Kau at the southernmost tip of the United States

If you want to be at the southernmost tip of the United States, then you better head to the Kau District of the Big Island in Hawaii. Although Kau is the largest district on the Big Island with its 992 square miles, it 5,600-person population represents the smallest population on the Island. The terrain varies from black sand covered coastline to lava laden landscapes to massive forests of native plants and trees like ohi’a.  Additionally, Kau is home to most of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Kilauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes. On the eastern side of the district, there are coffee farms and macadamia nut and produce orchards scattered throughout the area. 

Kau is filled with small historic villages and rural subdivisions in remote areas.  It has a diverse population with residents who are very adverse to resorts coming to the area.  They enjoy and gravitate to this area because the villages are off the beaten path and provide the much sought-after seclusion they desire. 

Like most of the other districts on the Big Island, the main villages and subdivisions located in Kau feature homes and vacant land for every budget.   The latest figures show that the median sales price of a home is about $95K and is on the market about 167 days; for land, the numbers show the median sales prices is about $25K and 318 days on the market.

Naalehu and Pahala are the two major towns in the Kau district where several popular neighborhoods and subdivisions are situated.  Many of these neighborhoods offer homes and land for sale. 

Naalehu

As the southernmost town in the United States, Naalehu is a quiet and scenic town that has a very community-oriented feel to it.  Residents love where they live and soak in every bit of what Naalehu has to offer.  Because of the very rich soil and green pastures, this ideal countryside has much to offer in terms of the crops and orchards which strongly contribute to the economy. 

There are several neighborhoods in Naalehu that are more popular and have properties in many price ranges.  Discovery Harbor and Mark Twain Estates are located more inland and have vacant parcels of land priced from the mid-$60s to $100K and single family homes from the mid-$100s to high-$300s. Other neighborhoods like Kona Gardens have parcels starting under $10K and go up from there to multiple-acre lots for about $40K. Kula Kai Estates and Kona Garden Estates offer larger, multiple-acre parcels starting under $30K and climbing to just over $100K with Kona Gardens Estates being a gated community. For those wanting more exclusive communities with unparalleled views, Kamaoa Homestead and Kiolakaa-Kea Homesteads offer high-acreage lots from about $100K to over $1 million and single family homes priced from the mid $400s to well over $1 million.

Pahala

The town of Pahala is a tropical paradise and is exactly what you see in your mind when you think of Hawaii.  With the unbelievably sunny days and fun eclectic shops and restaurants located in the Village Center, this is a favorite area for those desiring that worry-free life in sunny Hawaii.  Additionally, macadamia nut orchards, fruit orchards and coffee farms are very prevalent in Pahala. Kau coffee is the main coffee produced here and is becoming very popular to the point of giving Kona coffee a run for its money. Homes here are priced from the low-$100s to the high $100s and are ideal for second and vacation homes. Wood Valley Estates offers high-acreage lots between the high-$300s and mid $700s. Pahala Village features in town homes priced throughout the $100s. 

Kau real estate has something for everyone. For those who need to see the ocean every day, there are beautiful properties with the most panoramic views that need to be seen to be believed. If you desire to have nut orchards, livestock or a coffee farms, there are areas of Kau that have dark rich soil and lush green pastures. Come to Kau when you visit the Big Island. You will dream of living here and feel an immediate pull to do so.

Kailua-Kona a perfect tropical beach town in Hawaii

Known by the locals as Kailua Village, this quaint and welcoming town is located on the Kona Coast in the North Kona district of the Big Island. Kailua-Kona is an energetic coastal town filled with lots of history.  It has excellent shopping and dining as well as a great Hawaiian night life along the well-known Alii Drive. Because of the laid back feel of the village, close proximity to the coast and the Kona International Airport nearby, Kailua-Kona is a top destination for vacationers to the Big Island as well as all of Hawaii. The Ironman World Championship starts and finishes at Kailua Pier. 

This tropical climate is absolutely perfect all year long with average temperatures in January fluctuating from lows in the mid-60s to highs in the low-80s; and in July, lows are in the low to mid-70s with highs averaging in the mid-90s.  In addition, the humidity levels are relatively low and the area only gets about 11 inches each year.  What more could anyone ask for in a tropical paradise!

