It's the first of June in Maui and hopefully the end of the slow season. I am crusing through Paia to go to Mana's health food store to pick up dinner. On the way I stop by to chat with a Realtor friend.  So how business in town was the conversation. The streets are pretty quite hopefully it will pick up this summer.  Early in the week I was driving by the airport to talk story with a friend who works with Hawaiian Airlines and I ask the same question.  So are the planes carrying very many people these days. The answer is it's been pretty empty.  So I head into Wailea for work, it's a beautiful day as usual.  I head into the Shops At Wailea.  Time for a cup of Honolulu Coffee Company fresh brew. You can always find out the flow of people from the people that work there.  Christy how's T... 06/04/2008

In May, ten condominiums were sold in the Wailea-Makena Maui real estate market compared to twelve a year ago. Of those units, six were in oceanfront complexes and four were in mauka complexes. The median sale price of $1.423 million was lower than April but still higher than 2007 averages. The per square foot average, a better indicator, of $1077 also down compared to April and 5% lower than 2007 results. For Wailea oceanfront complexes, the median sale price of $1.438 million  per square foot average of $1288 were both down considerably from 2007 averages. The mauka, or non-oceanfront,  complexes had a median sale price of $1 million and a per square foot average of only $762, again down from 2007 averages. With over 180 condominiums listed for sale, the Wailea condominium market rema... 06/03/2008

Obama in the News Today!   It looks like Obama will win the nomination tonight after the polls close in South Dakota. This is a major upset taking down Hillary Clinton.  It looked like Hillary was going to be the Democratic front runner for President of the United States.  Hillary with a message of experience was beat by a message of change.  Now Hillary is positioning her self for Vice- President. It will be interesting to see who will be the Vice- President for McCain and Obama.  Well the games are on and it will be an interesting race to November. 06/03/2008

Kauai Shark Attack victim Bethany Hamilton! I never met Bethany but I can say this is one courageous girl.  At the age of 13 she was surfing a break with her friends called tunnels on Kauai which is a break that breaks pretty far out to sea. I know this for a fact because I have surfed out there myself.  She was attacked by a 12ft Tiger Shark that rip of her arm.  That is where the story really begins.  Today she was featured in Honolulu Advertiser about her amazing story. Five years later she is trying to qualify for the women's pro tour.  With one arm she considers it a blessing in disguise.  She has been on David Letterman, made videos, inspirational speaking engagements, and movies. She has recovered and is looking towards the future. She has become known throughout the world for he... 06/01/2008

April Tourism Down in Hawaii!  The numbers of visitor's is down according to the Hawaii Visitor's Bureau.  With ATA and Aloha airlines gone out of business there are fewer seats for people visiting Hawaii and higher ticket prices.  Oahu is down -6.8% Maui is down -9.6% Kauai is down -12.9% Big Island is down -17.6%  With rising fuel cost it is reeking havoc on the airlines every where. June on Maui is looking pretty promising with the hotels booking rate looking good. Also I heard that Alaska Airlines is going to add some flights into Hawaii. So we are all feeling the sting of rising fuel prices. There has been report of a drop in fuel usage in America from industrial use to the private sector. The Saudi are also stepping up oil production and this looks like it will bring oil prices do... 05/31/2008

Okay I don't want to come across like the weatherman.  My other post the other day was talking about the drought and need for water. So I get up this morning and I love where I live. It is in the country and I can here the stream running from the bottom of my gulch.  My brain is hearing the coffee pot firing up which my wife always gets up first for her quiet time and starts the coffee. To my surprise it is just pouring rain.  I can hear the plants drinking it in.  I love Haiku Maui this time of year with the morning rains.  The rest of the island is not so lucky.  The windward side of the island has the trade winds that blow pretty consistent. Which also makes for great windsurfing which it looks like a killer day for a session after work. So with a fresh rain on the land I am feeling ... 05/31/2008

