What is HARPTA, the new law, and are there any exemptions?

What is HARPTA?

HARPTA is the Hawaii Real Property Tax Act.  HARPTA is a Withholding Tax on Sales of Hawaii Real Property by Nonresident Persons.  The " withholding obligation is generally imposed on the transferee/buyer when a Hawaii real property interest is acquired from a nonresident person. This withholding serves to collect Hawaii income tax that may be owed by the nonresident person."*  This is similar to the withholding in California, often referred to as CalFIRPTA, and the federal withholding tax on the disposition of real property known as FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act)." Read More in Tax Information Release No. 2017-01

Per the State of Hawaii's

I'll admit it, most of us have trouble visualizing an empty room and how to make it our own.  While we find many Maui real estate listings offered furnished if it is a resort property/second home, it can be different if the seller is selling their primary residence.  Staging can be a challenge as we have so few stagers and storage options on island.

Enter Augmented Realty. Sotheby's International Realty has just introduced the Curate by Sotheby's International Realty App which allows you to furnish an empty room in a variety of styles.  The vision is to transform the home buying experience, making it easier for both buyers and sellers alike.

iPhone users: Download Curate by Sotheby's International Realty
Android users: Download Curate

The Kaanapali Coffee Farms: introducing 2132 Aina Mahiai

The Indoor-Outdoor living allows you to enjoy the sweeping ocean and outer island views

2132 Aina Mahiai: a contemporary plantation home set amidst an active coffee farm

Modern design and clean lines allow the eye to focus on the lush greenery and spectacular ocean views.  This single level home opens to a spacious lanai for indoor-outdoor living.  The Fleetwood pocketing doors in the great room open up to an expansive covered lanai featuring an outdoor barbeque, conversational fire pit, and pool with spa all perfect for enjoying Maui's sunset year-round.  This 4 bedrooms, 4 bathroom home has an ocean view master suite with an inviting outdoor shower garden.  Throughout you will

Homes and Short Term Vacation Rentals in Maui County

How can you tell if the vacation rental listing of a Home is a scam or a legal rental?

Updated 2.22.22

I often get calls from people planning their vacation here on Maui and considering a home instead of a condo or hotel. The calls sometimes come when it just seems too good to be true; at other times, it's after they've paid deposits and can't reach their contact; and some come after they google the address and see the home is listed for sale.  Unfortunately, in almost all of these cases, the property is not a legal vacation rental.  Photos are simply taken from websites and used in online ads in a rental scam. 

It breaks my heart to hear these stories--sometimes they call before they've

Troon, the management for Maui's famed Plantation Course in Kapalua, has announced plans to revitalize the course, as well as key components of the Bay Course and Golf Academy. 

The Plantation Course repeatedly receives accolades as one of the best courses in Hawaii.  Around the world, the course is best known as home to the annual PGA Tour Tournament of Champions, an invitation-only tournament, with a field comprised of only to the prior year's tournament winners.

The multi-million dollar enhancement project includes plans to have the original architects, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, work with the Golf Channel's Mark Rolfing, a long time Kapalua resident.  The initial scope of the project includes resurfacing the greens, renovating the bunkers, and

A Perfect Pairing: Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Kapalua

CHAMPAGNE HALE AT MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

Once again the Montage Kapalua Bay will open its popular pop-up event at the Champagne Hale to the public!  The Champagne Hale features Veuve Clicquot in one of Maui's most spectacular settings.  Perfect for watching sunset, the pop-up bar and lounge overlook Namalu Bay and the channel between Molokai and Lanai. Enjoy a variety of Veuve Clicquot Champagnes paired with seasonal bites. Veuve Clicquot Rich also returns as Champagne Hale is the exclusive venue to pour this refreshing Champagne cocktail in Hawaii. 

Dates: March 22-25, 29 & 31 | April 1 & 5-8
Hours: 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Cost: No cover charge, cocktails and pupus by menu selection
Note: Walk-ins

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay: Market Overview and New Listing!

The from Residence #4402, a corner lanai facing South West is ideal to take in Maui's sunsets

Now offered - Residences at Kapalua Bay #4402, Interval #1 the most desirable holiday weeks (December/January) at the Montage at Kapalua Bay. Enjoy spectacular winter sunsets, ocean views, and indulge your passion for luxury as an owner at this premier five-star resort. Walk to the beach at Kapalua Bay, lounge by the pool, experience fine dining, or play on the famous Plantation and Bay courses.

Enjoy ocean views from the spacious corner lanai, as well as the living room and both bedroom suites.  This is a deeded one-twelfth fractional ownership with 21 guaranteed days each year and

Frequently Asked Questions: What is the difference between Leasehold and Fee Simple Ownership in Hawaii

Alaeloa: a rare gem, oceanfront and ocean view cottages in Napili, Maui

Why is there leasehold property? The History of Leasehold Property in West Maui:

With the development of the Kaanapali Resort in 1961 and later the Kapalua Resort in 1978, Maui became a vacation destination. As tourism flourished and became the mainstay of our economy, local landowners partnered with developers to build Leasehold condominiums on family-owned properties or on former agricultural land.  In West Maui, many local landowners saw this as a way to retain ownership of their land and derive income from the lease rents.  Leases were typically set for 99 years,

THE VILLAS AT KAHANA RIDGE: 10 Heather Lane #213, Kahana 

Price Reduced!

Featured Listing Video: 10 Heather Lane, Villas at Kahana Ridge #213 now offered at $478,000

Since it's development in 2005, the Villas at Kahana Ridge has become a popular choice for many full-time residents living and working in West Maui, as well as part-time residents.   Located just seven miles from Lahaina, between the Kapalua and Kaanapali Resorts, this quiet residential community is across the street from Kahana Gateway shopping center, close to restaurants, the Kapalua airport, and the beaches of Kahana.  A mix of two and three bedroom condominium floor plans, there are 117 residences in 8 buildings on 5 acres.

Villas at Kahana Ridge #213 is a ground floor,

PLAY the Plantation Course

In just a few days, Kapalua will welcome golf's greatest players for the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions.

While the golf's superheroes will play the course from January 3-7, 2018, the Plantation Course is open to mere mortals to play as well.

Both the Plantation Course and the much loved Kapalua Bay Course are open to the public.  Managed by Troon Golf, reservations to play the courses can be booked by calling 808-669-8044 or 877-527-2582.

Tomorrow, Friday, December 29, 2017 is last day of play for the course prior to the tournament, with limited tee times from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The course closes to then prepare for the tournament, reopening to the public Monday, January 8, 2018.  The course is