MAUI VACATION RENTAL (TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS) & SHORT TERM RENTAL UPDATE: MAY 2024

Maui, like many places around the US that are popular vacation destinations, has grappled with affordable housing and workforce housing for decades. The wildfire that swept through Lahaina town on August 8, 2023 has highlighted the critical need for affordable housing in Maui County.

Since the fire, the Hawaii State Legislature passed SB2919 on May 2, 2024.  It was signed into law by Governor Josh Green on May 4, 2024. 

Per the governor's website,  "By addressing the issue of illegal short-term rentals, SB 2919 aims to alleviate Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis and increase housing levels throughout the state. This bill provides counties with home rule authority to see

Update May 15, 2024
The rates have been finalized by the county council with some changes:  Read Maui Property Tax Rates 2024-2025

Maui Property Taxes: What is proposed for this year?

Each year the county council reviews the proposed budget and sets property tax rates for the fiscal year (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025)

This year, the Mayor of Maui County has proposed increases to the Owner Occupant Rate, Residential Rate (real property improved with a dwelling, as defined in the comprehensive zoning ordinance, that would not be classified as “owner-occupied”, “hotel and resort”, “time share”, “short-term rental”, “commercial”, “industrial” or “commercialized residential”), Short Term Rental Rate.

There are no proposed changes to the Long Term

Volunteering on Maui (and across Hawai'i) with Hawai'i Land Trust

ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. (No task is too big when done together by all.)

Hawaiʻi Land Trust depends on volunteer support from across the state to accomplish our mālama ʻāina goals and to uphold our kuleana to the lands we steward for our communities. Join us for one of our regularly scheduled volunteer days and get to know, and build relationship with, ʻāina!

REGISTER AND COMPLETE A WAIVER FOR AN UPCOMING WORKDAY ON OUR WEBSITE

VOLUNTEER ON MAUI
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge, Maui 
Most Fridays, 2nd Saturdays for Loko Iʻa work and 3rd Saturdays for general mālama ʻāina
Next: Saturday, January 20th (general) and Saturday, February 10th (Loko Iʻa)
Register here.

Where can I Volunteer on Maui?  Volunteer Opportunities on Maui

Many have asked how they can give back since the terrible fires swept Maui County on August 8, 2023.  Lives in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina were changed forever, and the community has rallied to provide support.  Volunteer opportunities are extensive and here are a few resources you can use to find ways to give back to the island of Maui and its residents.

Maui Nui Strong

"Maui Nui Strong is provided by the County of Maui to help connect our residents, businesses, and visitors to useful information about Maui County, our diverse islands, and a variety of resources that help to promote thriving and vibrant communities. From here, you can launch into any number of explorations and

Local Maui Artist Ronaldo Macedo signs prints of "I will always remember you this way", winner of the 2024 Remembering Lahaina Poster Contest.

"The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is a 501(c)3 Hawai‘i nonprofit organization chartered in 1962. Its mission is to be stewards and storytellers of Lahaina’s Historic & Cultural Heritage. We envision a community that engages with us in preserving and protecting Lahaina’s Hawaiian & Historic Sense of Place.

LRF has restored and preserved more than one dozen landmarks and historic structures in Lahaina. LRF maintains several collections of artifacts, photographs, manuscripts, maps, logs and other materials representative of Lahaina’s colorful past. These collections are available to the public and researchers

Volunteer Opportunities on Maui for the Holidays and Beyond

Many have asked how they can give back since the terrible fires swept Maui County on August 8, 2023.  Lives in Upcountry Maui and Lahaina were changed forever, and the community has rallied to provide support.  Volunteer opportunities are extensive and the most comprehensive resource I've found is at Maui Nui Strong, which highlights a variety of ways you can give back as the holidays approach. 

Maui Nui Strong

"Maui Nui Strong is provided by the County of Maui to help connect our residents, businesses, and visitors to useful information about Maui County, our diverse islands, and a variety of resources that help to promote thriving and vibrant communities. From here, you can launch

Giving Opportunities: Ways to help survivors of the Maui fires to celebrate the Holidays

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept Maui County on August 8, 2023 and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina as well as parts of Upcountry Maui, many of you have asked how you can help survivors.

Aid has poured in from around the world to many charitable organizations that have focused on housing and getting survivors necessities for daily living.  These organizations will need your support for years to come.  Read Ways to Give

As the holidays approach, several Maui organizations are stepping up to help bring holiday cheer to our Maui residents who have lost everything.  Here are a few ways to give:

Makana no nā Keiki: Be an Elf, Give with

Discover Launiupoko

Nestled on the picturesque slopes of West Maui, Launiupoko is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape. This idyllic community is known for its sprawling acreage, stunning ocean views, and a tranquil lifestyle that blends open space with the charm of island living. The area is zoned agricultural, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and rural living, making it one of Maui's most sought-after locations. 

In Launiupoko, you will note the presense of many CPR "Condominium Property Regime" Properties.  The CPR process allows a property owner to create a minimum of two separate condominiums (most typically a main home lot and an ohana lot).  There can be additional "condominiums" which are for ag use only.  Read More about CPRs

FAQs: What is a CPR?

Most people are familiar with a condominium, yet many may not be aware that a Residential Condominium can be created on a lot whereby there are two or more residences that are part of a condominium.  You may see this in areas are where there is larger acreage and the HOA allows CPRS, such as Launiupoko in West Maui. 

In the MLS you will see a Main Home (call it Condo A), an Ohana (call it Condo B), and sometimes a designated area for Ag use only (call it Condo C).

The DCCA Hawaii notes in "So You want to go Condo" that a CPR or Condominium Property Regime is a "specific form of ownership and governing process created when real property is submitted to the condominium property regime, a process often referred to as CPRing a

MAUI UTILITIES
The following are links to various utility and service providers on the island of Maui.  For many condominium owners, some or all of the utilities may be included in the AOAO dues.  

ELECTRICITY
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)
(808) 871-9777
210 W Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732 
Start/Stop/Move Service

CABLE/PHONE/INTERNET/DISH*
Spectrum 
(888) 406-7063
58 Ho'okele St reet # 530, Kahului, HI 96732
Start Service

Hawaiian Telcom - Maui
(877) 482-2211
2110 Wells Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
Local Fax (808) 242-0760
Residential Service: Customer Service (808) 643-3456
Technical Support: Available 24 hours (808) 643-6111 
Start Service

Direct TV
(888) 499-0374

AT&T (Phone, Internet, TV)
(808) 877-1881
275 WKaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI