Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S): January 2008

Snow tops Haleakala Mountain on Maui

We got some snow on Maui!  And it stayed more than one day this time.  On average, we get snow on Maui about every 5 years or so.  This time it was quite a lot of snow coverage, much more than the usual dusting.  This great shot is by Giampaolo Cammarota, taken from upcountry Kula Maui.

The Maui News reports that the road to the 10,000 ft summit of Haleakala was closed above the 7,000 foot elevation before dawn Monday due to unsafe driving conditions... high winds and ice.  The road was reopened after 11 a.m. on Monday once it was safe to drive.  The road was closed again today too, so no need trying to go up and make a snowman!  It feels like it might snow again tonight up at the higher elevations.

Haleakala National Park is the crown jewel atop the mountain here, and a trip to this sacred Hawaiian place is an unforgettable experience .  If you're visiting Maui, ithis is on the top 10 list of things to do.  You can get there by car, by bicycle, or by foot, or you can visit the park on a commercial tour bus.  If you're really fit, you can even run up there with the Valley Isle Road Runners on Saturday March 15th 2008, in the Run to the Sun.  Take some warm clothes or blankets when you go up! 

The snow won't last long and it will be gone, and the bus tours  and bike tours will resume their trips through Kula Maui.  People will go back to their jobs in the Park, and at Science City.

Meanwhile back at the beach... it's warm and sunny and the wave froth washes over your bare feet, cold drink in hand.  Business as usual in the resorts.  Good news for property owners.

Maui has a lot to offer.  There's something for everyone.  Do you have any questions about living on Maui? 

(This is my contribution to the Back to Nature contest that Christina Williams came up with.  I don't expect it to be an entry that will compete with the others, but wanted to participate for the points!  Good luck to all the other entries!)

Twin Falls Maui

One Sunday my 86 year old dad said to me..."I want to go up to that Twin Falls place and go for a walk, how far is it up to the falls?"  I thought about it for a minute and imagined him up there slipping in some mud and falling, with nobody around to help him or call, and said "I don't know, but why don't I go with you and we'll find out?"  So we got in the car and drove there, all of about a mile away if that.  It was a beautiful sunny day in Haiku, the only one we had had in a couple of weeks.  The ground was starting to dry out, so the trail was OK. 

I have to admit that even though Twin Falls is so close, I haven't been up their trail in probably 12 or 15 years.  My memories of it was a narrow slippery hiking trail that didn't impress me much back then.  Well, things have changed for the better.  The new owners of the property have been busy improving the trails into nicely graded and crowned roads.  The trail might have been about a half mile, and then it narrowed out and got muddy.  Most of the way was a gradual incline, and easy traveling for me and my old dad.  He was keeping up alright.  We stopped to admire the lush tropical foliage like the kukui trees, the coffee beans, and bananas.  Saw a bright green anole lizard scamper across a brilliant red ti leaf... too fast to snap a picture.

We had to cross over a weir which is part of the East Maui Irrigation canal system that carries rainwater to the central valley to irrigate the sugar cane fields.  I helped my dad over it, and he was very gung ho to see the waterfall on the other side.  We met some people from Alabama, and some others from various places around the world.  They were all enthralled with the trail and abundance of greenery and water.  I tend to take this all for granted, having lived here so long.  It was refreshing to get another perspective and see it as a tourist for a change.

It was a really great day out for us and I want to go there again.  Maybe take my bike next time.  Now I can see why the tourists flock to Twin Falls!

I forgot to mention that they have a fruit stand in the parking lot along the Hana Highway.  Be sure to get something yummy if you stop here on your way to Hana.

Here's a picture of the waterfalls at the top of the trail.  Since it was so muddy and the streams were running high that day we didn't venture all the way over to it.  You do have to be aware of flash flooding here, as it's dangerous to cross streams when there is a lot of rainfall.  People can die by being careless, so proceed with caution.

Hokulani Golf Villas 

• 152 luxury homes on 40 acres
• surrounded by the Elleair Golf Course
• mauka of the Piilani Highway in Kihei Maui Hawaii
• breathtaking ocean and mountain and fairway views.

Signature Homes of Hawaii are constructing  this brand new residential condo development in sunny Kihei Maui.  Phase One is selling, and the first homes will soon be ready for occupancy.   This model home is having an Open House every day, so I stopped in....

