Lahaina, Hawaii

Whether you’re trying to catch a glimpse of the sunset or attempting to explore the local culture of Maui, Lahaina is the place to be. The town is located right alongside the oceanfront and has easy access to historic Hawaiian sites (including the infamous Banyan tree), Front Street shopping, and great fresh seafood. It’s one of the few places where you can actually be standing on the beach with the sand between your toes and turn around to see colossal mountains behind you. Lahiana has something to offer each family member, and aside from being formally known as Lele, which the locals joke about referring to the “relentless sun,” it's not a bad place to spend the evening (or better yet, your year).

Note from a transplanter who lived here:
I lived there for two different periods of my late twenties and early thirties. I love the vibe of the island. I love the water and the varied microclimates on the island. The locals are nice if you ever get to make a true connection with them.

You can probably guess that living in a popular seaside town in Hawaii isn’t cheap - and you’re right. Most of the locals complain about the rising prices and the expensive cost of purchasing daily necessities. However, if you’re choosing to relocate to Hawaii, Lahaina is a cheaper option compared to other oceanfront neighborhoods. It can also feel kind of touristy at times, with lots of visors and Nikon cameras attached to tacky floral shirts of those passing by. This should be expected of Hawaii though. You are choosing to live in one of the most popular and talked about vacation spots in the country.

Here's a really smart note from a local about the often unforeseen costs of living here:
The worst thing as many people have said is cost. It is extremely expensive here. There is another “cost” that I see very often as well. Many people are transplants and living on Maui you are very far from family and former friends. People often leave to take care of aging parents, to be closer to kids and grandkids or because they simply miss the folks they love back on the mainland. Being far from loved ones is another cost to consider when considering living on any of the Hawaiian islands.