The Hansen Ohana Newsletter: First Quarter 2015

Maui Luxury Real Estate LLC ~ http://www.MauiRealEstate.NET ~ 808-879-3667

First Quarter Report 2015

Aloha All,

As usual there is a lot happening around the Island.  Last month there was a phenomenal $41 million dollar sale in a large lot subdivision in Wailea/Makena.  To say the least this is a record home sale on Maui ~ and it is not even on the ocean, but it is private and is on over 3 acres.  You might not see this on-line as the Buyers and Sellers did not want any publicity.  This illustrates that the very high end remains strong.  There have also been two notable Keawakapu beachfront sales in 2015 – 3024 S Kihei Road was sold to a buyer from British Columbia, Canada for $14.5M and another small home just closed for $7.7M.  The properties over a million dollars in Wailea are taking a little pause, but their prices are holding well.

The prices on Maui under $1 million are doing well and there is about a 2 to 3 month supply of inventory which is very good for Maui.  The median price of a home on Maui was $583,300 last year but has actually dropped to $575,000 at the end of April this year.  The median price of a condo a year ago was $403,500, but now is $407,500.  Last month we were fairly close to economist Paul Brewbaker’s prediction of around 7% increase in prices per year.  As of the last meeting we had with Paul he continues to believe that this will continue for the next few years.  This month however, the median price of a home dropped, as it did in 2013 and 2014.  Is this a yearly seasonal change?  Maybe, but we do know that this may be a short window of opportunity from a steady climb approaching pre 2007 levels.

Developments in Wailea are moving forward.  A brand new hotel is going vertical and there is a lot of excitement on this.  It is an all-suite, 200 room hotel and is designed to appeal to families.  It is slated to be named The Residence Inn by Marriott and is located directly adjacent to the Wailea Town Center with very easy access to the Center and it’s now famous signature restaurant Matteo’s Osteria.  Try that restaurant, you won’t be disappointed.  When in the area please drop by our office any time.  It is right beside Matteo’s.
 
Something new to Wailea is happening at the Shops at Wailea.  It is called paid parking.  One other rumor is that the Shopping Center is for sale.  See the link here.  The owners are said to try the paid parking for a year to see what happens.  Many Wailea residents and guests are upset and are busy writing letters to the manager and owners, but it seems like it is moving forward anyway.  You can see the kiosks and gates going up now.  All I can say is that I am glad our office is at the Wailea Town Center and not at the Shops.  Time will tell on that one.  The good news is that a medium size grocery store is being constructed at the Shops to help with quick grocery items needed by the local residents and visitors is steadily progressing.

Speaking of oceanfront ~ have you had the opportunity to view the online photos of our 16 acre listing in Olowalu check the link here.  It’s a definite Wow.

If you prefer something a little smaller we also have a 2 acre property listed in Huelo right on the ocean with an absolutely awesome view.

Prefer a condo?  We have vacation rentable condos in popular complexes such as Kihei Beach unit 102, Maui Sunset B306, Kamaole Sands 9-104, Kamaole One #12, Maui Banyan H-503 and others.   If you are looking for possibly the two best home values in Wailea right now – be sure to check out our listings in Wailea Kialoa at 230 E Panana and Wailea Kai at 61 Waikai.

To receive updates regarding the projects throughout the Island (The Ritz Carlton Residences, Montage, the Upcountry brand new project, Wailea Golf Estates II, as well as many others) please email us.   We also blog about projects and other interesting news around the island as much as possible ~ please be sure to check our blog!

Fun events coming soon:

Friday May 22- 23rd: 46th Annual Barrio Fiesta at the War Memorial Soccer Field on Kaahumanu Ave.  Food concessions open at 5:00 pm, Parade of Queens starting at 5:35 pm.  Dance entertainment.  Saturday May 23rd at 10:00 am Veterans with be honored at a Memorial Service.  Games, races, and a talent contest will take place throughout the day.  Crowning 2015 Little Miss Barrio Fiesta will help conclude event. Updates available on the event Facebook page here.

May 24th – 30th is the popular Restaurant Week in Wailea.  It’s a great opportunity to enjoy fabulous restaurants and support the Maui Food Bank.  Additional information is available on their site here.

