Kula, HI

Jackson Chameleons

Can you see him... the Jackson? Sure, it's easy up close, but not so easy unless you know it's there.

These cute reptiles have become established on Maui, mostly in the upcountry area between Makawao and Kula. They like the cooler elevations and reproduce in the trees and bushes of neighborhood gardens. This one is a male, with the horns on the front of his head. They have the cutest little hands and feet that grip the branches while their eyes look in two different directions. Slow moving and careful, they're really hard to see.

Here's the Jackson again.

Males can get to be about 12-13 inches long with tail (which is prehensile by the way). Females are smaller and don't have the horns. The babies are small - just a couple of inches! The tonque is incredible... it shoots out and zaps flies in mid air! You have to see it to believe it.

Jackson Chameleons are considered an invasive species here on Maui, as they were introduced, and are now thriving. It can wreak havoc on the delicate ecosystem when a new species comes along and has no natural predator. It's forbidden to transport them between islands, but they are quite popular with kids of all ages, and get carried around all over the place.

Are you thinking of moving to Maui? Looking for a home upcountry? Let me be your guide.

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - an experienced Maui Realtor

Working with Jim Sanders Realty Inc. Paia, Maui HI 96779

808 283-0635 EMAIL Search all Listings Here

Maui Homes for Sale - Fixer Uppers

Looking for a fixer upper? Something you can work on? Make it all nice and new?

Back in the day when the sugar and pineapple plantations ruled the island, they built "affordable housing" for the workers. These plantation homes were very basic, no frills. Single wall construction, canec ceilings, a cesspool. This home dates back to 1930 so you know there's going to be a lead based paint disclosure coming.

There's something really charming about them though... the old multi-paned windows, the Douglas fir plank floors, the covered lanais, separate wash house. The stories they could tell!

Currently on Maui, prices for an older fixer upper will start about $375,000 in the upcountry and north shore areas. Wailuku fixers can be cheaper than this.

Restoring an old plantation home can be a very rewarding experience. This home in the pineapple town of Haliimaile has been upgraded with new metal roof, siding, drywall added, windows, electrical, modern kitchen and travertine in bathrooms. They're asking $595,000 for this remodeled house and ohana with a rock wall enclosing the yard filled with citrus trees.

If you're moving to Maui and looking for a cheap home, what are you expecting? How much can you afford? Are you already pre-approved with a local lender?

If you have questions about relocating to Maui, I want to help you find the answers. As a long time resident I can show you the benefits that each town has to offer for a first time home owner. It's a great time to be buying right NOW.

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - team member Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Paia Maui HI 96779

808 283-0635 EMAIL EASTMAUI.COM MAUI PROPERTY SEARCH

Snow tops Haleakala Mountain on Maui

We got some snow on Maui! And it stayed more than one day this time. On average, we get snow on Maui about every 5 years or so. This time it was quite a lot of snow coverage, much more than the usual dusting. This great shot is by Giampaolo Cammarota, taken from upcountry Kula Maui.

The Maui News reports that the road to the 10,000 ft summit of Haleakala was closed above the 7,000 foot elevation before dawn Monday due to unsafe driving conditions... high winds and ice. The road was reopened after 11 a.m. on Monday once it was safe to drive. The road was closed again today too, so no need trying to go up and make a snowman! It feels like it might snow again tonight up at the higher elevations.

Haleakala National Park is the crown jewel atop the mountain here, and a trip to this sacred Hawaiian place is an unforgettable experience . If you're visiting Maui, ithis is on the top 10 list of things to do. You can get there by car, by bicycle, or by foot, or you can visit the park on a commercial tour bus. If you're really fit, you can even run up there with the Valley Isle Road Runners on Saturday March 15th 2008, in the Run to the Sun. Take some warm clothes or blankets when you go up!

The snow won't last long and it will be gone, and the bus tours and bike tours will resume their trips through Kula Maui. People will go back to their jobs in the Park, and at Science City.

Meanwhile back at the beach... it's warm and sunny and the wave froth washes over your bare feet, cold drink in hand. Business as usual in the resorts. Good news for property owners.

Maui has a lot to offer. There's something for everyone. Do you have any questions about living on Maui?

Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio Real Estate for Sale

In Kula, situated at an elevation of 3,000 feet, nights are cool, mornings are crisp, and the views are stunning - green pastures, the ocean and coastline on both sides of the isthmus, and the West Maui Mountains. Brilliant purple jacaranda trees add even more beauty to the landscape. Kula is quite rich in agriculture, producing the bulk of Maui's vegetables and flowers.

The Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio real estate market offers a substantial inventory of homes for sale, ranging from small plantation houses to luxurious estates with commanding views.

To search for Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio homes, condos and land, click on the Maui Multiple Listing Service property search engine. http://websearch.ramaui.com/smartframe/search.php?dbid=dbid1155592598