What a nice surprise!  This upgraded model was a stunner.  I could live here at Hokulani Golf Villas, and watch the golfers chasing balls down the fairway.  The views are incredible.  The home is very upscale, like being in Wailea.  This community is conveniently close to the Piikea Shopping Center with restaurants like Outback Steak House and Roy's Kihei.  Even closer is the 415 acre Maui Research and Technology Park.  I think these fine golf course residences will be suitable for second homes for retried baby boomers, as well as working professionals.

Exterior Features:

• stucco walls, monier tile roof
• covered entry, textured glass front door
• private concrete driveway
• oversized garage with automatic doors

Home Features:

• high ceilings,  crown mouldings, ceiling fans
• plenty of high windows
• laundry room with sink and cabinet
• tiled kitchen, foyer, dining room, and lanais
• high tech wiring package with rough ins
• professional landscaping, sprinkler system 

Kitchen Features:

• granite countertops and back-splash
• stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances, gas range and hood
• center island with snack bar overhang, and pendant lighting
• custom designed cabinets, glass fronted uppers with accent lighting
• recessed lighting

There are 6 models to choose from, 2 Bedroom single story, or 3 Bedroom 2-story. 

Prices start at $1,200,000 $999,000 and up to about $1,600,000.  SEARCH HOKULANI GOLF VILLAS IN OUR MLS

Call for more details about this brand new development in Kihei Maui. 

Aloha from Maui - The Hunter - EMAIL ME - call or text 808 283-0635

This week the Maui News put out a good article summarizing the Maui Real Estate market.  They stated that our market is more or less flat, as opposed to declining.  Average condo prices are up 4%, while single family home prices are down just 1%.  This is not surprising to those of us who are lucky enough to live in this wonderful island paradise.  They're not making any more Maui, so what we have is very much in demand.  Please read this article for a Market Snapshot of average home prices and inventory numbers. 

Another member pointed me to a good article in Business Edge - a publication from Alberta Canada.  This is a great time for Canadians to be spending their money on second homes that they can use for vacations and possible retirement locations.

There are many luxurious new developments underway on Maui, and interest is still high.  Baccarat is making Wailea Maui one of their destinations, with an oceanfront hotel and residential resort that will be like nothing else we have seen so far.  Numerous residential condo subdivisions are now available for purchase, where you can own a single family home without all the maintenance issues, as your homeowner association will take care of the pool and landscaping for you.  This makes a great alternative to owning a traditional condo, for those who want a more homey feeling in their "home away from home".

I'm confident that Maui will continue to provide good opportunities for buyers and sellers who are looking to buy a home or condo that they can use and enjoy for many years to come.

How do you like that view overlooking the Wailea Blue golf course?  This was taken from the Wailea Fairway Villas.  Call me for more information about Wailea condos and homes for sale on Maui.

Wind Power for Maui Homeowners

Off Grid Systems

It's REALLY windy outside right now.  The wind generator is cranking out power and the inverter is humming.  I've got the clothes dryer running at night!  That's a luxury when you're off the grid, you just don't do it unless you have power to burn.  The batteries are topped up and there's more power coming in.  We have a Bergey wind turbine mounted on a 60 foot pole, in our horse pasture.  It produces 1,000 watts at full capacity.  It's not mounted on that shed in the picture, it's behind it, held up with guy wires. 

Our home is in Haiku, on the north shore of Maui, where the tradewinds blow throughout the year.  Most days there is a 10-15 mph "breeze", with a lot of days much windier than that.  It's one of the reasons why Maui is famous for the windsurfing.  The tradewinds also bring fresh rainshowers which keeps everything growing and green.  Haiku Maui is a vibrant place.

Off grid is a reality for many parts of Maui.  Besides Huelo and Hanawana, other places you can find people living without Maui Electric are Kanaio and Kaupo.  With our sunny climate and steady winds, it's a viable choice for many innovative people.

Will windpower work for you?  There are maps for each state to determine your average wind pattern.

Grid Tie In Systems 

Here's another home in the North Shore Maui area with 2 roof mounted wind generators.  I haven't seen any of this model yet, and 2 side by side like that.  I like it.  And look at that rack of solar panels!  These guys are on the grid so have decided to do a grid tie in system which can save a homeowner a lot of cash, especially here on Maui.  Maui Electric Company, also known as MECO, won't buy your excess power back, but they will credit you for the contribution to their power grid.

