10 Steps for Moving to Maui

Create a realistic budget. Make a spreadsheet with headings like Flights, Housing Costs, Food, Transportation, Vet Bills and Shipping of Household Goods, Cars, Pets, etc. It could take 3 to 6 months to find a job or get your business started, so budget accordingly.

Figure out where on the island suits you best. On Maui, each town/area has its own distinct personality. The rainforests of Hana and Haiku are green for a reason. They have lots of rain! Upcountry is beautiful with its rolling hills, cattle, lavender farms and great views, but it is a ways from most places, including the beach.

Before you buy property on Maui, it’s a good idea to rent. You might decide after living here that you would instead visit the beach than being constantly surrounded by tourists. Or you might get a job on the other side of the island. So don’t make the leap to buy until you have been here a while and can really get a feel for what’s attractive, comfortable and convenient for you. Be aware, though – it is hard to find a rental that accepts pets.

Don’t bring anything with you that you can get here. Only bring family heirlooms, photographs, and irreplaceable items. There are so many places to buy used furniture, and Craigslist is vital to all of those folks moving and selling their household goods.

A self-packed 20’ Matson container costs 1/8 of the price of having someone else pack it for you. Get several estimates and be sure to compare. We were shocked at how affordable it was to self-pack. We had a packing party for our family and friends, and everything was loaded up in one morning.

It is quite a lengthy process to ready your pets for your move. It is also a relatively expensive process. There is no rabies in Hawaii, and they want to keep it that way. You will have to do a series of vet appointments that includes rabies testing, blood work, and check-ups right up until the day you get on a plane.

Finding the right school for your children is another important step. Most of the schools have websites. Check them out and when possible, visit the schools in the areas that you’re considering while children are on campus. Talk to parents, teachers, and administrators to get a sense of the culture of the school.

Should you ship your car or sell it? If your car is leased or new and you owe more than you could get by selling it, bring it. If you own it outright and can replace it, sell it. The average cost to ship cars from the West Coast to Maui is around $1,200. Get estimates from Matson, T.A.S. or other shippers.

This can take a while and is not to be underestimated. The reality is you should start job hunting or literally working on your job before you move to Maui. Life is different on an island where there are no manufacturing jobs, and tourism is the primary source of employment. The best way to find a job is by word-of-mouth, so make friends quickly!

Ask your new friends and colleagues for recommendations on doctors, dentists, therapists, and pharmacies close to where you live. Get involved with ecological clean-up or restoration projects, join a church, support local charities, support the arts and make friends wherever you go.