Karen's Blog

Lovely Kai Malu in Wailea Maui

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:24:43 -0500

I went to the brokers open at Kai Malu in Wailea this afternoon, this community is really spectacular and worthy of my writing about . Kai Malu is located about ½ mile from my home in Maui Meadows, I actually used to run through this area years ago when it was a dirt road across from my house.

When entering Kai Malu, your first impression is awe inspiring. In a setting of terraced ancient lava, and amazing views of the expansive Pacific Ocean this community situated along the Old Wailea Blue Golf Course is one of Wailea's true gems.

The community infinity pool at Kai Malu is 75 feet long (much larger than many pools in Wailea). There is a huge deck area for owners to soak up the sweet south Pacific sun and a large pavillian for the smallest barbeque or a large family celebration. If you're a fitness buff, the fitness room looks to be well equipped and has a men's and women's sauna, steam room and changing room with lockers.

The grounds at Kai Malu are beautifully landscaped, it is evident that the young landscaping will fill in nicely as the years pass. The meandering streets make this community feel like a quaint little village, with a few greenbelts with walking paths.

This residential condominium complex consists of one hundred and fifty 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath units. The construction is top of the line with stucco exteriors, tile roofs, beautiful solid wood entry doors and chefs kitchens. The architecture is just beautiful. Kai Malu has 2 floor plans, both have spacious attached garages. The Lewa model features the master suite upstairs with 1,796 square feet of interior living space and 320 square feet of Lanai space. about 2/3 of the units at Kai Malu are the Lewa floor plan. The Honua model has the master suite on the ground floor, this will be great for those of us that no longer love stairs. This floor plan offers 1,852 square feet with a 299 square feet lanai. Some of the units in Kai Malu have their very own private pool and spa.

View all currently listed units at Kai Malu

The entrance for the pool, spa and pavillion area (This is Ohia from the Big Island)

Spectacular views from the 75 foot long infinity pool

a beautiful sunset by the pool at Kai Malu

For more information on Kai Malu contact Karen at 808-281-5253

Visit our website at www.MauiPropertySearch.com for more information on Maui real estate

Current listings at Kai Malu in Wailea

Learn about Wailea's new developments

Maui's outdoor showers

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:00:48 -0500

Outdoor showers are one of the special joys that can come with owning Maui real estate. With the tropical climate being so comfortable, many Maui homeowners enjoy a shower located out in the yard, these unique showers are made from lava rock, bamboo, or just about anything, as long as it has a shower fixture, and water supply, it will work. This is a great way to enjoy the moon and stars when you have been working indoors too much, or say good morning to the world on a beautiful sunny morning. Many jungle homes on the rural northshore of Maui have these outdoor showers, (they are great for cleaning up after gardening) also, homes in Kihei and Makena which are near the beaches and finally most all Maui homes in Maui with pools will have some sort of a outdoor shower.

Here are some examples of an outdoor shower made with simple materials of bamboo and wood.

Karen Williamson R(s) is a long time Maui resident specializing in Maui real estate sales.

Visit my website at www.MauiPropertySearch.com to search the Maui MLS for Maui properties, and learn about Maui's communities.

View Maui's North shore homes and land

View homes in Kihei Maui

Maui's property taxes

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:26:37 -0500

The County of Maui may have a total of 221,800,000 to spend this year. This is based on an increase in the real property valuations for all of Maui County which includes Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Property taxes make up forty percent of the county's overall revenue. Alot of property owners are appealing their valuations this year as they see the Maui real estate market has softened and want to make sure they are not paying more than their fair share of property taxes.

Our property tax rate in Maui County is very low, ranging from $2.00 -$14.00 (per thousand dollars in assessed value) Here in Maui County, we are fortunate to have numerous property tax relief programs for qualifying property owners. The following are some of the most popular programs:

HOMEOWNER EXEMPTION: If you own and occupy your property as your principal residence on December 31 preceding the tax year, you are eligible for a homeowner exemption

DISABILITY EXEMPTIONS: There are a variety of disability exemptions offered to property owners.

CIRCUIT BREAKER CREDITS: This is a tax break that many Maui real estate owners don't know about. Here's how it works: If you qualify for a homeowner exemption (occupy your residence as your principal residence) and your real property taxes exceed 2.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be eligible for a circuit breaker tax credit.

For more information on property taxes here in Maui County, view our Maui property tax rate sheet. If you're looking for Maui real estate enjoy browsing through all the current listings on the Maui mls at www.MauiPropertySearch.com or contact Karen Williamson R(s) at 808-281-5253.

