Maui Real Estate & Lifestyle News

Maui Travel Information  

Updated July 13, 2020

In response to COVID-19, the State of Hawaii implemented a 14-day quarantine for travelers which remains in effect until July 31, 2020. 

June 16, 2020: As Hawaii flattened the curve, the state lifted the quarantine for interisland travel for residents and visitors who have completed the 14 day quarantine.   The state implemented thermal screening and a stronger contact-tracing program.  Travelers are required to complete a new interisland travel form, which must be provided prior to travel--anyone who has not submitted the form or has a temperature above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed to fly. For the forms and more information visit:https://health.hawaii.gov/travel/  

September 1, 2020: In the wake of growing

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Market Spotlight and New Listing: Lahaina Shores

by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

Lahaina Shores Condos for Sale

Lahaina Shores is a distinctive architectural landmark on the West Maui shoreline. This elegant seven-story building with a double colonnade entrance is the only directly beachfront condo resort in Lahaina.

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the verdant backdrop of the West Maui mountains, Lahaina Shores consists of 199 units made up of studios, 1-bedroom units, and penthouse units.  Amenities include an oceanfront pool, whirlpool spa, and front desk. Condominium units are individually owned, and owners can be a part of the onsite vacation rental management program operated by Destination Hotels, or vacation-rent their units through a private management program of

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Maui Travel Information  

In response to COVID-19, the State of Hawaii implemented a 14-day quarantine for travelers.  Initially, this included those traveling interisland, as well as those arriving to the state both internationally and from the mainland US.  As the number of cases has dropped within the state, the government lifted the interisland quarantine starting on June 16, 2020.  The quarantine remains in effect for mainland/international travelers to the state until July 31, 2020.  

The state requires intersisland travelers to complete and submit a has a new travel form.  This must be provided prior to travel--anyone who has not submitted the form or has a temperature above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed to fly. For the forms and more information

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Maui Property Tax Rates 2020-2021

Note: This article was updated on July 1, 2020

The Maui County Council approved the new property tax rates for the July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021 Fiscal Year.

Traditionally, the lowest tax rate is for Homeowner, where this is their declared primary residence.  The highest tax rate remains the Time Share Classification.   Maui County assesses taxes based on the tax rate (usage/zoning) multiplied by the assessed value of the property.  The county assesses values each year based on the sales in the prior fiscal year.  Therefore, the assessed value will seldom line up with current market conditions.  For example, the 2020 rates were based on sales of similar properties from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

This is the

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by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

Haleakala Gardens

Haleakala Gardens is one of the most popular residential condominium complexes in North Kihei. Located on Kulanihakoi St., its just a block from Kalepolepo Beach,  You'll find the Pacific Whale Sanctuary, local canoe clubs, the Ko’ie’ie Loki I’a Fishpond, Safeway and Azeka Shopping Center close-by. It’s perfect for a long-term rental property, or a full-time or part-time residence.

Haleakala Gardens was built in 1989 and has 164 units total on nearly nine acres of land spread throughout twenty separate 2-story buildings.  There are studios, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans.  Second-floor units feature vaulted ceilings.  Sold prices in the last six months from the time of this post have been ranged from $292,500

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Market Spotlight: The Kulakane

by Heidi Dollinger, R(S)

Kulakane Condos for Sale

The Kulakane is an oceanfront resort with 42 units, located at 3741 Lower Honoapiilani Rd. on the border of the Honokowai and Mahinahina neighborhoods, close the Honokowai Farmer’s Market and shopping, just north of Kaanapali, about 5 miles north of Lahaina town.  The distinctive shingle style architecture and twinkling curbside appeal evokes an exotic and quaint, yet warm hospitality as you rewind time and step into an easier way of being, embraced by the temperate air and gentle trade winds. 

Amenities include a “half-moon” plunge pool, barbeque grills, and onsite laundry.  Long-time owners and visitors gather at sunset for the traditional conch shell ritual, and can participate in

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The Masters at Kaanapali Hillside: Market Update

Masters at Kaanapali Hillside

The Masters is one of my favorite condominium communities, having gotten my start in real estate working on the developer's sales team (far too long ago).  The property overlooks the Royal Kaanapali golf course, with sweeping views of the ocean and outer islands.  The low-rise, low-density development, lends a feeling of privacy and space, with 200 units on approximately 38 acres.  Amenities in this gated community include two pools, two spas, and four tennis courts, and the ability to have BBQ's.  It's a popular choice for both primary residents and second homeowners alike seeking to live in the Kaanapali Resort.

As we navigate an unusual time, many buyers and sellers are wondering how to value

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21 Movies filmed in Hawaii

Are you missing Hawaii right now?

With everyone sheltering in place and restrictions on travel, movies are one way to bring the islands to your living room.  In the past century, hundreds of films have been filmed in Hawaii, starting with HAWAIIAN LOVE and THE SHARK GOD, filmed in 1913.  Many early classics were filmed here, starring headliners like Bing Crosby, Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Shirly Temple.  And let's not forget about Hawaii's legendary surf and the surfers who inspire us all.

Some films may surprise you, like Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Planet of the Apes, which all used Hawaii as a backdrop for a fictional setting.  Others have a story rooted in Hawaii and the island culture and provide a

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A taste of Maui: Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate

Chocolate Martini Anyone? 

While we are sheltering in place, I've been looking for ways to bring the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands to you, wherever you may be.  Today I'd like to feature Maui's Ku'ia Estate Chocolate.  The company was founded by philanthropists with the incredible goal of giving 100% of the net profits to local charities.  So essentially, your chocolate addiction will positively reverberate through the community--who doesn't love that?

Ku'ia Maui Chocolate Martini Recipe   Kuia Chocolate Martini

Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolates recommend using their Dark Chocolate Baker's Drops because they melt so quickly on the stove.

Of course, you can always use our chocolate bars or pieces instead, and you can experiment with the

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Maui Real Property Tax Assessement Information

Property owners in Maui County should be receiving their notices of their annual Real Property Tax Assessment, which were mailed on March 15, 2020.  The notices will include:

  • Tax Rate Classification
  • January 1st Assessment (market value as of last June 30th, 2019)
  • Exemption and person receiving the exemption

The deadline to file an appeal is April 9, 2020.  Errors can occur, exemptions can be missed, so please check your notice carefully. If no action is taken the owner will be committed to the tax rate classification, assessment value and exemption information presented on the form for the entire year.  

Please look for this assessment notice in the mail. When you receive it, review it for accuracy and if you have any questions,…
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