Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 31, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

After over a decade of planning, Maui’s first full-scale climbing gym, Aloha Rock Gym, is nearing its grand opening in Kahului, offering founding memberships and community perks that are already generating buzz. This exciting development is a boon for Maui real estate, enhancing appeal for families and adventure-seekers in areas like Kahului and Kihei, where proximity to new amenities can drive demand for Maui homes for sale and Maui vacation rentals.

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 29, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

After a two-month closure due to drought-related irrigation restrictions, Kapalua Golf’s iconic Plantation Course is set to reopen on November 10, 2025, signaling resilience for Maui’s tourism and Maui real estate market. This development is welcome news for investors in Maui vacation rentals and Maui homes for sale, as it revitalizes West Maui’s appeal amid recovery from the 2023 wildfires and ongoing water challenges.

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 27, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

Hawaii’s shift toward attracting high-spending visitors is paying off, with visitor spending soaring to $10.95 billion in the first half of 2025, up from $8.86 billion in 2019, despite fewer arrivals. This focus on “value over volume” is driving demand for Maui real estate, particularly Maui vacation rentals and Maui homes for sale, as affluent travelers seek premium experiences.

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 24, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

Maui’s ambitious plan to eliminate thousands of vacation rentals is unraveling, creating uncertainty but also opening doors for savvy Maui real estate investors. What started as a bold housing initiative post-2023 wildfires is now mired in carveouts, rezoning proposals, and delays, shifting the market for Maui homes for sale and Maui vacation rentals.

Latest update: Bill 9 and the rezoning process have changed since this was written. For current deadlines, Bill 88 rezoning status and the Minatoya list, read our Maui Bill 9 Guide, updated October 2026.

Maui’s Housing and Land Use Committee has received a report from the Bill 9 Temporary Investigative Group (TIG), recommending new hotel zoning districts to preserve select short-term rentals (STRs) in apartment-zoned areas amid the ongoing housing crisis. This development could provide a lifeline for some Maui vacation rentals, balancing economic needs with housing demands, while shaping Maui real estate opportunities in 2025.

For many West Maui families, the idea of living Upcountry has started to sound less like a leap and more like a dream. After years of coastal living, where ocean views and golden sunsets are part of daily life, some families are craving something different: a cooler climate, a strong sense of community, and space to grow.

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 20, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

Maui’s worsening drought has prompted a proposed ban on new private swimming pools in West Maui through 2030, reshaping the landscape for Maui real estate and impacting Maui vacation rentals in luxury hubs like Kaanapali and Kapalua. As this measure heads to the Maui County Council for a final vote, investors must navigate water conservation challenges while capitalizing on a recovering tourism market.

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 18, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

Two years after the 2023 wildfires, Maui’s tourism is rebounding, with August 2025 visitor arrivals up 2.3% to 205,182 from 200,598 in 2024, though still 25% below 2019’s 273,638. Visitor spending soared to $430.7 million, a 23% increase from $350.1 million in 2024 and 6.4% above 2019’s $404.7 million. This surge signals strong opportunities for Maui real estate investors, particularly in Maui vacation rentals and Maui homes for sale.

This chart shows total monthly visitor spending (blue) and monthly visitor arrivals (orange) on Maui during August over the past six years. The graphic does not include Lanaʻi or Molokaʻi, which are a part of Maui County. (Data Source: DBEDT)

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 14, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

Kapalua’s vibrant dining scene takes center stage with the return of Kapalua Restaurant Week from October 27 to November 7, 2025, showcasing seven world-class restaurants with exclusive deals. This event not only elevates Kapalua’s allure for visitors and residents but also underscores the investment potential of Maui real estate, particularly Maui vacation rentals and Maui homes for sale in this luxury West Maui hub.

Update, October 2026: This article was first published Oct. 11, 2025. Since then, Bill 9 became law (Ordinance 5909). Vacation rental use in apartment-zoned Minatoya list condos ends January 1, 2029 in West Maui and January 1, 2031 in South Maui and the rest of the county, unless a property is rezoned. Hotel-zoned condos are not affected. For current details see our Maui Bill 9 guide, the Minatoya list by area and hotel-zoned condos.

Maui’s real estate market is shifting, and for buyers, that means opportunity. Prices have softened in some areas, inventory has grown, and sellers are becoming more flexible — creating a moment that’s worth paying attention to.

A big factor is Bill 9, which proposes phasing out short-term vacation rentals in certain apartment-zoned condos, including those on the Minatoya List. Because of this uncertainty, some owners are choosing to sell, which opens the door for buyers to explore options.