Lahaina Holiday Traditions, Part 1

How are the holidays celebrated in Hawaii?

Here are a few holiday traditions you can see on the island of Maui. 

1. “Hawaiian” Christmas Trees

Palm trees aren’t the only kind of trees that grow in Hawaii. There are two types of pines that thrive in Hawaii—the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) and the Cook pine (Araucaria columnaris). Although neither are native to Hawaii, they are native to other Pacific islands. Cook pines are native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific, and there are many Cook pines throughout the island of Maui. Norfolk Island pines, often called the “Hawaiian Christmas tree,” are native to Norfolk Island. This island, an external territory of Australia, sits between New Zealand and New Caledonia.  Many families pick one of these for their Christmas trees, and many stop by their stores and get their Christmas trees from the mainland. Several containers are shipped every December to the island so residents can partake in their own Christmas tree lighting celebration. 

2. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Every December, the Lahaina Banyan tree is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, welcoming locals and visitors to gather and witness the lighting ceremony. This fun gathering also included live music, hula performances, and festive food from local vendors.

Unfortunately, due to the Lahaina Fire, the annual and most iconic holiday event will not happen this year. However, the Harvest at Kumalani Chapel had a tree lighting and drone show on Sunday, December 1st for residents and visitors. The Grand Wailea will hold a holiday marketplace and tree lighting ceremony on December 16th from 4-8pm. Tree lighting will happen at 7pm. 

3. Mele Kalikimaka: Hawaiian Holiday Music

“Mele Kalikimaka” is the Hawaiian way of saying "Merry Christmas," and music plays a big role in the holiday season. From traditional Hawaiian instruments like the ukulele and slack-key guitar to festive carols sung in both Hawaiian and English. There are also local choirs and school groups that perform at community gatherings. Always a favorite of mine is the 12 days of Christmas- Hawaiian style.

Read more in our latest article.

Enjoy the Hawaiian Spirit Year-Round with Real Estate on Maui

Wouldn’t it be great to spend your holidays in Hawaii? 

Check out real estate in Maui, Hawaii to take the first step towards your island dreams! Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just experiencing everyday life, it’s always magical on Maui. Call (808) 757-8053 or submit a contact form here to get started with Robyn and Mark!

Kihei Listings

What homes are for sale in Kihei?

Kihei is located on the South side of Maui and has a lot of beautiful beaches, restaurants, and a nice beach town vibe. So much to do and see in this little island town! Check out our listings in Kihei:

1. https://maui.paragonrels.com/paragonls/publink/view.mvc/?GUID=94f41f37-f868-4ceb-bbde-6d3e579adeab&Report=Yes
2. https://maui.paragonrels.com/paragonls/publink/view.mvc/?GUID=b9b40154-a8b7-4b4d-9498-5db8156b16a4&Report=Yes
3. https://maui.paragonrels.com/paragonls/publink/view.mvc/?GUID=4d6ae79b-bc98-49b1-8b62-0db7f92d08cd&Report=Yes

Find Homes for Sale in Maui, Hawaii

The perfect home is waiting for you! Let’s start the journey to find your dream home. Whether you are looking for a condo with minimal upkeep or a single-family residence, we can share with you the different neighborhoods and complexes that would be the best fit. 

For help finding homes for sale in Maui, Hawaii, call (808) 757-8053 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you find your island paradise!

Wailuku Listings

What homes are for sale in Wailuku?

As the Lahaina cleanup progresses, many people are relocating to different areas of the island such as Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, and some are even headed Upcountry while they wait to rebuild. You can join these wonderful communities too.

Located just West of Kahului at the mouth of the lush Iao Valley, Wailuku is a quaint town near the West Maui Mountains that’s rich in Hawaiian history. 

The perfect home is waiting for you! New Construction Wailuku is the perfect location with a new development of neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a two-story or single level, then Anuhea at Kehalani may be the spot for you. Reach out for more info on homes like this: 

https://maui.paragonrels.com/paragonls/publink/view.mvc/?GUID=e60ab4bf-15b9-4648-9516-c2551a88d7d7&Report=Yes

Find Homes for Sale in Maui, Hawaii

The perfect home is waiting for you! Let’s start the journey to find your dream home. Whether you are looking for a condo with minimal upkeep or a single-family residence, we can share with you the different neighborhoods and complexes that would be the best fit. 

For help finding homes for sale in Maui, Hawaii, call (808) 757-8053 or submit a contact form here. We can’t wait to help you find your island paradise!

