Looking back on the morning of July 1, 2019, I had no idea what lie ahead. Twelve hours earlier I had arrived at the Kahului Airport (OGG) with four packed suitcases, Alamo rental-car reservations, and the lock-box combination to the Maui Sands Seaside condo in Honokowai that would serve as lodging for the next 40 days.

This was it. All the pondering and planning was in the metaphorical rear-view mirror. I had chucked it all (or at least most of it) and relocated to Maui. Done deal. No looking back. No mulligans. Unpack and smell the plumeria.

That morning I woke up early to the sounds of the ocean. It was exhilarating walking from my second-floor unit to the seawall holding back the waves. The 50^th state in living color. The sun had not yet risen over the West Maui Mountains to reflect off the warm turquoise waters. Paradise found. Let’s roll.

Topping my agenda – besides taking a swim, getting groceries, and contacting family and friends on the mainland – was the challenging task of finding a full-time place to live. Forty days would zip by. Waste not, want not. For several months preceding my arrival I’d been communicating with Realtor Alex from Berkshire Hathaway Maui Properties. He knew my budget. He knew West Maui. He fast-tracked appointments before July 4^th fireworks flew.

The first day of showings was an eye-opener. Inventory was limited. Units were on the small side and demanded downsizing. No bells went off. We stayed the course and talked daily about fresh listings. Ten days later I was strolling down Lower Honoapiilani Road and espied a For Sale sign in the driveway entrance of the Paki Maui Condo Resort complex. Unit 312 was on the market. Shoot – Paki Maui was right next door to where I was renting. I could throw a ball from my entranceway and hit the building. Alex was notified and set up a next-day showing with the seller’s Realtor. The two Realtors knew each other. Kumbaya.

Long story short, Price is Right-like bells went off and we hammered out a deal within 12 days. Thanks, Alex. The trade winds blew my way, with one caveat. I would not be able to move in until the Tuesday after Labor Day. Okay, no worries. Arrangements were made for moving into another rental unit until September 3 arrived and I was handed the keys to 312. What a grand feeling when that glorious day arrived, being on Maui (the Valley Isle) for 62 days and celebrating home (Hale) ownership on the beautiful Honokowai coast.

I would describe Paki Maui as a football-shaped, tan-colored cement complex with 112 total units. Ocean front rooms are two-bedroom, two-bathroom. Mine is a one-bedroom, one-bath unit a tick under 600 square feet and completely furnished. Kitchen, yes. Here’s the topographic secret sauce – from the front door I can look at the West Maui Mountains, from the lanai I get an elevated garden view of palm trees, fountains, and a Koi pond, and from the front door I can stroll westward for 60 seconds and stand atop the seawall at water’s edge. Coral reef, turtles, and public beach right-next-door included.

There’s free parking, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, and a ground-floor storage unit. From the seawall you have a panoramic view of Molokai and Lanai. Nightly sunsets – stunning. I’m getting used to coin-operated washers and dryers on every floor and not in my unit. Spoiled, yes. Presently zero units have AC, but retrofitting talks are brewing. Everyone adapts.

Why the Maui move? I wagered big on three non-adaptable lifestyle preferences – warm weather 365, no freeways, and living within walking distance of the beach. It was all or nothing. All was achieved. Family and friends have a standing invitation.