(buffed up and reposted from way back in October 2007 when it was my first featured Localism post - just to refresh as a New Localism post - hey they told us to do this.)

PAIA MAUI HAWAII - 96779 See the North Shore Maui Map

Here we go again on another inter-island trip, this time we're flying from Maui to the Big Island. This picture was taken from the window of our Aloha Airlines flight on a typical sunny day. Not bad considering it's taken through the plexiglass. The expanses of green are sugar cane fields which cover a good portion of the slopes of Haleakala, Maui's famous dormant volcano. Maui and Kauai are the last of the Hawaiian islands to still grow sugar cane, and Paia was historically a sugar plantation town.

You can see that Paia is a small town with most of the development along the shoreline in what was historically Lower Paia. There are properties for sale in Paia, oceanfront homes, fairway homes, family homes, and commercial. Starter homes are priced in the $400,000's and up. Many houses in Paia are within walking distance to the shops and restaurants, and sandy beaches too. There are vacation condos in Paia and Spreckelsville as well. It's a nice little community that is only about 15 minutes from our airport and main cities of Kahului and Wailuku. Paia Youth and Cultural Center is a wonderful resource for the local kids, with the beach and skate park, their own restaurant and radio show.

Paia really appeals to visitors who are looking for a different kind of tourist experience than the resorts have to offer. This north shore town is where surfers, windsurfers and kiteboarders congregate due to the excellent ocean conditions for their sports. For a small town, there is a lot going on. Paia is the town where I hang my Real Estate license, at Jim Sanders Realty. Be sure to inquire about the local market if you're looking to buy a home here.

This is the windward side of the island, meaning that we enjoy plenty of fresh tradewinds on an average day. Those tradewinds bring rainshowers that keep things green and lush, usually in the wee hours. It's that special combination of wind and waves that makes this such a popular place on Maui. The windsurfing center of the world is right here at Ho'okipa Beach, just a mile out of town. Let me know if you have any questions about this unique locality. Aloha and thanks for visiting Paia.

If you're thinking about Paia Real Estate for sale, check out some other posts in the relocation package.

Call or EMAIL directly to The Hunter

Maui Realtor Georgina M. Hunter R(S) 808 283-0635

Team member: Jim Sanders Realty Inc. Paia HI 96779 Would you like to receive my PAIA NEWSLETTER?

Fresh Mango Warning

This year on Maui we are having a really good mango season. These Haden mangoes are the best... so sweet and juicy.

But beware, some people have a bad reaction to mango sap (allergic contact dermatitis ). The mango skin should be avoided if you are the type who is allergic to poison oak or poison ivy. For some people, coming in contact with the sap will cause an adverse reaction, like blisters or a rash on the mouth and hands. This is caused by a chemical called urushiol, which is found in the oil of mango sap.

Those same people should avoid climbing the mango tree, picking the fruits and pruning branches. The fruits often have residual sap on the outside which is easy to wash off. The fruit itself is fine to eat, but please be aware to avoid the sap.

To learn more about the symptoms, and what to do, here's an article from the Honolulu Advertiser that offers some tips.

For more local info about Maui, be sure to contact your favorite Maui Realtor.

ALOHA and thanks for visiting my blog. EMAIL

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - (808) 283-0635

Maui Off the Grid - Sustainable Technologies

If you live on Maui, you might be considering lowering your energy costs with a grid-tie-in system. If you live off the grid, you might want to know more about how to power up your home, or learn about water catchment.

There's a FREE HOT TOPICS class this coming Friday, July 25, 2008, at the Realtors Association of Maui, from 2-4 pm.

Michael Schwarz, of Sunsation LLC, will be speaking and sharing his knowledge with us, about photo voltaic systems, water catchment options, pumps and filters, and better cell phone reception in remote areas.

RAM members can sign up online...www.RAMaui.com/education

Non members are also welcome to attend. Simply call RAM at 873-8585 or contact me and I can help you....283-0635

Aloha from Haiku - I'll see you there..... The HUNTER

SURF NEWS YOU CAN USE

If you're here in the Hawaiian islands, and you need a quick surf report, check out the Surf News Network. It's a really informative site that will give you:

• weather reports
• tides
• surf heights
• phone numbers
• photos
• worldwide surfing news
• upcoming events
• archives
• more links

... and so much more. You can even upload your own surfing pictures! You know what they say.... "SURFING IS LIFE, EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST DETAILS."

