The Duke statue in Waikiki Beach.
Every graduation season, I start to hear the same kinds of questions from people visiting Maui:
“What’s it like growing up here?”
“Do you ever get island fever?”
“And what do people even do for work?”
It’s funny — so many people romanticize life on Maui, and honestly, we do too. We look back on the “good old days” when the island moved a little slower, the sugar cane fields waved in the wind, and your neighbors were like extended family. And yeah, there's truth to that. But life here has never been just easy or beautiful — it's been about work, community, and change.
A Quick Look Back: Whales, Sugar Cane, and Skill
Before tourism took over, Maui’s economy ran on a very different engine. In the 1800s, whaling ships would dock in Lahaina — trading, resupplying, and sometimes even influencing local politics. That brought livestock, global goods, and the first big wave of outside commerce.
Then came sugar. By the early 1900s, sugar plantations were booming, and with them came waves of immigrants — from Japan, China, Portugal, the Philippines, and elsewhere — all working the fields and building communities. Neighborhoods like Skill Village in Paia were built for skilled plantation workers. That industry carried Maui for generations.
And now? Sugar is gone. The last mill shut down in 2016. But those skills — the work ethic, the trades, the pride — still run deep.
So… What Jobs Are There Now?
If you're graduating high school on Maui in 2025, here’s the real deal: there are jobs — good ones — but it helps to know where to look and what to expect.
🏝️ Tourism (Still the Big One)
Tourism brings in the most money by far. Visitors spend billions each year on hotels, food, tours, and activities. That means jobs in:
Hospitality (front desk, concierge, housekeeping)
Food service (servers, cooks, bartenders)
Activities (snorkel tours, surf lessons, zipline guides)
Retail (shops, galleries, boutiques)
A lot of these jobs don’t require college degrees and can pay pretty well with tips or commissions. Some locals work in tourism for a few years while figuring out their long-term plan.
🛠️ Trades & Construction
Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, HVAC techs, solar installers — these are always in demand, especially with Maui’s housing market and the massive effort to rebuild Lahaina stronger, safer, and more community-minded than ever.
💻 Remote & Tech Work
More and more people are working from home here — in tech, design, marketing, writing, customer service, and beyond. Some grow up here and land remote jobs after college, while others figure it out through online courses and self-training.
🚑 Healthcare, Public Services Public Safety Workers or First Responders
We always need nurses, EMTs, social workers, teachers, and police officers. These jobs are rooted in service, and if you want to give back to your community, this is a strong path. Fire and lifeguard services also fall under this category, and they're more essential than ever on our island.
And with climate change making our fire seasons more intense, firefighter and emergency response roles are more critical than ever. These are respected careers with long-term opportunities and real impact.
🌺 Farming, Arts, and Local Businesses
Agriculture still lives on — think local farms, florists, and specialty growers. The arts are strong too — hula, music, painting, tattooing, woodworking — all part of what makes Maui vibrant. Some people start their own thing, from plate lunch spots to surfboard shaping.
🏠 Real Estate: A Major Economic Force
Real estate is a huge part of Maui’s economy. From home sales to construction jobs rebuilding communities, it brings new money in and supports many local careers. Property taxes from short-term rentals alone fund a large part of Maui’s county budget. But with many buyers coming from out of state, it also raises important questions about housing affordability and keeping the island accessible to locals.
Graduation is here now let’s find careers.
“Do You Ever Want to Leave?”
Yeah. A lot of us do. And then some of us come back.
Many students go to the mainland for college or trade school — to learn architecture, engineering, medicine, culinary arts, computer science, or something creative. And when they return, they bring new skills and perspectives with them.
Some don’t come back, and that’s okay too. But those who do often say they feel something deep in their bones — like they were meant to give back to Maui in some way.
The Future? We’re Building It
Tourism might still be the foundation of Maui’s economy, but it doesn’t have to be the ceiling. We’re seeing more local entrepreneurship, more cultural education, more investment in renewable energy and high-speed internet. We’re rebuilding Lahaina with love and intention — not just to restore what was lost, but to create something more pono, more grounded in aloha and local values.
And here's where the next generation — maybe you — really comes in:
🌱 Building Local, Not Corporate
The long-term health of Maui depends on local hands shaping its future. We don’t need more massive corporations changing the landscape — we need small businesses that reflect the heart of the community. We need farmers, creatives, builders, educators, and tech innovators — people who understand the rhythm of island life and care about preserving it.
🌺 Land as Legacy, Not Just Real Estate
One of the most important conversations happening on Maui is about land. Who owns it, who stewards it, and how it's used. As climate changes, as prices rise, and as new challenges come our way, it's critical that landholders — both local families and newer owners — work with the community to create a future that is sustainable, equitable, and pono.
Imagine partnerships that allow for affordable housing, food security, and locally-led development — not just resorts or luxury homes. Imagine an island where success is measured not just in dollars, but in health, culture, and connection.
If you're graduating this year, or thinking about how you want to give back to this island — know this: Maui needs you.Not just to fill jobs, but to reimagine what’s possible.
We come from a history of resilience. From whalers and sugar fields to solar panels and startups — we adapt. We build. We return home.
So whether you stay, leave, or circle back later — carry Maui with you. Because you are Maui’s next economy. And the future? It’s already in motion.
