Does Maui Have a Water Problem? 

Does Maui have a Water Problem

The Hawaiian Islands occupy a unique position on Planet Earth and are subject to distinct, sometimes extreme, weather patterns. Here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 2,300 miles from California, Hawaii exists because of a fixed volcanic hot spot in the ocean (a deep plume of magma under the slowly moving Pacific Plate) that has been flowing for millions of years and is currently creating the Big Island.

It's a miracle that life exists in Hawaii and living here in Hawaii, at least in my humble opinion, is also miraculous.

Amazingly, Hawaii Island, the largest of the chain, is still growing from its active volcanoes, while the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, and Niihau,…

1698 Views, 0 Comments

Montage at Kapalua to Become St. Regis 

St Regis Maui

It was recently announced that Marriott International signed a management agreement with the Tennessee-based owners of the Montage Resort at Kapalua Bay, KWC Management.

The former management agreement was between KWC Management and White Label Asset Management, who continued to operate under the Montage brand after KWC had purchased the property in November of 2023. Marriott will now operate the Resort under their luxury St. Regis Resort Division. 

The Montage Kapalua property has consistently been regarded as one of the very best resorts in the State of Hawaii, and last traded hands when Lantern Asset Management purchased it in 2013 through a foreclosure sale, after it was owned by the infamous Lehman…

3932 Views, 0 Comments

HOA Fees on Maui: Explained

Why are HOA Fees on Maui So Expensive?

Homeowners’ Associations have been around in the United States since the mid-20th century. They operate as non-profit organizations whose primary objectives are to organize, maintain, and protect properties along with their owners within planned communities or subdivisions, condominium complexes, and cooperative ownership agreements. There is a wide variety of HOAs across the country, and specifically on Maui. 

Some HOAs can be very small, with only a few properties in the association, while others can involve 1,000s of homeowners. The most common type of HOA on Maui is a condominium community HOA.

There are hundreds of condo complexes on Maui, and their HOAs use the funds they collect from owners to cover things…

3210 Views, 0 Comments

Where Are Things with Honuaula/Wailea 670?

Wailea 670 Honua'ula

Originally referred to as Wailea 670, the development that is now known as Honua'ula is more than three decades in the making. This is a mixed-use development that would span across 670 acres in South Maui. This area, which is located just south of Maui Meadows and across the highway from the existing Wailea community, is both culturally and environmentally sensitive.

While opponents of the development say that the project is not advantageous for the communities, others say that it will provide much-needed affordable housing to the area. Recently, a major agreement has been reached as a result of years of stressful negotiations, but more negotiations are underway.

Honuaula Progress Update August…

13878 Views, 0 Comments

Buying New Construction Homes on Maui

New Construction Homes on Maui

Buying a new construction home on Maui is an exciting opportunity — not just to own your own piece of a Hawaiian paradise, but to shape it into exactly what you want from day one. Often, the appeal of a completely brand new home with the most modern architectural and design elements leads many to purchase a new construction custom home. 

Maui regularly has new development opportunities on the market, either with more uniform ‘track home’ developments, a pre-construction home, or with a  ‘spec home’, short for speculative home, that was built without a buyer in mind yet.

Before getting into a search for the perfect new development or custom home site, it's important to understand Maui’s unique building and…

1608 Views, 0 Comments

Maui Real Estate with Agricultural Zoning: Best Areas and Development Rules

Maui Agricultural Properties Zoning

On Maui, living in harmony with the natural environment is a top priority. Agricultural zoning allows Maui property owners to not only have a farm, but to have a large degree of flexibility in how they use their property. Agricultural zoning is also the most flexible zoning classification when it comes to subdividing, and many take advantage of this through the CPR process which I will describe later, if you're not already familiar. 

Numerous agriculturally zoned neighborhoods on Maui strike a harmonious balance between development and nature. This agricultural zoning designation, also known as AG zoning, allows for multiple residential homes to be constructed under…

6572 Views, 0 Comments

A Ban on Short Term Rentals on Maui Won’t Solve The Affordable Housing Crisis

Short Term Rental Ban Maui

Update: July 24th, 2024 - The Maui County Planning Commission heard the remainder of public testimony on July 23rd during a marathon 13 hour session. Despite the overwhelming opposition to the bill, not only from the property owners who would stand to lose property rights, but from local business owners and local workers who would stand to lose their jobs and from experts demonstrating how the ban won't solve affordable housing, the commission is sending the proposal as it is with some comments to the Maui County Council to vote on.

All of the alternative, more likely to succeed solutions, brought forward during public testimony, were not considered by the…

22274 Views, 2 Comments

Pulelehua Offers Hope for West Maui Housing Crisis

Pulelehua Housing Development

In the wake of the devastating fire in Lahaina, a housing crisis has emerged as one of the single biggest post-fire challenges for the people of Maui. The island is home to a variety of people, most of whom are working-class permanent residents who are the backbone of the tourism industry that support Maui's local economy. As Maui addresses the housing crisis, the need for affordable housing grows as well.

Population growth coupled with a very limited supply of land has driven real estate prices upward. This has made it difficult for many working-class residents to find an affordable place to call home. Currently, a section of the planned community is being utilized as a temporary location for…

3573 Views, 0 Comments

Maui's Best Luxury Condos For Sale in 2024

Luxury Condos on Maui For Sale

Maui’s vibrant culture and exceptional natural beauty are yours to enjoy from the relaxing sanctuary of a luxury condo. While a variety of condo communities are easily found around Maui, several prestigious communities stand far apart from the others. These ultra high-end communities are primarily found in the luxury resort communities of Kapalua, Wailea, and Makena where you'll also discover some of Maui's best beaches, restaurants, and golf courses.

As you explore the possibilities for new luxury condos for sale on Maui, these are the 11 most luxurious developments to consider

1. Montage Residences at Kapalua Bay 

There are elite accommodations to suit most preferences at Montage…

4137 Views, 0 Comments

Discovery Land Company Is Redefining The Private Golf Experience

Discovery Land Company 

In the elite world of luxury real estate communities, one name stands above others, Discovery Land Company. This ultra-luxury real estate and golf course developer is recognized for its next-level golf courses as well as the upscale, master-planned communities built around them. In fact, the company’s many communities are home to elites like Cindy Crawford, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady.  Notably, the company’s CEO, Mike Meldman, has a home in each of the 27 communities across the Caribbean, Europe and North America.

I was fortunate enough to recently play a round at Makena Golf and Beach Club here on Maui and it is really an incredible golf course and incredible experience all…

11866 Views, 0 Comments