When you need some help with the Maui details, be sure to contact your favorite Real Estate agent on Maui... The HUNTER.... 808 283-0635

Aloha from Maui - See you at the beach!

(This is the online version of my FREE email newsletter - if you like what you see, please email me to subscribe for this monthly service.)

Kula Real Estate Newsletter - July 2008

We are really having a hot and dry summer this year. It seems that Kula is getting more rain than Haiku and Makawao for a change. Here's the list of new homes shown on the Upcountry Realtor Caravan for July.

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1. Affordable, Kula, $490,000.00
- charming 3BD/1.5BA cottage with lovely fenced yard, enjoy sunrise and sunsets from the ample decks
- leasehold and one of eleven condominium residences on 6 acres of land

2. Cool Nights, Upper Kula $649,000.00
- located at a cool 3,000 ft elevation, this 4BD/4BA 2-story home has over 800 sf of decks for great views
- the downstairs is used as a separate ohana, fenced yard and new roof

3. Custom Home, Kula $1,077,000.00
- 4BD/4BA 2-story home, beautiful entry features etched glass on French doors and slate floor
- tankless water heater and energy star appliances make this home very efficient, stunning views

4. Small Farm, Lower Kula, $1,455,000.00
- large 2BD/2BA home and 2 more buildings on 2.6 acres with bicoastal views, room to build
- many mature trees including a citrus orchard, mangos, mac nuts and avocados

5. Royal Estate, Kula $3,900,000.00
- main house, guest house, separate studio with full bath and kitchen, workshop/storage building, and caretaker unit
- 3.86 well groomed and exquisite acres, total privacy and serenity, two lava rock waterfalls
- former home of a Hawaiian princess, all buildings have been restored and maintained in pristine condition

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Have you heard about Kula Meadowood?
It's a proposed new development on Lower Kula Road. Plans call for a 116-unit senior housing project on 85 acres, with a portion of the units to be "affordable". Housing types will include granny flats, elder cottage housing opportunities, shared housing with multi master suites, and low-maintenance, single-family attached and detached homes. A clubhouse, with health and fitness activities, a pool, and social opportunities will be offered. Walking trails and open spaces will be provided throughout the community.


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Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro (808) 283-0635

Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8255 FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a retirement home? Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your Upcountry Expert

Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com

See more Kula homes for sale.

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Aloha from Maui... Georgie Hunter "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

Ho'olei Wailea, Maui Hawaii

One of the newest developments in Wailea Maui right now is Ho'olei, which is located right across from the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui's south shore. Owners of these luxury vacation residences can enjoy the fabulous pool and recreation area.

Some features of this resort pool:

• sandy beach entry
• 2 whirlpool spas
• 19 foot waterfall
• kids pool with sandy beach entry
• swim-in grotto

Located right next to the pool is the state of the art fitness center with:

• cardio and weight machines
• locker rooms & showers
• men's and women's saunas
• poolside massage

Also available for owners is the covered pavilion and kitchen for entertaining, barbecues, plenty of tables and chairs and umbrellas. Enough with the talk, let's see the pictures!

That's all for now, but stay tuned for more updates of the Wailea resort market on Maui, or sign up for my FREE condo newsletter.

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro EMAIL

(808) 283-0635 "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

SOLD IN PAIA MAUI HAWAII

You never know what a property will end up selling for. Take for instance this home that was listed for $1,250,000 in Kuau/Paia on Maui. Nothing fancy, just a 3Bed/2Bath home built in 1946 and sitting on a quarter acre very close to the ocean. But the location in this seaside town makes it convenient and desirable, with ocean views and easy ocean access.

Would you have guessed that they would accept an offer of $900,000? That's what it sold for. Quite a big drop from the original asking price don't you think? I think the fact that the buyer had the CASH helps a lot.

So when your buyers suggest a lowball offer that you might cringe at, what do you do? You write it up of course. Let the market respond, and they will soon understand which way the wind blows.

If you're looking for a home on the north shore of Maui, please let me be your guide. I can provide you with SOLD comps and PENDING activity to help you make an informed decision.

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro EMAIL 808 283-0635

"I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

Here's the online version of my condo newsletter, which you can sign up for by just emailing me.

South Shore Condo Newsletter - July 2008

It's time for something completely different. This month I will focus on SOLD listings, instead of the usual active listings on Maui. In the past 30 days there have been about 40 condo sales in the Kihei/Wailea and Maalaea region. Yes, total sold units are down from last year, but that's to be expected. If you'd like the full stats, just let me know and I'll email you the link.Here's some of the highlights of what sold recently. Does this help you if you're thinking of buying or selling?