I encourage you to try wind power if you live where it's windy.  It's renewable and clean energy, and it's there for the taking.  Call me for more information.

Kaheawa Wind Farm on Maui - producing about 10% of our energy.

I signed up to be an e-Pro!

This week we had a free workshop with Joeann Fossland, a certified coach and e-Pro, at our Realtors Association of Maui.  After she spoke, everyone was quite excited to sign up for the course.  I did too, even though everyone tells me..."but you already know all that stuff don't you?".  Well do I?  How will I know until I find out?

I look at it this way.... if I DO already know all that stuff, then shouldn't I have the e-Pro designation to let consumers know that I know?  If I DON'T know it already, they I should take the course and learn it, and still let consumers know that I know.  Either way it just makes sense to pay the money, take the course, and get the e-Pro designation.  If I can learn just 10% more, it would be worth it, wouldn't it?  I'm willing to bet there will be some good tips I can learn from this online course for Realtors.  I want to have the skills to best serve my Maui clients, now and in the future.

______________________________________________________________________

UPDATE - MAY 5,2008 I got my certificate!  Thanks NAR and e-Pro.

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - future e-Pro

Barbecue Starter Tip

Do you still have an old fashioned barbecue, that uses coals?  We don't care for those gas barbecues, the food just doesn't taste the same as when it's grilled on charcoals.  I thought everyone knew about these charcoal starter devices, but every now and then I'll be out looking at property, and smell that awful charcoal lighter smell as someone is trying to light their BBQ.  What a waste of energy!  Please don't do it!

Since we like to barbecue a lot, we use a CHIMNEY for starting the coals.  I think everyone should have one of these things.  You can buy them at Sears, for sure, and probably a lot of other places, once you know what you're looking for.  They are really easy to use, and the best part is, no stinky fossil fuels are needed.  Look at our barbecue here - I think this was its maiden voyage - it doesn't look this good anymore!  We got it at WalMart 2 years ago and it's looking pretty well used by now, just like the chimney.

Hey no matter how crappy it looks, it still works.  I think we paid $25 for the chimney years ago, and it has paid for itself over and over.  So start doing your environment a favor, and start using one of these chimneys.  They make great gifts too, for all your grilling buddies that aren't enlightened.

Here's how it works 

Wad up 4 sheets of newspaper (Maui News works best) and put them in the bottom compartment.  Fill the top part up with the charcoals and set it inside the barbecue.  Light the paper and sit back.  Make sure the fire catches.  As the papers burns, it gets the coals started and pretty soon you will see the flames coming out the top of the chimney.  You see it works just like a chimney, drawing the heat up.  After about 20 minutes, when the coals are all glowing, pick it up and empty the hot coals into the bed of the barbecue.  See how easy that is!  Now warm up the grill, and start cooking.

For a really low cost alternative - take a great big restaurant size empty can and cut out both ends, punch a bunch of holes in the lower half and use it.  It works!  (Just be more careful when dumping it out.)

I have been known to buy a barbecue for happy clients when they buy their first home on Maui.  If you'd like to know more about the Maui real estate market, please give me a call.

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

Paia Maui HI 96779

This map shows the location of Paia town on the north shore of Maui Hawaii.  The Kahului airport is to the west, about 7 or 8 miles away.  The town of Hana is to the east, about 50 long miles away along the winding Hana Highway.  That's Haiku town on the right side of the map.

 Other attractions in Paia:

• Patsy Mink Post Office
• dining and take out
• Morning Glories Internet Cafe
• Ono Gelato Company
• Thee Salon for hair
• home furnishings
• oceanfront homes for sale
• Ho'okipa Beach Park
• Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
• Strini Art Glass

See PAIA from the airplane. 

My Other Maui maps:

• Haiku
• Kahului (Central Valley)

If you have any questions about where to live on Maui, call me and tell me what you're looking for. If it's out there, I'll find it.

Aloha from Maui - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

EMAIL - 808 283-0635 - EASTMAUI.COM

Pukalani Terrace Center  is the main shopping center in Pukalani Maui, what could almost pass as "downtown" Pukalani.  You can't miss it if you drive up the Haleakala Highway, and take the exit for Pukalani, along the old highway.  You'll come to it at the traffic light at Pukalani Street, and turn right into the center. 

Call the management office at 808 572-7900. 