South Maui real estate stats and info

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:54:05 -0500

Maui's spectacular beauty, diversity and comfortable climate lures visitors from all over the world. South Maui, including Wailea, Makena, Kihei and Maalaea has an ideal climate and some of the best amenities available on all the islands. South Maui real estate ranges from inexpensive condos in Kihei to Multi Million dollar oceanfront luxury homes in prestigious Wailea.

In 2007 Wailea home sales increased by 13% from the previous years sales with 36 sales in all. The median sale price of a single family home in Wailea was $2,028,500 in 2007. Kihei real estate is more affordable with a median sale price of $729,850 for a home in 2007, this is down 4% from the 2006 median sales price of $757,500. By far the most reasonable South Maui real estate buy is a Kihei condo, with a median sale price of $427,000.

Many Kihei and Wailea condos allow vacation rentals which gives an investor the opportunity to visit Maui and stay in their own condo part of the year and rent the condo out to vacationers while they are away. Not all Kihei and Wailea condos allow vacation rentals.

When looking to purchase a home or an investment property on Maui, I would be honored to help you with your purchase.

Visit my website at http://www.mauipropertysearch.com/ and search the Maui MLS, learn about Maui's communities and current market conditions.

Cork, an environmentally good flooring choice.

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:32:32 -0600

In my search for a flooring that had the least impact on the environment, I think cork is my best choice. What an amazing product! Cork is harvested from the Cork Oak trees mostly grown in the Mediterranean. The bark of the tree is peeled off every 9 years or so and the tree grows a new layer. These trees are so cherished in Portugal, where 50% of the worlds cork supply comes from that they are managed closely by the government.

Cork floors are actually made from the waste of the cork bottle stopper industry, so it is a recycled product. In producing the flooring there is almost zero waste. Cork has an antimicrobial in it that deters pests, molds and mildews. It is comfortable on the feet and joints to walk on, a great sound barrier and elegant to the touch. If cared for properly, cork will last as long as hardwood flooring. Many large businesses are turning to cork as the environmental, long lasting choice for flooring.

Don't you wish all the building material available were so environmentally sound?

Here are some online sources for cork flooring: http://www.sustainableflooring.com/ http://www.igreenbuild.com/_coreModules/common/categoryDetail.aspx?categoryID=503 http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/wicanders_lush.php

Contact Karen Williamson R(s) for all your Maui real estate needs.

808-281-5253

Visit my website and search the Maui mls at www.mauipropertysearch.com

Avacados are going off in Kihei!

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:39:23 -0500

I have a friend who has the most awesome avo tree here in Maui Meadows, each year around this time, it produces the the most amazing avocado's. The fruit is almost perfectly round, is from 4"-7" across, and is not stringy or lumpy. We usually get 2 large bowls of guacamole from each one, or several avocado sandwiches. I hope to graft this tree someday, as it is not a variety that I've found in the stores and it has been grown using organic gardening methods. It seems like the typical avocado sold in the big supermarket on Maui are the Sharwill or the Hass (shipped from the mainland). Often in the health food stores I find Maui grown avocados of different varieties.

Here's a picture of todays avocado. I did a little research and found that avocados is native to Mexico, Central America and South America, the earliest proof of it's existence is from the 8th century. (an Avocado was buried with a mummy.) they have long been known as aphrodisiacs even though there is no scientific evidence of this. The milky substance from the seed turns red when exposed to air, the Conquistadors used this substance as an ink, and there are still documents today that were written with this ink. The first avocado tree in America was planted by a Florida Judge in 1833. Avocado trees need another avocado tree to cross pollinate and produce fruit in 1-3 years, a healthy tree can produce for 200 years! Maui is a great place for growing healthy avocado trees.

Contact Karen Williamson, your Maui real estate agent about buying property on Maui.

www.mauipropertysearch.com

Community organic garden in Hali'imaile Maui

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:28:52 -0500

Hali'imaile is a sweet little town upcountry Maui, it's the kind of place where people are still friendly and give you a wave when you drive by. At the end of Ao'iki Street is a beautiful community organic garden, this project is supported by Maui Land and Pineapple Co.

With most kids these days feeling that food just comes from the grocery store, this is a great place for families to teach their children where food really comes from. People who don't have space for a garden at home, can have a small garden plot, conveniently located for upcountry residents. The gardeners all practice organic gardening methods sharing the same intentions to be good stewards of our earth. Composting is common practice at the Hali'imaile community garden, this is not only beneficial to building healthy soil, but helps reduce the waste sent to our Maui landfill (which is filling far too quickly). The feeling of community is strong, working beside your friends and neighbors, sharing gardening ideas and techniques, and of course enjoying the sweet harvests.