Real estate is abundant in Kailua-Kona with a variety of properties available from ready to build vacant land, single family homes and condominium communities. Because this is such a popular vacation destination, many of the Kailua-Kona properties are ideal for vacation homes and investment properties. 

Several resort condominiums are situated within walking distance to Kailua Village and have successful rental histories.  Buyers can find one-bedroom units in resort communities like Alii Villas, Kailua Bay Resort and Kona Makai starting at about $100K.  For two-bedroom homes, list prices typically start in the mid $200s at Kona Sea Ridge, Kona Sea Villas and Kailua Bay Resort.  More luxurious condominium communities like the Sea Village Resort and Alii Park Place feature three-bedroom homes from the low-$300s to the mid $400s. 

There is a variety of homes in a wide range of list prices making it very affordable to own a second or vacation property in Kailua-Kona.  Homes on the lower end of the spectrum start well under $100K in neighborhoods like Kona Plaza, Aloha Kona and Kona Highlands but require work and renovations.  Choices are plenty for homes priced from the mid $300s to mid $400s in Kuakini Heights and Kuakini Makai to homes starting in the mid to upper $500s in Kona Heavens and Komohana Kai.  Additionally, homes starting in the mid $700s and climbing to well over $1 million are situated in desirable neighborhoods like Puuloa and Kahakai Estates.  Several gated communities such as Kona Hills, Hualalai Colony, Alii Point and Makalei Estates showcase homes that are listed at over $1 million. 

If building a dream home in a tropical paradise is the ultimate desire, then there are lots of vacant parcels of property in many of the aforementioned neighborhoods varying in size and price.  Smaller lots under an acre start just under $100K in Puulani Ranch and climb into the low $300s and mid $400s in neighborhoods like Kona Hills and Keauhou Estates. High-acreage lots in exclusive gate communities start in the low $300s and climb to well over $1 million.

Statistically speaking, the most recent median sale prices are $375K for single family homes; $130K for condominiums; and, $114K for land.  As for how long properties remain on the market, the median number of days on the market for homes are 131 days; condominiums, 149 days; and, 251 days for vacant land.  When looking at these numbers, those interested in selling property here are at an advantage because of the relatively short life span on the market.  For buyers, it is important to be ready to buy when the right property is found.

Kailua-Kona is an area in high demand from tourists and residents alike.  Because this is such a popular tourist destination, it is an ideal location for investing in rental properties.  For residents of the area, they love the charm and community feel of Kailua-Kona.  Kailua-Kona is everything you think of when imagining a perfect tropical beach town in Hawaii.

Hilo Real Estate in a tropical environment

Located in the South Hilo district, Hilo is the largest city as well as the County Seat, on the Big Island.  Hilo is situated on two shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Additionally, with a population of over 43,000 people, Hilo is home to the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation.  In Hilo, the bay front area is the center of everything that goes on in Hilo. There are tons of activities and cultural venues including the Lyman Museum, Pacific Tsunami Museum and the East Hawaii Tsunami Center. Each week, residents and tourists flock to the Hilo Farmers Market that offers up tons of local produce and plants. This city is such a fun and very popular city.

The rainforest-like climate of Hilo is known for its substantial rainfall. In fact, Hilo is the third wettest city in the United States with an average of 126 inches of rain each year. Because of this, it is very easy to grow produce in the South Hilo district.

As for Hilo real estate, there are so many opportunities to own property here. With single family homes, condominium communities and vacant land, Hilo has something for every budget. The most recent numbers show that the median sale price for condos is $88K; single family homes, $225K; and land $520K. Land for sale is priced from about $30K to multi-million dollar price tags for prime property. 

