Paia is situated on Maui's North Shore, at the doorstep of the famed scenic route Road to Hana, the crown-jewel of Hawaii driving tours. Included on Fodor's exclusive list of “America’s Best Small Towns”, this low-key, ocean-side community is generally regarded as the world’s best destination for both windsurfing and surfing.

But this quaint and unassuming gem of a community has more to offer other than top-tier water adventures. Here’s a list of the top ten things to do in Paia to fully experience all the charms this little corner of the world has to offer.

Fall in love with its beaches.

A short stroll from town will lead you to the vanishing Baldwin Cove, the long and white sand beach of Baldwin Beach Park, the picnic-friendly Paia Bay, and Baby Beach, so-called because its lagoon is protected from the big waves, making it child-friendly.

A short drive away are the local favorite Tavares Beach for snorkeling and swimming and Ho’okipa Beach Park, widely known as the windsurfing capital of the world.

Experience some of the world's best windsurfing and surfing at Jaws.

The surfing and windsurfing at Jaws are not just for the brave souls who take on the biggest waves and ride the strongest winds. These forces of nature are a sight to behold for spectators too. The Ho’okipa Lookout graces you with a great vantage point from which you could witness surfers trying to conquer the Jaws Surf Break and windsurfers catching the heavy Pacific winds on their sails.

Visit Twin Falls.

Traversing a short trail will reward you with a freshwater pool where you may refresh yourself, or if you are adventurous enough, you may even cliff dive. Twin Falls is the perfect spot for that quintessential Hawaiian jungle photo.

Board a Helicopter Tour.

Enjoy an aerial view of Maui’s North Coast, including the rainforest, the big waves of Haiku, and the scenic Road to Hana.

Indulge in Paia’s gastronomic delights.

Paia has managed to avoid that pitfall common to most resort towns of being littered with overpriced tourist traps. It has many note-worthy and reasonably priced food establishments that cater to all preferences. There are restaurants along the beaches that have daily menus featuring the fresh catch of the local fisherman. Paia Fish Market has casual dine-in restaurants, and some of them have the best shrimp and fish tacos on the island. In addition, Paia has remarkable Mexican and Mediterranean restaurants. Don't miss the shaved ice with locally sourced tropical fruit syrup, especially during the warmer months. You may also have the pleasure of sipping that perfect cup of local Hawaiian brew available in most town cafes.

Take on Paia’s beach town bohemian vibe.

Paia is reminiscent of a 60s California beach town. This is because in the 60s and 70s, hippies drawn by the climate, the waves, and the back to nature lifestyle set down roots and called Paia home. Present-day Paia still exudes that free-spirit vibe as it is still largely populated by a diverse mix of like-minded people.

Wander and shop at Paia’s boutiques.

The town has an eclectic selection of interesting and affordable shops. From beachwear, island-inspired clothing, Hawaiian-themed gifts, souvenirs, and curios to uniquely crafted pieces of trinkets and jewelry.

Take an interest in local history and culture.

Paia is a story of a town that had to rebuild itself with the resilient spirit of the community. By the start of the 20th century, Paia was a bustling plantation town attracting migrants to help with the harvest. A devastating fire in the 30s and a tsunami in the 40s almost wiped out the town.

The Paian spirit shines in the traditional arts and crafts and native rituals. Not to miss are the art galleries or the Obon Ceremony, amongst many other cultural experiences.

Pamper yourself with the Makawao spa experience.

Treat yourself with a facial, foot bath, massage, or a heavenly spa treatment. Traditional Hawaiian methods and concoctions like coconut milk and honey are used to make it a uniquely tropical paradise experience.

Get into the healthy lifestyle.

Paia is the place to harmonize and reconnect your body and spirit. There are three yoga studios for practitioners and beginners alike.  Paia is home to the best natural foods store on the island too. Access to healthy options will encourage you to make the right lifestyle choices! 

Paia, HI has so much to offer to tourists and people who are considering moving here. From colorful storefronts and great restaurants to the friendliest people. Paia also has an artistic community with galleries proudly featuring local artists.

If you’re looking to buy a property in Paia, HI, our team here at Maui Property can assist you. We will make the process hassle-free for. We will guide you through the steps or you can browse through the selection of available listings on our website.

Call Maui Property at (808) 217-8832 or drop us an email at updates@mauiproperty.com.

With its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and beautiful sceneries, it's no surprise that Wailea has enthralled residents and visitors with its promise of luxe and pristine island living. 