Some of the future goals for this community garden include educational planting by schools and growing food for the Maui Food Bank. Membership is currently free, but there will be a small fee to cover expenses in time. This is a great opportunity for upcountry residents to enjoy the outdoors, grow some healthy organic food, and help reduce Maui's dependence on imported foods. How lucky we live Maui :)

My kids shucking corn from our organic garden.

Remembering Maui, the old Kahului airport

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 03:18:04 -0500

I remember when I was a little girl, we would come to Maui each winter. We would arrive at the (old) Kahului Airport, the first thing I always noticed, as soon as they would open the plane door was how moist the air was and the sweet smell of plumeria. Back then, the stairs would drop down from the plane to the runway and we would walk across the runway to the terminal, with our hair and clothing and whatever else we had blowing in the strong Kahului winds. The Kahului airport was so quaint and sweet back then, the most unique part of it was the huge banyan tree growing out of the center of the terminal, it was so beautiful, and there was a little sitting area around the tree for wary travelers to sit and rest. I remember watching all the birds flying in and out of this magnificient tree and thinking, this is the best, I love it here on Maui! The two other things I remember about the old Kahului airport was the upstairs bar up that semi spiral staircase, that my dad would go up to to have a quick drink after a long day of flying with mom and all five of us kids. (Mom would send me up to the bar to go get him.) And the blind man that ran the newspaper/snack stand, I would go there to buy a candy and he would take my money and give me the proper change. I would watch him with my eagle eye wondering how he was so smart. Sweet thing, he was there for many years.

I only wish I was wise enough to have taken pictures of our precious Maui back then, I would love to share with you the essence of island life. If anyone has any pictures, I'd love if you'd share them.

Aloha

Fears of the Hawaiian rural lifestyle being lost

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 05:23:40 -0500

The Neighbor islands in the Hawaiian Island chain have long been known for a more rural lifestyle than Oahu, (the most populated island). The controversy over the Hawaii Superferry has brought up some very uneasy feelings among Neighbor island residents. Some say the Hawaiian Islands are at a tipping point and that the root is far bigger than the Hawaii. Some people call the Superferry H-4 a new kind of freeway linking the islands. Recently when the ferry tried to enter Nawiliwili harbor on Kauai, over one thousand protesters came to stop it. There were lawyers, doctors, real estate agents, union agents, construction workers, activists, retirees, students, pharmacists, college professors, tourist industry workers, government workers and contractors at the harbor and in the water on surfboards, kayaks and canoes, to stop this massive boat. You may ask, why all the fuss?

Maybe the fact that cruise ships and direct flights from the mainland come straight in to the neighbor islands now, bringing crowds of tourists to places that local folks aren't used to having them.

Maybe it's the fact that all the neighbor islands real estate has been booming for a number of years and the prices are unrealistic for the regular working folks, or the fact that the property taxes have surged because of this.

Or it could be the traffic that our neighbor islands residents are not accustomed to, with the infrastructure always two steps behind in these areas that have grown so quickly, like Kihei, Lahaina, and Haiku on Maui, and Kailua on the Big Island.

Or possibly because some of the schools are overcrowded now.

Mabey some are standing up and opposing the Superferry because they feel that this is the straw that will break the camels back with automobiles driving off and on the ferry on each island, possibly bringing mud and dirt with invasive species eggs, larvae, and seeds.

Or maybe neighbor island residents are concerned that their natural resources will be plundered, including hunting on the Aina and in the water and taking stone and cinder that are no longer available on Oahu. A good example of this being that on one of the first voyages 3 trucks came to Maui from Oahu, they were all filled with ocean rock from Maui's beaches and brought back to the Kahului harbor for the trip back to Oahu. Luckily that voyage home was canceled and the rock was returned to the Valley Isle beaches where it belongs.

It could be any or all these things that have brought us to this "tipping point". I do know having lived on Maui for 25 years, that I have never seen so many residents on the neighbor islands feeling uneasy, I've never seen such a split in the communities as I do right now.

Here are a couple of articles about the Hawaii Superferry: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/NEWS09/708270351 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20837793/

The history of Maui real estate since the 1970's

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 04:40:20 -0500

Before the 1970's most visitors that came to the Hawaiian Islands came to Waikiki on Oahu.

The Maui Lu was the only resort on Maui's south shore, this resort was built by a Canadian logger Gordon Gibson and named after a yacht he sailed across the Pacific, it housed the snowbirds that would hide out in Maui for the winter.

