Maui Real Estate Blog

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Dec. 3, 2020

Listing Under Contract

Congratulations to our sellers of 690 E Kuiaha for going under contract!

Are you ready to sell your home? Call us today 808-269-3500 to get started. 

Home Under Contract

 

Dec. 2, 2020

How To Bring Your Dog To Maui

Are you planning to relocate to Maui with your dog? You’re not alone. Many of our clients are moving to Hawaii and want their furry companions to join them without the stress of a long quarantine.

Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the U.S., which is why the state has strict animal importation rules. But with the right planning and documentation, you can qualify for Direct Airport Release (DAR) and avoid quarantine altogether.

Here’s everything you need to know to bring your dog safely and legally to Maui.

Quick Checklist: What You’ll Need

✅ Two rabies vaccinations (at least 30 days apart)

✅ FAVN rabies antibody blood test (≥0.5 IU/mL)

✅ Microchip implantation (must be readable and before testing)

✅ Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian

✅ Import forms submitted at least 10 days before arrival

✅ Payment of DAR fees to Maui Humane Society

✅ Approved arrival at Kahului Airport (OGG) under DAR program

 View Dog Relocation Checklist (Download PDF)

Step-by-Step: How to Bring Your Dog to Maui

Step 1: Get Microchipped

Your dog must have a working microchip implanted before rabies testing. The state verifies test results and identity through this method.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccinations (2 Required)

Hawaii requires two rabies vaccinations, administered at least 30 days apart. The second shot must be given more than 30 days before arrival.

Step 3: FAVN Blood Test

Have your vet draw blood and send it to an approved lab for the FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) test. Your dog must test ≥0.5 IU/mL to qualify.

Your pet must wait 30 days after the blood draw before arriving in Maui.

Step 4: Submit Required Paperwork

Mail or email the following to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Maui Humane Society:

  • AQS-279 Form (Dog & Cat Import Form)
  • Rabies vaccination certificates
  • FAVN results
  • Microchip documentation
  • Health certificate (issued within 14 days of arrival)
  • Direct Airport Release application

View Hawaii's AQS-279 Form (Download PDF)

Step 5: Pay Direct Release Fees

For Maui arrivals, you’ll pay:

  • $185 for Direct Airport Release (per animal)
  • Additional airline fees for in-cabin or cargo transport

Pay the Maui Humane Society in advance to avoid delays.

Step 6: Schedule Arrival at Kahului (OGG)

Not all flights qualify. You must:

  • Fly into OGG during approved DAR hours
  • Coordinate arrival with Maui Humane Society’s Animal Quarantine Liaison
  • Arrive during staffed inspection hours (varies by season/airline)

Contact Maui Humane Society DAR Program

Common Mistakes That Cause Quarantine

  • Incorrect vaccine timing
  • FAVN test is too close to the travel date
  • Microchip not working
  • Incomplete paperwork
  • Last-minute submissions

Even a small error can result in a 120-day quarantine at the Animal Quarantine Station on Oahu. Don’t take the risk — follow the timeline carefully.

Moving to Maui with Your Dog? Choose the Right Home

Maui is a paradise for dog lovers, but not all properties are pet-friendly. When working with clients relocating with pets, we help them find homes with:

  • Fenced yards and pet-safe landscaping
  • Dog-friendly condos (some allow with board approval)
  • Proximity to parks and walking trails
  • Local vet clinics, pet boarding, and dog beaches are nearby

See Pet-Friendly Maui Homes for Sale

Related Resources on MauiProperty.com

We’re Dog Owners Too — Let’s Find You a Pet-Friendly Home

Whether moving full-time or buying a second home in Maui, we understand how important it is to bring your four-legged family members with you. We’ve helped dozens of clients relocate with pets, and we'd love to help you, too.

📞 Call us at 808-271-8832

📨 Or schedule your consultation here

 

Posted in Maui Information
Nov. 24, 2020

October Maui Market Report

October continued to be busier than the calendar normally suggests. Home Buyer activity remains higher than normal for this time of year, while in many segments of the market housing supply remains much lower than one year ago. Multiple offers remain a common occurrence in many areas, keeping housing hot while the temperatures continue to fall.

Mortgage rates dropped to new record lows again in October, helping to offset the monthly mortgage payment increases caused by the rise in home prices seen in many segments of the market across the country. While prices often dip a bit in the winter months, continued buyer demand may temper any price retreats this year.

Stats provided by RAM

October Maui Market Report

Posted in Market Updates
Nov. 12, 2020

New Listing: Ultimate Oasis

N E W L I S T I N G

More Photos and Property Details

Set on 1.4 acres and surrounded by lush greenery, this Balinese-inspired residence is an oasis of tranquility. It has hardwood flooring, solid mahogany entry doors, koa wood stairs, whitewashed birch walls, a kitchen bar made from koa and black walnut, built-in bookshelves, and koa and monkey pod-framed circular windows.

