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Maui Real Estate Resources

The Maui Real Estate Blog

Secret’s Out: Maui is the Best

Maui No Ka Oi!

According to leading travel aggregator site, KAYAK, Maui takes the #1 spot on their 2018 Trending Destinations List. The destination rankings are based upon the biggest search increases year over year. As word gets out about Maui’s idyllic and magical atmosphere, it is no surprise that Maui’s popularity with visitors continues to grow. While island of Oahu is the most popular destination among visitors, we may start seeing a shift towards the neighbor islands like Maui because of the lower density and untouched lands that still make up Maui.

Also known as the Valley Isle, Maui is the 2nd largest island as well as the 2nd youngest island in the island chain. Maui’s laid back atmosphere is a huge draw to visitors, while a thriving farm-to-table dining movement, chill indoor/outdoor cafes, and jungle adventures being just a few more attractive features.

Busy season on Maui tends to be the spring, summer, and winter months; by no coincidence the busy season coincides when schools/colleges are on break and when the northern hemisphere is experiencing winter. There is no really bad time to visit Maui, you just have to be willing to battle the crowds and price room accommodations. Otherwise, September presents itself as an optimal for those looking to beat the rush and find well priced accommodations.

As a real estate agent, we believe the lifestyle is equally as important as the property you purchase. So here are some of things to do on Maui.

Koiso Sushi Bar

Being surrounded by the ocean, we are blessed with access to some of the freshest fish and most authentic sushi you can find outside of Japan. Our favorite spot is Koiso Sushi Bar in Kihei; but beware, it is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for complex rolls with heavy sauces, tempura coatings or names like Volcano, Geisha, or Philadelphia, Koiso is not the place for you. They have carefully and meticulously cultivated a reputation for being the most authentic sushi experience in Maui, everything is prepared in a way that you can only find in Japan.

The popular spot has achieved near-legendary status on this island, if only you could get in and be patient enough to plan months in advance. The tiny restaurant can only seat up to 15 people and highly recommend making reservations weeks in advance. When you do call to make reservations, it is a take it or leave it kind of deal as they an easily fill open spots if need be. Again, I remind interested parties they only serve nigiri (a slice of raw fish over pressed vinegared rice) and sashimi.

  • 2395 South Kihei Road, Kihei | 808-875-8258

Road To Hana

Hamoa Beach in Hana, picture courtesy of our friend Dom Marino

The Road to Hana is an experience unique to Maui as the windy one lane road flashes you back to a simpler time, one that is untouched by corporate development. The speed limit is 25 mph the whole way and rightly so, it isn’t uncommon to hear stories of people running off of the highway…while that may sound scary, just take your time and follow the rules of the road.

Drive time with no stops averages 2.5 hours and that’s without any traffic, stopping to use the bathroom, and without stopping at the fruit/food stands. With a winding 620 curves and 59 bridges along the route, the magnificent 56-mile drive is all about the journey and the feeling of reaching one of Maui’s most magnificent destinations. Before you leave on your quest, make sure you have a full tank of gas as Paia is the last town with a gas station before the Road to Hana. Also as a side note, please be courtesy to the locals and let them pass as they are more accustomed to driving the road.

Big Beach

Our Princicipal Broker/Owner, Dano Sayles at the rock point separating Big Beach and Little Beach

Formally known as Makena State Park, the beach was given its name Big Beach because of the jacked up waves that crash on  the shoreline. Located in South Maui and just off of Makena Alanui Road is quite possibly the best beach in Hawaii. Big Beach stands out as one of Maui’s most visited beaches because of the mile long sandy shores, beautiful backdrop of lower Haleakala, and water that’s a vibrant blue green.

It is one of the largest beaches in Maui as the nearly 100 yards wide of golden Maui sand provide the perfect place to lounge around and catch some sun. You know the beach is popular when you see just as many locals as tourists at the beach because many of locals journey from all over the island just to play in the waves at Big Beach. There are two parking lots that are maintained by the county.

Snorkeling

One of the great things about Maui, is a lot of its activities are outdoors and are free/low cost. While you’ll most likely need to rent some snorkel gear and a floating device, snorkeling is a cheap and fun way to explore Maui underwater world! Aside from Molokini (a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater) that you need a boat access, South Maui offers the best snorkeling from shore. South Maui boasts a variety of excellent snorkeling locations that are home to a large variety of ocean life. In particular, Makena offers some great spots with two nature preserves; one fronting Makena Place and another called La Perouse Bay. Check out our best South Maui beaches.

Eat Like A Local

The classic Chicken Katsu from Ichiban Okazuya Hawaii in Wailuku 

The plate lunch is a classic Hawaiian meal and the perfect choice for recharging after the beach, a hike, or going about daily activities. The plate lunch is unique to Hawaii due to the Asian influence on Hawaiian cuisine, and its roots in the Japanese bento. Its origins in Hawaii date all the way back to the 1880s when plantation workers were in high demand by the fruit and sugar companies of the islands. Laborers were brought to Hawaii from around the world, including from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines.

Standard plate lunches consist of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad, and an entrée; a plate lunch with more than one entrée is often called a mixed plate.

Recommendations:

  • Da Kitchen, Kihei and Kahului
  • Mixed Plate, Lahaina just off of Front Street
  • Ichiban Okazuya Hawaii, Wailuku
  • Liquor Shack, Makawao across from the Minit Stop on Makawao Avenue

Contact a Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Specialist

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

Aloha,

Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532
Anthony@DanoSayles.com

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