In the 70's "Maui was found"

Amfac developed Kaanapali and Maui started gaining in popularity.
condos were developed on the shores of Kihei. Hale Kamaole, Haleakala Shores, Kamaole Beach Royale, Kamaole Nalu, Kihei Akahi, Kihei Alii Kai, Kihei Surfside, Kihei Parkshore, Mana Kai, Punahoa Beach, Royal Mauian, Shores of Maui, Island Surf, Maui Sunset, Waiohuli Beach Hale, Waipuilani and Kihei Beach Resort and many others.
Wailea Ekahi and Wailea Elua were built on the ocean in Wailea.
The Intercontinental Hotel and the Maui Beach Hotel were built in Wailea.

Previously, Kihei had been considered "out of the way and off the beaten path" With pavement only to Keawakapu beach there was mostly cactus and Kiawe throughout Wailea and Makena area. Upcountry and the north shore including Kula, Pukalani, Makawao, and Haiku were all very rural farming communities.

In the late 1980's the Japanese buyers came to Maui with their strong Yen. They bought up Maui real estate like it was going out of style until the mid 90's when their economy began to falter.

In the mid 1990"s Wailea's master planned community sprouted three new luxury resorts. The Grand Hyatt Resort (Now the Grand Wailea), the Four Seasons Resort, and the Kealani Hotel (now the Fairmont Kealani) With all the luxury accommodations and golf courses and fantastic beaches, Wailea had become "the crown jewel" of Maui.

In west Maui Kapalua's planned community development was reaching maturity with beautiful Villas, Homes and two luxury hotels, the Ritz Carlton and the Kapalua Bay Hotel.

From the late 1990's till 2006 the Maui real estate was booming, many of the buyers came from the mainland and much of the money came from the stock market and Internet companies.

Recently, Maui's real estate market has cooled down, with far more opportunities for buyers than the last few years. With all that our lovely island has to offer, it will always be sought after by mainland and foreign buyers alike.

For more Maui real estate information contact Karen Williamson R(s)

A beautiful Maui sunset

The Canadian dollar hits par, what this means for Maui real estate sales

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:12:51 -0500

For the first time since 1976 the Canadian dollar hit par. All the Canadians I know are beaming and thinking of the best way to invest their stronger dollar. Canadians have long loved Hawaii's sunny weather. In the 1970's they bought a lot of Kihei real estate, coming over here to thaw out in the winter months. I think that with their dollar soaring they will be putting their money back in Maui real estate soon, especially with our prices soft and a much larger inventory then the recent past.

An awesome Maui Beach

Maui Real estate

View all current listed Wailea, Makena condos

View all currently listed Wailea, Makena homes

View all currently listed Kihei condos

View all currently listed Kihei homes

Contact Karen for all your Maui real estate needs

The nettle caterpillar makes it's home in Maui

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:49:12 -0500

Just this week it was discovered that a caterpillar, native to South East Asia has made it's way to Haiku on the Valley Isle. This caterpillar is unusual looking with spines and a dark stripe running the length of it's back. It is unfortunate that this pest has made it's way to our beautiful island for a couple reasons.

A large infestation can cause serious damage to the plants it feeds on. Our Hawaiian ti and palm trees are 2 items it eats, it is also eating the guinea grass that is growing in all the pastures and gulches on Maui. With such a large supply of food, these caterpillars can spread easily.
There is concern that this will affect our agricultural crops here on Maui.
The nettle caterpillar (Darna Pallivittta) has a painful sting. When one of its bristle like spines touches the skin it is similar to a Portuguese man-of-war sting.

It is believed that these pests have hitch hiked on plants being shipped from the Big Island to landscape Maui developments. Hopefully, with the communities efforts, we can get rid of this new invasive species.

Haiku is a close knit community on the north shore of Maui, it is a beautiful unspoiled area with tropical vegetation and can have fairly heavy rainfall.

More information on Haiku Real Estate

For more info on the Nettle caterpillar: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/IP-22.pdf

Inexpensive staging, an unexpected bonus for sellers

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:51:08 -0500

It all started when I got a listing that had a bathroom that was anything but beautiful, I decided to perk it up a bit, I found that with a pretty shower curtain, matching rugs, towels, accessories and a silk flower arrangement, it showed great and sold shortly thereafter. The next condo listing I got had an ailing kitchen, off to Pier One and Macy's I went, there were new dish towels, with colorful rug, a rock water feature, an oriental tea pot with cups, and yes, more flowers. How fun this was!

It wasn't until I decided to lightly stage an unfurnished unit at Southpointe in Kihei that I bought the teak furniture. I already had the kitchen and bathroom staging items, now I found a hand carved teak couch at a furniture sale, I knew it would be perfect, I went to Wildman Furniture in Kahului to get the perfect matching dining room set, more throw rugs and a few other nick nacks. Now I had everything I needed to lightly stage any small home or condo.

