Homes and Short Term Vacation Rentals in Maui County

How can you tell if the vacation rental listing of a Home is a scam or a legal rental?

Updated 2.22.22

I often get calls from people planning their vacation here on Maui and considering a home instead of a condo or hotel. The calls sometimes come when it just seems too good to be true; at other times, it's after they've paid deposits and can't reach their contact; and some come after they google the address and see the home is listed for sale.  Unfortunately, in almost all of these cases, the property is not a legal vacation rental.  Photos are simply taken from websites and used in online ads in a rental scam. 

It breaks my heart to hear these stories--sometimes they call before they've

Troon, the management for Maui's famed Plantation Course in Kapalua, has announced plans to revitalize the course, as well as key components of the Bay Course and Golf Academy. 

The Plantation Course repeatedly receives accolades as one of the best courses in Hawaii.  Around the world, the course is best known as home to the annual PGA Tour Tournament of Champions, an invitation-only tournament, with a field comprised of only to the prior year's tournament winners.

The multi-million dollar enhancement project includes plans to have the original architects, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, work with the Golf Channel's Mark Rolfing, a long time Kapalua resident.  The initial scope of the project includes resurfacing the greens, renovating the bunkers, and

A Perfect Pairing: Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Kapalua

CHAMPAGNE HALE AT MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

Once again the Montage Kapalua Bay will open its popular pop-up event at the Champagne Hale to the public!  The Champagne Hale features Veuve Clicquot in one of Maui's most spectacular settings.  Perfect for watching sunset, the pop-up bar and lounge overlook Namalu Bay and the channel between Molokai and Lanai. Enjoy a variety of Veuve Clicquot Champagnes paired with seasonal bites. Veuve Clicquot Rich also returns as Champagne Hale is the exclusive venue to pour this refreshing Champagne cocktail in Hawaii. 

Dates: March 22-25, 29 & 31 | April 1 & 5-8
Hours: 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Cost: No cover charge, cocktails and pupus by menu selection
Note: Walk-ins

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay: Market Overview and New Listing!

The from Residence #4402, a corner lanai facing South West is ideal to take in Maui's sunsets

Now offered - Residences at Kapalua Bay #4402, Interval #1 the most desirable holiday weeks (December/January) at the Montage at Kapalua Bay. Enjoy spectacular winter sunsets, ocean views, and indulge your passion for luxury as an owner at this premier five-star resort. Walk to the beach at Kapalua Bay, lounge by the pool, experience fine dining, or play on the famous Plantation and Bay courses.

Enjoy ocean views from the spacious corner lanai, as well as the living room and both bedroom suites.  This is a deeded one-twelfth fractional ownership with 21 guaranteed days each year and

Frequently Asked Questions: What is the difference between Leasehold and Fee Simple Ownership in Hawaii

Alaeloa: a rare gem, oceanfront and ocean view cottages in Napili, Maui

Why is there leasehold property? The History of Leasehold Property in West Maui:

With the development of the Kaanapali Resort in 1961 and later the Kapalua Resort in 1978, Maui became a vacation destination. As tourism flourished and became the mainstay of our economy, local landowners partnered with developers to build Leasehold condominiums on family-owned properties or on former agricultural land.  In West Maui, many local landowners saw this as a way to retain ownership of their land and derive income from the lease rents.  Leases were typically set for 99 years,

THE VILLAS AT KAHANA RIDGE: 10 Heather Lane #213, Kahana 

Price Reduced!

Featured Listing Video: 10 Heather Lane, Villas at Kahana Ridge #213 now offered at $478,000

Since it's development in 2005, the Villas at Kahana Ridge has become a popular choice for many full-time residents living and working in West Maui, as well as part-time residents.   Located just seven miles from Lahaina, between the Kapalua and Kaanapali Resorts, this quiet residential community is across the street from Kahana Gateway shopping center, close to restaurants, the Kapalua airport, and the beaches of Kahana.  A mix of two and three bedroom condominium floor plans, there are 117 residences in 8 buildings on 5 acres.

Villas at Kahana Ridge #213 is a ground floor,

PLAY the Plantation Course

In just a few days, Kapalua will welcome golf's greatest players for the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions.

While the golf's superheroes will play the course from January 3-7, 2018, the Plantation Course is open to mere mortals to play as well.

Both the Plantation Course and the much loved Kapalua Bay Course are open to the public.  Managed by Troon Golf, reservations to play the courses can be booked by calling 808-669-8044 or 877-527-2582.

Tomorrow, Friday, December 29, 2017 is last day of play for the course prior to the tournament, with limited tee times from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The course closes to then prepare for the tournament, reopening to the public Monday, January 8, 2018.  The course is

The Kapalua Bay Villas: 2017 Year End Real Estate Market Update

The view out toward Molokai from the upgraded kitchen in Kapalua Bay Villa 14G3-5

The gated community of the Kapalua Bay Villas is situated overlooking Oneloa Bay, with direct access to the white sand beach.  The Montage Residences Kapalua Bay and the Spa Montage are the neighboring properties to the south.

Bay Villas amenities include central air conditioning (not in all units but may be installed), three swimming pools, BBQ areas and tennis courts.  You'll find a mix of one and two bedroom floor plans in this popular oceanfront community.  Short term rentals are allowed.

Featured above: Kapalua Bay Villas 19G5, 14G3-5 and 38B2

We are seeing

The Sentry Tournament of Champions:
The Plantation Course, Kapalua, Maui January 3-7, 2018 

Each year, Maui welcomes the PGA Tour's best players in an invitation only Tournament of Champions. This year, the field includes a mix of familiar and new faces to the Plantation Course.

The Sentry TOC opens the calendar year for the PGA Tour on one of Hawaii's most picturesque and challenging courses.  Past winners who have qualified for this year's field include Justin Thomas, Jordan Speith, and Dustin Johnson.  While the field won't be announced until December 29th, many are looking forward to watching newcomers such as Xander Schauffele, Rookie of the Year, Cam Smith, and Kevin Kisner take on the challenge of the TOC.

Since 1999, the host

Shopping in Paia, Maui: a few of my favorite boutiques

Some of my favorite shopping is in the colorful beach town of Paia on Maui's North Shore, and I found myself there this past week picking up a few gifts. (I have to confess, it's not just for the holidays, but year round too.)

Over the years, the sleepy town on the way to Hana has ben transformed and is now home to a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and one of my favorite local markets, Mana Foods (confession: I usually just buy chocolate there).  For those of you on island looking to pick up a gift you can't find everywhere, strolling along Hana Highway and up Baldwin Avenue can be a great way to spend the day.  If you prefer to  do your shopping for Hawaii inspired gifts, I've included