Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

TROPICAL FLOWERS FROM HAWAII

Remember the jade vines from Haiku Maui?  While I was there I took some more flower pictures.  It seems that people can't get enough of these tropical blooms, so I will share some more with you.  It's very easy to grow these plants in the warm climate of Haiku Maui.  With rainfall somewhere between 25-75 inches a year, and plenty of sunshine, Haiku encourages many plants to flower year round.  The brilliant colors of Hibiscus, Bird of Paradise, Croton, and Cotton are all shown here.  Palms of all kinds thrive in Haiku.  Citrus and avocado too.  

What kind of tropical plants would you grow if you lived in Hawaii?

Maui Real Estate Q & A - What's a TMK number?

When talking about Maui real estate we refer to parcels by their identifying TAX MAP KEY number, or TMK.  This is the unique number that the County of Maui assigns to each parcel of land.  There is only 1 TMK for each piece of real property, even condos.  Sometimes the County is a little slow in assigning these numbers to a new subdivision, and you might encounter a TBD in an MLS report, meaning To Be Determined.  Be sure to ask your Maui Realtor about what this means if you're buying that property.

The TMK is a 6 part number that's broken down into: Island; zone; section; plat; parcel; and condominium.  For example, a condo at the Palms of Wailea Resort will have the following sequence..  2-2-1-008-082-xxxx.  Maui island is a 2.  Kihei/Wailea is zone 2, section 1.  

There are only 4 zones on Maui.  Hana and Kipahulu and Keanae are all part of zone 1. On the north shore you have zones 2 and 3, Haiku, Paia and Spreckeslville, Kahului and Wailuku.  South Maui is zone 2 or 3.  Maalaea is zone 3.  West Maui is zone 4.

Whatever property you're looking for, you can search the Maui MLS from the comfort of your own home with the www.eastmaui.com property search feature.

Aloha from the north shore of Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 

Other related posts:

• What's a Residential Condo?
• What's an Ohana?
• What's Makai and Mauka?
• DOM - huh?
• Maui County Property Tax website

Thanks for reading my Maui Blog!  I appreciate your comments too.

I think this topic is important.  A financing contingency is not something to take lightly.  I know buyers will balk at a developer's contract when they won't allow a financing contingency, and rightly so.  You need to take advantage of all the tools at your disposal when buying real estate, especially in today's market.

Just listed on Maui - homes, condos and land for sale

If you're looking to buy some property on Maui Hawaii, did you know you can search our Maui MLS database online?  You can search by area, property type, land size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and more.  REO and short sales too!  As a Maui Realtor, I have access to the new listings and can even set you up with automatic alerts for a specific type of property.  This is just my Maui blog - you really need to get over to my website to find your Maui home.

What are you looking for?  If you know what you want, it's very easy to set up a quick search and see what's available, then save the search and get updates daily.  All new listings that match your search can be in your inbox just as soon as they hit the market.  How about that?

When you find a listing you like, just click on the button for more information and I'll get that to you quickly.

When you're ready to buy, I'm here to help you with negotiations, and guide you through the escrow process.  I want to be on your team!

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - your Maui real estate agent  

(808) 283-0635   SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

• PAIA  relocation package  
• HAIKU relocation package 
• KIHEI/WAILEA relocation package 
• KAHULUI relocation package

Other related posts:

• Maui sold comps now available
• Shopping for a vacation condo on Maui
• Maui real estate newsletters

Makawao/Pukalani Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     January 2010
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Don't forget to sign up for these free e-newsletters about the Maui real estate market each month.   Just send me an email and I'll add your name to the list.

1.    Fenced Yard, Makawao  $389,000.00
- single level 3BD/1BA starter home right in town, remodeled kitchen, newer flooring
- back yard has tiered gardens, mature fruit trees, detached workshop with power

2.   Brand New, Pukalani  $419,000.00
- residential condo townhouse in a new development, never paint or roof your home again!
- this 3BD/2.5BA 2-story unit has a single car garage, A/C and upgraded flooring

3.    Extended Family, Haliimaile  $799,000.00
- expansive multi-level 6BD/4.5BA home that could be used as 2 units
- located between Paia and Makawao, half acre lot with fruit trees, flowers and huge shade trees, ocean views

4.    Super Cute, Makawao  $829,000.00
- charming 5BD/3BA custom house and 2BD/1BA cottage at the lower edge of town 
- wood floors, imperial plaster walls, Balinese style ceilings, French doors, outdoor shower

- unobstructed views of the north shore and Kahului, walk to restaurants, shops and galleries

Maui Banking - Maui Credit Unions

When it comes to shopping for a mortgage for your Maui home, you have some choices: an online lender; a Hawaii mortgage broker; a local bank or credit union.

