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

Maui Community College in Kahului has a program called VITEC - Vital & Innovative Training and Economic Development Center.

This year they are offering for the first time, GREEN classes, and here's what's available:

• Go Solar and Save - about PhotoVoltaic equipment, costs, government incentives  $39.
• Energy and Environmental Efficiency: Cost Saving Applications in your Home and Business - decrease your energy bills, new technologies and practices for home and business, overview or an array of sustainable living options, conservation, design principles, green building, passive solar   $44.
• BioFuel Industry Expands - biofuel and biomass development updates, ethanol, Maui use and lifestyle  $34.
• Wind Power for your Home or Business - innovations in wind turbine tehnologies, practical info, feasability, zoning, tax credits, how to start and finish a project   $34.
• Green Building Certifications - overview of green building certifications used in Hawaii, LEED, Energy Star, benefits of going green  $34.
• Starting a Green Business - how to get started, products and services, basic start-up skills, business planning, promising areas and market trends   $59.
• Green Real Estate - various levels of green home options available on Maui, green building, energy saving appliances  $39.
• Organic Gardening - principles and practices, healthy soil and plants, basics of soil composition and biology, composting, weed management, pests and diseases  $89.
• Edible Landscaping - design and maintain edible landscape around your home, beautiful and nutritious results, basic organic gardening principles, soil testing, design principles and procedures   $101.

With the exception of the last one (2 consecutive Saturdays), all of these are 1 day classes.  Register early and save 10% - Some restrictions do apply, for details call 808 984-3231.

For more info about living on Maui - contact your favorite Maui Realtor - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - 808 283-0635

Kaheawa Wind Power - is a 30 MegaWatt wind farm located in the West Maui Mountains high above Maui's scenic shores, and very visible from the resort areas of Maalaea, Kihei and Wailea.  They are owned and operated by UPC Hawaii Wind Partners, a Massachusetts-based wind farm company.

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have agreed to join forces with UPC Hawaii Wind Partners to study the integration of wind technology into the Hawai'i utility system.  This is the first such partner site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's wind technology program outside of its base in Colorado.  We are lucky to have this opportunity on Maui.
 

Taken from a beach in North Kihei, this picture shows the 20 wind turbines on the ridge above the strip of Maalaea Bay condos at the shore. 

We have strong tradewinds on Maui, and they get funneled through the central valley, picking up speed.  The location of the wind farm takes advantage of these accelerated winds.  About 10% of our energy needs is currently being met with the power produced here at Kaheawa Wind Farm.  This translates to saving the island of Maui 600 barrels of oil per day.... and that's what the alternative is... diesel generating plants!

Since Maui is such a great place to embrace with power, many homeowners are taking advantage of this sustainable and free resource.  What about you?  Will windpower work for you?

If you'd like to know more about Maui County Real Estate sales, please let a long time Maui resident help you.

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - your Maui real estate agent  (808) 283-0635  mailto:info@mauihunter.com ~ SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

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

DINING OUT ON MAUI - WHAT'S GOOD IN PAIA?

I like to take pictures of food.... how does this look?  It was the grilled mahimahi on a huge Caesar salad, at the Paia Fish Market Restaurant.  It's only $13.99 ... how can you beat that?

I already wrote about this restaurant not long ago.... check it out for more info.  Paia is a small town on the north shore of Maui.  We get a lot of tourists here, and we have a lot to offer them.  If this doesn't make you hungry then I don't know what to say.  Cheers.

Other DINING CHOICES in oceanfront Paia Maui HI.   Steak and Lobster at Mama's Fish House - oceanfront dining in Kuau.

Aloha - The Hunter - www.mauihunter.com    Moving to Paia Maui HI?  Give me a call... 808 283-0635

Mark your calendar for these fun Upcountry events:

April 25, 26, 27
St. Joseph Church & School Annual Feast
1294 Makawao Ave. Makawao  808 572-7652
- great food, country store, games, entertainment, auction and more

May 10
35th Annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair
Olinda Rd. Makawao  808 572-7235
- Maui's premier craft fair
- entertainment, auction, food, games and more
- admission $3  under 12 free

