Celebrating Fourth Of July

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One of the biggest holidays is coming up this weekend.  The Fourth of July for many people is a favorite holiday celebrating America with friends and family. There will be plenty of fun activities to do this weekend.

The Maui Obon Festival starts July 3rd at 6:30 pm with dancing starting at 8:00 pm.  The Lahaina Jodo Mission temple has a beautiful lantern floating ceremony with messages to loved ones sent out to sea.  This is the Obon Festival that is a must see!  Other Obon Festivals will be happening throughout Maui on various dates.  Check the schedule here via Maui Magazine for other ceremonies.

The annual Pineapple Festival will be happening on Lanai both Friday and Saturday July 3rd and 4th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Dole Park.  Come enjoy crafts, food, entertainment, and prizes.  A special 10:00 pm ferry will bring those from Maui back to Lahaina on July 4th.  You can make reservations through Expeditions Ferry.  The Pineapple Festival website has more details.

In Lahaina, The Fourth of July celebration will kick off at 4:00 pm.  Holiday specials will be had at many of the local shops and eateries.  Spend the afternoon shopping and enjoying keiki activities before the fireworks start that evening scheduled for 8:00 pm.  Jazz Maui will be having a concert on the Lahaina Library Lawn featuring the Chop Suey Jazz Band, University of Texas Arlington Jazz Faculty, and the Maui Community Band.  There is no cost for the concert that starts at 5:00 pm and runs until 9:00 pm.  Official Fourth of July t-shirts will be on sale starting at 2:00 pm in Campbell Park.  The fireworks in Lahaina is the only public fireworks displayed on Maui.  Visit the Lahaina website here for more information.

We hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled Fourth of July weekend!

Your Weekly Events Update

This Friday at the Azeka Shopping Center is the Kihei Fourth Friday Town Party!  This free event runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Make sure to bring your appetite because the food choices are going to be delicious!  Donations of non perishable food items greatly appreciated for the Maui Food Bank.  Lots of vendors, food, local entertainment, and the popular keiki zone will make this Friday a fun family event.  Mark your calendars for Kihei Fridays this week!

On Saturday June 27th and June 28th, Lahaina Arts Society Art Fair from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Banyan Tree Park.  Some of the most talented local artists will be displaying their work.  Ceramics, handmade jewelry, watercolors, are just a few of the types of art you may expect to be displayed.  This event is a great way to support your community.  Check out the Lahaina Arts Society page here for information on events and local artists.

24th Annual Ki Ho’Alu Festival on June 28th at 1:00 pm at the A&B Amphitheater will showcase key guitar musicians.  This all day outdoor event is sponsored by The Maui News.  Bring your own blankets and chairs to enjoy the various musicians on the lawn.  Admission is free, and the gates will open at 12:30.  For a list of the line up, view the Maui Arts page here.

Have a wonderful week!

Upcoming Events

One of the best things about Maui is there are lots of events happening weekly. With so many things to do, it’s definitely hard to choose just one!  Here are a few options for the upcoming week.

The Mui Nui Farm Farmers Market located in Kula runs every Thursday-Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  The 40 acre farm is known for delicious produce.  Zucchini, avocados, bananas, and squash are just a few of the crops grown here.  If you don’t have a chance to make it out to the farm, produce is sold on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm at TJ’s Oriental Food Mart.  To learn more about the farm, including catering and tours, visit the Maui Nui Farm website.

Makawao Friday Town Party is every third Friday.  Happening this Friday, the theme is “Summer Lovin”.  Music on the main stage will be performed by local band Kanekoa.  The Keiki Zone will have pony rides, henna tattoos, balloon animals, and face painting.  Enjoy foods from Makawao award-winning restaurants.  For more information on events, and parking visit the Makawao Third Friday Facebook page here.

On Saturday the Maui Comedy Festival presents comedian Tim Barry.  Tim Barry has made stand up appearances on shows such as David Letterman, Late Night with Conan, and Jimmy Kimmel Live just to name a few.  Event location is at Charley’s Saloon & Restaurant in Paia with a ticket cost of $20.00.  You can purchase your tickets online, and view upcoming comedy events via the Maui Comedy Festival website here.

Shop and help out a good cause!  Every Sunday from June 7th through September 6th The Outlets of Maui in Lahaina present Summer Block Party for the Make-A-Wish Hawaii.  Sidewalk sales, Happy Hour pricing at Hard Rock Cafe, plus entertainment will be had at this free event.  Come to the Outlets on Front Street from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Weekly Events

The 34th annual Kapalua Wine and Food Festival kicks off this Thursday June 11th at the Ritz Carlton.  The invitation only Master Class Introduction to Wine Tasting.  This class is for industry professional looking to unlock clues in wine tasting flavors and aromas.  Starting Friday June 12th events for those with tickets and 4 day passes begin.  All events showcase various wines.  The Grand Tasting Kapalua Style at the Montage on Friday from 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm will showcase premium wines paired with delicious cuisine. The event concludes with the Seafood Festival at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.  14 of Maui’s finest restaurants will compete for the “Best of the Fest” award.  All events are 21 years and over.  To get more information on the festival including the schedule of events, visit their website here.

June 11th and 12th is the Maui Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair at the Oskie Rice Field and Arena.  Hours for both Saturday an Sunday are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The 4-H auction will be presented by the children that have raised them throughout the year.  Lots of games and activities just for kids under the Keiki Boot Tent.  Entertainment and good eating will be had by all throughout the weekend!  Check their Facebook page here for updates on the event.

HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts summer keiki Crafts Class starts Monday June 15th through Friday June 19th at HouseMart in its Queen Kaahumanu Center store.  For children 8-10 years class will be held from 10 am to 12 noon.  For ages 11 and older, class will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm.  Cost is $20 per day or $60 for all 5 days.  Children will about different techniques, and have a different theme each day.   Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended.  Visit their website here for the class brochure and registration form.

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)