This center has most of the important things you could need on any given day:

• Post Office
• Medical Clinic
• Laundromat
• Starbucks
• Foodland with bakery and deli
• Restaurants
• Ace Hardware
• Bank of Hawaii
• Napa Auto Parts

You won't find any clothing stores, but you can find them in Kahului at the malls, or at plenty of boutiques in nearby Makawao and Paia.  There's always lots of parking. 

There are some other places to shop in Pukalani, such as the Pukalani Superette, Pukalani Square, and the Endangered Pieces store up on Makawao Ave.  In between you will also find assorted shops and services like a video store, a couple of gas stations, a beauty salon, McDonalds, and more.

What's interesting is that even though Pukalani has its own post office, it does not have it's own zip code... it shares a zip with Makawao which is just a mile or 2 away.  Yet they are each very distinct communities with totally different weather patterns.  I suppose one day it will get its own zip, as the population grows. 

Right across the street is the Pukalani Community Center which has a beautiful public pool, and meeting hall that can be rented for family occasions or fund raisers.

At the end of Pukalani Street is the public golf course which is highly recommended.

PUKALANI translates to hole in the sky, or hole in the heavens, and I can see why - when it's cloudy and raining upcountry, this can be the only place that's sunny.

Pukalani Maui is a nice place to live.  The elevation is up at about 1,300 ft, so the weather is a little cooler, great for sleeping.  No air conditiong needed here.  The location is quite dry, and most days are sunny.  Some parts of Pukalani get a lot of wind, and other parts are protected and tucked away out of the tradewinds.  If you drive into Kahului (the main city) it's only about 10 minutes away down a really nice highway.

If you're moving to Maui and looking for Pukalani homes for sale, check out the MLS listings on my website, and then contact me with your questions.  I want to help you find the perfect home on Maui.

Aloha from Maui - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - EMAIL ME DIRECTLY

Ono Gelato - Paia Maui - on the Hana Highway

Lately I've noticed a lot of people walking around Paia with ice cream in their hands.... There's a new ice cream shop in town, at the corner of Hana Highway and Baldwin Ave.  We have really needed something like this since Ice Cream Dreams left town a long time ago.  There is a Shave Ice store down the street where you can get rainbow shave ice, but it's not quite the same as ice cream is it? 

The Gelato - Three generations of Italian tradition combined with Hawaiian flavors.  They make their own rich and creamy organic ice cream, with lots of yummy flavors that are uniquely Hawaiian, such as:

• Kula strawberry
• Lilikoi (passionfruit)
• Maui Pineapple
• Fruit of the Tropics

Hey I wonder if they have rambutan or lychee?  I tried the hazelnut/chocolate and was it ever good!  I will have to resist the urge to go there every day.

The Philosophy- To combine the fresh flavors of Hawaii with the traditions of Italy, to create a product that is all natural, organic when possible, local, sustainable and ono (delicious).  They also carry a line of the finest quality, 100% natural, organic and fair trade Silk Road green teas.  Other products available in the store include Anthony's Coffee, Jeff's jams and Jellies, and Maui Tropical Soaps.  They use biodegradable packaging from Maui Chemical and Paper.

Contact them - They have a website where you can find out more about them including Flavors of the Month.  Call them at 808 579-9201 

From their website I learned that they moved here from Victoria B.C. - Canada!  I know where they're coming from.

If you're thinking about moving to Maui, and Paia is where you want to live, I can help you with your Paia Real Estate market info and questions.

There are plenty of nice homes for sale in Paia, which is a very friendly town with beaches and shopping and restaurants. 

Aloha from Paia - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

Pukalani Country Club is located in upcountry Maui, on the slopes of Haleakala, where it's a little cooler.  If you're driving up Haleakala Highway, take the Old Haleakala Highway exit and then take a right at Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center.  Tha's Pukalani Street... drive all the way to the end and there's the golf club, at 360 Pukalani St. Pukalani HI 96768.  It's a public golf course with reasonable fees.  My dad likes to play here because he's cheap, and he doesn't want to pay the high fees at the resorts down in Wailea and Makena.

That's the driving range pictured above... not bad huh?

They used to have a pretty good restaurant serving local food, but the place burned down about a year ago.  They still haven't rebuilt the clubhouse, they are operating out of trailers for now.  They serve cold drinks and snacks at the pro shop, but no alcoholic beverages.  It seems to be working and I wonder if they will ever have a real restaurant again. 