When I let my clients know that I have what it takes on hand to spruce up their unfurnished or not so beautiful home, they are so appreciative. It's just a way of going that extra mile for my clients. The only problem is where to store these Rubbermaid containers full of staging item's and extra pieces of furniture when I don't have any listings that require them? I guess I'll have to make sure I always have lots of listings!

A living room staged at Palms at Wailea A bathroom in Keonekai Villages in Kihei

The joys of remodeling your bathroom

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 06:34:46 -0500

Recently my husband and I decided to remodel the bathroom. We feel so fortunate to own Maui real estate and we would like to maintain our property as best as we can. This should be easy, right? So we demo'd it, removing the extremely heavy cast iron tub, all the tile, even the Sheetrock. Off to the dump we went in the pickup. Well The Maui landfill is extremely windy, I'll bet 30 knot winds on that day. There was rubbish flying everywhere and I felt completely contaminated when I was finished!

My husband framed in 2 sweet archways and did all the Sheetrock work, he hung new Sheetrock, taped and mudded then he got the hopper out to spray the texture. We must have mixed the texture mud too thick and it came out in spurts and blobs, I couldn't watch, I had to leave. It was a disaster, My sweet husband actually put another layer of mud over the mess to fix it and we tried again, this time we got it right and got the perfect orange peel texture.

I had a great idea to use travertine on the new tub surround and wrap it around the bathroom walls with tumbled marble above it, that seemed to go well, but took a long time. I set each peice of tumbled marble one by one. Any real tile setter would think that I was completely lolo!

My son helped grout and we are finally just about done. Would I do it again? Probably not, as much as we may have saved money doing it ourselves, we made a lot of mistakes along the way that needed correction, a lot of time was wasted. though, I must say I am proud of our little bathroom in our sweet Maui Meadows cottage! :)

Maui Pineapple Festival, tour the last pineapple cannery in America.

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 06:23:46 -0500

Tomorrow, Sept 22, 2007 is the Maui Pineapple Festival, being held in the historic Kahului cannery on Maui. This cannery was shut down in June of this year, it is the last remaining pineapple cannery in the United States. Maui Land and Pineapple Co. was loosing money with it's canning plant and is focusing on fresh fruit sales. This years festival offers one last chance to tour the Kahului Cannery. The pineapple industry on Maui has been a multi cultural operation for over 100 years.

Pineapples were introduced in Hawaii in 1813, by 1897 150,000 pecks of pineapple were exported at value of $14,000 from Hawaii. In 1900 James Drummond Dole purchased 61 acres in Wahiawa and began experimenting with pineapple. By 1930 Nine million cases of pineapple were packed by eight canneries on the Hawaiian Islands. In 1952 Frozen pineapple juice concentrate hits the shelves for the first time. In the early 1960s
Hawaii pineapple growers supplied over 80% of the world's output of canned pineapple. In the 1970s Pineapple cannery numbers go from 9 to 3. In 1983 DelMonte shuts down. In 2007 Maui Land and Pineapple shuts down it's canning plant.

The Pineapple Festival is donating a portion of the proceeds to Hale Mahaolu, a nonprofit Maui housing corporation that houses Maui's elderly and disabled. It is also benefiting other nonprofit agencies by allowing them to have booths and keep 100% of their proceeds. This should be a great Maui community event worthy of going to if you are so lucky to be on Maui.

For more info on the event: http://www.pinefest.com/

Kamaole Sands, one of the most popular Kihei condos

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:29:34 -0500

With 15 acres of lush tropical landscaping and some of Kihei's nicest water features, Kamaole Sands is one of South Maui's most sought after condo complex‘s. This gem is located across the street from lovely Kamaole III Beachpark, offering great swimming, snorkeling, and (during a good south swell) is an exceptional place to body surf. With such a superb location, this Kihei condo has many units that are fantastic for viewing the humpbacks in their winter migration to Maui.

Kamaole Sands offers six unique floor plans with units ranging in size from 818 sq. ft to 1625 sq. ft, single and split level. This popular South Maui destination has the highest percentage of repeat guests in it‘s vicinity, with guests coming back year after year for their return to this beautiful Maui resort. Kamaole Sands offers a spacious pool, a kiddie wading pool, two Jaccuzzi's, four tennis courts and several bbq areas, along with meandering pathways with soothing water features.

Investors are enjoying the benefit of Kamaole Sands high occupancy and good rental rates, if you are looking to buy Maui real estate that allows short term rentals, with a great location and an onsite management company, this may be the complex for you.