If you're looking for an alternative to the big banks here on Maui, why not consider a credit union?  This list of Maui credit unions is a good place to start.  Some of them, like these 3, have employer requirements, meaning they require members to be employed by the federal, state or county government, select Maui companies, or the Maui Department of Education.  If you work for Uncle Sam, you probably already know if you're eligible for one of these options.

Maui County FCU

1888 Wili Pa Loop

Wailuku Hi  96793

www.mauicountyfcu.org

808 244-7968 

Maui FCU

107 E. Wakea Ave.

Kahului HI 96732

www.mauifcu.com

808 873-5050

Maui Teachers FCU

2145 Wells St, Ste 101   

Wailuku HI  96793

808 242-2997

The following Maui credit unions are not so strict but would like if you live and work on Maui, or attend school or worship in a certain district.  Why not contact them and see what they have to offer?

Valley Isle Community FCU

160 Paahana St.

Kahului Hi  96732

www.vicfcu.org

Kahului FCU

25 W. Kamehameha Ave.

Kahului Hi  96732

808 871-7705

Wailuku FCU

175 N. Market St.   

Wailuku HI  96793

808 242-7981

Kula Community FCU

137 Kalepa Pl.

Kahului Hi  96732

808 871-7710

West Maui Community FCU

349 Lahainaluna Rd.

Lahaina Hi  96761

808 661-4825

If you need any help searching for a Maui home, please let me know... I'm a licensed Realtor.

aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - EMAIL ME 

call or text me today at 808 283-0635 - start your Maui Property Search

other related posts:

• Hawaii mortgage rates
• Maui Banks

News Flash ... Just announced today in Maui County - our Hawaii driver license will get a new look beginning February 1 2010.  Click that link to see a sample of what it looks like.

Some of the new features to look for in these state-of-the-art cards:

• the word Hawaii with upper and lower case
• State of Hawaii flag icon
• clear portion with a state outline in 2 corners
• 2 images of license holder, one with sheer effect
• issue date and signature overlap image partially
• the rainbow design is back, with a hot pink sky!
• bi-dimensional bar code on the back  

For more information, call the County of Maui Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing at (808) 270-7363 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/finance.

Other related posts by me:

• Maui County Official Website
• Kahului/Wailuku Map
• Driving around Wailuku Maui pictures
• Driving through Paia Maui in the evening (video)
• Driving through Paia Maui in the day (video)
• Enjoying the drive on Maui - Kahakuloa

GOATS ON MAUI - GOT GOATS?

Aloha from the north shore of Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 

EMAIL ~ HAIKU Maui homes for sale ~ HAIKU Maui land for sale

Other related posts:

• Del's Farm Supply, Kahului Maui
• organic gardening in Haiku Maui
• Kula Country Farms
• Going Green on Maui

Paia/Haiku Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     January 2010

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Look at this great line up of new Paia listings.  The highs and lows of the
market are reflected here on the January Upcountry Caravan for Maui
Realtors.  These starter homes are just what a new owner needs, with space
for a roommate to help with the expenses.  And if money is no object, the
final Spreckelsville home for sale is a work of art, and just a short walk
to a sandy beach... with plenty of spots for those helpful roommates!

1.    Room for Everyone, Paia  $464,000.00
- larger than most homes in the area, this remodeled 4BD/2.5BA single story
home is in a quiet spot
- back bedroom has separate entrance and kitchenette, garage has a workshop,
not a short sale

2.   Central Location, Paia  $492,000.00
- 3BD/2BA house with a permitted studio apartment, right in the heart of
Paia and all it has to offer
- mature landscaping includes a mango and citrus trees, nice level yard

3.    Horse Lovers, Haiku  $1,175,000.00
- house and cottage on 2+ acres in an AG subdivision, close to upcountry
Equestrian Riding Arena
- 2-story main house is 3BD/2.5BA with wide open vistas of mountain and
ocean views
- detached cottage is well separated for privacy and also enjoys fabulous
views

4.    LA Connection, Spreckelsville  $1,495,000.00
- contemporary 2-story stucco home with 3 car garage, 75' lap pool in back
with huge covered lanai
- marble floors, etched glass doors, open white ceilings, gourmet kitchen
with granite and tile
- 2 complete bedroom suites downstairs, oversize master suite upstairs with
private sunning deck

