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 be standing on the beach with the sand between your toes and turn around to see colossal mountains behind you. Lahaina has something to offer each family member, and aside from being formally known as Lele, which the locals joke about referring to as the “relentless sun,” it's not a bad place to spend the evening (or better yet, your year).

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.

The Ocean Vibe

LookyLOO Review of Lahaina

In an old, historic remodeled house. Most streets are quiet, with either old couples or small families living and commuting to work on foot. There aren’t a ton of ranges in style, as most houses have just been touched up from their original farmhouse or Victorian-style structure. Happening neighborhoods include Olowalu, Launiupoko, Napili, and Crater Village. Almost all of these are within walking distance from Front Street dining and shopping. The houses are cute, quaint, and simple. There isn’t a lot of space for expansion, but who needs a backyard when you have the ocean practically at your doorstep?

If you're curious about what everyone does on the island when they aren't in the ocean check out the [calendar of events](https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui/events).

We highly recommend visiting Lahaina and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.



Lifestyle 

C’mon, it’s Maui, for god sake. And while housing has been in short supply since the fires, it remains a beautiful island with great seafood, exquisite scenery (beach AND Mountain views), and friendly local culture, Lahaina is a great spot to relax, kick your feet up, and live differently, assuming you can handle the island fever. If you’re searching for a Hawaiian escape, Lahaina is a good choice.  


It's Maui for God's Sake

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Anonymous**
7mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I’m born and raised in Maui, Lahaina in fact. I was visiting my family for a funeral the day before the fires happened. And flew back to the mainland the night prior to it starting. Currently live in the mainland now but my first 19 years of life has been nothing but living on the island.

I would say the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. Especially if you said you don’t have any financial worries. That’s pretty much the main thing anybody has to worry about for Hawaii. Just like most people said the public (and you could argue some private) schools are trash. A lot of the older generations of teachers are retiring and these younger newer ones are not the same in my opinion ( my mom was a teacher so I hung around her school for all my childhood and got to know and understand the teaching community and whatnot). I went to Kamehameha Maui (class of 2018) but if I could recommend any school it would probably be Seabury or Maui High. You could try your best for Kamehameha but they are a Hawaiian school and give enrollment priority to those with Hawaiian ancestry.

Depending on which side of the island you’re going to live in (I’m guessing Wailuku since it’s central hub with the only main hospital) you’re going to be close to the main malls (kaahumanu and Maui mall) but ever since covid and inflation, a lot of the stores have closed down.

For more reviews of what living in Lahaina is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/lahaina/reviews).

It Ain't Cheap

Reviews of Lahaina from  Locals

**The Best Thing About Lahaina?** 

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). 


**The Worst Thing About Lahaina?** 

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. 

**How You Living?** 

In an old, historic remodeled house. Most streets are quiet, with either old couples or small families living and commuting to work on foot. There aren’t a ton of ranges in style, as most houses have just been touched up from their original farmhouse or Victorian style structure. Happening neighborhoods include Olowalu, Launiupoko, Napili, and Crater Village. Almost all of these are within walking distance from Front Street dining and shopping. The houses are cute, quaint, and simple. There isn’t a lot of space for expansion, but who needs a backyard when you have the ocean practically at your doorstep.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

C’mon, it’s Maui for god sake. There’s not a lot of disgruntled homeowners living and working  on a beautiful island. With great seafood, exquisite scenery (beach AND Mountain views) and a friendly local culture, Lahaina is a great spot to relax, kick your feet up, and start sipping that Mai Tai. If you’re searching for a (mostly) affordable Hawaiian escape, Lahaina is the right choice.  


Lahaina is dominated by families living in historic cottages or farmhouses. There are also extremely wealthy tourists / second home / primary home mainland exiles who have built massive estates in the hills or beaches of Kaanapali and Lahaina proper.  There are condos and apartments throughout the area but for the most part this is family time in small or large homes. 


Families

Lahaina

**Anonymous**
7mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I’m born and raised in Maui, Lahaina in fact. I was visiting my family for a funeral the day before the fires happened. And flew back to the mainland the night prior to it starting. Currently live in the mainland now but my first 19 years of life has been nothing but living on the island.

I would say the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. Especially if you said you don’t have any financial worries. That’s pretty much the main thing anybody has to worry about for Hawaii. Just like most people said the public (and you could argue some private) schools are trash. A lot of the older generations of teachers are retiring and these younger newer ones are not the same in my opinion ( my mom was a teacher so I hung around her school for all my childhood and got to know and understand the teaching community and whatnot). I went to Kamehameha Maui (class of 2018) but if I could recommend any school it would probably be Seabury or Maui High. You could try your best for Kamehameha but they are a Hawaiian school and give enrollment priority to those with Hawaiian ancestry.

Depending on which side of the island you’re going to live in (I’m guessing Wailuku since it’s central hub with the only main hospital) you’re going to be close to the main malls (kaahumanu and Maui mall) but ever since covid and inflation, a lot of the stores have closed down.

**ChuckTheWebster**
7mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I lived on Oahu for four years and do plan to return in the future. I did not really experience island fever, BUT I was living with my little brother and have 14 family members on Maui including my father (my cousin’s house actually burned down in the fires). I also had a massive and highly fun social circle (think burning man fire spinners, beach raves, and kiteboarders).

I eventually sought out the mountains again (and it’s hard to meet life partners in Hawaii, so I’ve been in cold places for the last two years…) but, I have come to the determination that Hawaii wins (or just nice weather in general). Seasons are overrated. Just fly to Snow, don’t live in it. I will be seeking out nice weather from now on.

**People that left Maui after living there**

I can write a book about the complexities that make up my decision to leave. I may do so.

I am grateful for the “windfall” that my home has brought me and my ohana. In a perfect world I would stay. I have family and a lifetime of friends I am leaving behind. It’s not easy. However I have a child about to start school. Schools on Maui suck. The teachers are over worked and underpaid. The melting pot that makes Maui so awesome also makes the schools difficult for a number of reasons. I am quarter Hawaiian. Which means my daughter has Hawaiian blood. However she looks like my Irish wife. Watching her get called “fucking haole” by Japanese, Filipino and Micronesian immigrants guts me. We are local. She is Hawaiian. It’s not fair to her. What am I going to do, scrap with these kids parents? Also all the newcomers want to change the island. The airport area looks like SoCal. Kihei is a wasteland of transplants, druggies, tourists and locals just trying to hang on. I haven’t gone Lahaina or Hana in years because of traffic. It makes me so sad.

I understand progress. And people migrate to beautiful areas. I get it. But Hawaii is special. And what makes it special is dying. Maybe I am part of the problem by leaving. I will spread aloha in my new home. I will tell the stories of what Maui used to be. There is no going back so might as well move on. It’s so complicated. Unless you are local and have roots I don’t think you can fully understand.


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