LIVING IN MAUI

SAS · Joined: 18 Feb 1997 Posts: 177 Location: planet earth

I'm not going to get into a Maui vs. Gorge thing, other than to write that I'm sailed both and like Maui more, which is one reason I live on Maui, and that I'm glad that not everyone wants to live here. But as to Maui being too hot and humid, Maui is nowhere near as humid as many places in the summer on the mainland, nor is it as hot as many. Plus if you don't like the heat (though it doesn't get much above 90, even at sea level), just live somewhat higher up Haleakala. I live at 1000 ft elevation, in a home that has no heat, no AC, and doesn't need either of them to be comfortable. A hot day where I live is in the mid 80s, then it cools off at night. The coldest I have ever seen it is high 50s, but mostly the low is in the 60s. There are screened windows open every day of the year. If it gets a "cold" spell, I just put another blanket on the bed and wear a long sleeve shirt. If you really want cool go live up in Kula at 4000 ft plus, and you'll want a home with heat and a fireplace.

I don't know of other places on the whole planet where a place is comfy all year round without AC or heat. I know the gorge gets quite cold in the winter, and I've been in Hood River in the summer during a heat wave with temps over 100, something Hawaii never gets.

dsgrntlxmply · Joined: 16 Jun 2010 Posts: 255

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

I'm glad you like that temp range, sasussman, but even where you live I'd need AC at least 20/7 (I might get by without it from the time my alarm goes off until mid-morning.) We are not all the same, so it's only fair for people to add "to me" when they tell people how comfortable some place is. I know people who love Phoenix for its heat, people who survive Tallahassee, and people who actually choose to live in Minnesota and Alaska. Each of us needs numbers (temps and humidities) to assess comfort levels, and yours confirm my memories of Maui.

A Hood River shop owner once asked me why I was soaked in sweat when I entered his store on a normal upper-80s summer day. I answered honestly: "Because this feels hotter than home (Albuquerque) at 105."

keycocker · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 3598

The relative humidity in summer in the afternoon is 53-55% in Kahalui on the North Shore. In Kihei in the south it is 60-70% along with 5-8 more degrees of temp. Most homes there have air but it is rare in homes elsewhere. We have no need for it up on volcano as the other poster noted.
Lot of different weather regions in Maui but if you venture upcountry bring a sweater.

scottwerden · Joined: 11 Jul 1999 Posts: 302

If you are someone who needs A/C all the time like Iso, Maui is probably not a good place for you. Elec rates are about 32 cents/KWH in Maui. Compare that to 7 cents/KWH in the gorge.

loosescrew · Joined: 28 May 2001 Posts: 95

I think it is best to spend 6 months living on the Rock before making a commitment to move. It is definitely not for everyone. I've been living and working on Maui for 2 years after living in the Gorge.Even in the summer, Maui sailing is da best. You just can't compare ocean sailing with river sailing and add the ground swell and it's amazing! Job are there but the work mentality is way slow. The weather is perfect and living in North Kihei I have yet to run my AC. It really is no more expensive than living in CA. I don't think you'll like it so forget about it!

SAS · Joined: 18 Feb 1997 Posts: 177 Location: planet earth

lots of good advice above. I agree totally with isobars that people vary, and each individual should take their situation into account. My mom, who is always cold, visits me and wears a sweater and a scarf at sea level while everyone else is wearing shorts and short sleeves or a tank top. Isobars is on the opposite end of things. He says he'd want AC, and I won't argue with that, but the far majority of people don't need AC if they live where I live, and especially if they live higher up Haleakala.

I like the advice about checking it out before making a full move, and consider your money/job options. Maui costs more for food and car gas, but clothes are casual and inexpensive, heating/cooling costs for a home can be minimized depending on where you live, and fancy cars aren't the norm. If you need to leave the island often, flying is another cost. If you need to work and don't have special skills, finding a good paying job is tough.

andymc4610 · Joined: 19 May 2000 Posts: 684

I’ll be In Maui in a couple weeks, we stay in Kihei not because of sailing just a good central location. Lower priced beach condos and is nice to be able to walk to dinner. Paia is a cool town, have stayed upcountry just not my cup of tea. There is a reason to leave the gorge even in the prime (August) cause it’s better. Don’t mind the drive up north after rush hour to sail, hit the beach just before 11 sail till 6 if you can drive back miss traffic.

keycocker · Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Posts: 3598

Many folks think high gas prices are from price fixing and Maui is USA Central for this belief. We have had the highest prices for gas in the USA. Over $5 for premium at times.
The excuse is that they have to ship it. The other islands have cheaper gas, however, shipped to them.

Cosco decides to put a station and tried to buy fuel from the only supplier because of their monopoly. Maui Oil wouldn't sell them gas if they planned to discount.
Cosco charges price fixing, the Governor agrees but to avoid a protracted court battle he gives Costco a permit to ship their own gas to Maui.
Day the tarps were taken down around the Cosco station gas went from $4.59 to $4.29 at other stations
Next day Cosco opened and the $3.99 sign went up. Other stations went to $4.14.
Station owners are now asking Costco if they can buy gas from them instead of Maui Oil.

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Over the last 40 years I've vacationed in Oahu, Kauai and Maui for a total of 14 trips. Staying on the northshore of any of the islands is the place to be in my book. Whether living or vacationing, is always about picking the best location. Would I want to live on Maui or Kauai? Frankly, no for a number of reasons that others have mentioned. Yet, my sister has made Kauai her home since 1976, and she absolutely loves it. She lives within a couple hundred yards from Tunnels Reef right under Buddha Mountain.

My spot since 1973 has been Santa Barbara. Not always the best for wind, but there are a lot of other things in life to enjoy. Would I live inland? No way.