Wednesday June 3rd, through Sunday, June 7th:  Maui Film Festival!  New: Grand Wailea will host a Taste of Summer opening party!  Various ticket options as well as pricing available.  Find the various ticket package options here.  
Movie goers can save up to 20% on passes thru June 2. Event schedule available here.

Saturday and Sunday June 13th and 14th : Support our future farmers who have worked so diligently!  Maui’s Annual Upcountry 4H Livestock and Agricultural Fair. BBQ Cook-Off Contests, enjoy Maui made products, delicious food, rodeo and live entertainment.  Special appearances just for Keiki including Elsa from Frozen!  The event Facebook page, viewable here, has information and updates on the event.

Please contact us when you or someone you know is looking for real estate assistance.  Just drop us a line or give us a call.  Summer is around the corner and it is a great time to buy with interest rates still low.  Additionally, if you are considering selling, we would love the opportunity to discuss our experience, explain the market activity in the specific area your property is located, as well as show you our marketing plan.

Respectfully,

Bob, Clint, and Donna

The Hansen Ohana Real Estate Group

Bob Hansen, Realtor/Broker

Clint Hansen, Realtor/Broker

Donna Hansen, Realtor (S)

Seabury Hall 42nd Annual Craft Fair

This Saturday, May 9th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm is Seabury Hall’s 42nd Annual Craft Fair.  Held each year the day before Mother’s Day, come enjoy the day with music, food, activities for children, and crafts from over 100 local artisans.  It’s a great place to find that unique gift you’ve been looking for! The fair benefits the schools financial aid program.  Admission is $5, children 12 and under are no charge.

Each year the event is a big hit, perfect for the day before Mother’s Day!  For more information on the Craft Fair, and links to the Auction items visit the Seabury Hall page here.

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Seabury Hall Craft Fair

 

Mothers Day on Maui

Mothers Day is coming up this Sunday May 10th.  There are multiple options for delicious brunch buffets throughout Maui.  Most recommend making a reservation so don’t delay!  Here are just a few of the many options available for Sunday.

The Seascape Restaurant, located at the Maui Ocean Center, will be having brunch from 9:30-2:30.  Reservations can be made at 808-270-7068.  Prices range from $18.95 for children 5-12, and $38.95 for adults.  Salad station, breakfast and brunch,  entrees, and desserts will all be available.  Breakfast fare includes waffles, eggs, potatoes and bacon.  Entrees will include chicken, pork tenderloin, and mahi-mahi.  View their online menu here.

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Enjoy live music and an elaborate menu.  Salmon, chicken, ribs, french toast, crepes, are just a small sampling of the menu items.  You can view more information for the Sheraton Brunch here.  Don’t forget to call for reservations!

Kahill Restaurant at Kahill Golf Course has both a breakfast brunch and dinner buffet.  Breakfast brunch starts at 8:30 am.  Dinner will begin at 4:30.  Breakfast rates are $34.95 per person, dinner rates are $36.95 per person.  Reduced rates for children apply.  View their menu offerings here.

We wish everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day!

3rd Annual Classic Car Show

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Lahaina 3rd Annual Classic Car Show

 

The 3rd Annual Classic Car Show is being held in Lahaina this Friday April 10th.  Approximately 65 classic cars will begin their parade down front street starting at 5:30 pm.  Campbell Park and Front Street will be closed to traffic.

Prizes including trophies and Cool Cat Cafe gift certificates will be awarded in three different categories, and a $500 cash prize will go to the “Best in Show” car.  Various performances will be happening throughout the night including Darren Lee from Maui Theater, the Benny Uyetake Band, and a silent auction in Campbell Park.

Friday night is also Art Night in Lahaina.  Shop the art galleries and meet some of the artists.  Art Maps are available for pick up at the Lahaina Courthouse in Banyan Tree Park.

It will be a great way to start off the weekend!  Information provided by Maui Now available here.

The Road To Hana And Beyond

Hana is considered the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontier. A soulful respite from modern day stress. The journey to Hana is part of the reward, traveling through lush tropical jungle and with 600 curves and 54 bridges to cross, hundreds of waterfalls and secret spots, breathtaking vistas, remote peninsulas and scenic picnic spots, it’s best to take the journey at your own pace maybe staying on a hotel or go camping with the best equipment from Survival Cooking. There are several books, guided CDs and GPS apps available that take you through the journey. You may want to review some and see which one suits you best. Remember to start your journey early if you want to make the most of it.