Most abundant in the area are single family homes. Homes start in the low $70s for homes that are in very poor condition or are in foreclosure. Neighborhoods like Pamoho, Wailoa Heights and Kaumana City Subdivision have homes that start in the low- to mid-$100s but also require work. In those same neighborhoods as well as others like Hilo Country Club, Wainaku and Hilo Town, homes are priced from the $200s and up. Mid-priced homes in Pacific Heights, Panaewa Houselots and Sunrise Estates feature homes priced between $400K and $700K.  For more luxurious, affluent areas in Hilo, Honolii by the Sea and Wainkau Farms feature homes priced from just over $1 million.   

As for condominiums, there are several popular communities including Hilo Terrace, and Waiakea Villas that start well under $100K.  For those seeking townhomes, Wailuku Park Townhomes and Pacific Heights have homes that are priced from the mid-$100s and mid $200s. 

There are several foreclosures and short sales in that start in the low to mid $100s for homes that are in need of some work.  For those in more affluent neighborhoods, you can find homes starting in the mid to upper $300s.

With all that Hilo has to offer, it is no wonder people love living here. Although it is the oldest city on the Hawaiian archipelago, it has grown with the times to a modern metropolis on the Big Island. Hilo gives its residents the ability to live in a tropical environment while affording them the up-to-date conveniences of a city.

North Hilo the epitome of country living

The district of North Hilo lies in the northeastern section of the Big Island along the Hamakua Coast.  It has an ideal tropical climate and is full of agricultural land and forests. This area is the epitome of country living with its simplicity and small quaint towns. Once known for its expansive sugar production, North Hilo is now filled with communities that focus on growing produce and other native crops. 

There are several small communities in North Hilo that feature lush green property with nice homes situated on the lots. Most of the communities are in fairly close proximity to the city of Hilo in the South Hilo district providing easy access to the conveniences of a modern city. Real estate in North Hilo is not as readily available as it is in other areas of the Big Island.  When people move here, they stay here because of the quality of life North Hilo offers.

Honomu is a quaint town with lots of history that is evident in its architecture. Residents frequent the shops, restaurants and art galleries located in Honomu as well as the Kolekole Beach Park which is popular for family gatherings.  Honomu Village has homes that start in the upper $100s.  For more gracious settings, Honomu Country Estates and Honomu Ocean View Estates have homes from the mid-$400s to low-$600s. There are homes outside subdivisions and can top $1 million.  

Another quaint village is Papa’aloa, once a thriving mill town. There are several subdivisions and neighborhoods here that feature vacant lots and homes at a variety of list prices. Kahuku-Kapena and Piha Homesteads are subdivisions with lots available starting in the mid-$100s.   Papaaloa Homesteads has lots available starting in the mid-$300s.  Homes in Hokumahoe-Maulua Nui start in the mid-$200s. For more estate style settings, Papaaloa Acres and Waikaumalo-Maulua Homesteads are priced from the mid-$600s to over $1 million.

Laupahoehoe is a beautiful area of the North Hilo district that has several neighborhoods that are very popular.  Laupahoehoe Homesteads features well maintained homes that are priced from just under $200K to the mid-$600s. More affluent areas of Laupahoehoe include Waikaumalo-Maulua and Waipunalei Homesteads where properties start in the upper-$700s and climb to over $2 million.

Other small communities in the North Hilo district include Ninole which includes vacant land priced from the $100s to the mid-$200s and homes that are priced from the mid $600s to the multi-million dollar range. Homes here feature the most stunning, unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean. Ookala and Hakalau are beautiful areas with gorgeous properties priced from the mid-$100s to almost $1 million.

North Hilo is a perfect area for anyone who wants a quiet serene life with the conveniences of a modern larger city close by. The North Hilo real estate in this area of the Big Island is expansive and has the most beautiful views you will see on the entire island. Make sure you visit this area and see this lush land for yourself. 

Kohala Coast Real Estate has something for everyone

In the northwest portion of the Big Island lies the Kohala Coast district.  Its name is derived from Kohala Mountain which is the oldest of the five major volcanic mountains on the Island.  Although the locals refer to the district as Kohala, it is divided into two areas – North and South Kohala – that are very different in terms of landscape and real estate offerings.   While the northern end of Kohala is filled with lush green agricultural land and single family homes, South Kohala is a very resort oriented part of the district with the world famous Mauna Lani, Mauna Kea and Waikoloa Beach Resorts located here. 

