May Newsletter

Aloha All,

With Spring settled in and the Summer looming around the corner, there is a lot of Maui activity to keep track of.   Many readers are interested in one or two items so to help with those who prefer more details and charts, we are including links to several of the items covered in this Newsletter.  

Reviewing year over year real estate activity, the median sales price decreased 6.4 percent to $1,290,000 for Single Family homes and 8.9 percent to $651,250 for Condominium homes. Days on Market increased 8.7 percent for Single Family homes and 17.4 percent for Condominium homes.  New Listings increased 3.4 percent for Single Family homes, but decreased 21.3 percent for Condominium homes. Pending Sales increased 1.6 percent for Single Family homes and 9.7 percent for Condominium homes.

Here are the details: https://media.salecore.com/GetFile.ashx?p=DpRTFshdg

The Budget for Maui was approved effective July 1, 2026.  Following is the link for more details:

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview

Last but definitely not least, following is the proposed property tax for 2026-27.  Be sure to pay attention to the lowering of tier tables which may impact some property owners.  There is so much detail to cover we asked Perplexity for assistance us.  Please note that the first reading by the full Council with be May 15th with the following sometime in June: 

https://www.perplexity.ai/computer/a/maui-county-fy2027-residential-.cIPr2L7VxeNF8UkMMbr5g

Some things to look forward to: Finally! Merriman’s restaurant should open late 2026 in the former location of Five Palms at the Mana Kai in South Maui. https://manakaimauiresort.com/restaurant

Bob Hansen RB-17532               Clint Hansen BIC RB-59245            Donna D. Hansen R(S)-49765                                                                                                      808-283-9456                                               808-280-2764                                           808-280-1650                                                                            dad@MauiRealEstate.net       ClintHansen33@gmail.com          Hansens@MauiRealEstate.net

MAUI LUXURY REAL ESTATE LLC, The Hansen Ohana ~ Maui’s Real Estate Family over 30 year

      Information herein believed to be reliable but not guaranteed and subject to change

                                                                MauiRealEstate.NET

Maui Travel Alert: ACE Rent A Car Shuts Down — What Visitors Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, here’s an important update that could impact your travel plans.

Both Maui News and Beat of Hawaii have issued a consumer alertACE Rent A Car Maui has ceased operations and is no longer honoring existing bookings.

This means travelers who reserved vehicles through ACE may arrive on island without a car — a serious issue given Maui’s limited transportation options and high demand, especially in resort areas like Wailea, Kaanapali, and Kapalua.

What You Should Do Now

  • Confirm your reservation immediately if you booked with ACE
  • Secure a backup rental with a reputable provider (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, etc.)
  • Check your credit card for refund eligibility or travel protection
  • If inventory is tight, consider:
    • Turo
    • Hotel shuttle services
    • Private transportation options

Why This Matters

Maui isn’t a walkable destination in most areas, and rental cars are often essential for:

  • Beach access
  • Dining and shopping
  • Exploring the island

A last-minute disruption like this can quickly derail an otherwise seamless vacation.

March Maui Update

 Aloha All, 

We find ourselves with the first quarter of 2026 already nearing its close. The year has unfolded with a distinct and compelling energy as we consider last year’s changes and what we will face this coming year. While every new year carries a sense of optimism, 2026 feels uniquely significant to many who welcomed the Chinese New Year referred to as The Year of the Fire Horse, an event that occurs only once every 60 years. This event is often associated with transformation where new opportunities begin to take shape for those ready to make changes. 

That energy is already unfolding. March, known for “coming in like a lion,” delivered exactly that on Maui, and the shifts extend beyond weather. Climate patterns have moved from El Niño into La Niña signaling a transition from drier conditions to a more tropical, dynamic environment. 

In real estate, these broader cycles often mirror market behavior. Change introduces movement and movement creates opportunity for some yet not for others. What we are seeing locally reflects exactly that, a market adjusting, recalibrating, and presenting new entry points for both buyers and sellers who are prepared to act strategically. 

One large change may be the South Maui Master Plan which is presently being considered by the Maui County Council. The full report is approximately 67 pages. We have the full report as well as an overview of it and if you would like us to email either to you, please let us know. Some big changes deal with the three Wailea Golf Course developments with changes regarding the land and tennis courts. This is the time to pay attention should it be of importance to you. 

If you own property on Maui, please note that the new property assessments have been published. Please be aware that if you wish to challenge your property’s assessment, you have very little time to complete the paperwork. Here’s the link: https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1029&LayerID=21689&PageTypeID=2&PageID=9249&KeyValue=390040820058&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQkOyNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeHJ069b-eMXdvEIFo58ycTXiUgT6RZWh-qhWlCWbesBJtQSbrYKlwmQZrdOY_aem_iXuFzUNMgrqyYxkrsZJk7A 

STATISTICS: 

On Maui, the numbers tell the story. New listings declined 20.0% for single-family homes and 7.6% for condominiums, while pending sales surged 22.8% for single-family homes and an impressive 63.0% for condominiums, clear indicators of renewed buyer activity. Median sales prices softened, down 10.4% to $1,250,000 for single-family homes and 11.7% to $847,500 for condominiums, creating opportunities for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. At the same time, days on market increased and inventory expanded, giving buyers more leverage and choice than we’ve seen in recent years. 

In a market like this, timing, pricing, and positioning matter more than ever. Whether you’re considering selling, searching for the right opportunity, or simply trying to understand what these shifts mean for your property, having clear, current insight can make all the difference. If you need assistance with the property assessment link or you’d like to discuss your specific situation or explore what opportunities may exist for you in today’s market, we are always here as a resource. 

Please know that your entrusting us with your own business and those of friends and family mean so much to us. Thank you for your loyalty and referrals. 

If you would like a copy of our newsletter to share let us know at dad@mauirealestate.net 

Bob Hansen PB R(B) 808-283-9456 RB-17532

Clint Hansen BIC R(B) 808-280-2764 RB-21616

Donna D. Hansen R(S) 808-280-1650 RS-49765 

MAUI LUXURY REAL ESTATE LLC, The Hansen Ohana ~ Maui’s Real Estate Family over 30 year 

MauiRealEstate.net 

Spring Showers

After the spring showers come the flowers.

Spring Forward: Time Change Reminder

Reminder! Set your clocks ahead one hour tonight!