May 10 & 11
Holy Ghost Feast
Lower Kula Road, Kula  808 878-1261
www.kulacatholiccommunity.org
- free admission
Saturday - food and game booths, farmer's market, plants, entertainment, lau lau sales
         - mass & procession 5 pm
         - small good auction 6 - 10 pm
Sunday - food and game booths, farmer's market, plants, entertainment, lau lau sales
         - mass 9:30 am
  - free lau lau meal starts at 11:15 am
         - small good auction 11 am - 4 pm
         - animal auction 2:30 - 4:30 pm

June 14 & 15
28th Annual Upcountry Ag Fair
Oskie Rice Field & Arena, Olinda Rd. Makawao 808 572-7143
- Maui County 4H Championships & auction
- Maui Farm Bureau Farmer's Market, plants, flowers, keiki games
- made in Hawaii vendor tent
- food booths, Maui Cattle Company cook-off
- Piiholo Stable horse rides
- livestock competition and exhibit
- Piiholo Ranch's Roy Rogers Wild West Show
- truck trailer and tractor lane
- free admission
- parking $5

July 3,4,5,6
53rd Annual Makawao Rodeo
Oskie Rice Arena, Olinda Rd. Makawao  808 572-0386
- presented by the Maui Roping Club
Thursday & Friday - qualifying runs - free admission
Friday - Bull Bash at 7 pm - $15 adults
Saturday & Sunday - Rodeo 1 pm $10 adults

July 5
43rd Annual Paniolo Parade
Downtown Makawao info 808 572-9565 volunteers 573-0422
Theme "The Great Waiomina - Honoring All of Our Paniolo"
- no parking in town - roads will be closed
- park at the Rodeo Grounds and take the free shuttle

August 2 & 3
6th Annual Timmy Cambra Memorial Roping
Glen Souza Memorial Arena  808 572-8954
- starts at 9 am
- stick horse race 8:45 - parade 9 am

April 6 - June 29
Maui Polo Club
Manduke Baldwin Polo Arena - Haleakala Highway, Makawao  808 877-7744
www.mauipoloclub.com
- sponsored by Haleakala Ranch Company - Maui's largest and oldest family owned ranch since 1888
- adults $5, under 12 free
- traditional polo matches as played for the past 100 years
- visiting pros
- Memorial Day events include food, music and dancing 

And don't forget about these ongoing events:

Farmer's Market
Eddie Tam Gym, Makawao Ave, Makawao
- every Saturday from dawn til noon, rain or shine
- fruits, veggies, flowers and other goodies

Maui's Winery
Ulupalakua  808 878-6058  http://www.mauiwine.com/
- free tours and wine tasting
- tranquil and beautiful setting
- historic grounds and display
- no reservation needed, daily 9 am - 5 pm

Ulupalakua Ranch Store
Ulupalakua  808 878-2561
- right across from the winery
- burgers hot off the grill, sometimes buffalo and elk available
- country store and souvenirs
- open daily 9:30 am - 5 pm

Aloha from MAUI - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - Paia HI Maui 96779

MAUI IDX, ILD, MLS - ( Internet Data Exchange, Internet Listing Display, Multiple Listing Service)

On MAUI we offer WEBSEARCH for consumers to view current real estate listings on the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

It's free and easy for the general public to use, and provided by Maui Realtors as a service to buyers and sellers. 

See the NEW MAUI LISTINGS for the week.

If you're curious about a listing, you can request more info with just a few clicks. 

Search for Maui real estate listings:

• homes for sale
• condos for sale
• oceanfront properties for sale
• vacant land for sale
• commercial and business listings
• vacation homes
• apartment buildings
• pre-construction offerings
• new listings

Search Maui properties by:

• city, town, district
• waterfront - oceanfront, beachfront
• views - ocean, mountain, garden
• price range
• lot size
• square footage
• bedrooms and bathrooms

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.  If you'd like to know more about Maui County Real Estate sales, please let a long time Maui resident help you.

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - your Maui real estate agent  (808) 283-0635  mailto:info@mauihunter.com ~ SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

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

KUAU MAUI HAWAII  

On the north shore of Maui - just a short way from Paia Town, you'll come to the neighborhood of Kuau.  This small community boasts beautiful beaches, ocean access for windsurfers, the Kuau Mart, and Mama's Fish House Restaurant.

