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

Last weekend we attended a birthday party for a friend in Haiku Maui - he's now 98 years young.  In addition to celebrating his birthday, he was also celebrating his 1 year wedding anniversary and the opening of his art gallery.  He makes some colorful oil paintings of Maui scenes, which you can see hanging outside his studio here.  We should all be so lucky to have a long rich life.

These beautiful dancers are from Palau, a small island nation in the Pacific.  They have such warm smiling faces, and they were so graceful, I just had to post these pictures.  The party was very friendly and casual on their Haiku farm.  This family has really got it down - they grow so much of their own food, and take care of their own.  One daughter is a well respected potter, with her own kiln and workshop on the property.  It was really inspirational to be there.

Aloha from Haiku Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - 808 283-0635 - EMAIL ME

(this monthly Maui Real Estate newsletter is available by subscription, for FREE - just sign up at www.eastmaui.com or send me an email - thanks!)

Paia/Haiku Real Estate Newsletter     -       October 2008

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October Upcountry Realtor Caravan was short and sweet for a change, making
for a quick morning seeing these properties for sale.

1.    Cozy and Cute, Paia  $475,000.00
- cute 2-story 3BD/2BA home with garage right in the heart of Paia town
- newer subdivision has a tidy appearance and is just steps away from
shopping and dining

2.    Country Cottage, Peahi   $499,000.00
- nicely built single-story 2BD/1BA cottage with carport and ocean views
- quiet setting, situated in an established subdivision with minimal CC&R's

3.    Dome Home, Peahi  $860,000.00
- almost 3 acres with unobstructable ocean views, mature fruit trees, end of road privacy
- 2BD/2BA geodesic dome house, detached cottage, hardwood floors, Bali furnishings

4.    Understated Elegance, Peahi  $1,210,000.00
- well separated house and cottage on 2 landscaped acres, level and all usable
- single-story 4BD/3BA home has bamboo floors, high ceilings, huge covered
lanai

5.    Oceanfront Retreat,  Huelo  $2,185,000.00
- 4 tropical acres with stunning views and setting, mature fruit trees, extreme privacy
- remodeled 3BD/3BA house, tri-plex cottage, pool and deluxe poolhouse (pictured),
outdoor kitchen entertainment area
- great property for yoga retreats, family compound, or vacation getaway

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Maui Crafts Guild gets a new home in Paia.  After many years at the 43 Hana Highway location, this superb craft store/gallery has moved to 69 Hana Highway, just a few doors down, into the old Quinsaat Building.  The gallery is now sporting a nice yellow paint job, much different from their plantation green which was a landmark for so long when entering Paia.  Be sure to browse through their fine pottery and jewelry selections in time for Christmas.


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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 private setting for your next home?    Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your north shore expert.

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

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

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - dog lover and owner

X-Treme Electric Motorcycle - XM 3500 LI

How cool is this?  It's an electric motorcycle (souped up moped) that we bought in answer to the high price of gas on Maui.  It has a lithium battery which means you don't have to completely discharge it each time for maximum performance.  It has a nifty little battery charger that just plugs into any outlet to top up the battery.

You might ask, what's the point, if your utility bill goes up instead?  Not so in our case.  Being off-grid, our electric is generated from the sun and wind and we often have excess power when our battery bank is fully charged.   Why not charge up a vehicle too?   You mainland people should be able to charge one up for pretty cheap and it might be worthwhile to think about.  Even if your gas is cheap, it's nice to know you're not burning fossil fuels and stinking up the air.  That's the best part - this thing emits no fumes.

It's very quiet, which means you have to be extra careful driving, as kids and pets don't hear you coming.  I took it for a test drive on the property and it was easy to handle but I was a little heavy on the throttle and almost dumped it... hee hee.  I need to work on that.  Two people can ride, it will carry 400 pounds.  There's a compartment under the seat that holds a bag of groceries, (or the battery charger for long trips). 

They are made in China - so don't chew on the body parts if you know what's good for you.   The shipping to Maui was about $500, which made the cost about $4,500 delivered. 

My hubby drives it.  We haven't yet tested the full range of distance and speed, as we're waiting to get it road worthy - you know all that legal stuff.  But for short trips around home it works great.  Also for just getting around the property, it beats having to take the pickup truck everywhere.   Since we don't have freeways here, and there aren't many roads where you can actually drive 55 mph, it could be a practical alternative to a gas powered car or truck.   More updates to come, if I survive.

Aloha from Haiku Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - 808 283-0635 - www.EastMaui.com

Solar Power on Maui  - We're embracing the power of the sun here in Hawai'i, and businesses in Maui County have been busy installing solar panels to reduce their energy costs and footprint.