5.    Windsurfer Farm,  Spreckelsville  $3,600,000.00
- custom luxury home and 2 acre estate with a private walkway leading to the
ocean, chicken friendly
- 3 large buildings include a 5BD/5.5BA home featuring many exotic woods,
slate and stone elements
- a 2-story detached AG office and a detached garage with home gym round out
the "farm"
- beautiful shade tree in middle of the circular drive, electric privacy
gate, close to beaches and airport
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Did you know the Pacific Primate Sanctuary has a blog and e-newsletter now?
This little haven for monkeys in Haiku is growing and needs your help.  See
what they're up to and see what you can offer, it'll make you feel good.
www.pacificprimate.blogspot.com

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Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro,  call or text me (808) 283-0635

Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI  96779
(808) 579-8255  FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a house with an ohana?    Call THE HUNTER...
Georgie Hunter, your Maui Realtor.

Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com

Tweet me on Twitter.com  @mauihunter

read about Maui on  www.MyMauiBlog.com

sign up for these newsletters

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Aloha from Maui.  "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals"

Here's the blog version of my monthly newsletter that covers the Kula Maui area's new listings.  You can sign up for this service by sending me an email.  There are 4 versions: Kula Maui; Makawao/Pukalani Maui; Haiku/Paia Maui; Maui south shore condos..... get all 4 and be informed of the Maui real estate market.

Kula Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -         January 2010

It was a nice mix of old and new, and town and country on the January
Upcountry Realtor Caravan, in all prices.  A couple of the homes could use
some updating, for the buyers who like it their way.  The high priced
unfinished masterpiece is still willing to work with a new owner for the
final details.

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1.    Res Condo, Kula  $499,500.00
- single level 3BD/1.5BA residential condo free standing home, shares a lot 
with 5 others
- in a quiet residential area, with shopping and schools close by

2.    Grandma's House, Kula  $575,000.00
- well maintained 3BD/3BA single level home, incredible gardens and fruit 
trees like avocado, citrus and pear
- plenty of storage including extra room with windows off garage, huge rock 
wall, walk to church

3.    Natural High, Kula  $1,099,000.00
- plenty of wood, tile and natural stone used for a European feeling in this 
2 story beauty
- incredible unobstructable views, cool mountain air, all organic mature 
landscape
- spiral staircase connects two unique and different levels of sophisticated 
living space

4.   Pool Party,  Kula  $1,650,000.00
- like to entertain?  how about this sprawling 3BD/3BA time capsule and pool 
on 5 landscaped acres?
- salt water pool is long and large, with slide and hot tub, expansive paved 
deck and pavilion
- the pool pavilion is everything you want in an outdoor kitchen, including 
a dishwasher and ice maker

5.    Builder Special, Kula  $2,500,000.00
- not quite finished custom luxury 3BD/3BA home and detached ohana/garage on 
over 3 acres
- Monier tile roofing, stucco exterior, 10' ceilings, solid mahogany doors, 
Brazilian cherry flooring, granite and travertine
- stunning ocean and mountain views, surrounded by pastures and farmland, 
close to Pukalani

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Aloha and have a very successful and happy 2010.  Don't forget about MyMauiBlog.com

------------------------------------------------------------

Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro (808) 283-0635

Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI  96779
(808) 579-8255  FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a vintage Kula home?    Call THE HUNTER...
Georgie Hunter, your Maui Realtor

Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
Follow me on Twitter .... I'm @mauihunter
KULA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE
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Aloha from Maui.   "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

Jade Vines growing in Haiku Maui - these are some of the most incredible flowers I have seen... the color is so unusual, and they grow in such a profusion of hanging clusters that it's very powerful.  These vines are just beginning to come on.  You might have seen these flowers crafted into a very unique lei, or garland for the neck.  There is no scent to speak of.

Aloha from the north shore of Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 

EMAIL ~ HAIKU Maui homes for sale ~ Maui oceanfront properties for sale

I think I've seen this guy on Maui!  haha

But seriously - if you find yourself working with a Realtor like this.... run away!  

Paia Maui Hawaii - 96779

On a weekend evening this little seaside town comes alive with people from around the world, especially in the winter months when we get big waves.  With all the restaurants and boutiques, there's plenty to do and see.  Did you notice the guys with the surfboards?  Say HI to Santa!

This is the town where you'll find Jim Sanders Realty - that's my office!  Well you won't find me hanging around in the office, as I'll be out looking at properties with Maui buyers, or getting some new Maui listings.  

