Maui Vacation Rental Ban Advances: What Bill 9 Means for Owners, Buyers, and Sellers

Published: July 25, 2025

By Joe Erlemann | The Maui Property Team at Compass

Summer travel frustrations, high costs, crowded destinations, and unpredictable disruptions are pushing savvy travelers and investors toward Maui’s shoulder seasons. Unlike the chaotic peak months of July and August, Maui’s shoulder periods, March to June and September to early December offer a serene, cost-effective experience, making them ideal for enjoying and investing in Maui real estate. For Maui homes for sale or Maui vacation rentals, these months present unique opportunities.

As Maui continues to evolve, so does its approach to zoning, land use, and housing. Three newly enacted bills—Bill 75 (2025), Bill 76 (2025), and Bill 104 (2024)—address key aspects of real estate and land use that could affect homeowners, investors, and buyers alike. Here’s a breakdown of what each bill does, along with the pros and cons for the Maui real estate community.

A high-profile antitrust lawsuit filed by Compass against Zillow, as detailed in a CandysDirt.com report, is shaking up the real estate industry, with implications for Maui real estate investors. The lawsuit challenges Zillow’s Listing Access Standards, which require listings to appear on Zillow within 24 hours of public marketing or face penalties, potentially affecting how Maui homes for sale are marketed.

Maui’s tourism sector saw a dip in May 2025, with 195,784 visitors arriving by air, the lowest month this year, yet up 9.2% from May 2024, according to a Maui Now report citing the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). For Maui real estate investors, this slower season presents strategic opportunities to secure properties in a recovering market.

Maui’s lush landscapes and oceanfront allure make Maui real estate a prime investment, and eco-friendly upgrades can elevate property value while aligning with the island’s sustainability ethos. For Maui homes for sale or Maui vacation rentals, green features attract eco-conscious buyers and renters, boosting appeal and returns. Here’s how to enhance your Maui property with sustainable upgrades.

After months of public debate, the Maui County Council is preparing for a critical vote on Bill 9, scheduled for July 2. This proposed ordinance would phase out thousands of currently legal short-term vacation rentals (STRs) located in apartment-zoned areas throughout South and West Maui, including Kihei, Lahaina, Napili, and Wailea.

June in Maui is pure magic—sunny skies, gentle trade winds, and the island blooming with vibrant greenery from winter rains. It’s the sweet spot before summer crowds arrive, offering warm 80-85°F weather, fewer tourists, and a lineup of cultural festivals that showcase the aloha spirit. Whether you’re snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach, savoring a mai tai at a sunset lū‘au, or dreaming of a Maui home to call your own, June is an ideal time to experience the Valley Isle’s charm. Here are the top reasons to plan your Maui vacation this June, blending adventure, relaxation, and inspiration for your island lifestyle.

Maui’s aloha spirit, 75–85°F weather, and 2.5 million annual visitors make it a paradise for homeowners who crave adventure. From snorkeling at Molokini to hiking Haleakala, the island’s outdoor activities elevate its real estate appeal, with homes near trails or beaches selling 20% faster. We know Maui’s lifestyle is unmatched. Here are the top 10 outdoor activities that make owning a home in Kihei, Wailea, or Kula a dream come true in 2025.

The rise of remote work has transformed where and how people live, and Maui’s housing market is feeling the ripple effects. With 30% of U.S. workers still working remotely as of 2025, professionals are trading city cubicles for island lanais, drawn to Maui’s scenic beauty, aloha spirit, and laid-back lifestyle. This shift is driving demand for homes with home offices, inflating prices, and reshaping inventory dynamics, while creating both opportunities and challenges for buyers, sellers, and locals. From Kihei condos to Upcountry estates, here’s how remote work is changing Maui’s real estate market—and what it means for your island dream.