Where do most locals live on Maui?

South Maui is certainly one of the most popular areas for locals and tourists given the abundance of beaches, accommodations, and housing. It's close enough to Kahului to provide easy access to shopping but doesn't have the feel of a city.



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For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.

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Ho'okipa Beach Park is an extremely popular spot for locals.

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Amazon executive chair Jeff Bezos, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, Nvidia president and CEO Jensen Huang, and Workday co-founder David Duffield all own sprawling properties on the island of Maui.

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The leeward beaches tend to have more sunshine, gentler waves, and soft golden sand. Kamaole Beach Park on the southern edge of Maui features three of the best beaches on the island, particularly Kam I and Kam II. The western side has Keawakapu Beach and Napili Beach which are also well worth visiting.

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A 2023 point-in-time report shows Lahaina as the region with the second most homeless people on the island at 113, after Central Maui.

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Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.

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Wailea: For high-end lodgings, look no further than Wailea. This area includes several incredible beachfront resorts, condo complexes, a lovely outdoor mall, and several quality restaurants. Our favorite luxury resorts include the Four Seasons Maui, Hotel Wailea, the Wailea Beach Marriott, and the Grand Wailea.

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Jim Carrey The luxury home is located in South Maui past Wailea.

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The seclusion and natural beauty of Maui have long attracted celebrities, including Steven Tyler, Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Willie Nelson and Jim Carrey. It has also drawn a suite of tech executives, who have purchased some of the most expensive properties on the island.

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The largest landowner in Maui is the State of Hawaii. The state owns vast areas of land for conservation, public use, and government facilities. These lands include state parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and military bases.

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23 Things NOT To Do While Visiting Maui
  • Don't touch/get too close to wildlife. ...
  • Don't forget the reef-safe sunscreen. ...
  • Don't ignore ocean warning signs. ...
  • Don't leave your shoes on when entering someone else's house. ...
  • Don't call your slippers “flip flops.” ...
  • Don't over plan. ...
  • Don't stand on the reef.


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What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.

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