Hawaii MLS Real Estate News Blog

Jan. 26, 2012

Investment abound inside the Waikoloa Beach Resort

Waikoloa, or more commonly called Waikoloa Village, is a somewhat newly developed area located in the South Kohala district of the Big Island.  The Waikoloa Beach Resort makes this area a very popular tourist destination.  Situated about six miles above the shoreline on the northeast coast, Waikoloa is a very friendly town with a very active community and lots of diversity among the residents.  Here, you will find families, transplants to the area, retirees, part-time residents and locals (kama’ainas).  People who live here love the area and enjoy all that this quaint village offers.

Another bonus about living in Waikoloa Village is the climate where you will always find a breeze and balmy temperatures because the town is situated about 1,000 feet above sea level providing an ideal climate all year round.  Additionally, Waikoloa is within a 20- to 30-minute drive of other popular areas of the Big Island like Kona and Waimea as well as the airport making it easy for residents who travel to those areas for work or fun.

In terms of real estate, there are lots of opportunities to own real estate in Waikoloa from vacation properties inside the Waikoloa Beach Resort to other condominium communities and single family homes.   Buyers can expect to pay from the mid- to upper-$100s for fixer-uppers to just under $1 million for homes with amazing views. 

Investment and vacation properties abound inside the Waikoloa Beach Resort.  The Shores at Waikoloa, a gated community located on one of the top golf courses, offers one- and two-bedroom units starting in mid-$200s and going up to the low $500s.  Most of the other communities start in the low- to mid-$300s and climb to the mid-$500s.  Kolea is the only beachfront community that starts at about $400K for a two-bedroom home.  Waikoloa Colony and Fairway Villas are the other two gated communities inside the resort.  The most requested community for vacation rentals is Halii Kai which has two-bedroom homes that start at about $400K.  All of these are excellent investment properties.

Outside the resort, you will find several condominium communities that feature beautiful views and are located near golf courses and other popular destinations in Waikoloa Village.  These communities include Elima Lani Condos, Waikoloa Hills, and  Waikoloa Village and are priced from the low- to mid-$100s to the upper-$200s and low-$300s.  Another community is Waikoloa Fairways which offers units from the mid-$200s to the upper-$300s. 

There are also usually a handful of foreclosures or short sales that start in the low- mid-$200s for single family homes and condominium units outside the resort but will require some work to make them excellent buys for vacation or investment properties.  Inside the resort, foreclosures start in the mid-$300s and climb to the upper $500s.

The median sales price for condominium units and single family homes is about $430K (as of December 1, 2011).  The median number of days on the market is about 171 days for condominium homes and 146 days for single family homes.  Because the population has increased over 50% over the past 10 years, this is a well sought after area making it a good time to sell your home if that is what you are considering.  If you are interested in buying in this area, it is a great place to buy as there is something for every budget. 

If you are thinking about moving to Hawaii or want to invest in vacation property here, make sure to look at Waikoloa Village.  It is such a wonderful place to live with so much to offer in and around the area.

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Jan. 16, 2012

Wailuku a small town with lots of character and history

Wailuku is a very residential old Hawaii town located in Central Maui west of Kahului. This town was the main tourist destination on Maui in the early 20th century but has been overshadowed by other resort towns like Wailea and Ka’anapali.  In fact, there are no true hotels in Wailuku.  People travelling to the central part of Maui stay in nearby Kahului which is much more a destination area of Maui. Wailuku has one of the coolest climates in central Maui

Situated at the base of the West Maui Volcano, Wailuku showcases its historic feel with centuries-old sites.  Ka’ahumanu Church and the Civic Center Historic District are well known sites in Wailuku as well as Chee Kung Tong Society and Bailey House, home of the Maui Historical Society and History Museum. Several of Maui’s government offices are also located in Wailuku.

Although, most of the residents head to Kahului for shopping and business, Wailuku has several shopping centers in town including the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center and Maui Mall. Additionally, Market Street features the main business district in old-fashioned looking wood storefronts.