Maui # 1 Island Destination in the world   So what is the big fuss with Maui any way?   So what if we have some of the best beaches in the world.  The weather is in the 80's and the skies are clear and the wind is mild.  You might be into whales or how about turtles diving around you as your enjoying your morning dive.  Some people in the northwest are dreaming about owning a Wailea Maui condo and living on Maui would be great option.  It happens to be snowing in Tahoe for 2 weeks straight, you love the snow but enough is enough. Wailea Maui has the most consist weather you could hope for.  Maui  is a great place to take in 18 holes of golf on Wailea's blue course. So you know what the big fuss is all about. It is that Maui is an awesome place to visit or call home. For myself I enjoy b... 05/29/2008

It's here again, the annual Maui Film Festival at Wailea happening June 11 through 15.  This is a great way to see a wonderful variety of films in an extraordinary setting, under the stars.  One of the more remarkable venues, Celestial Cinema in Wailea, is an outdoor theatre situated on a beautiful golf course overlooking the ocean.  It's a great setting to bring blankets and pillows and snuggle up under the stars with friends and family while watching a film on a gigantic screen with superior sound. Every year the festival honors celebrities with special awards, and this year it is honoring Pierce Brosnan, Virginia Madsen, Dennis Quaid, and Felicity Huffman.  Tickets to the events honoring these celebrities are on sale. For a complete schedule of movie screenings and events, check out... 05/27/2008

Every year, Dr. Beach, Stephen P. Leatherman releases his list of the top ten beaches in the United States and almost every year we affectionately chide him for his selections. This year is no different. Dr. Beach has declared Caladesi Island State Park in Clearwater Florida is the best beach. NONSENSE! Look below for America's best beaches! Read More » 05/26/2008

To be or not to be a Realtor? Have you noticed that when the market was good everyone including your mother wanted to be a real estate agent?  Oh this looks easy I am up for making a lot of money.  There should be a warning sign to all newcomers.  Beware it takes a lot of work and commitment.  You will not get paid till you close the deal.  You will have some scary escrows from hell some times. I watched new agents come in and not make a single sale in a year.  So now a couple years down the road the market has done a total flip.  How many people have you talk to want to be agents?  My guess is not too many.  In fact on Maui I know at least 200 people have drop out of the local board.  To be a Realtor you need to be a professional.  The survivors of tough markets know that in slow times... 05/26/2008

Life is good at Kanani Wailea's prestigious upscale gated community.  With only 38 homes, Kanani offers Quiet Island living with ocean views for your enjoyment.  This 4BR/4BA island home offers 2,242 sqft of living space with great flow through out the house.  Enjoy this Hawaiian designed floor plan that compliments the surrounding landscape and ocean views. Cooking will be a delight with this gourmet kitchen featuring Leicht European cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Bosch appliances, Bon Appetite! Enter into the Japanese courtyard entry that has a separate guest room or for the artist or writer studio. Other features include Bamboo floors, Monier tile roofs, 2-car garage; custom designed bathrooms, security system, 9ft walls and vaulted ceilings. The community rec... 05/26/2008

I need some help?   Okay I think I am going green. My wife and daughter are recycling. I am starting up my vegetable garden and I am in the process of planting 18 papaya trees. So I am adjusting to the market as I see it.  Do you get the feeling our lifestyle is changing as we have known it and it will never be the same. Will we end up driving these little bubble cars that go 30 miles an hour but they get 100 miles per gallon.  Air lines tickets are going through the roof not a good sign.  Good news is that Opec and other sources of oil production are pumping out more oil and prices might drop. I was talking to a friend that just came back from China.  She said everyone there is driving big Lexus and BMW'S.  Gas is not an issues for them with there new wealth.  Well it looks like our we... 05/24/2008

         Tuning up your "Maui Home For Sale Thinking of selling your Maui dream home.  Here are a few tips I would recommend. A little paint can make a major change to a home. It's always a good idea to put on a fresh coat of paint before you place your home on the market. It gives a buyer a feeling of a new home and that the home has been well cared for over the years. Also consider doing a few minor projects that make a Hugh difference.  I remember when mauve was the color.  Well I am tearing it out of my Haiku Maui home.  A natural travertine face lift on the fireplace and maybe tear out the old trim and replace it with a plantation trim look. Traditionally, homes have always had carpeting in the bedroom areas and maybe tile flooring in other parts of the house. I would recommend cre... 05/23/2008

