Tag Archives: clint hansen

Iao Valley Closure

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If the Iao Needle was on your Maui itinerary, you’ll want to rethink your timing. Iao Valley State Monument is closed from April 27 through June 26, pulling one of Central Maui’s most iconic stops off the map for two months.

For travelers who had already penciled it in, the news stings. Iao has never been a casual drop-in, between reservation requirements for non-residents, limited parking, and set operating hours, visiting has always taken a bit of planning. Now that window has narrowed considerably.

If your trip falls within the closure, consider reworking your Central Maui day around nearby alternatives like the Bailey House Museum, Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens, or the Waihee Ridge Trail.

Beautiful Olinda

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An unforgettable evening in Olinda-where the sky puts on a show and every

moment feels like a gift.

First Quarter Stats

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Maui’s housing market started 2026 with more sales, steady prices for homes, and softer prices for condos.

Market at a glance

Total closings across homes, condos, and land rose about 9% year-over-year, even as overall dollar volume slipped roughly 11% to about $516 million. Single-family home sales climbed 13% to 176, condos rose 10% to 183, and the median home price held near $1,300,000 while the condo median eased to about $699,000. Median days on market hovered around four months for both segments, showing that well-priced listings are still moving.

Where buyers are shopping

South Maui led the island with 37% of all sales, followed by West Maui at 24% and Central Maui at 18%. South recorded 142 total sales, West 92, and Central 70 for the quarter, with most regions posting modest gains in activity compared with 2025. South Maui also drove much of the growth in single-family transactions, with home sales there jumping from 28 to 46.

Homes vs. condos

For single-family homes, more sales but slightly lower total volume suggest buyers are active but spreading dollars over a broader price range. In West Maui, Lahaina’s home sales more than doubled even as medians pulled back, while Kaanapali and Napili/Kahana/Honokowai saw fewer sales and lower prices, creating selective opportunities. In the condo market, higher unit volume but a 12% drop in the median price points to more attainable options, especially outside the very top luxury tier.

Inventory and negotiation

Inventory has improved from the tightest years and now sits in the mid-single-digit months of supply for homes and low double digits for condos, giving buyers more choice than in 2021–2022. Roughly 36% of home deals and 18% of condo sales were cash, and about 30% of homes and 18% of condos still closed at or over list price, so accurately priced listings retain solid leverage.

Luxury snapshot

At the high end, the top home sale was 461 Laulea Place at $7,950,000, with several other single-family closings between roughly $5 million and $6.6 million. The highest condo sale was Makena Surf A103 at $9,000,000, alongside notable Wailea and Honua Kai sales in the $3.5 million to $6 million range. Luxury demand remains strong, while most of the softening is occurring in the mid-market and select sub-areas.

Maui Brewers Festival Celebrates 15 Years

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The Maui Brewers Festival is raising a glass to its 15th anniversary, returning bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. This beloved event serves as a key fundraiser for the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) and continues to bring together the island’s best in craft beverages, food, and live entertainment.

Guests can choose between two admission options. The “Beer Lover” VIP experience begins at 2:00 pm and includes early access, exclusive entry into the air-conditioned Maui Brewing Oasis Lounge, rare beer tastings, and premium amenities. General Admission kicks off at 3:30 pm, offering plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.

This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of more than 50 beers, canned cocktails, and seltzers from over 30 breweries and distilleries, including nine from Hawai‘i. Non-alcoholic options will also be available, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Food is a major highlight, with more than 25 of Maui’s top chefs and vendors serving a wide variety of dishes — all included with admission. Adding to the excitement, the event will debut the first annual Maui Poke Festival, where attendees can sample and vote for the island’s best poke.

Live music will keep the energy high throughout the day, featuring performances by Tavana, DJ Hapa Boy, and Nuff Sedd.

With limited capacity and strong demand — especially for VIP tickets — early purchase is highly recommended. Whether you’re there for the craft brews, incredible food, or vibrant atmosphere, the Maui Brewers Festival promises an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and aloha.

More information and ticket purchases available here.

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

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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 alert: ACE 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.