Real estate in Wailuku is abundant.  With tons of small neighborhoods, there is a wide range of prices to fit every budget.  On the lower end of the spectrum, neighborhoods like Old Wailuku Town starts in the mid $300s. Other homes starting in the same ballpark are located across the street from the beach. These homes need a tremendous amount of work but give buyers the opportunity to buy prime locations at lower list prices with the intentions of a complete renovation or tearing the structure down and replacing it with a much nicer home.  Most of the homes needing little help start in the $400s in popular neighborhoods like Waikapu Gardens and Waiolani Pikake.  More affluent neighborhoods like Sand Hills Estates, Wailuku Heights and Waiehu have homes in the $800s and above.

One of the largest master-planned communities in Maui is Kehalani. This large community is a popular area in Wailuku and showcases smaller subdivisions with homes staring at just under $400K in the Cottages at Kehalani to just under $600K in Koa Kehalani. 

In Wailuku, you will find many (native Hawaiians) living here. In fact, there is a neighborhood, Waiehu Kou, which is dedicated to Native Hawaiians only under the Department of Hawaiian Homelands requirements. This area offers affordable opportunities for locals to have home ownership. 

Condominium communities are not as prevalent in Wailuku because of the lack of tourists in the area.  Here, units start at under $100K for small homes in Puuone Towers and Puuone Terrace. The Kehalani also has a handful of condominium neighborhoods starting as low as $200K in Kehalani Gardens and $400K at the Villas at Kehalani and Iliahi at Kehalani. 

As for real estate statistics in this area, the median sales price of condos in December was $129K while homes hit $355K for the month. The overall average number of days on the market was 247 days in November 2011.  There are tons of short sales and foreclosures in Wailuku. They can be found in many neighborhoods starting in the low $200s and between $500K and $600K in the more affluent neighborhoods like Wailuku Heights and Koa Kehalani. 

For those who desire to live away from the hustle and bustle of the tourism driven areas of Maui and enjoy a small town with lots of character and history, Wailuku is an ideal place.  Still close to more active areas, the residents of Wailuku are working hard to bring more life back to their quaint with a major redevelopment plan making it a great time to look at Wailuku.

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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Jan. 14, 2012

Welcome to Makawao in the Upcountry of Maui!

Welcome to the area of Makawao in the Upcountry of Maui! This quaint rustic town is situated on the mid-slopes of the Haleakala Volcano, a dormant volcano in Maui.  Makawao has lots of history dating all the way back to the 1800s after the first herd of cattle was delivered to Hawaii. Following the cattle were the paniolos, or cowboys, that came from Mexico. Today, Makawao is still a popular area for herding cattle because of the wide open fields of lush green grass. The downtown area is a mix of Maui plantation-style structures mixed with old west architecture making you feel like you have stepped back in time. This small close-knit community, with a population of over 7,000 people, plays host to the Makawao Rodeo, Hawaii’s Paniolo Rodeo held every July 4th and includes a parade and traditional rodeo.

In addition to the rich heritage of ranching, Makawao is also known for being a renowned arts community. A favorite gathering place for the artists and enthusiasts from all over Maui is Hui Noean Visual Arts Center which showcases exhibitions, art classes and an art gallery. 

When talking about Makawao, considered to be the hub of the Upcountry of Maui, it is important to talk about Olinda.  Olinda lies just above Makawao on the slopes of the Haleakala Volcano. With its moist and somewhat cooler climate, it is a strong agricultural community. Its claim to fame is that music legend, Jimi Hendrix held his Rainbow Bridge Concert in a huge Olinda cow field. Additionally, Seabury Hall, a top prep school in the western part of the US, is located in Olinda.

Lastly, on the other side of Makawao is the small community of Haliimaile. This tiny village features small, cottage style homes. Residents here, venture up the road for any and all essentials and needs.

Real estate in Makawao/Olinda/Haliimaile consists of single family homes. Most homes are located on nice sized lots many which are an acre or more.  Because of the affinity and ability for excellent agriculture, the size of the lots are a top focus of real estate. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the median list price for a single family home was $382,500.

