Maui Dress Code: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Worries

On the Mainland I was a working professional.  I wore nice dress pants, button up shirt, tie, and polished shoes to work.  If I were to go out to a nice dinner or out on the town I may go casual with nice jeans, nice button up shirt, and dressy shoes.  Amost every shirt I would wear would need to be pressed and/or drycleaned. 

If I were to wear this type of "professional" wear here on Maui I would never be taken seriously.  Here is what is professional wear here.  For a man you will probably where some type of khaki pants.  I personally did not own any and this had to be one of my first purchases.  Then you will wear some type of short sleeve nicer shirt.  Could be a button up, polo or the most popular....the Aloha Shirt.  Yes it's true that professional men here in Maui wear Aloha shirts and they are considered to be the norm.  Now let me clarify.  It should not be a Brightly Colored Outrageous Hawaiian shirt.  These are reserved for tourists and if you wear one you may as well have a sign on your forehead that says "I'm on Vacation".  No it should be a bit more simple with softer colors.  Most can be worn un-tucked and you will still look professional by Maui standards (my 6th grade teacher would not approve).  Some are actually worn tucked in.  My least favorite also happens to be one of the most popular which is the slightly faded aloha shirt with button only going down half the shirt.  I think these are ridiculous, but do not be surprised if you see a businessman or lawyer wearing one.  Shoes are a loafer type slip on or flip flops (here known by the name Slippahs).  So after being dressed you look ready to take sail on the Love Boat but in all actuality people will find you to look nice and professional.  The style is always based on comfort.  Woman can also leave those Pant Suits on the Mainland and go with a more comfortable/casual look.

When not working shorts, t-shirt, and slippahs are what is worn.  The shorts can be board shorts and no one will give you a second look.  Have you have heard the phrase "No Shirt No Shoes No Service"?  Well is does not apply here.  Not uncommon to see people wearing no shoes or shirt at all.  And on a couple beaches nothing at all, but that is another story. 

So when you finally move to Maui and you are thinking of what you will need, unfortunately the $1000's of dollars you have spent on your wardrobe will not be needed.  Grab a couple pairs of shorts, a couple tees, and pair of slippahs and you are good to go. 

Slow Down this Ain't the Mainland

I am one if the most impatient people I know.  I hate to wait.  If you want to move to Maui....you are going to wait for a lot of things.  People in general on Maui do not move fast.  Whether they are driving, working, walking, etc. you can count on others not moving at the pace you are used to.  A year now after moving to Maui I think I am just now getting it.  Example:  You go to the deli department of the grocery store to get a sandwich.  If there is a line, forget it.  Minimum of a half an hour till you will be eating.  But lets say you are lucky and there is no line.  Don't be surprised if that sandwich takes about 8-10 minutes to make.  You might think it makes sense to get the bread at the same time you get the turkey.  Not here.  Slow and steady wins the race.  I now get a kick out of tourists in line behind me waiting.  You can see their blood boiling as the lady behind the counter puts the lettuce on my sandwich like its a work of art.  Island life is slow here.  Don't be surprised if a simple hello at the market turns into 15 minutes of "talk story" (conversation).  Take your time with people and you will find they will take their time with you.  Let people talk and tell you their stories.  If you are planning to move to Maui and make it your home you will find yourself fitting in much better if you can slow yourself down.  On the mainland everything is geared towards making things faster and more efficient.  Not so much on Maui. 

One note:  Now I find myself being more patient with the lady behind the counter making my 10 minute sandwich.  I ask her how her day is.  I smile.  In return I now get a pretty nice thick sandwich.  It's still slow but a little more worth the wait. 

Welcome to Real Life Maui

So a year ago today we arrived on Maui.  The two of us, four suitcases, and two dogs.  We had visited before a number of times.  Enchated by the beauty of the land, the kindness of the people, and the inspiration of the flora and fauna.  If you have ever visited Maui, Hawaii you know you have thought...I would love to live there.  It is true that living on Maui is living in paradise.  What I hope to do with this blog is share with you all the things I wish someone would have shared with me.  Many people who relocate to Maui do not make it the first year.  I propose the reason for this is ill preparedness.  Most do not have the Real Life story of Life here on Maui.  If you live here, you know what I mean.  Things are different here.  Life is different here.  Once you set foot out of the hotel lobby and one foot into the Real Life Maui you will start to feel it.  If you have ever considered or are planning to relocate to Maui, Hawaii then this is the blog for you.  If you live here on Maui or are a newcomer to Maui this is the place for you.  Or if you are a Haole like me that is a year into your new life here on Maui and you want to connect and talk story please join us.  Real Life on Maui is Awesome but it may or may not be what you expect.