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

KAI MALU - Wailea Maui HI

One of the newer Wailea developments, Kai Malu is a residential condominium complex and a great place to call home, or even a second home.  The Wailea location ensures you are close to the beach.

Consisting of 2-story townhouses with expansive AND expensive views, these are nice homes and currently there are 24 units on the market, starting at $1,149,000 and up to $2,300,000 for 3Bed/2.5Baths.

The interiors of Kai Malu are nicely laid out with:

• high ceilings
• lots of windows
• granite and travertine
• stainless steel appliances 
• covered lanais

Wailea Blue Golf Course is adjacent to Kai Malu, and many other world class courses are nearby.  Would you like to play golf on an oceanfront course?

The well stocked fitness pavilion is next to this amazing infinity swimming pool and spa.  Can you imagine swimming here at sunset?

Thanks for reading my blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) ePro 

808 283-0635   EMAIL

MAUI UPCOUNTRY UPDATES 

Pukalani Community Center

The public facility is open to the public again after being closed for repairs.

Normal hours are 9 am to 4:30 pm.

The large upcountry pool is kept at 78 degrees. 

There are also 2 smaller pools for the kiddies, at a comfortable 80 degrees.

Call 808 572-1479 for more info.

Maui Bus Service

The Upcountry and Haiku "Islander" routes will double trips starting August 1, 2008 when the Maui Bus expands its service in the area.

The bus will operate every 90 minutes, instead of every three hours. 

The Upcountry Islander will begin at 6 a.m. from Queen Ka'ahumanu Center (Kahului) with the last

departure from the same mall leaving at 9 pm.

Route information can be found online or by calling Roberts Hawaii at 808 871-4838.

Bus fare is $1 per trip.  Monthly passes can also be purchased for those travelers who commute every day.

Pukalani Country Club

Meals are now being served at the temporary location of the Pukalani Country Club restaurant. 

Lots of good local food like burgers, steaks, chicken katsu, plate lunches, pupus. 

Open from 6 am to 6 pm and weekends until 8:30 pm.

Call 808 572-1325

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

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

(These are the homes and vacant land for sale in Haiku and Paia, featured on the Maui Upcountry Realtor Caravan for July 2008 - sent to subscribers of my email newsletter - you can sign up by request)

Paia/Haiku Real Estate Newsletter - July 2008

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The market may not be heating up just yet, but the weather sure is. We have been enjoying perfect summer weather here in Haiku, with just enough rain to make it all green again. The garden is growing like crazy, and we savor our fresh grown veggies and fruits every day and night.

1.    Looking for a Challenge? Haiku  $300,000.00
- 2 older homes from a bygone era, 1 large lot
- all the joys of a short sale, lead paint addendum, and historic buildings

2.    Green Acre, Huelo   $325,000.00
- well three quarters of an acre anyway, wooded lot in jungly neighborhood
- build your home totally off the grid, hike and swim in mountain pools

3.    Adorable Cottage, Haiku  $437,000.00
- nice upgrades in this 2BD/1BA total remodel in a private garden community
- Hana like setting that's walking distance to downtown Haiku shopping and nightlife

4.    Big Views, Paia  $445,000.00
- your basic 2BD/1.5BA starter home with room to expand
- beautiful views over the cane fields to the ocean, city lights at night

5.    Town Life,  Paia  $525,000.00
- all the convenience of downtown Paia just steps away from this cul de sac
- seller is ready to move on from this cute and fresh wood frame 3BD/2BA home

6.    Short Sale, Haiku   $545,000.00
- 4BD/2BA single story rental house nicely situated in cul de sac (pictured here)
- private deck with spa to enjoy outdoor dining, entertaining

7.    Panoramic Views, Upcountry  $999,000.00
- Hawaiian style open floor plan in this 4BD/2.5BA home with garage
- 2 all usable acres, in ag subdivision near wonderful playground and park

8.    Original Owners, Upcountry   $1,149,000.00
- single story, durable, stately 4BD/3BA home was custom built 29 years ago
- just needs a little loving to bring to back to its glory days, 2 acres with views

