Maui is voted as Best Island

For the 17th straight time, the readers of Conde Nast have voted Maui as the best island in the world. Announced on Oct. 10th in NYC, the results are based on over 28,000 Conde Nast Traveler subscribers, encompassing over 8M individual votes. The Valley Isle took the top honor with an astonishing top score of 92.1, with another Hawaiian island (Kauai) a close second at 90. Leading the way in ‘Top Hawaii Resorts’ were two Maui entities: Travaasa Hana (formerly known as Hotel Hana-Maui) and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. And as last year, not only was Maui the Best Island, it was also the Best Destination in the World by edging out Best City winner Sydney (score 85.1).

Maui has a plethora to offer: from luxury beachfront living in Wailea and Kapalua, to a tropical oasis in Hana, to a laid-back surfer mecca in Paia and Haiku, to small-town living of Kihei, to historic Lahaina, Maui is as great a place to live as it is to visit. Having lived in numerous parts of the world and experienced various cultures, I would wholeheartedly endorse Maui as a phenomenal place to call home. Aloha.

Maui Real Estate: Disclosure

Recently a client asked what needs to be disclosed by the seller in the course of a real estate transaction. In the Aloha State, Hawaii Revised Statue Chapter 508D requires a seller of real property to disclose material facts known to the seller that can be observed from visible accessible areas. Great. But what does that mean?

First, let’s define ‘material fact’. The applicable Statue defines it as “any fact, defect, or condition, past or present, that would be expected to measurably affect the value to a reasonable person of the residential real property being offered for sale.” Simple enough. Armed with that definition, filling out the Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Statement should be a cinch! Except, it isn’t. For example, if somebody died in a home, should that be disclosed under additional facts? To some people, this is critical information which will automatically disqualify that property as a potential purchase, yet to some others it is not a big deal. Or in a question such as ‘Is the property subject to excessive air pollution’, with what metric is ‘excessive‘ measured? Some people may be extremely sensitive to air conditions, vog being specific to Hawaii, hence they would consider ANY level pollution to be restrictive of their enjoyment and, as such, excessive. Furthermore, whether there is a ‘pest problem’ can be open to an individual perceptions. Although a seller may find mice from time to time in a Kula property (which is quite common) and not find it to be a ‘pest problem’, a buyer unaware of overall conditions in that district may find it to be an a HUGE problem. Clearly, interpretation can be very subjective and it could easily be argued one way or the other. Just ask any attorney worth their sheepskin.

As a seller, by disclosing all known material facts in good faith and with due care, it’d present a much stronger position if said disclosure came into question in front a judge and jury. So whether to avoid potential liability or, well, to do the right thing: if in doubt, then disclose it!

Disclosure: The opinions on this post are NOT legal advice. The author is NOT an attorney nor has ever portrayed one on TV. Potential buyers are encouraged to consult experts in the appropriate field (i.e. law, taxes, financial planning, construction, engineering) in order to best protect their interests.

A Must Do for every Wailea visitor and resident

My favorite time of the year is upon us: Restaurant Week Wailea! The master-planned community of Wailea has a well-earned reputation as being a place where some of the world’s greatest culinary artists master their skills and residents/visitors are the lucky beneficiaries of such talent. And from May 22nd to the 28th, fifteen restaurants will be participating in the week-long celebration, with portions of proceeds from pre-fixe entree sales being donated to the Maui Food Bank.

Participating restaurants include Spago, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Nick’s Fishmarket, Mulligan’s on the Blue, Longhi’s, Kai Wailea, Gannon’s, DUO, Monkeypod Kitchen and others. Of noteworthy mention is Grand Wailea’s beachfront Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, which offers a perfect melee phenomenal views and incredibly delectable food. Depending on the restaurant, pre-fixe menus are offered at $29, $39, and $49 per person but remember that this does not include gratuities (tip the staff, they work hard to make your experiences memorable and are appreciative of your tips).

Enjoy some of the culinary experiences in Hawaii and partake in Restaurant Week.

Effective 01/11/2011, Maui has banned the use of plastic bags

In an effort to lessen environmental impact and stay on the forefront of the green movement, Maui County has implemented a ban on plastic bags. As such, from this point forward businesses will not be allowed to provide customers with plastic bags at points of sale. Vendors will be required to provide recyclable paper bags or reusable bags, either for sale or free of charge. But not just any paper bag will do, they must be 100% recyclable and be labeled as ‘reusable’ and ‘recyclable’ on the outside of the bag.

There are a few, very limited uses in which plastic bags are allowed (i.e. selling meat), but it’s always best to err on the side of caution. So whether you a visitor, part-time resident, or a Maui lifer, make it a habit to take a reusable bag or two whenever running errands. Let’s keep Maui green so that future generations can enjoy the Valley Isle and discover what makes it the Best Island in the World, year after year.

Maui is Recognized by Conde Nast

For those who have enjoyed Maui in the past, with its natural beauty, activities, golfing, dining, and beaches, it comes as no surprise that Maui was voted (yet again) by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as the “Best Island in the World”. In the 20 years that readers have been ranking islands, Maui has garnered the top honor 16 times.

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