Moving to Maui – What to Know Before You Buy a Home on Maui

Thinking about moving to Maui? It’s easy to see why. From beautiful beaches in Wailea to the slopes of Upcountry Kula, Maui offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match anywhere else. Pretty much Maui has almost perfect weather all year round, typical weather report, weather today is 85 degrees, tomorrow is also 85 degrees. Maui also has a laid back lifestyle, nice to step out of the grind of city life. Buying a home on Maui isn’t just about real estate — it’s about living the island lifestyle every day. It really is the simple things about Maui that make it so special. So yes it is more expensive, but I just return from Calif, visiting my daughter and her family in San Clemente. Gas was higher, eating out was pretty much the same prices. Grocery were cheaper, lot more options for shopping. All in all the price of paradise is well worth the trade off.

Maui Life and Lifestyle

Life on Maui has its own rhythm. The days start with warm sun and trade winds, and end with sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Maui is a small community, running into friends, and share a cup of coffee, or you just had a great surf session at Hookipa, and grab fresh poke for lunch. The lifestyle here is slower, friendlier, and deeply connected to Maui time and the Maui community. Maui is a mix of so many cultures, lifestyles, peoples that make it so unique.

Whether you’re moving full-time or searching for a second home, you’ll find that Maui living combines comfort, community, and Aloha. There is a saying don’t drive so fast this isn’t the mainland. I find that driving from one point of the island to another, it’s really nice to take in the beauty of the island, so no need to rush, enjoy looking up at Haleakala with the sun reflecting off the crater. Another favorite is a big beautiful rainbow, what’s not to like.

Finding the Right Maui Neighborhood

Each area of Maui has its own vibe: If your looking at calling Maui home. Maybe rent a BnB for couple weeks and get the feeling of the island. Pay attention to the weather which is so different as you drive around the island. South Maui, and Lahaina side are more desert like conditions, can be dry and hot in the summer. Maui northshore can tend to be wetter and cooler. Driving up Haleakala the elevations change and it tends to get alot cooler in the winter, a very Upcountry feel to it.

Below are a few tips that describe what is special about these different communities.

South Maui – Wailea, Makena, Kihei: Home to luxury oceanfront homes and condos. You’ll find beaches, golf courses, and world-class resorts. Great for those who want sun and convenience. There are also some great neighborhoods spread out along South Maui. There is something attractive about being able to walk to the beach. Wailea homes start around $2,715,000, and run up to $35,000,000 and up for oceanfront homes. Condo prices in Wailea begin in the $750,000, up $14,000,000 at Wailea Beach Villas. Kihei condo prices roughly starting in the $400K price range and up to something like $1,500.000 for the Mana Kai. Search Wailea Homes for sale-
Upcountry Maui – Kula, Makawao, Pukalani: Cooler climate, open landscapes, and big ocean views. Ideal for families or anyone who loves space, gardening, and country life. Upcoutry living is more laid back. You will find homes on 10,000sq.ft. lots, to two-acre subdivisions. Being a gardner, I really love the volcanic soil for being a backyard gardner. You pretty much can grow anything. Kula Homes for sale
North Shore Maui – Haiku, Paia, Spreckelsville: Laid-back, artistic, and perfect for surfing or windsurfing enthusiasts. Homes here often include tropical acreage. Ok, this is my turf, I have been calling the Northshore my home for 50 years, raised my kids, and now enjoying my grandkids. We are three generation of surfers. What’s not to like about Haiku. I love the drive through Paia Town, driving pass Mama’s, then surf check at Hookipa. I live on 2.5 acres, my wife and I planted all kinds of fruit trees, dragon fruit, papayas, bananas, and my vegetable garden that keeps me in fresh veggies. I also love the morning and evening rain when it’s raining. North shore beach communities start in Spreckelsviile to Kuau in Paia area. Haiku is the country with a little funk, with a lot of cool places to eat, fitness centers, yoga, and the surf and windsurf industry. Maui North Shore Homes for sale
West Maui – Kapalua, Lahaina, Kaanapali: Resort living with golf, fine dining, and unforgettable sunsets. There is also a local crew of people that call the Westside home. Lahaina is slowly recovering from the fires. It will take a while but they are starting to rebuild. Kapalua is just so stunning, with beautiful coast lines. Honolua Bay is amazing to watch when winter waves arrive. But it’s only for the most skilled surfers. There are some amazing gated communities that offer luxury homes, with excellent ocean views over looking Molokai. Kapalua Homes for sale
Central Maui – Wailuku, Kahului: Convenient location near schools, shopping, and healthcare. Wailuku and Kahului are set in the center of Maui. It is a close drive to pretty much everything. It is a mix of older homes built in the 50’s and new subdivisions running up the hillsiide on the West Maui mountains. Wailuku Homes for sale

Your perfect Maui home depends on your lifestyle — beachfront luxury, oceanview estate, or quiet Upcountry retreat.

Understanding Maui Real Estate

Maui real estate really comes down to personal choice, location, do you want a oceanview, large parcel, easy access to town, swimming pool, beach access, modern design, fixer upper? That’s where my years of experience come into play. My job is to listen to my clients, and help them find the perfect property to meet their needs. If you’re looking for Oceanfront properties in Wailea or Kapalua, they rank among Hawaii’s most sought-after luxury homes. Haiku and Kula offer more land and privacy, while Kihei and Wailuku provide accessibility and value.
Working with a seasoned local realtor who understands zoning, HOA’s, short-term rental laws, building codes, permit issues, and community nuances is key when buying a home on Maui.

What to Expect When You Move

Island living takes a little adjustment. Shipping costs can be higher, and things move slower — but that’s part of Maui’s magic. I was working in the office in the Shops at Wailea today. A friend came by who just return to Maui, being that he has lived here most of his life. He mention that Maui is still the best place to live in the world. I have to agree with him, having lived on Maui for over 50 years, and my wife is born and raised on Maui. I love to travel and see other countries, but Maui is always home. Many residents embrace sustainability, adding solar panels, water catchment, or growing tropical fruit trees. Maui encourages a connection to the land and community.

So you’re interested in buying a home or condo on Maui? Steve Nickens with Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers can help you find your dream property. Hawaii Life is the largest independent real estate firm in Hawaii, with offices state-wide. Call Steve or sign up for Maui real estate updates today!

Aloha, Steve

Steven Nickens RS-54097 GRI ABR

Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers

Offices, The Shops at Wailea, Kihei Rainbow Mall, Kanaha, and Makawao

Cell: 808-280-2208

Email: nickensmaui@gmail.com

Contact Steve Nickens, Realtor with Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, to start your journey toward owning your Maui home.