Aloha from the north shore of Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 

EMAIL ~ Paia Maui homes for sale ~ Maui oceanfront properties for sale

other related posts:

• driving through Paia Maui HI 96779
• driving by Hookipa Beach Park, with rainbow
• Paia relocation package

I've been playing around with my new MacBook Pro and the iPhoto program that comes with it.  I can't say as I'm blown away with iPhoto, as I am used to using ACDSee for my picture editing (I really recommend them).  Anyway, I tweaked some pictures and saved them, without really knowing how they would turn out.  It seems they came out a little smaller than I would normally like, and I've posted them here full size.  Usually I would save these blog pictures as 1000 pixels wide, then post them at 600 px so they fit nicely on most screens.  I guess it's back to the drawing board and try again.  Live and learn!

All of these pictures were taken in Kihei and Wailea Maui Hawaii.  The pictures really don't begin to show how great it is.  You just need to come over and see for yourself.  If you need any help searching for a Maui home, please let me know... I'm a licensed Realtor.

aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - EMAIL ME 

call or text me today at 808 283-0635 - start your Maui Property Search

Other related posts:

• Photo Friday - tropical flowers of Maui
• Photos from Kula Maui
• Silent Saturday - Palms of Wailea Maui
• Beautiful Maui oceanfront scene
• Getting paid to go to the beach

Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center - 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului Maui HI 96732

The other day I posted a picture taken while turning into the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center on Maui.  It's the biggest shopping center in the central part of the island.  The anchor tenants are Macy's and Sears, which are situated on either end.  It's an open air mall, with a second story food court.  Downstairs in the central courtyard they hold a farmers market on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  As I was walking through to get some new shoes, I thought it might make a good subject for a short movie.  So, without further ado, here it is.

If you're shopping for shoes, clothes or jewelry, chocolates, sunglasses, books, electronics or a  new phone, chances are good you'll be shopping here.  There's also a multi-plex movie theater on the upper level, and a game arcade for the kids.  You can catch a free Hula show at 10 am.  Visit their website for a list of all the shops, restaurants and services available.

If you're shopping for a home on Maui, please consider allowing me to help you find the right property.  I'm a licensed Realtor with plenty of knowledge and experience.  You can visit my website to start your Maui property search.

Aloha from Maui and thanks for reading My Maui Blog ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635

WAILUKU and KAHULUI MAUI homes for sale ~ Kahului Maui relocation package

Maui Hawaii South Shore Condo Newsletter     -     January 2010

It's a new year and time for a new twist on the condo newsletter just to
start things off right.  This month I'm going to write about the sales from
2009.  In total, for the areas of Maalaea, Kihei and Wailea, there were 360
condo sales ranging from $90,000.00 to $3.6M.  14 of those were Leasehold,
in Maalaea, Kealia and Kamaole Nalu.  The average days on market was 171
days.

Distressed properties: 38 of them were short sales and 43 were bank owned.
Median short sale price was $299,250.  Median REO price was $199,000.

Below are some of the high and low points from 2009.  THESE CONDOS ARE
ALREADY SOLD.
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1.     Lowest Price, Central Kihei  $90,000.00 cash
- Kihei Manor 1BD/1BA condo in a small building with no vacation rentals
allowed
- this remodeled and cute condo was a short sale originally listed for
$129,000.

2.     Kihei Villages, North Kihei  median $175,000.00
- 23 of these starter units sold, with 13 of them being distressed
properties
- 2BD/1-1.5BA, about 750 sf townhouse style upper or lower floor homes

3.    Low Price Vacation, North Kihei  median $157,500.00
- Kihei Bay Surf studio condos are entry level vacation units
- $145,000.00 was the low water mark, and up as high as $179,000.00

4.    Beachfront Bargain, North Kihei  $280,400.00 cash
- furnished 1BD/1BA 4th floor vacation condo with ocean view
- believe it or not, not a short sale or bank owned

5.    Beachfront Best Buy, Maalaea  $399,000.00
- newly remodeled ground floor 2BD/2BA vacation unit with new furnishings
- fee simple, beachfront, with ocean view, pool and spa

6.    Bank Owned, Wailea  $575,000.00
- the highest price paid for a bank owned condo was at Wailea Ekahi
- furnished 1BD/2BA vacation condo, conventional financing

7.    Ke Alii Ocean Villas, Kihei  average $660,506.00
- 35 units at the new Ke Alii Ocean Villas closed, 21 of these were all cash
- these are nice 2 and 3 BD units with 1200-1700 sf, and a single garage
- most of them were developer offerings, brand new construction, some seller
concessions

8.    Brand New, Kihei  $879,000.00
- Hokulani Golf Villas had a slow year with only 1 sale which entered the
market at $1,079,000.00
- beautiful 2BD/2BA residential condo on the fairway and close to Piilani
Shopping Center

9.    Short Sales, Wailea  over $2,000,000.00
-  there were 2 successful short sales at Ho'olei in Wailea, both around
$2,100,000.00
- one cash buyer, one was financed for these luxurious 3BD/3.5BA resort
condos
- days on market... 386 days and 489 days!