9.    Almost Complete, Upcountry  $1,175,000.00
- architecturally designed 3,350 sf interior, huge covered lanai, oversized 2 car garage
- 3BD/3BA with loft, brand new home just needs the finishing touches done
- wide sweeping views, brand new subdivision, private water

10.    Vacant Land, Peahi   $1,600,000.00
- oceanfront lot with dramatic views atop the sea cliffs
- enjoy the privacy of an estate, 2.6 acres surrounded by open space
- build your dream house and cottage, short drive to town

11.    Luxury Hideaway, Huelo  $2,185,000.00
- peaceful and private oceanfront retreat with many living options, main house remodeled
- wonderful pool (pictured here) and spa with waterfall and great outdoor entertainment area, cabana
- mature gardens abound with tropical flowers and fruits, bamboo and palms

12.    By the Beach, Spreckelsville $2,200,000.00
- seller financing available for this 2BD/2BA 2-story home with attached 1/1 ohana
- only 180 feet to the sandy windsurfing beach by private deeded access
- large grassy yard with tall palm trees makes it easy to rig up and go

13.    Oceanfront Location!  Paia  $2,750,000.00
- it doesn't get any better than this if you want to live at the beach and never drive a car
- it's downtown and oceanfront, cute as a button house and detached cottage
- step out your door and onto the beach to go surfing or swimming every day of the year
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14.     Hot New Listings - we have a couple of great new Haiku listings that will go fast
- 3BD/1.5 bath 2-story home in a beautiful valley, 4.75 acres    $599,000.00
- nice building lot, 1.48 acres in same valley, adjacent to above property $365,000.00
- both properties will share a well and private water system to be built
- intermittent stream, fruit trees and flowers, Hawaiian historical site

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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 an organic farm?    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."

I forgot to mention that a landmark store in Paia has now closed.... Nagata Store on the Hana Highway closed for business at the start of this month... July 2008.  They have served the public for over 70 years!

You know they will be missed.  This was one of the last "old time" stores in Paia.

It kind of marks the end of an era, and the start of a new one.  I just hope Starbucks doesn't fill the spot!

 This is what it used to look like, when they were open.  It was the best place for fresh fish, and many other things.

Anyway, that's the news from Paia.  If you're driving through Paia Maui, there are lots of other great shops and restaurants to satisfy your needs.

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

HO'OKIPA BEACH PARK DRIVEBY - a short (minute and a half) movie compiled from some video and slides, with an acoustic slack key soundtrack added.  You will get to see the beach, some windsurfers, and a nice rainbow over the park.  For those of you who don't know... Ho'okipa Beach is on the north shore of Maui, and it's famous as a prime surfing and windsurfing spot.

I am still getting the hang of this (movie making), so bear with me.  I'd like to say mahalo to Makana for the cool music.  After hearing him play at the slack key guitar festival on Maui, I bought his CD.  You can find his CD's at local music stores here in Hawaii, and online.  

When life gives you bananas, what do you do?

• eat them fresh
• eat them cooked
• eat them barbecued
• feed them to the pets
• feed them to the livestock
• feed them to the hippies
• give them away

These two nice bunches were grown in sunny Haiku Maui - organically of course  : )  I made a minimovie showing how to harvest bananas, for those of you who don't know how... check it out.

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

Do you have any questions about growing your own bananas on Maui?   How about finding your own Maui property?

HAIKU MAUI HOMES FOR SALE  ~  MAUI OCEANFRONT FOR SALE  ~ HAIKU VACANT LAND FOR SALE

PAIA MAUI HAWAII - 96779       See the North Shore Maui Map

Here we go again on another inter-island trip, this time we're flying from Maui to the Big Island. This picture was taken from the window of our Aloha Airlines flight on a typical sunny day. Not bad considering it's taken through the plexiglass.  The expanses of green are sugar cane fields which cover a good portion of the slopes of Haleakala, Maui's famous dormant volcano. Maui and Kauai are the last of the Hawaiian islands to still grow sugar cane, and Paia was historically a sugar plantation town.