This upscale resort community in South Maui covers 1,500 acres of land with staggering ocean views. The standard for quality is superb with its strong leadership and active community association. The area exudes a sense of privacy, serenity, and freedom spread across an area three times the size of Waikiki. 

If you're at a crossroads and deciding whether Wailea is the best place for you to move into, there are a few things you should know!

Located on the southwest shore of Maui, Kihei is a sprawling beachfront town that offers visitors, residents, and locals a balance of everything expected in living in an island town. Only a short drive from Wailea, Makena, and Central Maui, this place gives access to wonderful city life while providing the simplicity and charm of rural life. 

Known for its easy-going vibe, numerous beaches, and budget-friendly options, it has made it a sought-after choice for those looking to settle in Hawaii. For potential property owners, there are many real estate options—including starter homes, up-and-coming condominiums, and even some of the most luxurious getaways on the island.

However, before settling in Kihei, you should consider a few things. Moving to an entirely new place may be daunting, but this article is intended to guide you on if living in Kihei, Maui, is right for you!

Climate

Kihei has a tropical climate, meaning you can expect sunshine almost all year round. Temperatures range between the lower 70s to upper 80s degrees Fahrenheit on average but can dip to the low 60s come winter. As for rain, Kihei produces around 10 inches annually, with January being the wettest month.

You can expect steady winds around 20-30 mph when the trades are blowing. Though this acts as a natural air conditioner for some, afternoons on the beach can result in skin irritation, painful sunburns, and other collateral damage.

Cost of Living

According to this report, Kihei's cost of living is 64.4% higher than the U.S. average. The median income in Kihei is around $76,000, and the median home value can go up to $700,000. So before moving, you're highly advised to check your financial situation and see if living in Kihei is sustainable.

Things To Do in Kihei

Why choose Kihei? The whole vibe and many things you can do on this charming island!

It's hard to be bored here with its 6-mile easy-to-access beaches and an eclectic mish-mash of shopping, dining, and other amenities. It offers most of the things you'll need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whatever you're looking for on Maui, you'll likely find it in Kihei.

• You will not run out of beaches in Kihei, considering it has six miles of coastline with multiple beaches and oceanfront resorts lined up the South Kihei Road—from Sugar Beach (towards Maalaea) to Keawakapu Beach.
• Kihei provides accessibility to other towns. Depending on the traffic, it can take you roughly 25 minutes to drive to Kahului Airport. It places you within reasonable driving range to explore the North Shore, Upcountry, Iao Valley, and Maalaea attractions.  You're also a short drive away from all the big box stores where you can find home-building materials, toys, groceries, and other goods.
• From fine dining to food trucks, shaved ice, and roadside Huli Huli chicken stands, Kihei offers a variety of dining options, more than any other town on the island. You won't run out of dining options here.
• Accommodations, shopping, and dining tend to be more moderately priced here than in most other visitor areas on the island. So, Kihei is that rare gem—a budget-friendly destination on Maui.
• Did you know they hold Kihei town parties every 4th Friday of the month? This is an excellent opportunity for you to be acquainted with the place and its community. Enjoy a night of live music, dancing, eating, and other activities with Kihei families, friends, and loved ones.
• Being in Kihei means getting a chance to be part of one of the most popular activities in Hawaii—a luau! Expect hula dances, Hawaiian chanting, storytelling, cultural activities, and more.
• If you're a sunset chaser or enjoy the sky displaying beautiful works of art, you'll be happy to choose Kihei. Perfectly positioned with a western orientation, the sunsets are breathtaking.
• Ocean lovers can enjoy swimming, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and other beach & water sports. You can even schedule a snorkel whale watch to feast your eyes on a giant humpback whale breaching the sea's surface.  Remember that water temperatures are highest in September and coolest between January and February, so plan your activities accordingly.

Other Points To Consider

• If you're moving with pets, gear up for a lengthy and costly screening process since Hawaii carefully guards its ecosystem against outside threats.
• Be prepared for the occasional run-in with roaches, snakes, spiders, and mosquitoes. It's unavoidable. Keep this in mind, especially when you're deciding on moving to Kihei.
• Kihei can be a little crowded, given its small geographical area. Traffic is manageable, but you may want to be wary of the tourists. The town is filled with sun-loving, avid beachgoers, including locals and tourists… so it can be a little congested, especially during peak seasons.

Kihei provides every opportunity to kickstart the island life you've always imagined. The natural beauty, proximity to an endless stretch of beaches, good weather, vast dining options, lively activities, and more make this a place you'd want to live in Maui.