NEW LISTING FOR SALE - Kuau Plaza #105  asking $465,000 FS

It's a 2BD/2BA ground floor unit, with a parking spot right outside the door.  What makes this special is that the 2 bedroom units hardly ever come on the market - they are just too precious to sell... until now!

SEE THE SLIDE SHOW

VACATION RENTALS - Maui has some areas that allow for short term rentals, and usually these are in the resort areas.  The Kuau Plaza is unique - short term rentals are allowed here due to a zoning variance which allows for transient accommodations on this one street only.  There are NO other condo buildings in Paia and Kuau - which makes this a rare opportunity indeed.  Windsurfers, surfers, kiteboarders and more will love the convenience of this location.  A new owner can take over the VRBO website and start taking bookings, or use the fully furnished condo themselves.  Vacation rentals on Maui are really needed in areas away from the resorts - why not secure your own north shore vacation condo today?

PAIA MAP   ~   HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PAIA  ~  NEW LISTINGS NEWSLETTER

KUAU PLAZA - It's a 3 story, 30 unit concrete building built in the '70s.  There are only 6 2BD/2BA units, and the rest are 1BD/1BA.  Each unit comes with it's own covered lanai looking out over the lush lawn and coconut palms. 

Located on the makai side of Hana Highway, and just a short walk to a white sandy beach where you can launch your windsurf rig and spend the day ripping up the waves. 

Mama's Fish House is nestled under the coconut palms on this very same beach, so drop in for a fabulous lunch or dinner.

NORTH SHORE BEACHES - Maui's north shore has some of the best beaches, especially if you love to windsurf, surf, paddle, kiteboard, or just swim and sunbathe.

Ho'okipa Beach Park is famous, and it's less than a mile away from the Kuau Plaza condos.

Thinking about moving to Paia or Kuau?  You know you want to!  Let me help.... please feel free to contact me and ask some questions.

Social Networking at Street Level - Paia Maui HI

Sometimes it's good to get out and walk about your town.  Yesterday I was in our Paia Maui office and decided to walk up to the Post Office to check the mail, even though it was hot and sunny and I could have cruised up in air conditioned comfort (but how lazy is that?).

I'm glad I did.  I ran into a friend who is a property manager and learned of a cute home coming up for rent in the North Shore Village subdivision - at a good price too.  I'll keep that in mind for any clients who are looking for a nice 3 bedroom home to rent in Paia, for $1,900/month.

I noticed a new coffee shop has opened, actually HAZ BEANZ relocated from a few doors down.  They have a much bigger space now, and will soon be offering free wi-fi internet access.  This is always popular in Paia.  I had a chance to schmooze with the counter person and give her my card and let her know I'll be blogging about their new location soon.  "Brilliant" she said!

On my way back I popped into Mana Foods for a couple of spring rolls and bumped into another Realtor I know.  She told me about her upcoming price reduction on a really sweet house and ohana in Makawao - only $599,000!  I had shown it to a client and I'll pass it on that the seller is more motivated... keep her updated.  I informed her of my fresh new listing, before it was even entered into our Maui MLS system.  We both benefit from the chance encounter.

I noticed plenty of smiling tourists walking about town, and could have started a conversation with any one of them, inquiring about their melting gelatos, or where they might have had their lunch.  Today I chose not to, but what a good opportunity to meet people who are visiting and will possibly end up here when they retire.

So take a break from the keyboard, get out there and mingle - you'll get some hot tips about other properties for sale or rent, see some things to blog about, and get some exercise too.  What's wrong with that?

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

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

PAIA MAUI homes for sale  ~  OCEANFRONT for sale  ~  sign up for the Paia NEWSLETTER

Got a good deal on some batteries... $20 bucks each.

Somebody knew somebody - they were dismantling a back up power system for a high tech facility on Haleakala, Maui, and hundreds of these perfectly good batteries were being unloaded for cheap.  My husband got 20.  He got a solar panel from another friend, and a old inverter we had kicking around, and made himself a free-standing power system - this one for the barn in Haiku.  No more starting up the generator to run the grinder or compressor!  And lights at night too.

Many places on Maui rely of off grid technology for their power needs.  When it comes to off the grid systems, batteries are the weak link in the chain - you can only store so much energy - and they are usually not cheap.  When setting up an off grid system be sure to consult with a licensed electrician. 