Homes in Makawao start in the mid $200s. These homes are in need of updating, rehabbing and in a few cases, knocking them down in order to build a newer home.  Most of these homes are very much within walking distance into Makawao Town and have lots of rustic character. As you head out of the center of town, lots get bigger and homes, for the most part, need much less work. These are priced from the mid $400s and up. There are a few neighborhoods like Makawao Ranch Acres that typically list from the upper $300s to mid $500s. There are also very affluent neighborhoods like Pau Hana Estates and Maunalou Plantation Estates that are priced into the multi-millions and have homes situated on large beautiful green and grassy lots of several acres.  As for homes in Olinda, land size is the hot button as well.  It is very common to see a small cottage style home on a large piece of land of more than an acre in size. List prices start in the mid $400s and climb to about $2 million.  While no homes are currently on the market in Haliimaile, it is a popular community whose residents stay there when they have the opportunity to move there.

The upcountry of Maui is a very peaceful area of the island. With exclusively single family homes on large pieces of land, residents live a quiet laid back existence.  The feel of Makawao is like stepping back in time. This town is rich in history and provides a wonderful community existence to all who live here.

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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Jan. 13, 2012

Makena has the most elite homes in Maui

Welcome to Wailea-Makena! This area is located along the South Shore of Maui and features some of the most secluded and finest beaches in the world. Wailea is a posh master-planned resort community with select five-star hotels and luxury neighborhoods set surrounded by lush, tropical green landscaping and some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches. In addition, there are high-end boutiques, exclusive art galleries and some of the finest golf courses inside the Wailea resort area.  Makena is an exclusive area adjacent to Wailea consisting of nothing but luxury estates and condominium communities.  

There are 10 different neighborhoods located inside the resort area of Wailea with most of them being gated communities to provide the utmost privacy. These neighborhoods allow owners the conveniences and indulgences of the most opulent and elite lifestyles. 

Condominium communities are abundant in Wailea. Most are priced into the millions but some start as low as the mid-$400s to mid­­-$500s like Wailea Fairway Villas, Grand Champion Villas and Wailea Ekolu. These communities are very popular as vacation rental communities and can provide rental income to offset the expense of owning here.  Several more exclusive communities do not allow for vacation rentals making them popular with full time residents in Wailea. These include Kai Mahi at Wailea and Kanai Wailea which start in the mid $800s and climb to over $1million. For those who are seeking the most exclusive condominium communities as well as allowing for short term vacation rentals, Wailea Beach Villas, Wailea Point (probably Maui’s most famous condominium) and Hoolei at Wailea feature condominium or townhouse style homes that start under $2 million and climb to over $10 million. 

In Makena real estate, there are a handful of condominiums that start at just over $1 million and surpass over $10 million.  These places feature the most beautiful views and seclusion that homes of this caliber offer. Condominiums in Makena allow for vacation rentals as well.

Single family homes are also plentiful in Wailea and Makena. There are several gated communities in each area all with homes starting at just under $1 million. The lowest price neighborhood in Wailea is Wailea Kai which has homes that list from $900K to over $1 million. Wailea Fairway Estates and Wailea Golf Estates showcase homes bordering some of the world class golf courses at Wailea Resort and are priced from $2 million to over $7 million.  These are two of the most highly regarded neighborhoods in the resort. Wailea Highlands is the smallest yet one of the two most exclusive neighborhoods in Wailea with homes priced from $5 to $7 million. Maluhia at Wailea is all about location as it is the only neighborhood that has the only oceanfront homes in Wailea priced from $7 million.

Makena has the most elite homes in Maui. Although there are several homes not located within gated communities that start at $3 million, gated communities like One Palauea Bay, Black Sand Beach and Makena Place are priced from $5 million and top $20 million with Black Sand Beach being the only oceanfront neighborhood. 

The median sales price in December for condos in Wailea-Makena was $600K while that of single family homes was $3.75 million. For such luxury homes, the average number of days on the market is only 197 days. Wailea-Makena is very well known for being one of the top recreational and residential communities in the country.  There are many opportunities for investors to buy rental properties as investments or for homebuyers to move to the most perfect area in Maui. If the most elite lifestyle is what you desire, then make sure you stop in Wailea-Makena and see everything this area has to offer.

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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Jan. 12, 2012

Kahana-Napili is an ideal location

Lying between Kaanapali and Kapalua is the area of Kahana-Napili, a suburban community with lots of great beaches running along the main street of the area. This area is a very laid-back part of Maui with some shopping and dining in small shopping centers like Kahana Gateway and Napili Plaza which are located along the main roads of Kahana and Napili. While this area is mostly filled with residential homes and tons of condos, it is close enough to the hopping areas of Lahaina and Kaanapali for all of the essentials and luxuries people need.

