Hawaii Real Estate Blog

Another year is on the books and one of our favorite properties, Honua Kai, had an outstanding year.  The introduction of Luana Garden Villas to the market has been met with much anticipation and absorption has been phenomenal - with one more phase being released momentarily to be met with high demand. The construction at the Westin had stalled sales along the outside southern perimeter of Hokulani, yet with its completion now that side of the tower is among the most desired outside perimeter units - with an impeccable resort setting next door and now established view corridors, it's easy to see why there is such high interest.

To start a deeper, let's look at each micro-market.

Studios

As one of the most coveted niches within Honua Kai, it's not…

From tropical rainforests to soaring cliffs to sanding shorelines, Kauai is truly a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. The Garden Isle offers some of Hawaii’s most diverse terrain without the crowds, showcasing some of the state’s best hikes and stunning scenery.

When traveling to Kauai, there are so many ways to explore the island that it can almost seem overwhelming. To make it easier on you, we made a list of some of our favorite hikes, some that you can accomplish within a hour or two and others that demand a backpack full of camping gear and an appetite for discovering Kauai's Aloha. Wherever you go, be sure to bring a camera to capture some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Kalalau Trail

Even though it’s one of the longest hikes…

Everyone on the mainland might be dreaming of a white Christmas, but the holiday season on Oahu takes on its own unique twist. From Santa arriving by outrigger canoe to parades of boats, there are all sorts of ways people in the islands celebrate the holidays that you won’t find anywhere else.  We’ve got you covered with a list of five things you need to check out this holiday season on Oahu. And best of all, you can enjoy all of the holiday’s most cheerful activities within the comforts of slippers and Aloha wear — without ever having to put on a winter coat.

Mele Kalikimaka Oahu
Photo credit: Daniel Ramirez

Everyone on the mainland might be dreaming of a white Christmas, but the holiday season on Oahu takes on its own unique twist. From Santa arriving by outrigger canoe to…

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your toes in the sand, the sun on your skin and the sounds of waves gently crashing onto a beach. Yet often, relaxing days at the beach can get cut short by crowds of people, who flock to the islands in search of creating new memories and exploring Hawaii’s famous shorelines. For those craving secluded pockets of paradise, Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park, as beautiful as they are, just don’t cut it.

But if you’re searching for serenity, solitude and a quiet place to lay down a blanket and read a book, we’ve got your covered. There are handfuls of beaches across Oahu, Hawaii’s most populated island, where you can enjoy the island’s natural wonders without crowds of tourists. These are a few of our favorites:

Every few years something comes on the market that is so extraordinary that it stands out into a category of its own. Such is the case with 4508 Makena Road, one of Hawaii's most uniquely located beachfront homes. With one of the highest quality of build anywhere on Maui and a location steeped with culture, it presents one of the strongest value propositions for a sophisticated Buyer looking for absolute perfection in the Pacific.

Makena Luxury Home

The 4 bedroom / 5.5. bathroom beachfront estate is thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan anchored by the living area which seamlessly transitions to the spacious lanais and resort-style pool with spa. With 20' ceilings, the Living Area and main lanai feel open and spacious, while panoramic ocean views frame some of the…

With a laid back attitude, world class amenities, and a picture perfect tropical setting, it's no wonder that so many celebrities flock to Maui for rest and relaxation. The Valley Isle can be such an addictive place that many of these well-heeled visitors decide to make it home - even if it's home away from home. 

One of Maui's most famous visitors is Oprah Winfrey, who is known to have significant properties Upcountry, including the Thompson Ranch. She has proven to be a great steward of the land, keeping with the Paniolo character of the area while practicing a sense of Kuleana (responsibility) of maintaining the land with care and sensibility.

On the south side, Steven Tyler can be found riding around town and is known for frequenting Little Beach, near…

The Kihei condo market continues to be one of the most interesting in Maui and within it, there are a multiple anomalies, one is Kihei Akahi, which has proven to be one of the strongest micro-markets in Kihei real estate. Let's take a look at how Kihei Akahi is doing currently. 

Active Listings

Currently there are five listings on the market, all of which are in D building: 

D-315 - Very desirable two-bedroom corner unit. Upgraded condition, outstanding view corridors, offered for $655K.
D-314 - One bedroom unit. Big ocean views, list price $479K.
D-613 - Penthouse level one bedroom unit with panoramic view corridors, list price $489K.
D-609 - Another penthouse level one bedroom unit. Clean condition, big views, with a list price of $525K
D-402 - Two…

Question: I'm interested in buying a condo in Kihei but looking for either USDA or FHA financing because of the lower down payment, but I don't have see a lot of options. Is Kihei Villages approved?

Maui FHA Loans

Answer:  Perfect timing. Kihei Villages was recently approved for FHA Financing, effective as of September 11, 2018. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, the FHA loan program is a popular one, particularly among first-time home buyers. This is great news for both Buyers, as now this property is an option in a Kihei condo market that lacks other FHA options, and for Sellers, who now theoretically have a larger pool of prospective purchasers. The only other condo in Kihei currently approved, as per the HUD website, is the Island Surf building but that is…

Honua Kai Real Estate Market

As the summer comes to an end, let's take a look at the state of the market at one of our favorite properties, Honua Kai. 

New Listings

The month of August saw two new listings come on the market:

Konea 638 - This one bedroom / one bathroom is on the northern outside perimeter of the Konea tower. With a 6th floor location, there is enough elevation to guaranteed privacy and ocean view corridors, while being near the wing elevator provides convenience in accessing the ground-level amenities. Priced at $990K, we'll see whether the market brings enough demand for absorption at or near the asking price.

Hokulani 403 - A three bedroom / three bathroom interior courtyard residence priced at $3.2M. North-facing, view corridors are framed by the resort pools,…

With miles of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Kihei coastline is home to some of the best oceanfront / beachfront Maui real estate. On today's post, we'd like to discuss the Luana Kai condo market. Located in North Kihei, Luana Kai has convenient access to the rest of Kihei while having a comfortable commute to West Maui and Central, with all the amenities waiting therein. Onsite, guests, residents and owners enjoy access to the pool and cabana area, one of Kihei's best, as well as easy access to the public tennis courts directly out front. The property is fronted by a large area of conservation land owned by the County, which in essence acts as a buffer between the property and the beach - the added benefit of not being directly…