Maui Questions- Employment (Lahaina: for rent, insurance, schools)

[Dandy1]

Hi Everyone, my wife (Native Hawaiian) wants to move back to the islands. Her people are on Maui. We just spent 3 weeks there... but I still have questions. I'm a professional musician, how would I MAKE A LIVING THERE! Her family says: "Just come... it'll be fine!" But...

Is it possible for me to make a living playing music in Hawaii?

I live in a large mainland city where it's easy to support us.

Ugh... I need some advice!

[hotzcatz]

If you have family there they will usually help you find gigs and such. They may have a place for you to live, as well. Family is very important in Hawaii, you'll help them as you can and they will help you as they can. Have you asked her family the question? If they wanted you to move to Maui and the only thing holding you back was lack of employment, they'd probably find some employment somewhere for you. A lot of people make a living playing music in Hawaii, but usually it's only the ones with connections. However, if her family lives there, then there might be connections for you.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

If you have family there they will usually help you find gigs and such. They may have a place for you to live, as well. Family is very important in Hawaii, you'll help them as you can and they will help you as they can. Have you asked her family the question? If they wanted you to move to Maui and the only thing holding you back was lack of employment, they'd probably find some employment somewhere for you. A lot of people make a living playing music in Hawaii, but usually it's only the ones with connections. However, if her family lives there, then there might be connections for you.

Hmmm, I've read the statement a lot of people make a living playing music in Hawaii - I could be wrong but I think less than 5% of the people who are playing music in Hawaii are able to make a living at it and that they have day jobs. Except for the elite musicians I suspect they get paid very little when they play.

Any musicians out there want to share?

[winkosmosis]

I know a guy who used to play every week at one of the bars here... But after about 4 gigs they let him go. I'm guessing the market is flooded with musicians here, because of the type of people who transplant to Maui-- no higher education, young, tattoos, surfer, etc. There isn't that much nightlife either. Even Lahaina shuts down around 10pm. The mayor is trying to change that with the Friday nights out.

[winkosmosis]

BTW I'm guessing even if you get gigs, you'll be extremely underpaid. Employment here follows the plantation model still.

[CyberCity]

Ask them to define what "fine" means. One person's "fine" could be another persons "heavenly delight".... or "struggle".

Do they offer a backup on a place to live? For how long? Do they have connections to the entertainment world (which of them have managed to make a living from being a musician?)? For the musicians in the family, do they also need a day job to make ends meet? How about medical insurance, is that part of the musician's package? If they offer a place to live, will they ask for rent or sharing expenses? What are the nearby schools (if you have kids)? Will your wife need to work? Are there jobs for her?

It is easy for family to want other family members to move closer, it shows their love of wanting you around. But, on the other hand, being broke soon grows tiresome, especially if you have left somewhere else where you are doing well.

[orangecat]

Originally Posted by Dandy1

.

Is it possible for me to make a living playing music in Hawaii?

!

No, not possible.

The locals that do it only do it as a hobby and don't even consider the income implications, because the bottom line is you end up losing money once you consider time and effort.

It's only the mainlanders that come to Maui thinking they can make money off music do they leave cursing the isles.

[Dandy1]

Thanks everyone for your insight. I'm 40 years old and I've never had another job (other than music.) The move will be scary, but... My wife wants to be close to her family, and my place is with her so... we'll make it work.