The area of Kahana-Napili is a very family-oriented area with a population of a little over 7,200 residents living there.  The best part of it all is that the average low temperature in January is a “chilly” 60 degrees and the high temperature in July is a balmy 77 degrees. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Kahana-Napili’s claim to fame is their beaches. One of the best beaches on Maui is at Napili Bay.  This beach is one of the most mesmerizing beaches and is a favorite among locals.  It is great for snorkeling and swimming as well as watching for sea turtles, a common sight on the beach. At Kahana Beach, locals like the fact that is a smaller and less crowded beach. There, beach combers love to sit and watch the sea turtles and humpback whales in the water. 

As for real estate in Kahana-Napili, options are endless. This area has something to fit every budget.  Whether it is a home in one of the many condominium communities lining the oceanfront roads or a single family home, most with beautiful ocean views, Kahana-Napili is sure to please.

In terms of single family homes, there are several neighborhoods with homes starting in the mid-to upper $700s and climbing into the multi millions. One of the more popular and larger neighborhoods is Kahana Ridge.  Homes in this area start around $700K and climb to over $1 million with REOs and short sales starting at about $600K when they come on the market. Another popular and affordable neighborhood is Mahinahina where homes start in the upper $500s and climb to the mid $700s. Kahananui is a more luxurious neighborhood with homes starting at just under $2 million. There are homes available as well that are not in specific neighborhoods and feature list prices in the aforementioned ballparks. Recently sold homes suggest that the median sale price was in the middle $600s.

Condominium communities abound in Kahana-Napili and offer homes in pretty much every price range.  Additionally, these communities are excellent for investors interested in owning rental property for vacationers and those wanting to get away from the cold winters on the mainland. Kahana Manor and Napili Ridge are two communities that offer units starting in the mid $100s to mid $200s. Communities with units offering unbelievable ocean views can be found in Mahinahina Beach, Kahana Sunset, Kahana Reef and Napili Bay where homes start under $500K and climb to about $800K. And, for those wanting a little more luxury, Kahana Village has homes in this community starting at $600K and going over the $1 million mark.  Additionally, there are REOs and short sales in some of the more costly communities that are priced as low as $300K.  With a median price of recently sold homes just under $260K, buyers can have an idea of where the sale prices are landing overall.

For anyone wanting to move to Maui, have a second or vacation home as well as invest in rental property, Kahana-Napili is an ideal location. Althought it is close to more active towns like Lahaina, it is far enough away to provide a quiet, laid back lifestyle. With so many price options, there is surely something to fit every budget.  Make sure you come to Kahana-Napili and be part of what the island lifestyle is all about!

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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Jan. 11, 2012

Kapalua Resort is definitely luxury living at its finest level.

Kapalua is a beautifully created outstanding destination resort on the northwest shore of Maui. Located about 20 minutes north of Lahaina, Kapalua is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches and world-class golf courses known all over the world. In fact, The PGA’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions is held annually at the Kapalua Resort.  With a small population of only about 515 people and a median household income of $112K, the Kapalua area consists of a very diverse population who love where they live. In addition to their world renowned golf, there are several festivals and events such as the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival and the Celebration of the Arts.  All of the events in Kapalua draw people to the resort from all over the world. Additionally, the Kapalua Airport services all of the areas around West Maui providing easy and convenient access to this part of the island.

Kapalua residents have a strong affinity for the land and life around them. Some of the ways that they take care of the environment are the Pu’ukukui Preserve Watershed which provides water to the entire Kapalua Resort and much of West Maui from a summit atop the West Maui mountainside;  the world class golf courses in the resort are certified Audubon sanctuaries; and, finally, Honolua Wao Kele is a special project designed to protect restore plant life that is indigenous to the area. 

Surrounding Kapalua are five bays and beaches that offer some of the most beautiful vistas and ideal atmosphere for various watersports anywhere in the world.  DT Fleming Beach, adjacent to Kapalua Resort, is a great area for surfing and waterboarding; Kapalua Bay is a beautiful beach that is great for snorkeling, diving and kayaking; Honolua Bay is another hot spot for surfing during the winter months and snorkeling and diving in the summer; and, finally, Oneoloa Bay, the “secret” beach in the area. 