Along with different terrain comes a different climate in each area of the Kohala Coast.  The north side has much more rainfall making it ideal for a more agriculturally rich area and why it is known as a popular area for paniolos (cowboys).  In the south, the near-perfect year round temperatures bring life to the popularity of the resorts. 

South Kohala Coast

Because the south part of the Kohala Coast is such a resort destination, there are a lot of vacation and investment properties available.  Several condominium communities offer turnkey furnished homes and units with successful rental histories making them excellent investment properties.  Mauna Lani Resort has two and three-bedroom units in communities like Golf Villas, Palm Villas and the Islands at Mauna Lani priced from the mid-$300s to the upper-$600s.  For single family homes in the resort communities like The Cape, Mauna Lani Terrace and Champions Ridge, list prices start at just over $600K for lots and climb into the multi-million dollar ranges for beautiful estate-style homes with magnificent views.

The Mauna Kea Resort features condominium communities like Wai ula ula at Mauna Kea with units starting in the mid-$700s and climbing to well over $1.5 million.  Estate style single family homes are abundant at the Mauna Kea Resort with homes in the Fairways and Moani Heights starting at just over $1 million and climbing from there.  The Bluffs and High Bluffs offer high acreage parcels starting in the mid-$600s. 

The third major resort in the southern section of Kohala is Waikoloa Beach Resort where there are homes to fit every budget from one- and two-bedroom condominium units starting in the mid-$200s to luxury two-and three-bedroom townhomes topping $500K to $1 million plus homes with amazing views.

There are several condominium communities and single family home neighborhoods outside the resort areas that offer properties listed in all price ranges.  Waikoloa is a great area for investment property and second homes as there is something for everyone.

North Kohala Coast

In the north section of the Kohala Coast district, you will find a more eclectic and diverse group of residents including artists, paniolos, professionals and, of course, locals (kama’aina).  The main communities in Kohala include Kapa’au and Hawi.    As with most every part of this district, there are properties to fit every price range.  Mostly single family homes and vacant land, real estate starts in the low to mid-$200s for homes in Kynnersly Road Tract (Kapa’au) and Kaauhuhu Homesteads in Hawi up to multi-million dollar homes and land at Hawi Plantation and Makapala-Makanikahio (Kapa’au). 

Waimea is another well-known area of Kohala and is claimed by both sections because of its central location in the Kohala district.  Also referred to as Kamuela, Waimea has several options for real estate.  Kohala Estates and Kohala Sea View offer properties starting in the upper-$400s to homes surrounded by tons of land that start just over $1 million.  Waimea is a thriving agricultural area and is very popular with the local paniolos (cowboys). 

Buying and Selling Here

To break it down, the median sales price for homes in North Kohala is about $550K and $290K for land while in the South part of the district are $430K and $570K respectively.  Because North Kohala is a favorite with full time residents, the median number of days on the market (DOM) is just over 180 days for home and 310 days for land.  In South Kohala, the DOM is around 230 days for homes and just over 100 days for land.

So Many Choices

With so many options in the Kohala Coast real estate, it is no wonder that this is such a popular area to live.  Whether you want the luxurious resort style life in the southern portion of Kohala or the more agricultural and natural life in North Kohala, this area has something for everyone. Visit the Kohala Coast and see just what it is that draws so many to live here.

There is no place like the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island

Located on the northeastern part of Hawaii Island (a.k.a. The Big Island) lays the Hamakua Coast district.  Stretching from Mauna Kea to the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful part of the Big Island offers some of the most luscious green land you will find in Hawaii making it ideal for growing crops of taro, produce, nuts, and coffee.

With a population of about 6,100 people, the residents are spread throughout the small towns in this district like Honoka’a, Honomu, Kukuihaele, Paauilo and Pepe’ekeo. The largest town, by far, is Honoka’a with just over 2,200 residents. This area, like most others in Hawaii, has a strong sense of family and of the community. 