HAIKU MAP ~ WILL WINDPOWER WORK FOR YOU?

Maui is going to be a leader in the green energy movement and is well positioned to take advantage of sun, wind and waves to meet the growing demand of energy for Maui homes.  We get by quite well with our off grid system that includes a wind generator on a 60' tower.

If you have questions about off grid living in Hawaii, give me a call. 

Moving to Maui? ....  see the HAIKU relocation package

SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

Georgina M. Hunter - The Hunter - 808 283-0635

Alaska Airlines will begin direct service from Anchorage to Kahului Maui twice a week, beginning in October.  They will also begin a year-round direct Maui to Seattle service on July 17 2008.  This is the result of ATA and Aloha Airlines pulling out of Maui.  This is exciting news for our neighbors to the north!  I hope this means we'll see plenty of Alaskans on our beaches this winter. 

Flying to Maui directly, as opposed to changing planes in Honolulu is a real benefit for travelers... it shaves a couple of hours off your travel time, making for a much more pleasant experience.

Alaska Airlines is offering introductory one way fares of $249.00 for Seattle to Maui and Anchorage to Maui flights, if you buy your tickets by April 24 and travel by Dec. 17. Other restrictions apply.  Flights from Anchorage will depart Fridays and Saturdays.  Take advantage of this inaugural new service to Maui.

Call 1 800 ALASKAAIR or visit their website for more details.  See you at the beach!

You've already booked your flight?  Here's what to expect when arriving at Kahului Airport on Maui.

Maybe I'll even be tempted to fly to Alaska now, that's something I've always wanted to do!

Aloha from MAUI - The Hunter - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - Paia HI Maui 96779

SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS ~ EMAIL ~ EASTMAUI.COM ~ 808 283-0635

The Maui News online published a story yesterday (April 10, 2008) that states Maui real estate sales numbers and prices were holding steady for the first quarter.  Condo sales appear to be having the most success.  Read the whole story here.  The interesting thing about statistics on Maui is that we are a small island, with a small set of statistics (currently there are about 1,200 residential properties in our Maui County MLS system).  All it takes is one sale at either end of the price spectrum to throw off the numbers.  If there are only 3 sales in a geographical area, what does that tell you?  All it tells you is that there were 3 sales.  A person can draw their own conclusions, and can spin the facts in various ways. 

What's important is that a buyer needs to get more detailed information, more historical data and a better understanding of the situation in order to make an educated decision about buying a home on Maui.  Buyers - ask your favorite Maui Realtor to provide sales comps for the area.  Get the facts before you jump to conclusions.  Sellers - your property will sell at the market price, if it gets enough exposure... price it right and it will get exposure.  Again, you need to consult with an experienced real estate professional to get the big picture.

Here are some other points to consider:

• median price - is the point at which half the sales were for more, half for less
• average price - the sum of all the items, divided by the number of items
• DOM - days on market - the time it takes to sell a home

See the current YEAR TO DATE statistics for single family homes in Maui County, then ask some questions. 

If you'd like to know more about Maui County Real Estate sales, please let a long time Maui resident help you.

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - your Maui real estate agent  (808) 283-0635  mailto:info@mauihunter.com ~ SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

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

 My Blog to-do list is getting so long, I am trying to get caught up - so here's a quick shout out for a store I discovered over the holidays...

ELISE!

It's a consignment and overstock clothing store on Maui.

They are located in Kahului (the main city) at:

310 Alamaha St. Unit 3/4

808 893-5473

They even have a website!

I checked them out a few months ago and bought a few tank tops - the prices are good and the clothing is in very good shape.  Mostly women's things, but there was some stuff for kids and men too.  Nice friendly little store with a pretty good selection of smaller sizes.

If your husband is nearby buying paint or floor tiles, drop in and see if there's anything you like.  I guarantee you will like the prices.  Living on Maui is not cheap, so it's always good to know how to stretch a dollar... and recycle too.

When you're looking for a bargain in Maui Real Estate - just ask a local Realtor where to find the best deals....