You can see that Paia is a small town with most of the development along the shoreline in what was historically Lower Paia. There are properties for sale in Paia, oceanfront homes, fairway homes, family homes, and commercial. Starter homes are priced in the $400,000's and up. Many houses in Paia are within walking distance to the shops and restaurants, and sandy beaches too. There are vacation condos in Paia and Spreckelsville as well.  It's a nice little community that is only about 15 minutes from our airport and main cities of Kahului and Wailuku.  Paia Youth and Cultural Center is a wonderful resource for the local kids, with the beach and skate park, their own restaurant and radio show.

Paia really appeals to visitors who are looking for a different kind of tourist experience than the resorts have to offer. This north shore town is where surfers, windsurfers and kiteboarders congregate due to the excellent ocean conditions for their sports. For a small town, there is a lot going on.  Paia is the town where I hang my Real Estate license, at Jim Sanders Realty. Be sure to inquire about the local market if you're looking to buy a home here.

This is the windward side of the island, meaning that we enjoy plenty of fresh tradewinds on an average day.  Those tradewinds bring rainshowers that keep things green and lush, usually in the wee hours.  It's that special combination of wind and waves that makes this such a popular place on Maui.  The windsurfing center of the world is right here at Ho'okipa Beach, just a mile out of town.  Let me know if you have any questions about this unique locality.  Aloha and thanks for visiting Paia.

If you're thinking about Paia Real Estate for sale, check out some other posts in the 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?

Fresh Mango Warning

This year on Maui we are having a really good mango season.  These Haden mangoes are the best... so sweet and juicy.

But beware, some people have a bad reaction to mango sap (allergic contact dermatitis ).  The mango skin should be avoided if you are the type who is allergic to poison oak or poison ivy.  For some people, coming in contact with the sap will cause an adverse reaction, like blisters or a rash on the mouth and hands.  This is caused by a chemical called urushiol, which is found in the oil of mango sap.

Those same people should avoid climbing the mango tree, picking the fruits and pruning branches.  The fruits often have residual sap on the outside which is easy to wash off.  The fruit itself is fine to eat, but please be aware to avoid the sap.

To learn more about the symptoms, and what to do, here's an article from the Honolulu Advertiser that offers some tips.

For more local info about Maui, be sure to contact your favorite Maui Realtor.

ALOHA and thanks for visiting my blog.   EMAIL

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

Maui Off the Grid - Sustainable Technologies

If you live on Maui, you might be considering lowering your energy costs with a grid-tie-in system.  If you live off the grid, you might want to know more about how to power up your home, or learn about water catchment.

There's a FREE HOT TOPICS class this coming Friday, July 25, 2008, at the Realtors Association of Maui, from 2-4 pm.

Michael Schwarz, of Sunsation LLC, will be speaking and sharing his knowledge with us, about photo voltaic systems, water catchment options, pumps and filters, and better cell phone reception in remote areas.

RAM members can sign up online...www.RAMaui.com/education

Non members are also welcome to attend.  Simply call RAM at 873-8585 or contact me and I can help you....283-0635

Aloha from Haiku - I'll see you there..... The HUNTER

Huelo Maui Hawaii - home for sale

111 Door of Faith Road - $2,340,000 

If you've been following this blog you will have seen the posts describing this location on the north shore of Maui.  This wonderful and unique property is located down the Door of Faith Road in Huelo.

The home would really appeal to artists, as it is so creative and fun, and comes with an abundance of inspirational features:

• water lily pond/water feature
• groovy entry gate to courtyard
• fabricated "stone" walkways
• rock garden
• infinity bath tub
• stained glass entry doors
• awesome ocean views

As you would expect, the kitchen is state of the art with:

• huge walk-in pantry
• hand hewn hardwood floors
• gas range
• wonderful views
• dramatic lighting
• top of the line appliances

The main part of the home has a fabulous master suite, kitchen and living area all on one floor.  Attached to this by a covered walkway are 2 oversized garages.  Above each garage is a guest suite, providing plenty of privacy from the main living area.  It's a very interesting floor plan that works well for a couple.

See this and other homes for sale now in this area.   Got questions?...  EMAIL ME

For more Maui real estate info, call me....  (808) 283-0635  

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

SURF NEWS YOU CAN USE

If you're here in the Hawaiian islands, and you need a quick surf report, check out the Surf News Network.  It's a really informative site that will give you:

• weather reports
• tides
• surf heights
• phone numbers
• photos
• worldwide surfing news
• upcoming events
• archives
• more links

... and so much more.  You can even upload your own surfing pictures!  You know what they say.... "SURFING IS LIFE, EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST DETAILS."