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1. Kihei Bay Surf, North Kihei
- $140,000.00 and not a short sale!
- partly furnished studio across from the beach

2. Keonekai Villages, South Kihei
- best low price 2BD/2BA sold for $255,000.00
- starter townhouse condos in a nice location, pets allowed

3. Kihei Resort, North Kihei
- vacation complex 2BD/2BA sold for $371,000
- no ocean views, but right across the street from a beach

4. Hale Kamaole, South Kihei
- 2 closed sales - 1BD/1BA average price $497,500.00
- older complex in a great location close to Wailea and the best beaches

5. Hale Kanani, Kihei
- 3BD/2BA top floor unit with ocean views, pool and spa
- non vacation complex, 1 unit sold, for $510,000.00

6. Ke Alii Ocean Villas, Kihei (clubhouse gate pictured here)
- 2 brand new units average sale price $705,000.00
- very nice development with pool, spa, garages, but no short term rentals

7. Mana Kai, South Kihei
- fifth floor 2BD/2BA unit overlooking Keawakapu Beach, which is in Wailea
- fully furnished vacation condo sold for $1,245,000.00

8. Wailea Palms, Wailea
- 2 units sold, average price $807,500.00
- beautiful and popular "older" complex for residents, not vacationers

9. Ho'olei (pictured) and Papali, Wailea
- 8 units sold, average price about $3,000,000.00
- brand new developer offerings, not listed in the MLS at time of initial offering
- 3BD/3/5BA condos with over 2,300 sf
- discriminating buyers know what they want, and they will pay for it

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Georgina M. Hunter R(S) Paia, HI 96779 (808) 283-0635 EMAIL

Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI 96779 (808) 579-8255 FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a new project? Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your South Maui Specialist.

Search all condo and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com

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Aloha from Maui... Georgie Hunter "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

Door of Faith Road in Huelo - Haiku Maui Hawaii 96708

Huelo is on the north shore of Maui, and it's a sparsely populated region that's mainly agricultural.

GOOGLE MAP of HAIKU

Downtown Haiku Maui post

I don't think this is the official name for the road, but it's what everyone calls it. If you're driving on the Hana Highway (the road to Hana), you'll see this row of mailboxes and the pay phone on your left, at about the 3.5 mile marker. There is no street sign, you just have to know where you're going. I believe the name comes from one of the churches that is at the beginning of this ocean-side road. There are actually 2 churches near the top of the Door of Faith Road: Door of Faith Church; and Kaulanapueo Church.

After you pass the 2 churches, turn right, and then left (at the red house), and follow the road as it heads towards the ocean. You really should have an experienced Realtor to show you the way, so you don't get lost.

Not long ago this was all pastures and guava bushes, with a few homes. Now this area appeals to a mix of people, including artists, trust funders, hippies, farmers, horse people, and yoga fans. I'm always amazed at the diversity, but there is one thing in common - people here like their privacy... and some of these homes are really hard to find.

Some homes for sale now in this area, down Door of Faith Rd.

Oceanfront properties for sale.

Looking for more local info? - call the Hunter - 808 283-0635 EMAIL

A Day at the Beach on Maui

Last weekend we celebrated our wedding anniversary, at the Maui Prince Resort, which made us take some time off, and GO TO THE BEACH! After living here for 28 years, I have to admit that going to the beach is not one of my top priorities any more. Somewhere along the way, other things became more important, like being a homeowner and taking care of "the most important investment in your life". We have been very fortunate, and have a wonderful home on Maui that needs a fair amount of maintenance... but we enjoy it immensely, and it's worth it.

Meanwhile, back at the beach things remain the same. It was the beautiful Maui beaches that hooked me from the start.... way back in 1978. We camped at a little beach for a whole month, back in the day when you could do that. Each morning we would wake up and jump into the water before doing anything else. There is just NOTHING that compares to a day at the beach.

See the BEACHES along South Kihei Road, and the North Shore BEACHES.

What makes the beach so special?

• sand in your toes
• sun kissed skin
• salty lips
• wet hair
• sound of the waves
• smell of the ocean
• fun in the water

So get out there and go to the beach and have some fun. It will recharge your batteries and make you happy to be alive. If you come to Maui and get hooked like me - let me help you find the perfect home for you. Just tell me what you're looking for, I'm listening.