Find out what’s the ‘Best of Maui’

MauiTime released its ‘Best of Maui’ series.  While enjoying what is consistently voted as the “Best Island in the World”, visitors can enjoy the Best of Maui, as voted by residents and long-time visitors.  This year’s edition is in 3D, so any clients who are currently off-island and would like a copy, contact me and I’ll send you one in the mail. The categories range from ‘Best Meter Maid’ to ‘Best Place to Get Waxed’, so for the sake of brevity I will report those that would be most relevant:

*  Best Town to Live: Lahaina. Are you looking to enjoy world-class beaches, five star restaurants, and championship golf courses? Lahaina boasts that and much more, from a thriving nightlife to boutique shops and everything in between, this is the town to live. Real estate options range from magnificent ocean estates to entry-level condominiums.

*  Best Fine Dining:  Mama’s Fish House. Critically acclaimed, this Maui institution is well-known for its unparalleled beachfront location, an outstanding wait staff, and a menu that will please even the most discerning food aficionado. If you are looking for a vacation rental within walking distance of Mama’s Fish House, contact us.

*  Best Bar: Ambrosia Martini Lounge. Reinventing the art of mixing drinks, the staff at Ambrosia are true innovators in their field. A casual atmosphere, new-age drinks (as well as the classics), and good company abound at this new Kihei landmark.

*  Best Locals’ Beach: Baby Beach in Spreckelsville. The natural lagoon at Baby Beach provides an excellent place for kids to play and for adults to frolic peacefully on the water. After enjoying a day at the beach, head in to Paia for a mai tai and unwind the Maui way.

*  Best Local Blog: A Maui Blog. Liza Pierce has been ‘talking story since 2006’. Her blog is insightful, sincere, and genuine in promoting Maui, from a local’s perspective with Aloha. Subscribe to her feed for updated Maui information, news, and local events.

There are a hundred other categories in the Maui Time’s “Best of” so if you’d like to further discuss it or have questions about Maui, feel free to contact me.

Kanani Wailea REO is a great investment opportunity

Those who have visited or stayed at Kanani Wailea understand that this is one of the best real estate developments in Maui. Built in 2006, this community offers single residence privacy with the conveniences of condominium living, embodying well the new breed of Wailea real estate.  Units range in size from 3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom, 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom, 4 bedroom / 4 bathroom, to enormous 4 bedroom / 4.5 bathrooms.

Residents enjoy exclusive use the Kanani Wailea amenities, which include a community clubhouse with adjacent infinity pool/spa, an exercise facility, and private garages. And being in the midst of Wailea, an array of comforts abound: from exclusive shopping at the Shops of Wailea, to five-star restaurants, championship golf courses, and, of course, world-class beaches.

Are you looking to partake in Wailea living? Well, this recently listed REO unit is one to consider.  Priced at $899K, this Kanani Wailea 4 bedroom / 4 bathroom updated residence boasts 2,242 square feet of interior living space and features a large lanai for outdoor entertainment. With soaring ceilings, exotic wood floors, and high-end fixtures, this one will take your breath away.  Compare it to a 3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom unit listed at $1.1M and its value becomes more apparent.

Should you want more information on this unit or other investment opportunities in Maui, contact Mariah at Mariah@MauiRealEstateSearch.com or Alex at Alex@MauiRealEstateSearch.com

For many potential Maui home buyers, Leasehold properties have the alluring appeal of being priced lower than Fee-Simple comparable properties (read here for more info regarding Fee Simple vs. Leasehold), yet offer amenities/locations that would be unaffordable on a Fee Simple property.  For example, let’s take a look at Kamaole Nalu and Royal Mauian, two properties that are literally next to each other but one is Leasehold and the other is Fee Simple.

Kamaole Nalu Leasehold Condo For Sale

Kamaole Nalu is a condo complex sitting on 2/3 of an oceanfront acre in Kihei, consisting of 36 units, all of which are 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom (774 square feet).  A unit currently for sale (MLS# 339998) is listed for $295,000 and another unit sold two months ago sold for $325,000. As a leasehold property, the current lease is approximately $650 per month and will be renegotiated in 2015,  a follow up renegotiation in 2025, with an expiration date of 07/2035. So is this a good value for an oceanfront Kihei condo? Let’s compare it to its neighbor.

Royal Mauian Fee Simple Condo For Sale

Royal Mauian sits atop 2.2 acres, beachfront on Kam I/II.  Units range from 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom (590-610 square feet), 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom (806-864 square feet), and 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom (1324 square feet). A Royal Mauian comparable unit is currently for sale (MLS# 344005), listed at $1,149,000 and a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom unit sold two months ago for $1,300,000.

So is the Fee Simple ownership worth the extra million dollars? It really depends on your position. If you are looking to enjoy a property that otherwise would be out of range, then a Leasehold presents a great value. If you are cautious and would prefer a Fee Simple ownership, knowing that you own it outright, it’s certainly understandable.

For more information on Leasehold properties or real estate investment opportunities, contact Mariah at Mariah@HawaiiLife.com or Alex at Alex@HawaiiLife.com

Wailea Pualani REO is one of the best values in Hawaii real estate

With so many distressed properties being listed, the Maui real estate market is dynamic and those interested in an investment opportunity must be quick to act. And for anyone who has been interested in purchasing a home in Wailea but though the prices were too high, the opportunity is here.

A Bank-owned property in Wailea Pualani was recently listed at $928,000.  Compare that to two active listings on the same street currently listed at $1,698,000 and $1,599,900 respectively.  In addition, take into account that 3 similar properties have sold in the past 6 months for: $1,350,000, $1,245,000 and $1,522,000, all of which were just a few houses down from this Pualoa Nani Place and you can see just how this is a phenomenal value.

As one of the newer communities in master-planned Wailea, Wailea Pualani consists of 92 invidually-designed homes on thirty-two lush, perfectly-manicured acres of prime South Maui real estate.  With gated access for visitors and a private 2.5 acre recreational area, residents enjoy privacy and a small-community atmosphere.

Should you need further information on this Wailea Pualani REO or other Maui investment properties, contact us.  We keep abreast of the market’s fluctuations, thereby providing our clients with the most up-to-date information.

Grand Wailea redefines luxury lifestyles in Maui

To those lucky visitors who have stayed and enjoyed the Grand Wailea it comes as no surprise that Grand Wailea’s pool was included in ABC’s list of “World’s Best Watery Paradise“.  Sitting atop 40 tropical, perfectly-manicured acres of paradise in the master-planned resort community of Wailea, guests enjoy luxury amenities, a world-class spa, top-rated restaurants, and (of course) beachfront access to one of the most revered beaches in the world, Wailea Beach. But who can forget the array of water activities available on nine pools, from waterslides, rope swings, water rapids, and a water elevator on the Activity Pool, to adventures on the Scuba Pool, to the peaceful, adults-only Hibiscus Pool. Guests can enjoy relaxing days of sunbathing, adventure-filled days that brings the kid in all of us, and everything in between.

Are you interested in living the Maui lifestyle but want the convenience of Grand Wailea living? Then consider owning at Ho’olei.  New units are sold fully furnished, include a private elevator, spacious garages, and large lanais for outdoor entertainment. But a feature most residents truly cherish: a Grand Wailea Kulana Club membership, which entitles bearers access to all Grand Wailea pools and fitness centers, as well as member preferred pricing for spa treatments, food and beverages, and Camp Grande (for children ages 5 to 12).  Life doesn’t get much better than having the privacy and comfort of a private, luxury Maui home with the conveniences of 5-star resort-living.  Search Ho’olei luxury condos for sale and contact us for a tour/viewing.