The Realtors Association of Maui is currently covering their rooftop with as many panels as will fit, in hopes of saving a whole lot of money for members.  Rising Sun Solar is installing some uniquely shaped panels in addition to the regular rectangles we're familiar with.  The job is not done yet, so no word on how much is being saved, but I will post updates.

Haleakala Solar Inc. are also busy this week installing sections of photovoltaic receptors on the roof of BJ Furniture Store in Kahului Maui. The project on the 22,000 square foot roof includes 810 panels, the largest photovoltaic system ever installed on Maui.  It will generate the amount of electricity used by 60 average households.  According to the Maui News, Haleakala Solar President Jim Whitcomb said the Kahului area is a good one for sunshine, with a 480 sunshine zone rating.  Kihei is Maui's highest-rated zone at 500.

Our Governor, Linda Lingle, has been very proactive on the energy front, forming the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative - aiming to supply 70 percent or more of Hawai‘i's energy needs by 2030.

What is your town doing to decrease dependency on fossil fuels?  I'd like to hear about it.

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - 808 283-0635 - www.EastMaui.Com

Maui once again has the honors of being named the Best Island in the World.  Is it any wonder that people from all over the world want to call Maui their home? 

I think that the beaches on Maui have a lot to do with it.  This is Keawakapu Beach, taken from the lanai of a multi-million dollar home for sale in Wailea.  See that little black cinder cone in the background?  You'll find the famous Makena Beach (Big Beach) on the far side of it.  That one is my favorite!  There are plenty of others to choose from, including many beaches along South Kihei Road.  On the north shore, Ho'okipa Beach wins, hands down!

Mauiis the 2nd largest island in the Hawaiian Islands, with a population of about 150,000.   Although we don't have a large population, we have a lot going on.  The natural beauty of Maui is awe inspiring, and many activities here focus on being outdoors.  In addition, the arts and culture scene is blooming, and we have a world class venue for performing arts at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 

If you read my blog, you'll learn lots of good info about Maui and the Maui lifestyle.  Thanks for reading!

WAILEA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE

MAUI OCEANFRONT PROPERTIES FOR SALE

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 ~ SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

Pharmacy news from Maui Hawaii

Today's news brings a couple of interesting stories regarding pharmacies on Maui.  Business is good for the drug market it would seem.

Right here in Paia Maui we will be getting a new pharmacy, which will be a welcome addition to the town's services.  The Maui Clinic Pharmacy will be in the old Nagata Store on the Hana Highway, and will be open 7 days a week.  In addition to the prescription department that is slated to open as early as the end of October, the store will also have soft drinks, snacks and tourist gifts as well as first-aid items.

In other news, the Walgreen's drugstore chain is buying four existing Maui pharmacies, currently three Valley Isle Pharmacy outlets (in Wailuku and Lahaina), and Lahaina Pharmacy.  All current employees can expect to keep their jobs.  The purchases mark the first Neighbor Island pharmacies for Walgreens, which opened its first Hawaii store last year on Oahu.

If you're looking for a HOME IN PAIA, please contact me... 808 283-0635  Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro

Aloha from Paia Maui Hawaii

Some members have wanted an update of my new Jack Russell puppy, so here it is, fresh new pictures from Haiku Maui.  Kona is such a good puppy - of course she gets lots of attention and exercise which helps.  She likes to chew on bones, chase the cat, and play with our other dog who is finally getting used to having a little buddy.  She enjoyed her first visit to the Makawao Veterinary Clinic where they just loved her.... more on that soon. 

She's getting ready to go for a ride on the new electric motorcycle... it's so quiet that she doesn't quite know what to make of it.  Okay we didn't really take her for a ride on it... yet.  : )

Further adventures of Kona:

• Kona goes to Keawakapu Beach Maui

( this is the online version of my email newsletters which are FREE if you request them.... 4 different versions available... Kula, Makawao/Pukalani, Paia/Haiku, and South Shore condos )

Kula Real Estate Newsletter     -         October 2008

The October Upcountry Realtor Caravan featured 6 properties for sale in Kula
Maui, ranging from $569,000 to $2,250,000.  It was a good selection, and one
has already gone Pending which goes to show that well-priced properties are
still getting snapped up if they are in good marketable condition.
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1.    Priced to Sell, Kula   $569,000.00
- upgraded 3BD/2BA home, vaulted ceilings, wood floors, wood stove, and detached art studio
- rock walls and terraces, avocados and citrus, tropical flowers on this half acre lot

2.    Kula Kai, Kula   $699,000.00
- large single-story 3BD/2BA home with 2 car garage, level back yard, large fully fenced lot
- one of the most desirable Kula neighborhoods, close to shopping, yet very quiet and peaceful

3.    Builder Special, Kula  $950,000.00
- half acre with an almost finished 2-story 3BD home, priced below replacement value
- detached 2BD/1BA cottage is cute and livable, a good opportunity for a builder or handy man