When you need some help with the Maui details, be sure to contact your favorite Real Estate agent on Maui... The HUNTER....  808 283-0635

Aloha from Maui - See you at the beach!

(This is the online version of my FREE email newsletter - if you like what you see, please email me to subscribe for this monthly service.)

Kula Real Estate Newsletter     -         July 2008

We are really having a hot and dry summer this year.  It seems that Kula is getting more rain than Haiku and Makawao for a change.  Here's the list of new homes shown on the Upcountry Realtor Caravan for July.

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1.    Affordable, Kula,   $490,000.00
- charming 3BD/1.5BA cottage with lovely fenced yard, enjoy sunrise and sunsets from the ample decks
- leasehold and one of eleven condominium residences on 6 acres of land

2.    Cool Nights, Upper Kula  $649,000.00
- located at a cool 3,000 ft elevation, this 4BD/4BA 2-story home has over 800 sf of decks for great views
- the downstairs is used as a separate ohana, fenced yard and new roof

3.    Custom Home, Kula  $1,077,000.00
- 4BD/4BA 2-story home, beautiful entry features etched glass on French doors and slate floor
- tankless water heater and energy star appliances make this home very efficient, stunning views

4.    Small Farm, Lower Kula,   $1,455,000.00
- large 2BD/2BA home and 2 more buildings on 2.6 acres with bicoastal views, room to build
- many mature trees including a citrus orchard, mangos, mac nuts and avocados

5.    Royal Estate, Kula  $3,900,000.00
- main house, guest house, separate studio with full bath and kitchen, workshop/storage building, and caretaker unit
- 3.86 well groomed and exquisite acres, total privacy and serenity, two lava rock waterfalls
- former home of a Hawaiian princess, all buildings have been restored and maintained in pristine condition

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Have you heard about Kula Meadowood?
It's a proposed new development on Lower Kula Road.  Plans call for a 116-unit senior housing project on 85 acres, with a portion of the units to be "affordable".  Housing types will include granny flats, elder cottage housing opportunities, shared housing with multi master suites, and low-maintenance, single-family attached and detached homes.  A clubhouse, with health and fitness activities, a pool, and social opportunities will be offered. Walking trails and open spaces will be provided throughout the community.


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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 retirement home?    Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your Upcountry Expert

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

See more Kula homes for sale.

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

Ho'olei Wailea, Maui Hawaii

One of the newest developments in Wailea Maui right now is Ho'olei, which is located right across from the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui's south shore.  Owners of these luxury vacation residences can enjoy the fabulous pool and recreation area.

Some features of this resort pool:

• sandy beach entry
• 2 whirlpool spas
• 19 foot waterfall
• kids pool with sandy beach entry
• swim-in grotto

Located right next to the pool is the state of the art fitness center with:

• cardio and weight machines
• locker rooms & showers
• men's and women's saunas
• poolside massage

Also available for owners is the covered pavilion and kitchen for entertaining, barbecues, plenty of tables and chairs and umbrellas.  Enough with the talk, let's see the pictures!

MLS SEARCH - HO'OLEI WAILEA MAUI FOR SALE NOW

That's all for now, but stay tuned for more updates of the Wailea resort market on Maui, or sign up for my FREE condo newsletter.

When staying in Wailea, be sure to be seen at the Shops at Wailea, for all your vacation needs.

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

(808) 283-0635 "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

SOLD IN PAIA  MAUI HAWAII

You never know what a property will end up selling for.  Take for instance this home that was listed for $1,250,000 in Kuau/Paia on Maui.  Nothing fancy, just a 3Bed/2Bath home built in 1946 and sitting on a quarter acre very close to the ocean.  But the location in this seaside town makes it convenient and desirable, with ocean views and easy ocean access.

Would you have guessed that they would accept an offer of $900,000?  That's what it sold for.  Quite a big drop from the original asking price don't you think?  I think the fact that the buyer had the CASH helps a lot. 