In terms of climate, the temperatures seem to average between the 50s and 60s for lows to the high 70s, with an occasional 80 degrees, during the day.  Because of the location of the district, Hamakua receives about 84 inches of rainfall each year, this area’s landscape and terrain flourish with deep green color.  Additionally, a drive through the Hamakua Heritage Corridor provides the most panoramic drive through rainforests, waterfalls, and small towns. The drive from Hilo to the Waipio Valley Lookout is well worth the time to see these unbelievable views.

The median sale price for a single family home in the Hamakua District is about $300K with a median number of days on the market about 225 days. For land, the median sale price is about $250K while staying on the market for just a tad over 200 days. 

In Paauilo, there are usually several homes for sale that start at about $80K for those needing some work while most start in the low-$200s to upper-$300s. With only about 600 residents and the rich history in this quaint little town, it is easy to see why its residents feel a strong pull to be here.

The largest town in the Hamakua district is Honoka’a where a few homes start in the low-$100s but need some work.  Homes in the center of Honoka’a Town start in the mid to upper-$100s and climb to the upper-$500s.  Several properties in Honoka’a Town are designed and zoned for mixed use with businesses and living quarters situated in one building. Honoka’a is another town with lots of history.

For those looking for more land, Ahaualoa and Haina Pali Kai are areas in Hamakua that have homesteads available starting just under $300K and climbing into the multi-million dollar range for larger estate homes on enormous parcels. Other neighborhoods like Kaao Homestead and Kaao Houselots feature homes on larger parcels priced from the mid-$100s to the mid-$500s.

Lastly, high acreage parcels are very prevalent throughout Hamakua. These pieces of property are ideal for residents interested in growing produce or coffee, or simply living in a quiet setting with the most unbelievable views of mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the location, these properties can start as low as $70K.

There is no place like the Hamakua Coast on the Big Island. It has such a strong community with so much history and beautiful agricultural property. If this is the environment you crave, you must visit this area and see it for yourself. 

Captain Cook in the South Kona district of the Big Island

Captain Cook is a small area located in the South Kona district of the Big Island. Although residents have to travel to nearby towns for essentials and shopping, they choose to live in Captain Cook because of the secluded and low key environment.  Since 2000, the population has increased about 12 percent to fewer than 3,600 residents.  Additionally, the town of Captain Cook, originally a land division of Kealakekua, got its name because the post office was located in the Captain Cook Coffee Company during the 1900s.   

The climate in Captain Cook is ideal for growing coffee which is very evident by the amount of high acreage real estate with coffee farms growing on the land.   In fact, Captain Cook is home to the Koa Coffee Plantation, a grower and processor of Kona Coffee on the Big Island.

In addition to the agricultural advantages of living here, it also features some of the best snorkeling and diving in all of Hawaii due to the calm protected waters around Kealakekua Bay. Many residents move here or have second homes for that very reason.

Captain Cook real estate offerings are comprised of mostly single family homes and land. Most homes here are situated on lots of a few acres or more. There is variety in terms of the list prices to fit most any budget.  Homes that are on the lower end of the spectrum need work while others feature main houses along with small cottages for friends and other family members or workers for those who desire to own a working coffee or produce farm. 

Most of the neighborhoods in Captain Cook have homes that start in the low- to mid-$200s and $300s and include Keopuka-Mauna, Kona Paradise, and Kealia House Lots. Other neighborhoods like Honaunau Coffee Lots and the Coffee Farm Lots have property starting in the mid $300s for acreage with coffee crops growing.  For more upscale neighborhoods, McCoy Plantation and Kaoha Ranch Estates offer homes that start in the upper $600s and climb to over $1 million.

The median sales price for single family homes is about $500K while that of land with no noted improvements being $100K (as of December 1, 2011) with the median number of days on the market is about 157 days for single family homes and 248 days for land. Because of the uptick in population and the relatively shorter lifecycle on the market, it a good time to sell your home if that is what you are considering. For buyers, as we stated above, there is something for every budget. 

If you are interested in living in a quiet, serene environment and enjoy diving, make sure come to Captain Cook.  It is a beautiful area and a great spot for those who want to be off the radar.

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.

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 20^th 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.

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 4^th 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.