Learn more about Kamaole Sands

view all current listings at this Kihei condo resort

Contact Karen at http://www.mauipropertysearch.com/

Ho'olei, Wailea's premier new development

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 06:40:18 -0500

Ho'olei is a luxury town-home project located across from The award winningGrand Wailea Resort. This new Wailea development will surpass your expectations for quality and amenities. Built on the side of lovely Haleakala, above Wailea Beach, many of the units at Ho'olei will have expansive views of the Pacific ocean. Surrounded by "The Blue Course", you can't get much closer to Maui's world class golf.

Ho'olei's recreation area will have a lush, tropical pool with a sandy beach entry and extensive water features, a children's pool with a sandy beach entry, two whirlpool spas, a community kitchen with covered pavilion and a large fitness facility.

Each residence will have it's own private entry with elevator, attached garage and private covered carport. The Ho'olei floor plans are generous in size, with each of the 3 bedroom units ranging from 2,563 sq. ft. - 3,301 sq. ft. with vaulted ceilings in the living room. The gourmet kitchens feature only the top of the line appliances including sub zero refrigerators, Wolf gas cooktop, built in oven and microwave oven, Bosch dishwasher and a large granite island.

Spacious master suites open up to large lanai's and have a minibar with subzero undercounter refrigerator. The master bathrooms at the Ho'olei have deep soaking tubs, separate walk in showers, private lavatories and custom cabinetry.

The lanai's are generous on these Wailea condos, with a Wolf BBQ grill, sub zero under counter refrigerator and custom cabinetry. Each unit has two lanais.

The townhouses at Ho'olei will include a membership in the Kulana Club, this allows owners and guests to enjoy the Grand Wailea Resort facilities, including access to the outrageous pools and water features and special rates at Spa Grande, the fitness center and Camp Grande.

There are still units available at Ho'olei, View current listings

Karen Williamson R (s) can represent you as a buyers agent if you are interested in this Wailea real estate. Contact Karen.

Water cutback needed for Central and South Maui home owners

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:40:31 -0500

Often during the summer months on Maui, upcountry property owners are required to cutback on water usage, but this summer, not only is upcountry being required to cutback but Central and South Maui are being asked to voluntarily cut back on water usage too.

Upcountry water is from streams in the East Maui watershed, so when summer comes and it rains less than usual, upcountry residents have to conserve water. This is difficult because many of the Maui farms are Upcountry, but it has been happening for years. Central and South Maui consisting of Paia, Kahului, Wailuku, Waihee, Waikapu, Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea and Makena get most of their water from aquifers in the West Mauimountains. The aquifers that feed these areas have a sustainable estimated yeild is of 24 million gallons per day, in July, 28.3 million gallons per day were used. With fresh water floating on top of salt water, the risk is, if we take too much water too fast from the aquifer, it will begin pumping salt water.

South Maui is actually a desert, it generally gets less than 10 inches of rain per year. With so many new developments in the area and Maui real estate being so sought after, many Kihei and Wailea homes and condoshave been landscaped extravagantly with lush vegetation and some with water features. Also South Maui golf courses consume huge amounts of water along with Wailea and Makena resorts. In the 1960's and 1970's it was rare to ever see a banana tree in South Maui, now many Kihei and Wailea homes have them along with heleconia, ginger and many other rain forest plants.

Some examples of the tropical landscaping used for Kihei homes

Some of the possible solutions~

Use of grey water for irrigation
Use of native Hawaiian plants that are adapted to the climate
Slowing down the development in Maui
Drilling more wells

Resources~

Kamalii Alayna, best priced new homes in Kihei

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 02:17:04 -0500

Kamalii Alanya is a lovely new Maui development in Kihei that is priced surprisingly well. This well planned neighborhood, features a park with children's playground, and is a short walk to the beach or a short drive to all the conveniences of town. With 5 unique floor plans for homes ranging from 1,000 square feet - 2,200 sq. ft. and the lots ranging from 4,500 sq. ft - 10,000 sq. ft. there is a wide range to choose from. Kamalii Alayna will have a total of 92 Kihei homes, phase I includes 60 units, sixteen of them deemed affordable, phase II will include the final 32 units. This Maui real estate development became available on the MLS on January, 2007 and has been received very well by the community.

Each quality two, three or four bedroom home has a one or two car enclosed garage and spacious lanai for outdoor living in the comfortable climate that Kihei has to offer.

Betsill Brothers Construction, the developers of Kamalii Alayna, took the environment to heart when planning this Kihei neighborhood, each home is insulated, has dual glazed Low E windows, and Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing. Buyers may upgrade to a solar water heating system and it is highly recommended in sunny South Maui.

