Lahaina, Maui for the Summer (Kaanapali: rental, house, living in)

[Travelin' Guy]

There are many postings about making a permanent move to Hawaii; but I'd like some advice on living/working in Maui for the summer.

Just visited a friend who lives in Waikiki and really enjoyed it, but get the feeling that Maui would be a little more my style- relaxed, less noise pollution.

I have a degree in hospitality and plenty of experience in the field. I just want to wait tables some where and there are plenty of postings for this kind of job with Hyatt, Starwood, Marriott.

I'd like to know if I live in Lahaina and work at one of the resorts around Kaanapali... can I easily bike to work on State Hwy 30? Looks like its just 3 to 4 miles away. wondering if its a busy highway?

And for anyone who has worked in resort restaurants or other restaurants around Lahaina, were you able to make a really good cash during the summer months?

any opinions on living in lahaina? fun, clean, hip? nice cafes? can you skateboard?

What about surf...walking distance to decent breaks or do you have to drive?

[winkosmosis]

I don't think it's practical. You'll get run over biking along the highway.

I like Lahaina, it's a cool old town. From what I've seen it's clean, probably because it's so touristy. There are a lot of little bars etc. You won't be able to skateboard without running into tourists. I think you have to drive to surf. I didn't see a single surfer until I'd been on Maui 3 weeks, and it was a long way from Lahaina.

[stan4]

You'll likely get nailed by a car. That's a busy street.

[Travelin' Guy]

so a car or moped is definitely necessary if i want to get to surf and work?

[winkosmosis]

I made friends with a girl who works for a timeshare company in Lahaina. She doesn't have a car and she gets by fine. I think that's the one part of Maui that's walkable... But you can't really walk anywhere outside Lahaina. In general Maui just isn't bike friendly. People on this forum like to say that people here drive slow, aren't in a rush, etc. BS... you'll get run over by a truck with a 1 foot lift and tires sticking way out going 20 over the speed limit. You definitely need a car if you want to get around, aside from walking and bus routes.

Check the bus routes

Maui County, HI - Official Website - Maui Bus Maps

[stan4]

Better yet, a tourist in a Seabring who isn't paying attention because they're lost.

[Travelin' Guy]

This doesn't sound right to me. There must plenty of cyclists in west maui and they would have to be riding on 30. I've just been reading about an organized annual ride for which the road is not closed to cars.

[winkosmosis]

Originally Posted by Travelin' Guy

This doesn't sound right to me. There must plenty of cyclists in west maui and they would have to be riding on 30. I've just been reading about an organized annual ride for which the road is not closed to cars.

I've seen a few people biking along the highways, but not a lot by any means. It's not Austin TX

[whynot?]

I live in Ka'anapali, and have several friends who live in (or near -- like Wahikuli) Lahainatown and commute via bicycle. As noted, the highway is busy, and cyclists are at risk as on highways (v. byways) anywhere. There are several affordable rental areas, especially if you don't mind a "share" situation.

There are also decent surf breaks at 505 Front Street, just off the Lahaina pier, and occasionally (though not so much in summer) at Ka'anapali. Several people have modified their bikes with board racks, and one could (conceivably) bike down to Launiopoko or up to Slaughterhouse. It's not hard to catch a 4-wheel ride, either.

A good friend almost always has a room in his house behind the old Lahaina Sugar Mill (off Lahainaluna). DM me if you're interested. The real problem right now is the lack of jobs (and/or dependable hours once you find one). Things are better, but still very s-l-o-w, according to our friends who own businesses. Be advised and be prepared.

Best of luck.