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Hana

Setting out on the wonderful, winding Road to Hana, make sure you fill up on gas at the beginning of the journey. Pack some snacks and drinking water and prepare to expect the unexpected and try to always get a road risks insurance just in case anything happens. Hana has a handful of restaurants and small convenience stores, but they close early and some close for holidays.

To begin your journey, you will want to head towards Paia Town on the North Shore of Maui. Here you will find an assortment of surf shops, boutique stores and restaurants. If you stay here a while, you may even fall in love with Paia’s small town charm.

Traveling East of Paia along Hana Highway, the journey to will take you past world famous Mama’s Fish House restaurant, a great option for dining upon returning from Hana, but reservations are a must! Just after Mama’s, you will pass Ho‘okipa Beach Park, home to the Aloha Classic Windsurfing Tournament. The lookout has an elevated parking lot that overlooks the bay, great for seasonal whale watching from the shoreline.

Heading past Ho‘okipa, you will be heading towards heavenly Hana, a few more curves in the road and the scenery will transform from rolling pastures into wild rainforests with an abundance of fruit trees, fragrant wild ginger and an assortment of fruit stands that offer delicious fruit smoothies, banana loafs and other snacks.

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Road To Hana

You will notice mile markers along the road. After mile marker 16, the Hana Highway mile markers reset to zero. Our first recommended stop along the journey is just past the next Mile Marker 2 ~ Twin Falls. Estimate 1-2 hours for this stop.

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Falls in Hana

There is a parking lot to the right of the highway that fronts the entrance to Twin Falls, an easily accessible set of waterfalls that requires minimal hiking. Depending on weather conditions, the paths may be a little muddy. Swimming is optional, so bring spare clothing and towels incase you do get wet. There is a small stand that sells juices and snacks in the earlier part of the day. There are several waterfalls and scenic hiking paths. The area is a popular hiking spot, so can become crowded, with difficulty finding parking. Budget time carefully here if you have a lot of other stops planned along your journey.

Just after Mile Marker 16 you will see a turn in the road to the left. Here you will find Keanae Peninsula. A great spot to stop and admire the sweeping landscape of lava fields and sea cliffs. There are public restrooms and a few small shops that sell fresh banana macadamia nut bread and other snacks and drinks.

Travel a little further towards Hana and as you pass the Half Mile after Mile Marker 19, you will reach the Upper Waikani (Three Bears) Waterfalls, a breathtaking trio of waterfalls which can be seen from the road. A great stop for a photo opportunity if parking is available.

Just before you arrive in Hana, you will see a sign and a left turn towards Wainapanapa state park. This is a great area to visit in Hana offering a variety of sights, hikes, camping, with caves, blowhole – black sand beach

Arriving in Hana Town, there are an array of local eats, we recommend the restaurant at Traavasa which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. While there, you may also want to check out the art gallery which showcases a wide array of Hawaii artists. There are some magnificent pieces that would appeal to any avid collector. Indulge in a Travaasa Spa treatment, sure to leave you feeling renewed and rested. Reservations a must: (888) 820-1043

If time permits, adventure awaits in Kipahulu. Located approximately 15 minutes beyond Hana, this sacred and special area is part of the Haleakala National Park. Explore the area with hikes and walks of varying difficulty. Be sure to read our Blog about exploring Kipahulu which includes info about Seven Sacred Pools, Oheo Gulch and more.

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Bridge in Hana

There is so much to do around East Maui. You may even want to stay a night or two to get the most of your journey. Keep in mind that the journey is the reward so expect the unexpected.

What better way to end your journey through Hana is with an unforgettable dinner. Driving back the scenic route towards Haiku and Paia, you may want to stop at Mama’s Fish House which is located at Kuau Cove (just outside of Paia). All their fish is caught daily and the menu even names the fisherman who caught it. The service is excellent and their dishes are some of the best on Maui. Reservations are recommended. (808) 579-8488.

Tips for taking the road to Hana
– leave early,
– bring hiking shoes and clothing
– bring towels and spare clothes incase it rains
– check weather to see if it’s raining
– fill your gas tank
– drive carefully and slowly and enjoy the journey
– stay overnight for an additional day of relaxation in heavenly Hana

ALOHA!