They have a website and you can call them at 808 572-1314 for reservations.  Bob Baddock designed the course, if that means anything.

Here's a good tip.... if you have a Hawaii Driver's License, you can get the Kama'aina rates for green fees and cart rental... that's the local price.  You can save a lot of money this way.  Sometimes it pays to be a local.

There's plenty of homes along the fairway, and they are very reasonably priced for Maui.  In fact Pukalani has some of the best prices of homes for sale on the island.  Currently you can expect to pay in the $700,000's for a nice home with great fairway views.  The residential condos are priced much lower and they are pretty cute.

Let me know if you'd like more info about Pukalani homes for sale. 

Aloha - the Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - EMAIL ME

Endangered Pieces - Pukalani Maui HI

How can you drive by this place without stopping an going in?  Don't they have the best looking junk you ever laid eyes on?  And this is just the beginning.... there's 4 rooms of it right here, and when you turn around and cross the street there's warehouses more!  The owner has been collecting this stuff for years.  He gathers up treasures from Maui estates and recycles them to new owners.  This is all good stuff!  You won't believe all the weird and wonderful items in this store.... giant Buddha heads, carved horses, hand crafted gates, furniture, old bottles, statues, and so much more.  What the heck is that giant Mardi-Gras head doing here?  I bet there's plenty of stories here.

You can find this unique upcountry store on Makawao Avenue, between the Haleakala Highway and the Old Haleakala Highway, right across from the Fire Station in Pukalani.  The hours are variable, but you can usually call the owner as he might be back in the warehouses. 

If you don't know where that is, call me and I can tell you how to get there.  I can also help you find a nice home upcountry, if you're thinking of moving to Maui. - Aloha - The Hunter

MAKAWAO HOMES FOR SALE  ~  PUKALANI HOMES FOR SALE  ~  PUKALANI COUNTRY CLUB  ~  PUKALANI TERRACE CENTER

There is just so much to blog about, I thought I might offer some suggestions for Newbies, or anyone for that matter.  If you want to connect with consumers (and who doesn't?) then you can post all sorts of things about your local area.  Put yourself in their shoes.... they are thinking of moving to your town.  They want to know about the schools and churches, the stores and restaurants, the hospitals, tha parks and all of those things.  Make it interesting and post stories about what's in your area, and you can become the local expert who they will call for more information.  And, a Localism post can earn you extra points if it becomes a featured post.

Some topics can be done as a series, or they could be a comprehensive list of all options.  Once you have a few posts on one neighborhood, you can link them back and forth to each other to tie them all in, and help the consumer learn more.

Here are some suggestions:

• Real Estate offices - here's a chance to plug your own office 
• banks, credit unions - where will they keep their hard earned money?
• churches - post these to the Spiritual groups
• schools - elementary, middle, high, college, tech, whatever - people want to know this stuff!
• hospitals and clinics - seniors are especially interested in health care
• furniture stores - a new house needs new furnishings
• farmers markets, swap meets - what days are the best?
• shops and stores - shopping centers, big box stores, boutiques - where do you go?
• restaurants - who's got the best pizza?  where can you go late at night?
• parks, beaches, public pools - this is the stuff that locals know best
• golf courses, race tracks - gotta have some fun when you get there
• spas, salons, nail shops - give recommendations of the ones you like best!
• dry cleaners, laundromats - you must pass by some of these every day
• vets, dog boarding, horse stables - people are concerned about their pets when they move - post to the pet lover groups
• tradesmen - plumbers, electricians, tree trimmers, and carpet cleaners - new homeowners need this info
• the price of gas - yes, they want to know this too - who's going to tell them?

You starting to get the picture?  The possibilities are endless, and I have some catching up to do too.  I took so many pictures today I could blog for a week or 2!  Grab your camera and take some pictures everywhere you go.  It might seem boring to you, but new homeowners find this stuff valuable. 

And here's a Localism tip - post your pictures there for points (no more points awarded for pictures). Then use them in your posts when you have the time.   BTW - Localism is an "appendage" of ActiveRain... in order to get your posts into Localism, you just post them here on ActiveRain....click the FOR CONSUMERS box and take it from there.

Good luck with your blogging!  Aloha from Maui.