So when your buyers suggest a lowball offer that you might cringe at, what do you do?  You write it up of course.  Let the market respond, and they will soon understand which way the wind blows.

If you're looking for a home on the north shore of Maui, please let me be your guide.  I can provide you with SOLD comps and PENDING activity to help you make an informed decision.

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

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

Here's the online version of my condo newsletter, which you can sign up for by just emailing me.

South Shore Condo Newsletter     -         July 2008

It's time for something completely different.  This month I will focus on SOLD listings, instead of the usual active listings on Maui.  In the past 30 days there have been about 40 condo sales in the Kihei/Wailea and Maalaea region.  Yes, total sold units are down from last year, but that's to be expected.  If you'd like the full stats, just let me know and I'll email you the link.Here's some of the highlights of what sold recently.  Does this help you if you're thinking of buying or selling?

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1.     Kihei Bay Surf,  North Kihei
- $140,000.00 and not a short sale!
- partly furnished studio across from the beach

2.     Keonekai Villages,  South Kihei
- best low price 2BD/2BA sold for $255,000.00
- starter townhouse condos in a nice location, pets allowed

3.    Kihei Resort,  North Kihei
- vacation complex 2BD/2BA sold for $371,000
- no ocean views, but right across the street from a beach

4.    Hale Kamaole, South Kihei
- 2 closed sales - 1BD/1BA average price $497,500.00
- older complex in a great location close to Wailea and the best beaches

5.    Hale Kanani,  Kihei
-  3BD/2BA top floor unit with ocean views, pool and spa
- non vacation complex, 1 unit sold, for $510,000.00

6.    Ke Alii Ocean Villas,  Kihei (clubhouse gate pictured here)
- 2 brand new units average sale price $705,000.00
- very nice development with pool, spa, garages, but no short term rentals

7.    Mana Kai,  South Kihei
- fifth floor 2BD/2BA unit overlooking Keawakapu Beach, which is in Wailea
- fully furnished vacation condo sold for $1,245,000.00

8.    Wailea Palms,  Wailea
- 2 units sold, average price $807,500.00
- beautiful and popular "older" complex for residents, not vacationers

9.    Ho'olei (pictured) and Papali,  Wailea
 - 8 units sold, average price about $3,000,000.00
- brand new developer offerings, not listed in the MLS at time of initial offering
- 3BD/3/5BA condos with over 2,300 sf
- discriminating buyers know what they want, and they will pay for it

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

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

Looking for a new project?  Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your South Maui Specialist.

Search all condo 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."

Door of Faith Road in Huelo - Haiku Maui Hawaii 96708

Huelo is on the north shore of Maui, and it's a sparsely populated region that's mainly agricultural.

GOOGLE MAP of HAIKU

Downtown Haiku Maui post

I don't think this is the official name for the road, but it's what everyone calls it.  If you're driving on the Hana Highway (the road to Hana), you'll see this row of mailboxes and the pay phone on your left, at about the 3.5 mile marker.  There is no street sign, you just have to know where you're going.  I believe the name comes from one of the churches that is at the beginning of this ocean-side road.  There are actually 2 churches near the top of the Door of Faith Road: Door of Faith Church; and Kaulanapueo Church. 

After you pass the 2 churches, turn right, and then left (at the red house), and follow the road as it heads towards the ocean.  You really should have an experienced Realtor to show you the way, so you don't get lost.

Not long ago this was all pastures and guava bushes, with a few homes.  Now this area appeals to a mix of people, including artists, trust funders, hippies, farmers, horse people, and yoga fans.  I'm always amazed at the diversity, but there is one thing in common - people here like their privacy... and some of these homes are really hard to find.

Some homes for sale now in this area, down Door of Faith Rd.

Oceanfront properties for sale.

Looking for more local info? - call the Hunter - 808 283-0635  EMAIL

A Day at the Beach on Maui

Last weekend we celebrated our wedding anniversary, at the Maui Prince Resort, which made us take some time off, and GO TO THE BEACH!  After living here for 28 years, I have to admit that going to the beach is not one of my top priorities any more. Somewhere along the way, other things became more important, like being a homeowner and taking care of "the most important investment in your life".  We have been very fortunate, and have a wonderful home on Maui that needs a fair amount of maintenance... but we enjoy it immensely, and it's worth it.

