MAUI VACATION RENTAL (TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS) FAQs

This post has been updated as of June, 2022:  Read the Updated Post on Maui Vacation Rentals and Short Term Rentals

As a realtor here on Maui, working primarily in resort areas, the most frequently asked questions I encounter are "can I vacation rent this property when I'm not using it?" and, if so, "can I manage the property myself on a website like VRBO or AirBnB?".  

The answer is, it depends. It isn't always straightforward, as there are several factors to consider that may govern the use of the property as a short term Transient Vacation Rental (TVR), including, but not limited to, state laws and statutes, Maui county zoning rules and regulations, and CC&R's (Declaration of Covenants,

The Montage Residences, Kapalua Bay: Sales History and Real Estate Market Update

Since sales began at the newly branded Montage Residences, Kapalua Bay in 2014, the property has undergone a tremendous boost in sales with a 139% increase in sales volume ($) with 7% fewer sales.

The View from Montage Residences, Kapalua Bay 1205

Montage Residences, Kapalua Bay: Current Market Snapshot

Active Listings: 7
Price Range: $3,495,000 to $7,750,000
Pending Sales: 3
Price Range: $4,500,000 to $4,900,000
Sales Volume Prior to Rebrand: 28 sales totaling $53,747,552
Sales Volume Since Rebrand: 26 sales totaling $128,555,000

Sales initially began in 2009 while the property was branded the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay.  This was just after our

Maui Real Estate Market Overview and Buyer Statistics 2016

Many Buyers and Sellers want to know where buyers of Maui County real estate call home (in this case, their legal residence).  There is often a misperception that the majority of our foreign buyers come from Asia.  While this might be true for Oahu's market (particularly Honolulu), it hasn't been the case for Maui County, which includes the islands of Molokai and Lanai.  Each year, Title Guaranty, one of Hawaii's most reputable Title and Escrow Companies, provides us with Buyer statistics.  

MAUI BUYER STATISTICS: TOP FOREIGN AND US BUYERS

As you can see, the bulk of purchases in 2016, made by foreign buyers of Maui real estate continue to be Canadian, with 59 transactions totaling

Maui Real Estate Market Update

Maui Real Estate Sales: Homes, Condominiums and Land Through November 2016

The November Maui County Real Estate Market Update is now available for your review.  The report details sales activity through November, 2016 as compared with that of the prior year.  

Maui's Real Estate Market: Active Listings

There is a slight increase in active listings, which is typical of this time of year as many Sellers in resort areas list condominium and residential properties when tourism levels (which bring prospective buyers) increase.

The Montage Residences Kapalua Bay | Market Update

The Montage Residences Kapalua Bay 

The Montage Kapalua Bay is situated on over twenty oceanfront acres overlooking one of Maui's most iconic beaches, Kapalua Bay.  Formerly the site of the Kapalua Bay Hotel, this incredible property was completed in 2009, offering some of the largest condominium residences in West Maui, ranging from three to four bedrooms, and 2791 to 4055 sq. ft.  

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay whole ownership residences are located in buildings 1, 2, 5 and 6, with fractional 1/12th ownership residences located in buildings 3 and 4.

Featured Listings: Spotlight on Residences 1205 and 5202

Montage 1205: a private garden overlooking Kapalua Bay

Montage Residences

The Coconut Grove on Kapalua Bay: A Maui Real Estate Market Update, 2016

Kapalua Bay is one of Maui's most loved beaches, known for it's beautiful coral reef, calm waters, and perfect sandy crescent beach.  The much loved restaurant, Merriman's sits at the south end of the beach, on a rocky point that is a perfect spot to watch sunset at their very popular Happy Hour.  At the north end of the bay is the Montage Residences, Kapalua Bay, which is home to the Beach Club, a lovely little restaurant, pool and bar that is open to both Montage residents and guests, as well as Kapalua Club members.

Nestled between these two properties is the 10+ acre beach front enclave of The Coconut Grove on Kapalua Bay.  With just 36 condominium residences in 9

Alaeloa: Short Term Rental Update

Alaeloa is one of Maui's best kept secrets.  This secluded, gated community of just 42 residences is nestled along West Maui's shore complete with a mango grove and oceanfront pool. Built in 1964, this charming enclave of cottages and duplexes in a residential community, has been called the "Pebble Beach of the Pacific" and has been a much loved vacation destination over the years.  

Maui County defines anything under 180 days as a short term or a transient vacation rental, which is typically not permitted in Residential Districts. Enter the recent question of vacation rentals at Alaeloa:

Maui County Code allows for TVR's in residentially zoned planned developments consisting solely of duplexes or

Maui County Vacation Rentals

Many prospective buyers of Maui real estate as a second home or residence often will ask about Short Term Rentals. After all, Maui is an idyllic spot and while most owners would like to spend all of their time here, obligations at home often limit their use of the property.

WHAT IS A SHORT TERM OR VACATION RENTAL?*

Maui County defines short term or what are commonly known as "vacation" rentals as anything less than 180 days, with rentals under 180 days allowed on properties located within what is defined as the Hotel District.

Many condominiums and subdivisions zoned in the Apartment, Agricultural or Residential districts, had rules and guidelines allowing short term rentals in their governing CC&R's

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has sold to a joint venture between Ares Management, SMW Hospitality (Square Mile Capital Management and Wafra Investment Advisory Group) and Trinity Investments.

A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua property is comprised of 297 hotel guest rooms and 107 private condominium residences, situated on approximately 49 acres in the heart of the Kapalua Resort in West Maui.  

Back in 2007, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua underwent an extensive renovation.  As a part of the renovation, the North (Honolua Side) Wing was converted from hotel rooms to one and two bedroom condominiums known as the Residential Suites at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.  Sales began in 2008, and 34 condominiums

As many of the buyers of Maui real estate purchasing the property as a second home, the way property taxes are assessed here may differ from how properties are assessed in their home state or county.  

Each Year, Maui County will assess both property values and establish new rates.  The 2016-2017 rates follow below:

While the county assess rates on a /$1000 basis, when coming up with figures, I find it easiest to use $1M.  For example, if buying a condominium that will be rented as a vacation rental, it would fall under the Hotel & Resort category, which is $8.71/$1000.  If you are buying a property assessed by the county at $1,000,000, it would be $8,710/year.  If the property is $500,000, it would be half that, or $4,355.  The following