Switching gears to Kapalua real estate, the homes available are situated, for the most part, in the Kapalua Resort. The resort features condominium and townhome communities as well as exclusive single family homes in gated neighborhoods. These areas are home to full time residents of Maui as well as residents who own second and vacation homes. Additionally, there are many homes that are owned by investors who are interested in owning rental property at Kapalua Resort because of its popularity. 

Kapalua Golf Villas has one and two-bedroom townhomes that are priced from just under $900K to just over $1 million. Another resort community, Kapalua Bay Villas features one- and two-bedroom townhomes starting at just under $800K and topping $1 million. Kapalua Golf and Bay Villas are popular areas for short term vacation rentals. Coconut Grove and Kapalua Ironwoods are two more luxurious townhome communities that start at just over $2 million.

If single family homes are more desirable, Kapalua Resort has several opulent estate sections that boast large homes, large lots with several acres, and some of the most magnificent views of the water and neighboring islands. Plantation Estates, Honolua Ridge, Pineapple Hill, and Kapalua Place each offer homes that are priced from $2.5 million to almost $10 million in gated communities. 

With the average sale price in November 2011 at just under $2.2 million, Kapalua Resort is definitely luxury living at its finest level. There is so much from which buyers can choose to lay down roots. Those people who want to see a lot of local activity can be in Kaanapali and Lahaina in around 20 minutes.  Kapalua Resort is ideal for people who want to live a more luxurious lifestyle with the conveniences of the beach and top notch golf courses at their fingertips.

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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Jan. 10, 2012

Kihei is an area in Maui that offers the best of both worlds

Welcome to Kihei on Maui’s bright and sunny South Shore!  Often called the “gold coast” of Maui, Kihei is one of Hawaii’s busiest beach towns.  This area has a population of about 20,000 people who, for the most part, work in the tourism and construction industries in the area. Additionally, several research facilities have offices in Kihei including the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary whose main office is here as well as Maui Research and Technology Park. Additionally, Monsanto has its seed operations in Kihei. 

Kihei’s direct proximity to the ocean makes it a favorite for vacationers and locals. With its claim to fame being the beaches and beautiful water, there are several beach areas from which to choose. Kihei beaches are the best lifeguarded beaches in Hawaii. 

The look and feel of the Kihei architecture is very much a classic 1970s beach town as that is when the area really started to boom.  The main streets are lined with condo complexes with shopping centers like Azeka Place and Pi’ilani Village dotting the streets.

With all of the condos in Kihei real estate there are many choices from which to choose.  The condos vary in price depending on the location of the community.  Home values and list prices increase the further south you travel in Kihei.  Additionally, the large spectrum of choices varies from fixer-uppers and those needing a little updating to grand estates with lots of green vegetation and beautiful panoramic vistas. 

Condos start as low as the low- to mid-$200s in Kihei Kai Nani and go up from there.  There are several communities like Hale Kamaole, Haleakala Shores, Maui Parkshore and Kamaole Sands (a very popular and large condominium community) that start in the low- to mid-$300s. Many communities offer more luxurious units as well that can easily list in the mid to upper $800s depending on their location and view. A new community nearing completion is Kai Ani Village.  In addition to units starting in the mid $300s, this area is different in that some of the properties available are zoned for mixed use where some of the units make available residential living on the upper level and office space on the lower level. These will be priced in the mid-$700s. Hale Pau Hana and Maalaea Surf are two exclusive oceanfront communities with homes starting in the mid $800s and climbing to over $1 million. And, finally, for those who want to live in a community free from vacationers, Ke Alii Ocean Villas has units in the low-$500s to mid-$700s.

Single family homes are very prevalent as well. There is a broad spectrum of prices depending on the location and condition of the homes as well as the views. Some of the lower priced homes are in need of a little TLC and repair especially those listed in foreclosure or as a short sale.  Kenolio Mauka is a small, intimate neighborhood that has homes listed in the mid- to upper-$300s while the Meadowlands start in the mid-$450s. As you travel south through Kihei, neighborhoods like Moana Estates, Kihei Alii Kai, and Kilohana Ridge start in the mid-$600s to mid-$700s with some topping $1 million.

