsit – either go to my site and search or you can email me for the link.
I subscribed to your blog via RSS – nice to find you!
Vern | AimforAwesome’s last blog post..Want to Shoot Online Video for a Living?
If I add up all the days I’ve been fortunate enough to spend visiting the islands it would be more than 2 years of idyllic days in Paradise! Maui is our favorite island, and Lahaina side is the best.
Love local people. Love local food. Maui feels more like home to me than where I live now.
Guess I’ll go check airfares….