A Basic Guide To Moving to Maui
Kealia Pond on Maui, Hawaii is one of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. It’s about 700 acres and is designated a National Wildlife Refuge. This is also a natural basin for a 56 mile watershed for the West Maui Mountains. For more info and visitor center click here. There is also a lovely boardwalk you can walk on to that goes over part of wetlands. Maui is not just beaches and waves but so many diverse climates and terrains for all nature enthusiasts. Photo taken by Jeannie Kong from a airplane flying over this beautiful area.
So you are ready to make the move to Maui, Hawaii? Did you start to figure out what furniture you will ship over, what car, if any. Oh… and what about your pets? So many things to consider and it can feel daunting at times. Here is a simple guide to help you get started. Tip: Do your research and plan it out! Moving to Maui can be costly. Remember we are an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!
Shipping to Maui: Do you really want your furniture? Or do you want to start with a brand new canvas? Consider the cost of shipping your furniture versus buying here on Maui. If you are buying a home or condo on Maui, quite a few come fully furnished. Why, for the same reason, its expensive to ship it back too! But if you ARE shipping many items then you may need a container so here are some shipping companies to contact. I am going to only offer links because rates change, what they offer can change and companies available change. Do some research on the companies as not all services and costs are the same. Their ports can differ as well. So depending on where you are, one also may be more viable then another. Click on the company names below for their info.
Shipping your Car to Maui: Again do your research on costs, estimated time, etc. Book in advance as sometimes it can take a awhile. Most of the time they want the cars completely empty (including documents in your glove compartment) so confirm that as well. If its better to sell your car and consider buying one on Maui, then again sharpen your pencil see if it makes sense. Remember you will have to register your car here on Maui and get safety sticker checks and so forth. Here is a website on registering your out of state vehicle https://www.mauicounty.gov/1550/Out-of-State-Registration. Keep in mind shipping motorcycles may need to be done with freight forwarder. Contact shipping companies to confirm.
Shipping smaller and not many items? Then US postal service, FedEx and/or UPS will be your best bet.
Again check on the Hawaii State website for any changes or updates to Pet Quarantine Policy.
This can be a stressful time for most folks mixed in with lots of excitement. So keep yourself well nourished and try to take some time to reflect and rest. Be prepared that we can build up so many expectations about a move, especially to Paradise. Over 17 years ago I moved here from Manhattan. Personally for the first year, I still felt like I was on some sort of vacation. It was only when I started to create friendships and my children acclimated into their school that it dawned on me that I really did move! Making those bonds plants the roots into a community.
Volunteering and getting active in Maui community groups is a great way to jumpstart the process. Maui inspires one to live healthy of mind, body and spirit. There are so many groups that meet and share those interests.
Here are some websites to visit to find some information community activities and volunteering opportunities. Again do your research as this blog is not an endorsement of any company or organization.
https://www.handsonmaui.com/
List of Maui Organizations https://maui-communities.weebly.com/maui-organizations—long-list.html
Maui Canoe Club https://mauicanoeclub.wordpress.com/about/
Maui Hiking Clubs https://mauisierraclub.org/hikes-service-programs/
Maui Running Clubs http://www.virr.com/
It may be cliche but go out on that limb to “enjoy the journey”. The goals come at a moment in time, the rest is the journey. So breathe in and breathe out and enjoy the journey… Oh by the way, if you do get “island fever” then mainland is just a plane ride away. However the East now it much closer, so you could go explore that as well and let the Islands be your home base.
A hui hou… (until we meet again). Jeannie Kong
IF YOU or Someone you know is INTERESTED IN MAUI REAL ESTATE THEN THEN THE FIRST STEP IS TO HAVE A CONVERSATION. GIVE ME A CALL AND LETS HAVE A FRIENDLY CONVERSATION.
MAHALO, JEANNIE KONG REALTOR®(S) RS-68054