4.    Top of the World, Upper Kula,   $1,137,500.00
- 2 rural zoned acres with outstanding bicoastal views, first time ever on the market
- charming plantation style home with high ceilings, radiant floor heating, large older detached farm shed with workshop space

5.   Owner Financing, Kula  $1,295,000.00
- large 2-story 5BD/4BA home with lots of covered decks to enjoy the grand ocean views
- 2 downstairs apartments bring in $2,000/month, seller will carry with 20% DP for 3 years

6.    Family Compound, Kula  $2,250,000.00
- 10 beautiful acres with four historic cottages all extensively remodeled and decorated
- beautiful ocean views with lots of peace and tranquility, not a drive by

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B&B update...
Planning panel sets a cap on the number of vacation rentals and B&B's to be
allowed in various parts of Maui.  They are proposing only 20 for all of
Makawao/Pukalani and Kula.  The preliminary approval has passed and the
final vote will be later this month.  Read more about it in the Maui News
online.

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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 family compound?    Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter,
your Upcountry Expert

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

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

Lucky me, I love to eat and I can burn it off.  I try to make healthy diet choices and stay away from the junk food with empty calories.  If you're hungry, grab a banana or an apple to fill that gap.  And get outside and go for a walk! 

Tell somebody you love them just the way they are.

The Maui News online reports that vodka enthusiasts will have a new product to look forward to.  Maui Land and Pineapple's cannery in Kahului is now the testing ground and home for a new alcohol product made from sweet pineapples.  Master distiller Mark Nigbur has created a unique vodka from pineapples and it's now being distributed to local restaurants and stores on Maui and Oahu.

Pau Maui is a genuine Maui product.  Don't expect this handcrafted premium vodka to taste of pineapples though, as that's not the case.  The sugars are all converted to alcohol leaving a clean crisp taste, not at all fruity.  Maui Gold pineapples are an extra sweet variety that are being use for the mash.

With canned pineapples in Hawaii being a thing of the past, this new direction for the Hawaiian fruit should be a good thing for the economy.

I found out that you can buy the beautiful etched bottle at the Hawaii Liquor Superstore in Kahului, and also at the Rodeo General Store in Makawao.  So enjoy your next martini with Pau Maui when you come to the islands - cheers!

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  -  808 283-0635   www.eastmaui.com

(this Maui newsletter can be emailed to your inbox by request - just let me know by signing up on my website - thanks!)

Maui South Shore Condo Newsletter     -         October 2008

What a great selection of new Maui condo listings this month.  I am not including any short sales here, because that is not my specialty.

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1.     Lowest Price, Kihei  $155,000.00
- tired of paying rent?  why not own this 1BD/1BA ground floor air conditioned unit
- right in the heart of Kihei, walk to beaches and shops

2.     Pool and Tennis, Kihei  $236,600.00
- 1BD/1BA unit is impeccably clean with upgraded carpet and paint, A/C
- great amenities such as a pool/spa area, tennis court, and BBQ area

3.    Vacation Rental, North Kihei  $311,000.00
- nice looking ground floor 1BD/1BA unit with pool and hot tub
- across the street from the ocean, seller willing to negotiate

4.    3 Bedrooms, North Kihei  $349,000.00
-  well priced private 3BD/2BA ground floor condo with views of the natural wetlands
- huge swimming pool/spa/BBQ/gym/and children's play area that is unmatched
in Kihei

5.    Best Buy, North Kihei  $399,000.00
- lovely spacious 2-story, 3BD/2BA unit has vaulted ceilings and is
comfortably furnished for vacationers
- large heated pool, spa, tennis courts, putting green and a shuffleboard
court, and pets are allowed

6.    Cozy Complex, North Kihei  $450,000.00
- very clean 2BD/2BA vacation unit, no updating is required, walk across street to beach
- with private, fenced and gated outdoor lanai unique to this unit only

7.    Awesome Views, Maalaea  $530,000.00
- partially renovated 2BD/2BA oceanfront vacation condo near boat harbor
- surf out your front yard, pets are allowed here too

8.    Beachfront Rental, North Kihei  $600,000.00
- second floor 1BD/2BA vacation condo, beautifully renovated in 2002,
spectacular ocean views
- great rental history, website and URL will be included for the buyer

9.    Tropical Privacy, Wailea  $785,000.00
- 1BD/1BA furnished ground floor unit, completely remodeled in December 2006
with travertine and granite
- meticulous and tastefully decorated, charming garden setting, owner
financing available

10.    Bulk Sale, Kihei  $895,000.00
- great opportunity for investor or large family, 3 side by side units being sold as one

