Hawaii Real Estate Blog

honua kai hokulani pool

Today's Question:

* I own a couple of condos at Honua Kai and now may be the time to sell. I was not aware of a transfer fee on all resales, can you explain?

That's a fair question and through conversations with multiple owners, it seems that not all owners are aware of it. Prior to building, the developer entered into a Settlement Agreement with the West Maui Preservation Association (click here to learn more about this non-profit organization), by which the community benefits by imposing a transfer fee of 0.25% of the sales price of any resales unit payable on transfer of title. Up to date (as of June 14, 2016), there have 117 resales at Honua Kai, totaling a sum of $161,483,634 with a very robust and active Honua Kai resales market ahead.

Our team is proud to announce its participation in the recent sale of one of the premium units at Kapalua Bay Villas. With a direct front-row location on one of the most idyllic locations within the property, unit 36G1-3 offered a unique opportunity to own one of the best units at one of the most revered properties in Kapalua, which in its own right is deemed as one of the most sought-after resorts in Hawaii. 

The sale recorded on May 27 for a sales price of $1.45M, at a sales price of $948 per square foot for the 1,529 square foot 2 bedroom luxury condominium. Our team proudly represented the Buyer in what is arguably one of the best front-row units. For a more in-depth perspective on valuation at Kapalua Bay Villas, broken down by location within the

One of the most important questions a homeowner should ask is the property tax liability. Yet comparing property tax rates across the country can be incredibly daunting as these taxes can be assessed by multiple agencies with vastly different formulas. A recent study by CoreLogic reiterated that Hawaii enjoys the lowest median property tax rate in the country at 0.31%, which is significantly lower than the national median of 1.31% and it is merely a fraction of the nation's highest, with Illinois 'leading' at 2.67% - please refer to the chart below. It is worth noting that the actual amounts paid are a function of assessed values, which are determined at a local level using varying algorithms and automated-valuation models. 

hawaii property tax rates

Not only does Hawaii

Our team is proud to announce its participation in the recent sale of one of the premium units at Kihei Kai Nani. With a corner unit location in building 1, Kihei Kai Nani 105 offered a unique opportunity to own one of the best units in the entire complex. 

The sale recorded on May 6 for a sales price of $315K, at a sales price of $507 per square foot for the 621 square foot 1 bedroom vacation-rentable condominium. Our team proudly represented the Buyer in what is arguably one of the best units in Kihei in this price range. Corner location for more light, immaculately maintained with extreme pride-in-ownership, and conveniently located to all the on-site amenities make KKN 105 one of the better values in South Kihei.

For a more in-depth perspective

Over the years our team has been involved some of the most significant sales in the Maui real estate market. From Wailea, to Kapalua, to Kaanapali, our members have represented clients in the purchase and sale of properties in various niches.

kaanapali shores

We proud to announce our participation in the sale of one of Kaanapali Shores most sought-after units: Kaanapali Shores 903.  As one of the forefront stacks (with only the '01' stack in front of it) and the high elevation of the 9th floor, this unit enjoys one of the most commanding ocean view corridors of any unit in Kaanapali Shores and the the overall Kaanapali condo market. 

With the sale closing on May 4th at a recorded sales price of $895K, it presents a strong opportunity for the new owner for

maui best island in the world

Year after year, Maui is bestowed numerous honors - whether to specific locales (best beaches), local residents, organizations, or visitors. And now the voters of the world's most credible travel portal, TripAdvisor, have made a clear statement: Maui is the best island in the world. The previous year, Maui held the top spot for the United States and the 2nd place worldwide, yet in 2016 reclaimed its rightful place on top.

Thrill seekers flock to Maui annually to enjoy some of the best surfing and windsurfing conditions in the world, while golf aficionados visit to partake in some of the world's most masterful golf courses. Need a truly relaxing vacation? Then the hardest part is deciding which top-rated beach to enjoy. In short, Maui offers

We are proud to announce our team's participation in the sale of Honua Kai's Hokulani 445. In representing the buyers, our team procured one of the best 2 bedroom units on the market at a fair price to all involved. The 1,100 square foot interior courtyard unit offers commanding ocean views while still enjoying the resort feel. 

hokulani 445

The sale recorded at a sales price of $1.39M and is a good comparable sale reflective of fair market value. Our team continues to be devoted to the Honua Kai micro-market and will be happy to discuss with buyers the current state of the market, available inventory, overall trends, etc. For sellers, we are happy to discuss how our marketing strategy is far above the most comprehensive in reaching affluent prospective buyers

It had been speculated for some time that the developer of Honua Kai would be adjusting the pricing on remaining inventory and that has been recently announced. The adjustments have been quite significant and will incentivize prospective buyers to act. As we are in the midst of high season, such aggressive price adjustments are likely to generate interest among buyers. Below are units currently offered by the developer:

Hokulani 150 - Arguably THE best value in Honua Kai. Expansive open floor plan, upgraded Viking appliances, a huge lanai and the convenience of being ground level make this a very strong value. The challenge has been the view corridors overlooking the Duke's roofline and having very limited (if any) ocean views, but that is offset by

UPDATE:  Please note that the Wailele Ridge project as previously marketed has been discontinued. For information about the surrounding Napili real estate market and options therein, contact us.

maui luxury condos

As the 2016 begins to unfold, let us take a look at the most significant sales in the Maui real estate market during the 2015 year.  So with that, we count down the top 5 sales:

* 4446 Makena Alanui Road- Much was speculated and written regarding the record-shattering sale of 4446 Makena Alanui Road in the exclusive Keauhou at Makena subdivision, which consists of only 7 homes on 23 acres of the most sought-after real estate on Maui. The unlisted, private sale of this property recorded for $41.775M, which is leaps and bounds above the previous high mark on Maui of $27M. Not much is known about this property, but from what we saw of it while being built, it is one of the most impressive, sprawling estates in all of Maui.

* 3070 South Kihei Road -