10.    More Ho'olei, Wailea  median $2,200,000.00
- 19 total sales, including the previous 2 short sales
- most were first time offerings from the developer, 5 were cash buyers,
seller financing for some

11.    Highest Price, Wailea  $3,600,000.00 cash
- this luxury 3BD/3BA unit was sold before listing, the agents put together
a deal for their clients
-nicely furnished vacation rental with maintenance fees over $3100/month
- it was a Wailea Beach Villas penthouse, with 2,893 sf of living space and
a 452 sf lanai

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So what do you think?  Maybe it's not too late to get your own piece of Maui
before prices start going up again.  You know they will sooner or later.
Got cash?  Call me.  Don't forget you can sign up for these Maui newsletters.

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Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro
Paia, HI  96779  (808) 283-0635

Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI  96779   (808) 579-8255  FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a beachfront penthouse?
Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your South Maui Specialist.

Search all condo and residential listings on my website...  www.eastmaui.com

Search ALL MAUI CONDO active listings by name.

Learn more about Maui by reading  www.MyMauiBlog.com


Aloha from Maui... "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

Aloha from Maui Hawaii!  Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  call or text me today 808 283-0635   EMAIL me

search Kahului and Wailuku Maui homes for sale

Other related posts:

• Kahului Maui relocation package
• Google Map of Kahului Maui
• driving in Wailuku Maui
• buildings in old Wailuku Maui
• Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center video

Makena Surf - 4850 Makena Alanui -  Wailea/Makena Maui Hawaii 96753

Currently listed for sale at Makena Surf are 8 luxury condos, 7 being 2BD/2BA and 1 being a 3BD/3BA unit.

Low price: $2,449,000    High price: $5,350,000   Average price: $3,294,5001   Median price: $2,950,000

SOLD in 2009 - unit B-107 for $3,550,000 all cash after only 53 days on market.  

• This was a highly desirable ground floor unit that was recently remodeled and completely furnished
• 2BD/2BA 1,500 sf with direct ocean views and just steps to a golden sand beach

Makena Surf is a richly appointed vacation resort in the South Maui area, with two swimming pools, and four tennis courts.  Units are typically sold furnished and fully equipped for renting out.   There are 6 low-rise buildings of 2 and 3 stories in this gated beachfront resort, with only 108 single-level apartments.  Views are outstanding, with whale watching in the winter months.

Yesterday I attended an Open House here and was surprised that the $2.5M-ish condo was a bit of a fixer needing some updating.  From the smell I would have guessed the cat box needed changing, but pets aren't allowed in this development.  I'm sure it's nothing a million bucks can't fix.

Please enjoy this short video of the beachfront scene at Makena Surf in January 2010.  If you have any desire to own a luxury vacation condo in Makena Maui, please inquire with a local Maui Realtor like myself... Georgina M. Hunter R(S).

call or text me at 808 283-0635 ~ get South Maui condo e-newsletters ~ EMAIL ~ Maui Property/IDX search

Other related posts:

• shopping for a vacation condo on Maui
• Keawakapu Beach in Wailea Maui
• Palms at Wailea resort pictures

What?   Keawakapu Beach (Kay-ava-ka-poo) is in South Kihei Maui and stretches into Wailea.  It's one of the best beaches in South Maui, with some very expensive real estate fronting the beach.  Home prices can run to $10,000,000 easily.  You can also find beachfront condos like the cozy Hale Hui Kai and the extensive Wailea Ekahi development.  This beach is primarily for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and sometimes surfing.  Sunsets are pretty awesome too. 

Where?   There's a nice shady parking lot at the corner of South Kihei Road and Kilohana Drive, which is also where Kihei ends and Wailea begins.  Park here and walk across to the beach access which has fresh water showers.  Once you walk out onto the sand, you can look north and see the Mana Kai beachfront resort, and Five Palms Restaurant.  Looking south you'll see a long stretch of golden sand and the distant cinder cone of Puu Olai in Makena.

Search All Maui Condos for Sale By Name

Maui Condos for Sale including beachfront and golf course

Please pay attention to the signs and avoid any dangers when visiting our Maui beaches.

Aloha and thanks for reading my Maui blog.... Georgina M. Hunter R(S) ... 808 283-0635

Other related posts you might find interesting:

• Charley Young Beach video
• South Kihei Road
• shopping for a vacation condo on Maui
• Kihei/Wailea relocation package