Maui may be globally renowned as the world’s leading honeymoon destination, but Hawaii’s second largest and most exhilarating island is a veritable sanctuary, no matter your age or relationship status. From the six miles of beautiful, white sand that line Kihei, Wailea, and Makena to the swoon-worthy views that unfold from Kula, the island’s prodigious natural beauty delights on a subliminal level whether you’re nine years old or 90.
As such, the Valley Isle has carved out a reputation for itself as a top spot for retirees. A large part of the population comprises kupuna, and an increasing number of young retirees are leaving their chaotic city lives behind to bask on Keawakapu Beach, take up windsurfing at Kanaha, and spend their gloriously-open days exploring the waterfalls on the Road to Hana.
West Side real estate maven Jeff Onderko has helped countless retirees find their forever homes on the island. Read on for his take on the top six reasons retirees are packing up their lives and beelining for flights to OGG.
1. Superb real estate options
Maui might call to mind the divine, high-profile properties that house the celebrities and technology titans who move to the island in droves. And while these extraordinary estates are certainly the cream of the crop, Maui boasts a range of real estate options as varied as its melting pot population. These include:
- Modern condominiums along the leeward coast, with many of them featuring stand-out views of the Pacific and Maui Nui’s outlying islands
- Gorgeously restored plantation homes tucked against the flanks of the West Maui Mountains and the radically-gorgeous North Shore
- Custom-built mansions in Makena, Kapalua, and Kaanapali
- Adorable single-family dwellings on Lahaina’s fabled Front Street
Naturally, this results in retirees landing on the home of their dreams, the place they’ve worked their whole lives to achieve. A local, seasoned real estate agent who knows the island well will gladly explore the areas and homes that align with what matters to you most.
2. Wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities
Hawaii has consistently ranked as the healthiest state in the nation. Maui’s abundance of outdoor activities is one of the reasons people choose to relocate to the island (and why so many locals spend their lives here).
Whether you are passionate about golfing or determined to take up a new sport in retirement, Maui will satisfy your desires. A handful of the most popular outdoor activities on the island include:
Whether you are passionate about golfing or determined to take up a new sport in retirement, Maui will satisfy your desires. A handful of the most popular outdoor activities on the island include:
- Surfing
- Stand-Up Paddling (SUPing)
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Kite surfing
- Foiling
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Tennis
- Pickleball
Maui also has several of the most stunning championship golf courses globally. The island’s West Side is home to the annual PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions. There is a vibrant, formidable yoga scene with studios and outdoor classes from Makena to Makawao. Because what could possibly top savoring a signature Maui sunset while practicing your warrior three?
3. An excellent arts and culture scene
True, Maui is significantly quieter than its neighbor Oahu, which features the most dynamite nightlife on the islands. But this is precisely how its residents like it — the island is nothing if not tranquil and laid back.
And yet, Maui also has a flourishing arts and culture scene. Retirees interested in finally pursuing their passion for the arts will have dozens of ways to explore their creativity, from en plein air classes along the waterfront to ceramics classes at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center.
Meanwhile, the gorgeous Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) welcomes some of the best performers in the world. The year typically kicks off with a live comedy show with Bill Maher; from there, everyone from Willie Nelson to Paul Simon and Santana has been known to take the stage.
And yet, Maui also has a flourishing arts and culture scene. Retirees interested in finally pursuing their passion for the arts will have dozens of ways to explore their creativity, from en plein air classes along the waterfront to ceramics classes at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center.
Meanwhile, the gorgeous Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) welcomes some of the best performers in the world. The year typically kicks off with a live comedy show with Bill Maher; from there, everyone from Willie Nelson to Paul Simon and Santana has been known to take the stage.
4. World-class cuisine
Maui’s impressive efforts to become more and more sustainable have resulted in huge swaths of land that are now dedicated to agriculture. In turn, the food here has gone from mostly imported to primarily local — and the restaurants around the island showcase Maui’s outstanding growing conditions and abundance of dedicated farmers.
Ko at the Kealani Fairmont specializes in inventive dishes inspired by the Aloha State’s plantation past. Mama’s Fish House serves seafood caught just hours before it’s expertly prepared and makes its way onto your plate.
Indeed, from Kihei’s collection of delectable food trucks to Front Street’s array of both upscale and casual restaurants — and from fresh ahi poke at Toby’s in Paia to melt-in-your-mouth sushi at Haiku’s Nuka — the island is giving Honolulu a run for its money.
Ko at the Kealani Fairmont specializes in inventive dishes inspired by the Aloha State’s plantation past. Mama’s Fish House serves seafood caught just hours before it’s expertly prepared and makes its way onto your plate.
Indeed, from Kihei’s collection of delectable food trucks to Front Street’s array of both upscale and casual restaurants — and from fresh ahi poke at Toby’s in Paia to melt-in-your-mouth sushi at Haiku’s Nuka — the island is giving Honolulu a run for its money.
5. Excellent opportunities for lasting friendships
Nearly all of us look forward to retirement, but without proper planning, it can be… a little too quiet. Maui residents are known for their warm aloha spirit and welcoming personalities. This paves the way for creating enduring, meaningful friendships.
The island also has several organizations that facilitate this, such as:
The island also has several organizations that facilitate this, such as:
- Lahaina Yacht Club
- Kaunoa Senior Services offers a range of terrific classes
- Salsa Rueda Maui, where you can take the most enjoyable dance lessons of your life
- Kihei Canoe Club
Friendships can also be fostered at Maui’s country clubs and, with the way the island works, simply by stopping to talk with your neighbor.
6. Unparalleled weather
Last but certainly not least, Maui has what most would call the world’s perfect climate. Where you decide to set down roots will determine your climate — Kula has significantly cooler temps than Kihei, for instance, and Hana and Haiku witness rain daily while Lahaina is warm and dry. Nonetheless, the sunny climate is downright sublime, which puts a whole new spin on the entire concept of “golden years.”
Thinking of a move to Maui? Work with Jeff Onderko
Won over by all that Maui has to offer? This is just the start of it, and words fail to do justice to the blissful quality of life the island offers its residents. If you’re interested in exploring Kaanapali real estate or checking out Lahaina homes, Jeff Onderko would be delighted to discuss the possibility of working together. Reach out to him today to relish what awaits on the Valley Isle.
