Maui Property Tax Rates for 2018-2019 Fiscal Year

The Maui County Council approved the new property tax rates for the July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019 Fiscal Year.

The figures below show the rates for each 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.   This is the first year the county has added the category of Short Term Rental for those condominiums that are rented for a period of time less than 180 days.  Read More on Maui Short Term Rentals.

Maui County assesses taxes based on the tax rate multiplied by the assessed value of the property.  The county assesses values each year based on the sales in the prior fiscal year. 

What is HARPTA, the new law, and are there any exemptions?

What is HARPTA?

HARPTA is the Hawaii Real Property Tax Act.  HARPTA is a Withholding Tax on Sales of Hawaii Real Property by Nonresident Persons.  The " withholding obligation is generally imposed on the transferee/buyer when a Hawaii real property interest is acquired from a nonresident person. This withholding serves to collect Hawaii income tax that may be owed by the nonresident person."*  This is similar to the withholding in California, often referred to as CalFIRPTA, and the federal withholding tax on the disposition of real property known as FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act)." Read More in Tax Information Release No. 2017-01

Per the State of Hawaii's

I'll admit it, most of us have trouble visualizing an empty room and how to make it our own.  While we find many Maui real estate listings offered furnished if it is a resort property/second home, it can be different if the seller is selling their primary residence.  Staging can be a challenge as we have so few stagers and storage options on island.

Enter Augmented Realty. Sotheby's International Realty has just introduced the Curate by Sotheby's International Realty App which allows you to furnish an empty room in a variety of styles.  The vision is to transform the home buying experience, making it easier for both buyers and sellers alike.

iPhone users: Download Curate by Sotheby's International Realty
Android users: Download Curate

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

Introducing Kapalua Golf Villa 11T3-4: Overlooking Kapalua's Bay Course

The view overlooking Kapalua Bay Course and Napili Bay

This lovely condominium residence sits overlooking the 10th and 18th holes of the Kapalua Bay Course.  Oriented toward the West, the spacious lanai is perfected situated for watching the golfers come in, taking in the ocean, and watching Maui's spectacular sunsets.

Located on the entry level, this single level floor plan offers one bedroom, two baths, and a naturally lit flex room that is large enough for a twin bed or for an office.  The Golf Villas amenities include central air conditioning, a covered carport, four swimming pools, and BBQ areas. Building 11 enjoys a private location, yet is close to Pineapple Grill, the

Rare Offerings of Beachfront Homes and Lots in both Kaanapali and Kapalua

Kapalua Oceanfront and Beachfront Homes and Lots for Sale:

Unlike the Wailea/Makena area, there are to just eight oceanfront residential homesites that are a part of the Kapalua Resort:  five beachfront homesites at Kapalua Place, along with a home situated on Hawea Point, Alaelae Peninsula, and Mokuleia Point.

The quiet enclave of Kapalua Place is comprised of eight lots overlooking the white sandy beach of Oneloa Bay toward Molokai. The gated community was developed in 1989, with spacious homesites ranging from just over a half acre to 1.7 acres.

At the time of this post, there are four offerings at Kapalua Place, one homesite and three homes--all are beachfront.