Georgina M. Hunter R(S)  Jim Sanders Realty Inc.  Paia HI 96779

ALOHA FROM MAUI! ~ 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL ~ SEARCH MAUI PROPERTIES FOR SALE

(see an artist's view of Historic Downtwon Paia and Makawao - short video)

Welcome to Paia Maui Hawaii, 96779          PAIA MAP

If you come to Maui and drive east from the airport, along the Hana Highway, you'll come to the small oceanfronttown of Paia.  It's all historic!  Paia Maui was once a thriving sugar plantation town in the 1800's with a sugar mill, hospital, train station, worker housing and commercial district.  Paia was actually 2 towns back then... Paia with the mill, the railroad station (now a retail home furnishings store) and the housing, and Lower Paia along the shoreline, where the shops and restaurants and movie theaters were located, serving the community. 

I guess you could say the whole downtown oceanfront area is pretty much the historic district, as there has not been a lot of new construction in the center.  New buildings, like our Post Office are built to keep the character of the town consistent.  Old and new mix it up for special events.

Being an oceanfront location, Paia has experienced tsunamis in historic times.  In April 1946, Paia experienced the largest tsunami in Hawaii's recorded history, which was the result of an earthquake originating in Alaska.  Only 1 person in Paia perished in that event.

Once upon a time, Paia was a busy place, with one of the biggest populations on the island, and the oldest sugar plantation on Maui.  Before Kahului was built - this is where a lot of the sugar cane workers lived.  The very first phone line in the Hawaiian Islands was installed in Paia, according to old timers.  A lot of the old stuff has gone already, like movie theaters, most of the camp houses, and shops. 

Even in the 28 years I have been frequenting Paia I have noticed a lot of the old time shops close their doors and become Real Estate offices!  Our office is located in what used to be a gas station back in the day.  The local Thai Food restaurant is also in an old service station, at the other side of town, about a block away.  Get your hair and nails done in a unique setting.

A lot of the shops in Historic Paia were run by Japanese and other immigrant families who originally came out as indentured workers to work in the fields.  Paia's local people were a mix of Americans, Asians, Puerto Ricans, Portuguese, and Native Hawaiian who lived and worked together in harmony, as they do now.  As they prospered, some would start their own enterprises to serve the needs of their neighbors.  You can still see some of these names on the stores:

• Horiuchi Market
• Nagata Store
• Ikeda Store
• Bersamin's
• Quinsaat
• Garcia

Aerial picture of Paia now, which isn't a whole lot different from this perspective.

Old is new in Paia... some things never change.  You can shop for so many timeless things in such a small place:

• surfboards - sport of Hawaiian kings
• aloha shirts- keep cool in the tradewinds
• hula skirts - classic beach wear
• jewels and gems - from around the Pacific Rim
• shells souvenirs - from the seven seas
• coconuts by the truckload
• fresh fish and fish tacos
• fish prints - a Japanese art goes Maui style
• local pottery - hand thrown and built in Haiku workshops
• glass art - creations for the home

If you're thinking about moving to Paia, check out some other posts in the Paia relocation package.

 Call or EMAIL directly to The Hunter

Maui Realtor Georgina M. Hunter R(S) 808 283-0635

Team member: Jim Sanders Realty Inc.  Paia HI 96779

Would you like to receive my PAIA NEWSLETTER?   OCEANFRONT MAUI FOR SALE

Showing Feedback

We all like to get some feedback from buyers who see our homes for sale.  And we all know that leaving a voice message for the other real estate agent just isn't working.  Here's a great solution that  makes it easy for everyone..... Showing Feedback^TM .

It's a service that you can use to help your business grow, and it's FREE.  With honest third-party feedback you can help sellers to get a better grip on what buyers are saying about their home.  After a showing, the buyer's agent gets an email link to a short multiple choice questionaire - just half a dozen questions and a box for comments.  I like to give some comments.... you know, the golden rule... I would appreciate getting some comments and feedback.  It is SO easy to do. 

Is the price too high?  What did the buyer like?  Will the buyer want another showing?  Did the home show well?

These are the kinds of questions that are automatically sent out to showing agents after the scheduled showing.  You don't have to make calls that might not get returned.  You will have a report to show the seller.

So here's the question:

Agents - have you tried it yet?  What did you think of this free service?

Sellers - does your agent use this?  Did it help you to make some decisions about your pricing, or the condition of your home for sale?

Aloha from Maui - I hope to get some feedback too!  Please leave your comments here.  MAUI AGENT - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - Paia Maui HI 96779