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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To live comfortably in Hawaii, an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single person, or $120,000 to $200,000 for a family is recommended. Is it expensive to live in Hawaii? Yes, Hawaii is known for its high cost of living due to factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
In Maui County, the median asking rent — which was derived from median price among rental housing advertisements on Craigslist — is $2,500, the most expensive across the state. Median rent in the county is $1,667, which is the second highest in the state. Honolulu City and County has the highest median rent at $1,870.
Maui is a beautiful island with many opportunities for those wanting to call it home. It is important to do your research and weigh your options before making a decision. Kahului, Kihei and Wailuku are some of the cheapest neighborhoods to live in Maui, but they are not the only ones.
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.
The Cost of Living is HighThe cost of living in Hawaii is high. That goes for housing costs, but it also applies to the food on grocery store shelves. Everything that has to be shipped or flown to the islands will cost more. Hawaii is also a high-tax state.
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.
Pineapple Hill and Plantation Estates are the most exclusive locations for those who want the privilege of expansive land. The Plantation Estates surround the famous Plantation Golf Course and offer spectacular views of the course, the ocean, and the islands of Molokai and Lana.
Thousands of homes were lost in the fire that destroyed the town of Lahaina on Maui. Hawaii has the highest cost of the living in the nation, and many evacuees worry they won't be able to find affordable housing.
Areas in West Maui that tourists should avoid include Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali, and Kapalua, according to a press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Unfortunately, homelessness is especially common in Hawaii. Hawaii high cost of living, homeless from the mainland, drug use, and natural disasters like the recent Maui Fires.
Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft also operate in Maui. Many hotels and resorts – especially those in popular tourist areas like Wailea and West Maui — offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport as well as to nearby attractions and shopping areas.