- each unit is a 2-Story 2BD/1.5BA townhouse, totally renovated, spic and
span, vacant and easy to show
- seller will carry back for 3 years interest only, buyer needs 35% down
payment
- pet friendly complex does not allow short term rentals

11.    Lavish Living, Wailea  $3,300,000.00
- beautiful custom renovation featuring exotic woods, granite, glass tile, stone flooring throughout
- I love the bathroom with red glass tiles!
- 2BD/2BA penthouse with the best views you will ever see from a condo

12.    Most Expensive, Wailea  $6,045,000.00
 - spacious one level 3BD/3BA villa with fantastic ocean views
- dramatic, open bright and airy floor plan with oversized windows and lofty ceilings
- private elevator and garage, 24 hr security and gated entry
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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 quiet spot in Wailea?  Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your South Maui Specialist.

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

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

I'm sure you're all wondering.... where on earth is the world's largest surfboard fence? Well it's right here in Hawaii... in Peahi, Haiku Maui.  Last year this fence was given the dubious distinction of being the world's largest surfboard fence by the Guinness Book of Records (I think), with over 400 boards forming a fence around this Haiku Maui property.  I just drove by there yesterday while on Haiku Realtor Caravan, and the lighting was so good I had to stop the car and get a picture, without even getting out!  This is what you call recycling!

Not to be confused with the world's largest surfboard which is in Australia.

Where the heck is Haiku Maui you ask?   Here's a link to an interactive HAIKU MAP for your convenience.

When  buying on Maui, please contact a Haiku Realtor - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS ~ EMAIL ~ http://www.eastmaui.com/ ~ 808 283-0635

HAIKU MAUI homes for sale  ~  HAIKU LAND for sale

Dear Diary,

What a busy week - with not much time for blogging or commenting here in the rain.  But I got a few things checked off the weekend to-do list...

• update profile picture on AR and my outside blog
• update Twitter settings
• plant more lettuce and green onion starts
• go to Maui County Fair
• South Maui condo newsletter (still to come)

Of course this brings up a whole new blog to-do list...

• Mike Sidney Photography
• Twitter - how I'm using it
• Maui garden update - what's still thriving and what's not
• Maui County Fair pics
• South Maui $20M home for sale
• Honua Kai update and pics

I'm still quite pumped up about showing Wailea oceanfront properties in the $20,000,000 price range on Monday.  There are some fabulous Wailea and Makena homes on the market right now.  Thanks to the internet for that lead!  Was it just a week ago I got that call?

The Honua Kai project in Ka'anapali is coming along nicely - on Wednesday we got to tour the Discovery Center and see a model unit.  Then we went up to the 10th floor of the Ka'anapali Beach Club and got some awesome bird's-eye shots of the construction site.

It was great to reconnect with some past clients on Friday and show them some Maui homes for sale up in Pukalani and Kula.  A pretty good selection, but there's still more to see.  The first fairway home was undoubtedly the best of the bunch, with nice ocean and fairway views, fabulous upgrades on the well constructed home, and beautiful landscaping which made me drool.  We might have to take another look at that one.  On the other hand, the last one we saw had such wonderful bicoastal ocean views that it might be worth considering if the price was low enough.... the house needs a lot of work, definitely a Maui fixer upper.  I need to find out more about this interesting property... we all had a good laugh about the closet within the closet, and the stunning views from the garage!  There has to be a story here.

The Whalers General Store in The Shops at Wailea, Maui HI

370 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea Maui Hawaii 96753

808 891-2039

If you're staying in Wailea Maui, it's nice to know that there is a shop for all your needs right at the Shops at Wailea center.  The Whalers General Store is a busy place because they sell what you need:

Beach Supplies

• towels
• sunscreen
• boogie boards
• beach toys
• sunglasses
• clothing

Food and Snacks

• macadamia nuts
• picnic supplies
• sandwiches and salads
• deli counter
• beverages
• Hawaiian coffees

The Whalers shop is on the south side of the center, right by the entrance.  You can grab a sandwich and coffee and sit outside to watch the passersby while deciding which beach or activity is right for you. 

Looking for a vacation condo on Maui?

When you're ready to start shopping for a home or condo in Wailea, contact a Maui REALTOR® to help you find the best property.

Aloha from Wailea - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - 808 283-0635 

SEARCH ALL MAUI CONDOS BY NAME

WAILEA HOMES FOR SALE

Coming back from looking at some Lahaina Maui condos yesterday I stopped and snapped some scenery shots.  You know, it's really hard to take a crappy picture here on Maui.  Here's a couple of nice beach scenes taken just north of the pali tunnel.  click click click.  It actually looked way better in real life, so I would encourage you to come on over and see for yourself.  Hope you like them.

Want to see another post with pictures of Lahaina Maui?

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - (808) 283-0635 - EMAIL - My Maui Website