Standard features~

Corian countertops
Bruce cabinets
Tile and carpet flooring
Whirlpool appliances
Central air conditioning
Acrylic tubs and showers with tile surrounds
Kohler upgraded plumbing fixtures
2 cable outlets
2 phone jacks

Karen Williamson R(s) Keller Williams Realty Maui
direct (808)281-5253
fax 808-891-9181
http://www.mauipropertysearch.com/

Moana Estates, good value in Kihei HI.

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 07:11:31 -0500

Moana Estates is a beautiful new development perched above lovely Kihei town on Maui's South shore. Known for it's excellent beaches, sunny weather and world class golf, Kihei leaves little to be desired as far as comfort and recreation go. This well planned neighborhood is a short walk to famed Kamaole Beaches, shops, theater and great dining.

Offering one and two story homes with three and four bedroom variations ranging from 1,600-2,500 sq. ft. these have been built with the finest quality craftsmanship. Each home has dramatic high ceilings, eight foot doors, spacious covered lanais for outdoor living, attached two car garages and tastefully designed exteriors.

Towne Homes, the developer of Moana Estates kept our island environment in mind when planning this Kihei real estate development, each home has solar water heating, ceiling and wall thermal insulation and environmentally friendly Ecostar slate or shake style roofing material. All of these Kihei homes received the Energy Star Rating.

Standard Amenities in each home

Kitchen~

Corian kitchen countertops with integral double sink
Quality GE Profile appliances (ceramic cooktop on stove)
Dishwasher and built in self-cleaning oven and microwave
Waterline pre-plumbed for ice maker
Quality Grohe faucets
Shaker style cabinets (plywood construction)
Ceramic tile flooring

Bathrooms~

Oval soaking tubs and independent glass enclosed shower stalls in master bathrooms
Pedestal sinks in powder rooms
Corian vanity tops in all bathrooms
Ceramic tile flooring
Built in linen cabinets in bathrooms (per plan)
Shaker style cabinets (plywood construction)

Unique Interior~

Solid core doors
Dual line telephone, network and cable outlets in all bedrooms
Spacious closets with lots of shelf space
Premium grade carpeting
50 year transferable warranty on roofing material

I consider Moana Estates good values Maui real estate for the money today.

View all current listingsin Moana Estates, Kihei Maui

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Search the Maui MLS for all current listings in Maui HI.

Karen Williamson R(s) Keller Williams Realty Maui

www.mauipropertysearch.com

Hawaii's resort real estate market is strong

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 05:37:53 -0500

The resort real estate market in Hawaii has been on the rise since 2004. The average price of a single family home in Master planned communities like Wailea on Maui, and Mauna Lani on the Big Island, have more than doubled since 2004.

Average price for single family homes in these master planned communities

2004- 1.4 million
2007- 3 million

Most of the slowing in Hawaii's real estate market has been in homes and condos under 1 million, while there seems to be more high demand for the high end properties. An example of this is Starwood Capital Group's Baccarat Wailea Resort condominium's grand opening days sales of 300 million. Some feel that the weather and lifestyle in Hawaii will only attract more babyboomers as they retire and will fuel this luxury property growth on the islands.

For information and current listings on Wailea condos
For information and current listings on Wailea homes
For information and current listings on Kapalua condos
View all properties listed on the island of Maui at www.mauipropertysearch.com

Maui County Council may halt big box stores on Maui

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 16:22:01 -0500

Are big box stores hurting Maui's local economy and island style living? Are the big box stores putting the Mom and Pop stores out of business and then sending their profits to the mainland (or in some cases forign countries)? This is a big debate on Maui right now. Recently Maui County Council member Riki Hokama proposed a moratorium on the growth and expansion of superstores on the Valley Isle. On August 14th, at the Planning Committee meeting, public testimony was given for and against this proposal. The manager at Wal-mart Kahului feels that this is "anti competitive and unfair", she feels that this may hurt the local businesses and farmers as alot of their products are sold in these large strores. But aren't these products also sold in other stores? Hokama says "box stores come and kill compitition, once gone the prices won't stay low".

Kauai passed a similar bill in May 2007, banning large corporate stores such as Walmart, Kmart, and Target. Honolulu County and the Big Island are joining Maui County in the proposal. The Maui County Council unanimously agreed to push the resolutin forward for review by the Planning Commission, stipulating that the Kauai, Honolulu, and Hawaii Island bills be attached and reviewed by the Commmission and the Cultural Resources Committee and the Hana Advisory Council.