Morning Glories Internet Cafe

The Shops at Paia Bay

137 Hana Highway, Paia HI 96779

808 579-3336

email them: cafechocolatmaui@yahoo.com

We have a new coffee shop in Paia Maui, and it's right next door to our friendly Jim Sanders Realty office, on the Hana Highway.  The Morning Glories Internet Cafe serves organic coffee and homemade wheat free pastries, as well as organic chocolates made from Brazilian sustainable cocoa.  The husband and wife team of Stuart and Elizabeth are behind the counter making espressos and lattes from 7 am until 5:30 pm. 

It's also an internet cafe, with 8 computers available by the minute, at 10 cents per minute.  The computers are upstairs in their cozy loft, so you can have some privacy.  Downstairs you can also log in with your own computer and be part of the scene.  Also for sale are some interesting items such as bamboo fiber clothing, handmade glass vases and bowls, and a great selection of World Music CD's.  They play some really great music from around the world, which you can purchase if you like. 

Stuart was nice enough to show me some of the things that make them special - for instance, they don't use plain old sugar as a coffee sweetener, they use agave nectar!  He let me taste it - it was sort of like honey but milder.  Who knew?  I always like to try new things, so that was a pleasant surprise.  Some of the coffee drinks are spiced up with cayenne pepper, for a real punch!  He tells me they buy their cocoa blocks from Brazil, and it's sustainably harvested. 

The atmosphere is very inviting, with comfortable furnishings and wonderful coffee aromas.  This used to be the LiveWire Cafe for years, and these new owners live right here in Paia.  They have had some previous Paia retail experience and know what they're doing.  They are really excited to be in this new location where they can serve their organic coffees and other goodies.  I think they will do well.  It was certainly busy when I dropped in to talk with them.

Oh yes, there's plenty of parking in back, with the first half hour for free.  So come on by and see for yourself.  Who needs Starbucks when you can have this?

Aloha from Maui - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - for your Maui real estate needs

Relocating to Paia?  Call: 808 283-0635 - EMAIL - www.eastmaui.com

Maui Street Signs - Sticker Graffiti

Sometimes I like to take pictures of goofy things, like these various street signs around Paia and Haiku on Maui. 

People seem to have a lot of time on their hands, and enjoy putting stickers on things. 

I have to admit it makes for a laugh once in a while.

Who are these people?  Where do they get those stickers?

I recognize some of them coming from the surfing industry.... we have a lot of surf punks in Paia.

All eyes seem to be on this one sign.

Stop and smell the roses indeed!

Do you get this kind of thing in your neighborhood?  Or is this a Paia thing?  I don't get out much, so maybe you can enlighten me.

Thanks for STOPping by.

PAIA MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI homes for sale

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

Big Box Stores on Maui - Kahului Maui HI

You might be curious about what's available on Maui for shopping.  Do we have those big box stores that we can't seem to live without?  The answer is YES we do.  Here's the short list of what's available in the main city of Kahului.  These are all located within a few blocks, along Dairy Road:

• WalMart
• Big K
• Lowe's
• Home Depot
• Office Max
• Costco Wholesale

And that's it.  Most of them are fairly new... like in the past 10-15 years or so.  I suppose there will be more coming, but I have a feeling the County Council will try to put the brakes on, or at least impose some limits.  I think there has already been talk about a maximum size of any future developments.  They really are a bit disruptive on the status quo around here. 

KAHULUI MAP

It's funny whenever a new big retailer comes to Maui, the locals go a little crazy and have to be the first ones in the door.  This has caused people to literally camp out overnight in the parking lot of the new store, just to be part of the opening day scene.  It was a hoot when Krispy Kreme came to town, it was almost more of a big deal than the Dalai Lama coming here.

I always tend to get Lowe's and Home Depot confused in my mind, as they are just a block or two apart, and they are about the same size and age.  Usually a trip to Kahului involves a visit to Lowe's Depot, which means going to both of them to compare what's on the market.

In the meantime, we can get by just fine without all the others.  There are plenty of smaller shops and we can always go over to Oahu if we feel the urge to splurge.  Besides, it's just small island, and how much stuff do we need?  Sometimes it's just easier to go to the small store for what you need, and save yourself a whole lot of walking.  The old Ace Hardware on Alamaha Street is small and friendly and they have a lot of selection too.

Either way, Maui has plenty of places to spend your money, if that's what you want to do.  Aloha from Maui!

