I'm off to Oahu! haha. We'll swap islands. =) I actually going back there for a job that starts mid-January (for tax season) and after that... who knows? I'm never really sure of my plans too far ahead of time, so we'll see.

Good luck with finding a place on Maui. I personally think that the upcountry area is the best because the weather is nice and rainy and cool - I've lived in Makawao for years, so I guess I'm biased. What areas are you looking at?

lol, actually we're looking at Kihei- the complete opposite of Makawao. I've lived on the Windward side of Oahu the last few years, so it'll be interesting living in the driest part of Maui. Mostly though we're looking at it because Pacific Whale Foundation is down there so I may get some work with them or one of the other whale watching boats down there. I have seen some really nice places in Makawao though. I have two dogs, so it'd be nice to have a decent-sized backyard to let them run around in, but probably not in Kihei.

Hoping to swing over to Maui tomorrow to look at a few places. Good luck with your job here on Oahu. Personally I'd take the laid-backness of Maui (even touristy Kihei)over Oahu but you gotta go where the work is. :)

just read your list of 10 most influential spiritual books... great list!

i also just wanted to say hello because i notice you're moving to maui soon! i'm born and raised on maui (living here now) although i've lived on oahu for most of the past 8 years...

hope you're enjoying living in the islands, and can't wait to read more of your writing. =)

Your gear recommendation has been posted here - http://matadorgoods.com/bag-protector-alert/

Thanks so much for your contribution and please send more travel gear suggestions!
Cheers