For information on Maui Real Estate and more Maui Community information:

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Kai Ani Village, Maui's new live, work community

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 05:41:57 -0500

There has been huge interest in this unusual Maui real estate offering. Kai Ani Village is a new development in Kihei that offers both residential and commercial space. With 20 live/work residences and 79 home style condos located on the corner of Lipoa St South Kihei Rd, a short walk to the beach. All of the live work units in phase one were sold out in the first 4 hours!!! There will be ten more of these units available, and 14 buyers are already on the wait list. There are still 2 and 3 bedroom residential units available that range in price from 479,900-679,9000. This Kihei condo will have a beautiful infinity pool and spa, bbqs area and even relaxing hammocks in the recreation area! Some of these homes will have lofts and enclosed garages. The developers are going above and beyond with this one, the kitchens will have granite countertops, ceramic tile floors, maple cabinets and whirlpool appliances. Each unit will have it's own separate laundry room, private lanai and 2 dedicated parking spaces (or enclosed garage). Kai Ani's architectural design will be traditional Hawaiian board and baton with accent lap siding. All the units will be air conditioned, low energy windows will be installed along with a radiant barrier in the attic to help with energy effeceincy. The live/work units use the ground floor as the work area with a restroom and upstairs as the residence with 2 bedrooms and two to 3 additional bathrooms, some of these units have lofts and ample parking will be provided for guests and customers. The location of this Maui condo is perfect for having these live/work units as it is within walking distance to shopping, banks, the post office, gyms, restaurants, Kihei Community Center and the beach.

More information on Kai Ani Village

More information on other new developments on Maui

Check out this weeks new listings on Maui

Artist rendering

Karen Williamson R(s) Keller Williams Realty Maui

www.mauipropertysearch.com

mauipropertysearch@yahoo.com

808-281-5253

Maui real estate left unharmed as hurricane passes

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:39:19 -0500

Hurricane Flossie passed by Maui early Wednesday morning with no major harm done. This hurricane which was a category four on Sunday, veered slightly west as it passed by the islands and diminished in size and stregnth. The Big Island closed their schools and many businesses and opened shelters. On Tuesday night the hurricane was within eighty miles of South Point, the most southernmost point on the Big Isle, but when passing Maui County it was 160-200 miles to the west. Maui real estate owners were keeping close tabs on the progress of this storm as many witnessed hurricane Iniki and Ewa in the past two decades. Kahului winds were gusty to 35 mph on Tuesday with Kapalua reporting 40- 45 mph winds in the afternoon. a few Kihei power poles were bent sideways, which may have been from the heavy winds. Hawaii often gets several hurricane watches each year, luckily they usually pass us by with out harming Maui property.

Controversial new policy leads Maui real estate owners with illegal vacation rentals to fear being shut down.

Karen Willliamson Wailea Hawaii real estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 05:39:50 -0500

New planning director Jeffrey Hunt responds to illegal transient vacation rentals in Maui County. He feels his job is to enforce the law and that the previous administration has "muddied an already complex situation" by allowing these vacation rentals to remain open. Advocates of Hunts new policy also hope that more affordable housing will be available for Maui residents with the shut down of these vacation rentals. Many Maui property owners that run vacation rentals are concerned that they will not be able to pay their mortgage without the income from their vacation rentals.

A county sponsored study taken in 2005 estimates there is as many as 800 illegal transient vacation rentals in Maui County. They provide housing for visitors who prefer to stay in the community, sometimes in a more rural setting that Maui hotels cannot offer. Travelers have the option of staying in vacation rentals most everywhere in the world.

The previous administration turned a blind eye and only pursued the vacation rentals that were getting complaints from neighbors. In the past, if the property owner applied for proper permits, they were allowed to stay in business until the permitting process was complete. County land use statutes currently allow only bed and breakfast operations with the owner living in the same home as vacation rentals within a residential district.

With Planning Director Hunts program, starting on February 13, 2007, there is no amnesty given to Maui real estate owners that are using there property as vacation rentals. That means anyone who submits an application for a transient vacation rental will have to shut down operations until the permit is approved. This process takes up to a year to complete.

With funding From the Maui County budget, there will be as many as 6 inspectors to carry out the new policy. "First", says Hunt, "we will go after the real estate owners who have scoffed at the law". Second priority will be operators who never received amnesty and third, will be those who did receive amnesty, they will have until January 01, 2008 to cease their operations.

Head of the Maui Vacation Rental Association, David Dantes says that most of 400 member group lives on the property with their vacation rentals and are full time Maui residents, They are the property owners that are taking care to be good neighbors. They don't know how they will make ends meet if they are deprived of their livelihood.

For more information on Maui real estate that is approved for vacation rentals contact http://www.mauipropertysearch.com/.