I get asked this question every now and then, so decided it was time to write a post about it, and start a new feature of Questions and Answers. So, here goes with the first Q & A.
What's an Ohana?
In Hawaii, the term ohana is used frequently in real estate listings. It refers to an apartment or cottage on the same property as the main home. An ohana can be a mother-in-law suite, or granny flat. Typically it would mean an apartment attached to the main house but with it's own entrance. It can also be a detached cottage, or an apartment over the garage. It can even be a non-conforming tool shed or barn.
Where does this term come from? Ohana is the Hawaiian word for family. Here in Hawaii, it's expensive to live and many times a household will be comprised of more than one generation. To make life easier, a separate ohana is built or created so the families can each have their own space, yet still be close.
Ohanas come in all sizes and shapes, and there are laws regarding which properties can have them or not. Sometimes the zoning will restrict the size. Sometimes CC&R's will prohibit them. When buying a home on Maui it's always good to ask your REALTOR® about the rules in each case.
Are you looking for a Maui home with an ohana? Please let me be your guide to all things Maui.
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Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!
Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro
call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL
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Other Q&A posts:
Georgina, the Ohana house truly assists young and old with permanent and temporary housing. Good post.
Georgina, Thank you...I learned a new word today. If that's an Ohana it's cute. I think I'd be very comfortable in there :)
Georgina thanks for sharing that information. I had never heard that name before, I've learned something new today. I'm giong to ask my son to build an Ohana for Ceil and I when we get too old and have to move out of this house.
Georgina- thanks for the Hawaiian lesson!!! I have been running astray in FACEBOOK, but am back here in the Rain again!!! Hope all is well with you!!!
Georgina - I actually learned about this a few years ago when I helped three different clients who relocated to Austin from Maui.
Leolinda - aloha and mahalo for dropping in
Carole - yes that's one version of an ohana
Carl - that's the spirit! You won't have far to move.
BJ - hey it's great to see you back! I'm glad you let me know.
Jason - that's funny - you must have wondered what in heck they were talking about at first! You mean to say people actually move from Maui to Austin!? lol If I hear of any others, I'll be sure to let them know about you.
Ah-ha! So I inspected a home last week for a guy who wanted to build an ohana. Perhaps when I follow up with him, I'll ask, "Have you started on the ohana, yet?" That might get a response. LOL
Russel - and you can ask him if he has any pupus, and see what he says.
It's all your fault, Georgina. Russel's been running around the past few days calling everything an ohana, his new favorite word. He finally told me he got it from you!
Jim that's funny! At least it comes in handy when working with people from Hawaii.