Kihei is an area in Maui that offers the best of both worlds. With the large number of condominium communities, investors interested in rental investments have so many options. And, residents have several options for homes as well as a few condominium communities that are for long-term residents only. The median price for a single family home in November was $371,500 while condos were $268,500. The average number of days on the market was combined number of 161 days.

When considering the South Shore of Maui, make sure Kihei is a definite spot to check out. With its perfect location along the beach and so much from which to choose, you cannot go wrong here looking at this popular town!  

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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Jan. 8, 2012

Lahaina is the perfect Hawaiian town

Known as the “jewel crown of Maui,” Lahaina is the perfect Hawaiian town. This town has a lot of history behind it as it was once was the capital of Hawaii as well as a headquarters for whaling ships. Today, it has become a haven for visitors coming to Hawaii, more specifically, Maui. Lahaina receives about two million visitors (80% of all visitors to Maui) each year primarily due to the beaches around the area including Baby Beach, Puamana State Wayside Park and Wahi Kuli Wayside Park. 

Front Street is the “main drag” in Lahaina. This is the central location of all the action that makes this such a favorable area.  Lahaina’s people are a strong close knit community who are proud of their town and enjoy celebrating where they live. With several festivals each year, there is always something happening on Front Street…Halloween Parade, Lahaina Whale and Oceans Art Festival, and the Banyan Tree Birthday are just a few.  The Banyan Tree, located on front Street, is the world’s oldest Banyan tree. Just eight feet tall when it was planted in the late 1800s, it now is 60 feet high and spreads across two-thirds of the two-acre area around Courthouse Square.  It is safe to say that Lahaina Towne revolves around the old Banyan Tree.

Also, the downtown area is plays host to a number of art galleries including Lahaina Galleries and Gallery 505.  Many festivals center on the art galleries in Lahaina Towne. “Friday Night is Art Night” is a monthly event held along Front Street on the second Tuesday of each month. Additionally there are weekly and monthyly art shows that draw locals and visitors to the center of town.

Real estate is Lahaina varies greatly from condos and townhomes at resorts to single-family homes for year round and seasonal home owners.  The overall median home price (homes and condos) is about $690K with the average number of days a home is listed on the market at 250 days. Channel House and Lahaina Shores are two resort communities that have one-bedroom condos starting in the low $100s and are popular with vacationers. A boutique-style resort in the historic part of Lahaina Towne is aina-nalu in which two-bedroom condos start in the low 200s. Two newer resorts that are in the final stages of construction are Opukea at Lahaina and Hoonenea at Lahaina.  These places are unique in that they cater to full-time and long-term residents only and start in the mid-$300s to low-$400s. Another townhome community that is ocean front is Puamana which starts in the mid-$600s and climbs to over $2 million. 

Year-round residents and those desiring a single-family home in and around Lahaina have several areas from which to choose. Single family homes start at about $300K for homes that are smaller and need some work.  There are also specific neighborhoods in Lahaina including Paunau which starts in the mid- to upper-$400s and Wahikuli with beautiful homes starting in the upper-$500s to low-$600s. For much more exclusive opulent estates that boast panoramic views, Launiupoko has homes that start at well over $1 million.

We have Lahaina real estate specialists who are very well verse with the West Coast of Maui and Lahaina. They can give you the guidance you need to find the perfect property to suit your needs and desires.  If you are interested in selling your home in Lahaina, we can help you devise a plan to list and market your property so that you get the most out of your prized possession.

Lahaina is a wonderful part of Maui that has something for everyone. People who visit always want to stay…and some even do. Make sure you visit Lahaina so you can see what everyone is talking about!

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Jan. 7, 2012

The tropical paradise of Haiku

The tropical paradise of Haiku is located on the north shore of Maui. Locals and tourists are enticed by Haiku’s close proximity to the water.   This area boasts lots of outdoor activities with several waterfalls and trails close to many of the homes and are ideal for hiking and swimming. Additionally, several parks including Haiku Park, the Fourth Marine Division Park, Pa’uwela Point Park and Hookipa Beach Park are all located around Haiku and provide lots of recreation for locals and tourists alike.