Meanwhile, back at the beach things remain the same. It was the beautiful Maui beaches that hooked me from the start.... way back in 1978. We camped at a little beach for a whole month, back in the day when you could do that. Each morning we would wake up and jump into the water before doing anything else. There is just NOTHING that compares to a day at the beach.

See the BEACHES along South Kihei Road, and the North Shore BEACHES.

What makes the beach so special?

• sand in your toes
• sun kissed skin
• salty lips
• wet hair
• sound of the waves
• smell of the ocean
• fun in the water

So get out there and go to the beach and have some fun.  It will recharge your batteries and make you happy to be alive.  If you come to Maui and get hooked like me - let me help you find the perfect home for you.  Just tell me what you're looking for, I'm listening.

Kaulanapueo Church in Huelo, Maui, Hawaii

Along the winding Hana Highway is a community known as Huelo, which is really a part of Haiku, Maui.  A well known landmark is the Door of Faith Road, which brings you to the Kaulanapueo Church in Huelo.  This historic Protestant church was established in 1853 and is still used for worship, with services in the Hawaiian language.  The church walls are made of stone, creating a cool interior for a comfortable experience while attending services. 

Haiku is on Maui's north shore, where the tradewinds bring refreshing rains to nourish lush growth.  Coconuts palms, banana plants, and tropical flowers are plentiful in this rich environment.  Garden enthusiasts enjoy planting and growing crops all year round, and you'll find a lot of organic farms here.

This community has seen a lot of changes over the decades, when this area transitioned from a sugar and pineapple growing region, then to cattle farming, up to the present day.  Nowadays there a many smaller farms as well as homes which range from humble shacks to multi-million dollar oceanfront estates.  For the most part, residents here enjoy a more natural lifestyle than you will find in the resort towns... natural beauty is everywhere you look, and people are very laid back. 

Some find the deeply spiritual atmosphere much to their liking, and would not choose to live anywhere else.  Here in Huelo, it seems you are a little more connected to the a'ina (the land), the water, the plants, and the history of Hawaii.

If you're driving the Hana Highway, be sure to take this detour if you're interested in something unique and historical on Maui.

PAIA MAUI HAWAII 96779 -  Cute home for sale, with a really sweet back yard.  I just had to take some pictures when I was showing this Paia home to a client.  The owner has really put a lot of work into the yard, making some nice seating areas.  The flowering Royal Poinciana tree is in full bloom at this time of year, and it was gorgeous.   I know that the appraisers don't care much for this kind of thing, but what about buyers?   This single family home is priced in the mid $600,000's and seems to be a little high for the market right now. The buyer didn't even consider putting in an offer, which tells you something.  The house is all remodeled and looking great, so it should appeal to buyers who don't want to be bothered with repairs and improvements.  The market will speak - and this house will sell or it won't.  Do you think this back yard will help it sell?  Want to see some other Paia homes for sale?

For more answers to your real estate questions, call a local expert - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro.  808 283-0635  Aloha from Maui

MAUI WIND MAPS

Here on Maui we enjoy prevailing Tradewinds out of the northeast.  These warm winds blow fairly consistently almost every day.  It's one of the reasons why windsurfers and kiteboarders love it here, along with the warm ocean water and wave action.  The tradewinds are so consistent that many of us are using this resource to power our homes - by way of wind turbines.  As more and more people are experimenting with "green living", the trend is likely to increase.  If you're thinking about harnessing the wind for your own use, it's nice to know if it would be feasible in your area.  How can you tell?  What if you wanted to move here - would you like to know which parts of the island are windy or not windy?

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Maui Electric Company (MECO), and others have funded a study to produce high-resolution wind resource maps for the islands of Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai.   CLICK HERE to view the list of maps.  The purpose is to provide current data, when considering areas favorable for wind energy production in the Hawaiian islands. 

Maui has already jumped on board with a 20 turbine project called the Kaheawa Wind Farm, which provides about 10% of our electrical needs.

For more info about Maui and moving to Maui, be sure to call your favorite Realtor, for the local perspective.

Aloha from Maui, and may the tradewinds always be blowing!