       Is the real estate section of your local paper filled with stories about how slow the real estate market is in your local neigh hood? Is it taking months to sell the homes on the market? If you have been waiting for the perfect time to buy a property in Maui or Kansas, this is the time!       This is the time when we look back and said I should have bought a home back then when it was slow.  During this last market prices were climbing and people were price out of the market.  Well guess what there are a few deals out there.  This is an opportunity for buyers to select from a large number of homes that could meet their needs. On Maui I am closing next week a brand new home that came down $1000K with great incentives.  For condos on Maui they are maintaining on their prices but th... 05/20/2008

This is a new project in Wailea Maui called Papali that I work on. I thought you would enjoy the photo's it is such a beautiful setting. There are 24 homes on 10 acres of ocean view property.                 This is the pool area which offer's encredible ocean views.  This is one of the larger infinity pools in Wailea you will see except maybe at a hotel.                This is a state of the art fitness center and offers ocean views while you work out.                 This is the main entry to the model home. This is a 3BR/3.5BA home with garage. All the bedrooms come with court yards and lanai's                 This is the kitchen area which offer's european cabinets and granite counter tops. The appliances are all wolf and sub-zero.               This is the dinning area which has am... 05/19/2008

We usually don't highlight specific properties here, but this one is too good not to talk about. In the entire Wailea real estate market there are two bargains that just jump out. The most recent is a one-bedroom unit in Grand Champions that is listed for $499,000! That is the same price the seller paid in 2004. It simply won't last. The other bargain? Contact us and we'll tell you about it. 05/12/2008

  Wailea, Maui, HI - on the sunny south shore of Maui. Why walk when you can ride in style like this.  It's a 6-seater, with leather seats no less. At the Ho'olei Broker's Open event the other day,  we were graciously ferried around in these cute buggies, to see the new luxury model vacation condos (more on that later).... FABULOUS vacation condos with outstanding ocean and mountain views.  No expense has been spared in these townhouse style vacation homes.  Ho'olei is "the next best thing" right now in Wailea for new developer offerings.  I urge you to inquire for more information and pictures from an experienced local Maui Realtor.  These are already selling, so don't waste any time securing your own multi-million dollar home-away-from home in the Hawaiian Islands. I will be posting ... 05/11/2008

I went to the brokers open at Kai Malu in Wailea this afternoon, this community is really spectacular and worthy of my writing about . Kai Malu is located about ½ mile from my home in Maui Meadows, I actually used to run through this area years ago when it was a dirt road across from my house. When entering Kai Malu, your first impression is awe inspiring. In a setting of terraced ancient lava, and amazing views of the expansive Pacific Ocean this community situated along the Old Wailea Blue Golf Course is one of Wailea's true gems. The community infinity pool at Kai Malu is 75 feet long (much larger than many pools in Wailea). There is a huge deck area for owners to soak up the sweet south Pacific sun and a large pavillian for the smallest barbeque or a large family celebration. If you... 05/10/2008

Why is Maui Real Estate a Winner! Here are ten reasons that people will keep coming back to Maui. This one is a know brainier, we have great weather through out the year.  Wailea has perfect weather. Not to windy and lots of sunshine all year long.  The rest of the island is so diverse as far as weather goes. Upcountry in the winter can have snow capped Haleakala carter in December.  The north shore is more tropical and lush.  It can be rainy at times but that is what makes it so beautiful.For all you golfer's we have world class golf courses in Wailea and Kapalua over looking incredible ocean views.We have some of the finest world class hotels like the 4-Seasons and The Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa.Maui has some of the finest beaches in the world from Wailea/Makean, Napali, Kaanapali to ... 05/07/2008

In April there were eleven re-sales of  in Wailea condominiums and Makena condominiums. The median sale price of $1.875 million was dramatically higher than both 2007 numbers and the first quarter of 2008 results. That is a reflection of tow Ho'olei resales being added to the mix for the first time and three other oceanfront closings. The per sqaure foot average price, the better measure in our opinion, of $1194 was up 3% over 2007 and 8% over the first quarter 2008. The most telling characteristic of the sales was that of the 11 nine were either new or heavily remodeled. Exceptional condition continues to be a key attribute buyers are seeking. For sale inventory has declined under the 180 unit level for the first time in months.    On the residential side Wailea homes  had a busy month... 05/07/2008