Are you relocating to Maui?  Are you thinking of buying or selling a home on Maui?  Call me with your Real Estate questions... 808 283-0635 - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - an experienced Maui Realtor

PAIA  relocation package    HAIKU relocation package    KIHEI/WAILEA relocation package

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin today reports that Prudential Locations and Aina Maui Properties have announced they will join forces to create a new Maui real estate firm called Prudential Locations Maui.

With the addition of the Kahului and Paia offices, Prudential will now have 3 offices.  Aina Maui opened their doors in 1997.  In Paia they are located on the Hana Highway.

Other real estate offices in Paia:

• Jim Sanders Realty
• Fred Haywood Realty
• Landmark Maui Properties
• Century 21 All Islands
• Lance Holter Realty

Other attractions in Paia:

• Patsy Mink Post Office
• dining and take out
• Morning Glories Internet Cafe
• Thee Salon for hair
• home furnishings
• oceanfront homes for sale
• Ho'okipa Beach Park

If you have any questions about where to live on Maui, call me and tell me what you're looking for.  If it's out there, I'll find it.

Aloha from Maui - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

EMAIL - 808 283-0635 - EASTMAUI.COM

At our Realtors Association of Maui we have a monthly Hot Topics meeting where we schedule various speakers to talk about something of interest to the Maui Realtors.  Some of the past topics have been:

• off grid issues - water catchment and photo voltaic systems
• office organization
• the language of Real Estate
• mortgage meltdown - what's happening in the lending market
• new construction inspection

These are free events that are provided to help agents to network and learn.  The speakers volunteer their time and an affiliate will sponsor some refreshments, such as fresh fruit and cold drinks, cookies and pastries.  We try to videotape the class, so other agents will be encouraged to catch up if they weren't able to attend. 

We've decided it's time to do a Hot Topic about blogging and social networking sites.  Since we've never done this topic before I think there will be great interest.  Be prepared to find a lot more Maui Realtors joining up on ActiveRain.  Does your area offer blogging classes?  Do you have to pay anything?

Just keeping you informed - The Hunter- Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - Paia Maui HI 96779 - 808 283-0635 - eastmaui.com

HAIKU MAUI 96708

Haiku is a small town on the north shore of Maui, east of the airport and main city of Kahului along Highway 36, the Hana Highway.

Haiku is mostly agricultural with many small farms and agricultural subdivisions.  Some crops that are grown are bananas and other fruits, tropical flowers, orchids, palms, and pasture land for cattle, horses and goats.

There is a small Haiku town center with commercial activity at the corner of Haiku Road and Kokomo Road.  Two old canneries have been converted to mixed commercial and light industrial use.

If you're looking for some vacant land listings in Haiku:

• Great Deals in Large Parcels
• Peahi Farms Oceanfront Lots
• Honopou Valley - Off Grid

One of the Haiku highlights is Twin Falls, on the Hana Highway.  It's an easy hike through the jungle to some waterfalls.  At the start of the trail is a great fruit stand selling fresh smoothies and local fruit and other concoctions.

Let me know if you have any questions about Haiku Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - The HUNTER

Team member Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Paia Maui HI 96779

EASTMAUI.COM     EMAIL     808 283-0635

Other Maui maps:

• Paia
• Kahului (Central)

VACANT LAND ON MAUI

If you're a buyer for a large parcel of vacant land, then now is a really good time to be buying on Maui.  There is SO MUCH inventory right now.  For under $2 Million you can own a large piece of land on Maui, the best island in the world!  Check out these new listings from the past couple of months:

There are some really good new horse properties on the market these days in upcountry Maui.  See the next post for a map of Haiku.

• Haiku - 38.7 acres - 1940 house and barn with manicured pastures - $1,940,000.
• Olinda - 26.6 acres - upcountry pastures with panoramic views - $1,592,000.
• Kula - 23.8 acres - with water meter, views - $1,595,000.

These former pineapple fields in Haiku would be great for development:

• oceanside Peahi  - 25 acres - $1,500,000.
• oceanside Peahi - 28 acres - $1,500,000.
• Pauwela - 24.75 acres - $1,750,000.

These are all priced well under $100,000 per acre, which is considered a good deal over here. 

Call me for more details... The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - 808 283-0635

See more Haiku land listings on my webiste.  EMAIL me for more info.

Team member of Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Paia Maui Hawaii - Aloha from Maui