Many of the 8,000 residents (including Pa’uwela) are drawn to Haiku mainly for its close proximity to the water.  Although Haiku is not an oceanfront community, it is close to some of Maui’s favorite beaches such as Kihei, Wailea and Makena Beaches. The best part of living in Haiku is that it is just far enough from the crowds and tourist destinations for privacy but close enough to those same areas for the everyday conveniences. 

Haiku was once a thriving area for the pineapple industry. Today, much of the shopping, restaurants and other businesses are located in the restored buildings of the old pineapple canneries that are now the town’s shopping centers – Haiku Town Center and the Haiku Marketplace. This rustic, country-style village is full of rich history.

As a very family-oriented area, most of Haiku is made up of single family homes many of which feature main houses with “ohanas” or cottages on the properties. These homes are located, for the most part, on two-acre properties making it an ideal place for gardeners who love to grow fruit and flowers including pineapple farms.   

Homes in Haiku can start in the low the low $300s for homes that need a lot of updating or are very small cottages and can climb into the low $500s to the $600s for small homes on fantastic lots. Nicer homes in well landscaped neighborhoods like Haiku Ranch Estates start in the low $800s and in Haiku Hill for just under $1 million.  There are definitely REOs and other distressed properties for sale that start in the mid $200s to mid $300s but this real estate in Haiku requires work and lots of TLC. 

For those who want to sell their home in Haiku, the median home price, according to Realtor.com, is just under $1 million with the average number of days on the market being 203 days.  If you are interested in buying in Haiku, there are homes to fit every budget.  Our agents are very familiar with Haiku and can guide you to get the most out of the transaction.

If you want to live in the epitome of island paradise, Haiku is where you want to be.  With the large properties in lush green tropical paradise, you will know you have room to grow and be part of true island lifestyle.

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Jan. 6, 2012

Ka’anapali is a solid investment on Maui

Ka’anapali is one of Maui’s premiere resort destinations on the west side of the island. This area is also Hawaii’s first master planned family resort communities.  There are several major resorts in Ka’anapali including the Westin, Sheraton, Marriott, and other major chains as well as world class golf courses. With its awesome beaches and perfect views of West Maui Mountains, Ka’anapali is a very popular area for vacationers and residents wanting to live in Maui. One of the island’s best beaches, Ka’anapali Beach, Dig-me Beach by the locals, occupies a three-mile stretch of the west coast of Maui.  In fact, Dig-me Beach was voted “Best Beach in the US” in 2003.

The population of full time residents in Ka’anapali is just over 1,515. Most of the residents work in the tourism industry with most of the jobs being at the resorts and area shops that cater to tourists. Because this is such a resort oriented community, the residents are more affluent and have a median household income is about $105K. 

Locals and tourists enjoy heading over to Black Rock for snorkeling and the daily cliff diving ceremony. For shopping and dining out, Whalers Village is a main spot for shopping with national and local stores.

The housing market in Ka’anapali features single family homes and condominiums in resort communities. For those in search of a vacation or second home, Ka’anapali Shores and Maui Eldorado are ideal spots with studios starting the low 200s with list prices climbing to over $2 million for large, luxury condos with perfect ocean views.  Other resorts like Ka’anapali Plantation offer townhouses that start in the mid $300s for one-bedrooms and mid$500s for two bedrooms. There are also several luxury condos in Ka’anapali that have homes starting in the high $600s to low $900s and climb well into the millions.

Single-family homes are mostly situated in beautifully landscaped neighborhoods like The Pinnacle, Ka’anapali Hillside and Ka’anapali Vista. Homes in in these neighborhoods start under $1 million. Grand estates list for several million dollars and have glorious views of the mountains and ocean.

Selling a home in Ka’anapali takes patience as the average number of days on the market for a residential listing is about 393 days (October 2011). Many people looking at real estate in Ka’anapali are considering it for a second or vacation home or real estate investment so they take a little more time to buy.

For buyers, there are so many options to consider. From studios in the resort communities to luxury homes in neighborhoods, you can find a home to fit any budget.  For investors, Ka’anapali is a solid investment as this resort town is very popular for tourists and rental income is constant. For those who want to buy a second or vacation home, Ka’anapali is a perfect spot.  

Our real estate specialists are very knowledgeable about Maui and the West shore. We can help you create a plan to achieve your goals for selling or buying Kaanapali real estate in paradise.

Posted in Maui Real Estate
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