Hotel Zoning

What is hotel zoning?

There are currently 3 different categories for condos on Maui. Hotel/resort-zoned, Residential-zoned, or Apartment-zoned. Hotel-zoned properties are becoming more and more popular as Maui navigates through the Minatoya list. Many believe that owning a hotel-zoned condo will become more valuable in the long run if they decide to phase out short-term rentals in the apartment-zoned properties. There are several resorts along the ocean that are hotel-zoned and have plenty of inventory to choose from.

Read more in our latest article.

Look at Your Options for Buying a Home in Maui

We look forward to assisting you in finding that perfect property that fits your budget and desired location! For help buying a home in Maui, contact us for more information and let us help you with your real estate goals.

Restaurant Re-Openings

What restaurants are reopening around Lahaina?

There are several restaurants on the Lahaina side that have re-opened, or are coming soon.

• Mala, located at the end of Front Street, was one of the first restaurants to re-open.
• Lahaina Luau has re-opened and is welcoming visitors to enjoy their food and show. 
• Aloha Mixed Plate is back in its original spot, once occupied by Star Noodle.
• Star Noodle will be re-opening soon, along with Honu right next door. 
• Coco Nene, formerly known as Duckine, just opened in the same building. 
• Royal Lahaina has re-branded their oceanside restaurant as Lahaina Noon, and their beachside bar as Pineapple Moon. 
• Just up the road in Kahana, Captain Jacks will open soon in the old Beach House Restaurant at the Sands of Kahana resort. We are excited to have this Lahaina establishment back after the fire.
• Cool Cats is now in Kihei so venture over to get your 50’s fix, new location, burger and milkshakes. 
• Many are anticipating Sale Pepe to re-open soon, and several new food trucks have opened/reopened.

There are so many great new spots to enjoy as well as your old stomping grounds. Kihei and Wailea also have a ton of wonderful restaurants that need your support. 

Read more in our latest article.

Look at Your Options for Buying a Home in Maui

We look forward to assisting you in finding that perfect property that fits your budget and desired location! For help buying a home in Maui, contact us for more information and let us help you with your real estate goals.

Maui's Top 3%!

Robyn and Mark are excited to share that they've been recognized as part of Maui’s top 60 real estate
agents! This honor reflects their unwavering commitment to real estate, and they are deeply thankful to their clients for the trust and support that have made this recognition possible.

What does it mean for YOU when you choose a top 3% real estate agent?

Proven Success: This top 3% is recognition is not just an award—it’s proof of a consistent record of surpassing client expectations. You can trust that you’re in capable hands with the Maui Luxury Team.

Trusted Expertise: Whether you're searching for your dream home or selling a property, Robyn and Mark provide experience-based guidance every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout the process.

Personalized Service: Understanding that every client’s needs are unique, Robyn and Mark prioritize getting to know your goals and tailor their approach to ensure the best outcome for you.

Explore Maui Investment Properties and More!

Looking to buy or sell? Robyn and Mark can help you navigate Maui real estate and investment properties! If you have questions, call (808) 757-8053 or submit a contact form here.

NAR Updates

Have you heard about the changes happening with the National Association of Realtors?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has implemented significant changes following the settlement of the Sitzer/Burnett lawsuit, which will impact how real estate transactions are conducted in the U.S. These changes took effect on August 17, 2024, and focus on transparency and fairness in real estate practices, especially concerning how commissions are handled in Multiple Listing Services (MLS).

Key changes include:

1. Removal of Compensation Offers from MLS: MLSs can no longer display commission offers from listing brokers to buyer brokers. While compensation can still be negotiated off-MLS, it is no longer a requirement to list or view such offers on MLS platforms.
2. Mandatory Buyer Agreements: Agents are now required to have a written agreement with buyers before they can tour homes. This ensures that the buyer understands the agent’s role and compensation terms upfront.
3. Prohibition on Filtering Listings: Agents cannot filter or restrict MLS listings shown to clients based on the compensation offered to the buyer's agent. This aims to ensure equal access to all listings, regardless of commission levels.
4. Clear Disclosure of Commissions: Agents must clearly disclose their compensation in writing and ensure that clients are aware that commissions are fully negotiable.

These changes are part of broader efforts to increase transparency in real estate transactions and provide consumers with more control over the homebuying process.

Explore Maui Investment Properties and More!

Looking to buy or sell? Robyn and Mark can help you navigate Maui real estate and investment properties! If you have questions, call (808) 757-8053 or submit a contact form here.