Ultimate Oasis!

A bonus room can be used as a storage area, workshop, or guest quarters. And with more than 1,500 square feet of covered and uncovered lānai space, there is ample room for outdoor entertaining.

 

Posted in New Listing
Nov. 6, 2020

New Listing in North Shore

N E W L I S T I N G

This single-story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom North Shore home is loaded with charm and character inside and out. Remodeled in 2008 and professionally painted in October of 2020, this move-in ready residence is tailored for indoor-outdoor enjoyment.

Ideally located in the popular Skill Village neighborhood, the property is near elementary schools, within walking distance of Pa'ia Town, and a just short drive from Baldwin Beach Park and Ho'okipa Beach Park.

More information

Just listed in north shore

 

Posted in New Listing
Nov. 6, 2020

Beach Front Condo Sold

Congratulations to our Buyers! They just closed on this beautiful beach front condo. It was truly a team effort. Thank you to all involved.

Are you ready to close on your dream getaway? Give us a call today!

Condo Sold

Posted in Just Sold
Oct. 21, 2020

Rare Condo Under Contract

Congratulations to our buyers for going under contract on this RARE, ocean view and beach front, ground floor condo in Wailuku. It's all about location with this one! We can't wait to see how our buyers refurbish this unit.

Are you ready to start your home search? Call us today 808-269-3500 to get started. 

Condo Under Contract

Oct. 19, 2020

Buyers are Under Contract

Congratulations to our buyers for going under contract on this family compound with multiple living spaces!

If you're looking for a property on Maui, give us a call today (808) 269-3500!

maui property under contract

Oct. 12, 2020

Hawaii: Reopening Soon

Maui Airport Image

It’s been pretty quiet on Maui over the past seven months.

In March, Hawaii Governor David Ige enacted a mandatory 14-day traveler quarantine to fight the spread of COVID-19, a decision that was met with equal parts relief and frustration. Since then, the number of mainland and international visitors has plummeted. In August, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) reported a 99 percent drop in visitors to Maui County—that is, the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai—compared to the same month in 2019. According to the HTA, of the 2,433 travelers who arrived in Maui County in August, there were 2,341 on Maui, 104 on Molokai, and 78 on Lanai. In stark contrast, Maui County had 278,345 visitors in August of 2019: 273,638 on Maui, 4,860 on Molokai, and 7,739 on Lanai.

After pushing back plans for a pre-travel testing program three times, Governor Ige announced it would be implemented on Thursday, Oct. 15, effectively reopening the state to tourism. As of now, the counties of Kauai and Maui are on board with the program, but Hawaii County has opted out. Amid a recent uptick in new COVID-19 cases on Hawaii Island, Hawaii County will continue with the 14-day mandatory quarantine for all incoming travelers. 

When the pre-travel testing program goes into effect on Oct. 15, out-of-state visitors and returning residents (those traveling to Oahu, Maui, and Kauai) will have the option to skip the 14-day mandatory quarantine if they produce a negative test result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their trip’s final leg. 

Here’s the fine print: Passengers ages five and older are required to take a nucleic acid amplification test from a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory. Additionally, a trained professional must observe all tests. Lastly, and arguably most importantly, only test results from trusted testing partners approved by the Hawaii Department of Health will be accepted. The list of trusted testing partners includes Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, AFC Urgent Care, Carbon Health, CityHealth Urgent Care, Color, CVS Health, Kaiser Permanente (for Kaiser members only), Quest Diagnostics, Vault Health, and Walgreens

It’s also important to note that the state’s mandatory 14-day interisland quarantine is still in effect. Until the governor decides otherwise, anyone who travels between islands must quarantine for two weeks. Additionally, Maui County requires that all residents and visitors ages five and older must wear a face mask or cloth covering the nose and mouth while in public settings. This requirement does not apply to anyone engaging in “permissible exercise activities” (e.g., running, surfing, cycling, etc.) as long as physical distancing is maintained.

To learn more about Hawaii’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, visit www.hawaiicovid19.com. For more information about Maui County’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, visit www.mauicounty.gov/2370/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information

 

 

Posted in Area, Maui Information
Oct. 7, 2020

September Maui Market Report

Strong buyer activity has continued into the fall, which is normally the start of the seasonal slowing of the housing market. With stronger buyer activity in the market this year and the continued constrained supply of homes for sale, speedy sales and multiple offers are likely to remain a common occurrence and will keep the housing market hot even when the weather is cooling.

September Maui Market Report

Posted in Market Updates