With Kihei being a competitive ground for real estate properties, Maui Property has a significant foothold on amazing deals for purchasing and selling customers. Maui Property is knowledgeable when it comes to buying real estate in Kihei. Our experienced team of realtors is more than capable of ensuring that real estate closings are easily managed.

We will ensure you have a pleasurable and rewarding experience in buying or selling property in the area. For more information about the available properties in the neighborhoods of Kihei, contact us here or call (808) 217-8832. There's much to choose from, from large complexes to individual properties to low- & mid-rise vacation condominiums. 

Let Maui Property walk you through the steps as you fulfill your ideal life in paradise.

Nestled along the Maalaea Bay in the Hawaiian Islands, sits the tropical paradise of Kihei, Maui.  With six miles of sandy beaches offering crystal clear views of the surrounding Islands, once you arrive, you will never want to leave.  

Hawaii is such a laid-back state which offers a rich yet simple life. Most locations have beautiful sandy beaches, scenic views, and tight-knit communities that make it a pleasure to live. However, some areas have an undeniable charm and calmness that makes them a prime choice. Lahaina is one of them.

Located on the island of Maui, Lahaina is the "Heart of West Maui." Formerly the seat of power during the reign of King Kamehameha, Lahaina offers a deep and rich history to those who live and visit the area. But before you quit your job, pack your bags, and book the first flight out to Lahaina, here are a few things you should know before settling in Lahaina!

With an increase in buyer demand, historically low mortgage rates, and low inventory the real estate market on Maui is heating up.  In these two videos, Maui Property's Robert and Brett talk about the market and the 3 most important things you need to know when trying to buy a home in this market.  

Whether you're buying a home on the mainland or on Maui, these tips are useful to everyone buying real estate in today's market.

Owning a rental property on one of the most beautiful islands on the planet is something most people aspire to. You’ve probably seen many advertisements on good family home property deals tempting potential occupants with the promise of island life. Though offering rent in Maui may be a good business approach, it’s important to know the strings attached.

Before taking the plunge as a real estate entrepreneur, you must arm yourself with the proper knowledge and processes to make an informed decision based on what best fits your needs. This write-up aims to discuss, in detail, the rules and regulations interested individuals may encounter while pursuing these ambitions. Note that the details below apply to family home vacation rentals, given that many condos in Maui are already allowed short-term rentals.

Only a handful of homes around the island qualify for a “hotel/resort” zoning. This means if a property does not have a hotel/resort zoning, a homeowner would go for either a short-term rental or a bed & breakfast permit.

Check out FAQs About Short Term Vacation Rentals (STRs) and Bed and Breakfasts (B&B) in Maui County.

What are Short-Term Rental Permits?

These permits apply to those who want to own a second home that they vacation rent. Maui County has policies to regulate vacation rentals of single-family homes and agriculturally zoned estates. The process to attain this permit is strenuous and requires a lot of documentation that will be formally reviewed and go through a public hearing with the Maui Planning Commission. Note that the County has the option to or not approve the application.

Some important things to consider when acquiring short-term rental permits:

• You must meet the requirement of owning the home for five years before applying.
• Short-term rental permits do not transfer upon the sale of the property. They would need to wait five years before being eligible to apply.
• Cottages or ohanas, or accessory dwellings, may not be rented short-term.
• There is a limit to the number of vacation rentals in a community, so check the county website for details. As of today, no area in Maui has reached the maximum capacity.

What are Bed and Breakfast Permits?

Similar to short-term rental permit applications, this process does not guarantee auto-approval. To attain this, the homeowner must live in the property as an occupant. All details can be found in the County’s official Ordinance No. 3611. Though you do not need to be a property owner for five years, you will still need to observe the following pointers:

• There are caps on the number of beds and breakfasts a community can have.
• The country ordinance prohibits the transfer of bed and breakfast permits upon a sale.
• Bed and breakfasts in agriculturally zoned areas must require Maui Planning Commission approval.
• B&B owners can only serve simple breakfasts since doing more would require a separate commercial kitchen license.

After everything, does it mean I can start listing my home as a vacation rental?

Though the County is the primary authority in regulating vacation rentals within a community, homeowners must also check with their homeowner’s association. Some resort communities in subdivisions such as Wailea and Kapalua prohibit vacation rentals. Make sure that they know your plans so you can see how viable it is to push through with it.

Other rules you’ll also have to keep in mind is that any owner renting their property on a short-term basis ( <6 months) must register & obtain a state tax ID, have an on-island representative, and include both license and permit information in all forms of advertising.

How about taxes?

