This year, as more of us work from home and shelter in place, people are starting to rethink what they want in a home and where they want to live.  The focus now is on homes with spacious yards, pools, and flexible spaces that can be used for offices, gyms and classrooms.  There is a shift away from busier cities and high-density areas to more rural settings.

As more Americans are reevaluating the four walls they live in, they are also starting to make changes in where they live.  With telecommuting, many are realizing that they can work anywhere, and living and working on Maui is becoming a reality instead of a dream.  Maui is known for its natural beauty, relaxed way of life, and the aloha spirit of its residents.

Having grown up here, one of my

Market Spotlight and New Listing: Lahaina Shores

by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

Lahaina Shores is a distinctive architectural landmark on the West Maui shoreline. This elegant seven-story building with a double colonnade entrance is the only directly beachfront condo resort in Lahaina.

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the verdant backdrop of the West Maui mountains, Lahaina Shores consists of 199 units made up of studios, 1-bedroom units, and penthouse units.  Amenities include an oceanfront pool, whirlpool spa, and front desk. Condominium units are individually owned, and owners can be a part of the onsite vacation rental management program operated by Destination Hotels, or vacation-rent their units through a private management program of

Maui Property Tax Rates 2020-2021

Note: This article was updated on July 1, 2020

The Maui County Council approved the new property tax rates for the July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021 Fiscal Year.

Traditionally, the lowest tax rate is for Homeowner, where this is their declared primary residence.  The highest tax rate remains the Time Share Classification.   Maui County assesses taxes based on the tax rate (usage/zoning) multiplied by the assessed value of the property.  The county assesses values each year based on the sales in the prior fiscal year.  Therefore, the assessed value will seldom line up with current market conditions.  For example, the 2020 rates were based on sales of similar properties from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

This is the

by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

Haleakala Gardens is one of the most popular residential condominium complexes in North Kihei. Located on Kulanihakoi St., its just a block from Kalepolepo Beach,  You'll find the Pacific Whale Sanctuary, local canoe clubs, the Ko’ie’ie Loki I’a Fishpond, Safeway and Azeka Shopping Center close-by. It’s perfect for a long-term rental property, or a full-time or part-time residence.

Haleakala Gardens was built in 1989 and has 164 units total on nearly nine acres of land spread throughout twenty separate 2-story buildings.  There are studios, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans.  Second-floor units feature vaulted ceilings.  Sold prices in the last six months from the time of this post have been ranged from $292,500

Market Spotlight: The Kulakane

by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

The Kulakane is an oceanfront resort with 42 units, located at 3741 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. on the border of the Honokowai and Mahinahina neighborhoods, close the Honokowai Farmer’s Market and shopping, just north of Kaanapali, about 5 miles north of Lahaina town.  The distinctive shingle style architecture and twinkling curbside appeal evokes an exotic and quaint, yet warm hospitality as you rewind time and step into an easier way of being, embraced by the temperate air and gentle trade winds. 

Amenities include a “half-moon” plunge pool, barbeque grills, and onsite laundry.  Long-time owners and visitors gather at sunset for the traditional conch shell ritual, and can participate in

The Masters at Kaanapali Hillside: Market Update

The Masters is one of my favorite condominium communities, having gotten my start in real estate working on the developer's sales team (far too long ago).  The property overlooks the Royal Kaanapali golf course, with sweeping views of the ocean and outer islands.  The low-rise, low-density development, lends a feeling of privacy and space, with 200 units on approximately 38 acres.  Amenities in this gated community include two pools, two spas, and four tennis courts, and the ability to have BBQ's.  It's a popular choice for both primary residents and second homeowners alike seeking to live in the Kaanapali Resort.

As we navigate an unusual time, many buyers and sellers are wondering how to value

Royal Kahana Market Update, March 3, 2020

By Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

The Beach at the Royal Kahana

With just a little over 2 months of inventory available at the time of

MAUI OCEANFRONT HOMES
Market Update, January 2020

View Goals!  1437 Front Street is an oceanfront home for sale in the heart of Lahaina, on historic front street
View More Information

Maui has several areas with oceanfront homes: West Maui, South Maui, North Shore, East Maui and Central Maui.  As you will see below, the home prices and activity tend to be highest in the resort areas of West and South Maui, and along the North Shore. 

There are broad fluctuations in price depending on whether the property is beachfront or oceanfront; whether it is on a rocky shoreline or cliffside without water access; and the age, condition and size of the home.  

Over the past five years, oceanfront home sales have consistently seen a volume of around

Paki Maui Market Update: December 2019

by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

MAUI OCEANFRONT HOMES
Market Update, November 2019

1437 Front Street is an oceanfront home for sale in the heart of Lahaina, on historic front street
View More Information

Update 1/27/2020:  Since this post was written, the classification of 6 sales in Makena was changed from Beachfront to Across the Street from the Ocean.  These sales totaled $60,162,136.  As they were developer sales the escrow could only close once construction was complete, so they had a very high Days on Market Count, averaging 1202 days on market.

As such, the statistics and summary below have changed.  Please see the post written 1/27/2020 for updated statistics.

Maui has several areas with oceanfront homes: West Maui, South Maui, North Shore, East Maui and Central