About Lahaina's Kapalua

Looking for something special to do on Valentine's Day?

At the Kapalua Spayou can enjoy the following specials (along with a yummy chocolate raspberry smoothie):
Chocolate Body Scrub: 50 minutes, $115. Full body exfoliation with a special blend of ‘awa and cacao
Rose Facial: 50 minutes, $115. The light aromatherapy of roses to cleanse, refresh, and moisturize.
Swedish Indulgence Couples Massage: 50 minutes, $230 or 80 minutes, $340. A massage for two in one of the outdoor hale.
Call 808-665-8282 for more information.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is hosting two special Valentines Day dinners:
The Banyan Tree: Special four-course menu and limited regular menu. $120 plus tax and gratuity per person.
The Terrace: Special four-course menu. $80 plus tax and gratuity per person.
Call 808-669-6200 for reservations.

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Pineapple Grill's Winemaker's Dinner with the owner of Landmark Winery, Michael Colhoun. The food was some of the best I'd had on Maui, and I enjoyed listening to the family's history in winemaking.

This month, Pineapple Grill welcomes the Mission Hill Winery on February 27th. Anthony von Mandl, owner of this Okanagan Valley winery will be hosting the event.

The hors d'oeuvres for the reception include Curried Alaskan King Crab and Fuji Apple Salad and Warm Brie and Korean Pear, which compliment the 2007 Mission Hill Family Estate "Reserve" Pinot Gris.

The four course dinner includes Guava Wood Smoked Scallops, paired with the 2006 Select Lot Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Pan Seared Moi, paired with the 2006 Select Lot Collection Chardonnay, Sea Salt Rubbed Angus Rib Eye served with the 2005 Oculus, Bordeaux blend, and a Magical Icewine Trio Sampler for desert, served with the 2005 Mission Hill Family Estate "Special Lot Selection" Riesling Icewine.

Reception: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
$110/person inclusive of tax and tip.

200 Kapalua Drive
Kapalua, HI 96761
Phone: 808.669.9600
Fax: 808.669.6222

Get more information about Pineapple Grill at Kapalua
Make a reservation at Pineapple Grill at Kapalua

Wishing everyone a Mele Kalikimaka from Kapalua, Maui!

When I woke up this morning, I was awed by the bright and sunny day. It's been a gorgeous week, but today everything seemed to sparkle! I began thinking about all of my friends and family that can't be here, so I took a stroll through the resort and captured a few pictures of Christmas in Hawaii to share with you.

Kapalua Bay The Boardwalk at Oneloa Bay

The Plantation Course, as we prepare for the SBS Championship:

The Golf Academy Happy Holidays

For those of you who'd like a little music to go along with it: Bing Crosby singing Mele Kalikimaka might get you in the mood.

Wishing you and yours a joyous and wonderful holiday season--May the warmth and spirit of Maui be with you throughout the holidays and the new year!

Kapalua Resort, Maui: Real Estate Update:

The Kapalua Resort real estate market has definitely seen an upswing in activity. Back in July, we were at about 47% of the sales volume of the same time that past year. At the end of November, it was a difference of only 15%. Counter-intuitively, the average sale price was also comparable to the same time in 2008. While sales have been largely at the lower end of each market segment (Golf Villas for condos, Ironwoods for oceanfront, and Pineapple Hill homes), the sales of the Ritz-Carlton Residences and Mahana Estates helped to elevate this average.

Here are some highlights of the MLS activity in the Kapalua Resort looking back from the beginning of December 6:

• Active Listings: There are a total of 137 active listings in the resort, ranging from $499,000 to $19,500,000. This compares with three months ago, with 136 listings at a similar price range.
• Short Sales/REO's: There is only one potential short sales noted in MLS. There are no pending REO (bank owned) and two closed REO year to date.
• New Development Sales: The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Kapalua Bay have closed 4 to private individuals and 15 to exclusive resorts.
• Escrows: There are currently 5 escrows pending: two Golf Villas, a Bay Villas, an Ironwoods, and a home in Pineapple Hill
• Recent Closings: Over the past three months, we have had 9 closings. Of particular note is the sale of Mahana Estates. This 125 acre parcel of land was further subdividable into 52 homesites, and closed at $10,000,000.
• 2009 vs. 2008 YTD: We have had 24 closings year to date in 2009, with an average sale price of $2,069,020, and a range from a low of $425,000 to a high of $10,000,000. By comparison, we had 27 closings as of this date in 2008, with an average sale price of $2,081,551 and a range from a low of $625,000 to a high of $6,100,000.

For more information on the Kapalua Resort and Maui real estate check out the latest edition of my Newsletter or visit www.luxuryrealestatemaui.com

Each year, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua kicks off the holiday season with a festive tree lighting ceremony. It's one of my favorite events to attend, and draws visitors and kama'aina from across the island.

This year, the theme will be "At Home in the Islands." The evening includes live entertainment, keiki hula dancers, and a visit from Santa Clause. The event is complimentary and will benefit the children of Maui's homeless resource center.

Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Makai Lawn
When: Friday, December 4, 2009 5:30 pm

For those of you that won't be here on the fourth, don't worry-the beautiful lights stay up for the month of December, and make for a lovely evening stroll in the resort.