There are two state taxes on any rental income generated from either bed & breakfasts or vacation rentals. Get to know your property’s tax based on its assessed value:

• Bed and Breakfast Rate – Commercial residential (plus no exemption) – $4.55 / $1,000 of assessed value
• Short Term Rental Homes – Commercial – $7.28 / $1,000 of assessed value. 
• Vacation Rental Condominiums – Hotel Resort –  $9.28 / $1,000 of assessed value

Rates are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to change. Regularly check the Maui County website for any adjustments.

Should I go for it?

All things considered, it all depends on how you want to go about it. Ask yourself what are your plans in 5, 10, 20 years? Do you see yourself permanently staying in Maui or do you want to utilize your property and make it income-generating? Both short-term rental and bed & breakfast permit acquisition is a lengthy processes. For further assistance or information, contact us at 808-217-8832 or via our contact form to see how we can help!

Queries about real property tax changes classified as short-term rentals have been discussed in Maui. With that, the County is implementing that condominiums are to be classified as short-term rentals and pay taxes implied with this classification, whether or not they are being rented at all and for as long as it is permitted under Maui’s zoning laws to be rented short-term. However, if an owner rents to the same tenant for at least twelve (12) consecutive months, the property will not be classed as a short-term rental.

According to the Maui County Department of Finance’s statement, starting January 1, 2022, lodging or dwelling units occupied by tenants on a long-term basis (12 consecutive months or more) without a home exemption will be eligible for a $200,000 exemption. On the other hand, real properties with a home exemption can also qualify for an additional $100,000 exemption and will be classified as owner-occupied. 

These tax exemption programs are part of the County’s elaborate plans to lessen weighty tax burdens and address the housing shortage. Creating real property tax incentives can urge property owners to grant long-term rentals to residents.

To apply, have a completed long-term rental exemption application form, and prepare a copy of your valid signed lease agreement. Send this to the County of Maui’s Department of Finance. The deadline for application is December 31, 2021. Upon qualification, exemptions and classifications will take effect at the start of 2022.

For further assistance or information, contact us via 808-217-8832 or our contact form to see how we can help!

Fully vaccinated individuals may be able to skip pre-travel tests to enter and travel within Hawaii.

With Hawaiian tourism already experiencing an increase in numbers with the current spring break, it could well be on its way to continue rising all the way until summer. The Tourism Authority reported an arrival number of 20,000 just last week, a mix of tourists and returning residents.  And with quarantine fatigue and green lights for responsible travel, it’s no surprise that so many from the mainland are looking at Hawaii as one of the closer premium vacation destinations. Hawaii currently requires travelers to take a pre-travel test within 72 hours of travel. Once a negative result is proven, travelers can forego the mandatory 10-day quarantine (but varies with the island of Kaua’i). 

Tourism is a driving force in Hawaii’s economy and has taken a hard hit last year increasing employment rates statewide with an estimated 67,000 unemployed for January. But as vaccinations are being rolled out both locally and nationally, Hawaii‘s current tourism requirements could change with the introduction of a “vaccine passport.”  The vaccine passport will allow fully vaccinated travelers to enter and travel within Hawaii through an electronic code.

According to Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, the vaccine passport will show proof of complete vaccinations of travelers entering Hawaii instead of the COVID pre-travel test which will not require them to undergo the required quarantine period. According to Green, he is targeting May 15 for the vaccine passports to be integrated as part of the travel clearance protocols. Those who are not vaccinated, however, will still need a negative COVID pre-travel test result or undergo the 10-day quarantine under the Hawaii Safe Travels program entry requirements.

A unique pineapple railing entrance welcomes you to this remodeled home on a large lot just up the hill from Makawao Town with the ocean, mountain, and city views. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gas stove, Lifeproof flooring, granite composite sink, butcher block countertops, and island with seating for 3. Enjoy rainbows and views out the picture windows while seated at your dining table or in the spacious living room. Travertine tile surrounds the vanity sink in the main bath with a retro tub and shower! Hardwood floors in living rooms and bedrooms, ceiling fans in every room, upgraded electrical, new water heater, laundry room with half bath, 2 car garage and large outdoor shed that was part of 2,000 SF greenhouse. Maybe room for new Ohana, sports court, outdoor covered entertainment area? Bosh Dishwasher, GE double door frig, GE gas stove. Vegetable, flower, and garden beds abound, plus protea, banana trees, vanilla bean, pineapple, strawberries, cranberry hibiscus, ginkgo, basil, and more! Fresh paint inside and out. Quiet, low traffic neighborhood. This well-built sturdy structure has good rain drainage. Call the listing agent, Robert F Vafaie Today to schedule a showing 808-269-3500.

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