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More About South Maui Real Estate - Kihei Real Estate
South Kihei Road is Kihei’s ‘Main Street’, stretching from Sugar Beach to the North to Keawakapu Beach and Okolani Drive, six miles to
the South. Traveling South on South Kihei Road, one sees a number of ‘high rise’ beachfront condo complexes (4 to 8 stories) on the right
(Makai or Ocean) side, while to the left (Mauka or Mountain) side, there are a number of side streets into communities of single family
homes and 2 story condo complexes. Most all Kihei real estate, aside from the beachfront condos and homes, lies between South Kihei Road
and Piilani Highway (which serves to by-pass Kihei, allowing for a quicker, more direct, access for those traveling to and from the resort
areas of Wailea and Makena.
Kihei, at the base of Haleakala’s leeward (meaning ‘away from wind’) side, is situated along one of the sunniest and driest sections of
Maui's tropical coastline. It is here that development in South Maui first began. While the earliest homes in Wailea date back to the mid
‘70’s, some Kihei real estate dates back to the early ‘60’s. If Wailea is the model of a planned community, Kihei is a depiction of
unplanned growth; the result of Kihei’s (South Maui’s) boom in popularity in the 70’s and 80’s. With it’s eclectic collection of condos
and strip malls, Kihei has something for everyone. Today, most residents consider the commercial center of Kihei to be the area bordered
by Lipoa street and Piikea avenue, which encompasses the two Azeka malls, Azeka Makai and Azeka Mauka, the Long’s Center, the new Piikea
Shopping Center with Safeway, Roy’s and The Outback restaurants, the Wailea Kihei Medical Center and more.
Kihei is said to be the fastest growing community in Hawaii. Certainly we have seen a number of new subdivisions sprouting up on lands
North of Piikea avenue. Currently, several subdivisions and condo complexes have received final approval and are scheduled to start
construction in the Spring of 2005. While the growth of beachfront high rise condos stopped over a decade ago, a number of new 2 story
complexes have sprung up, mainly mauka of South Kihei Road.
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Like everywhere on Maui, prices have appreciated in recent years with 1 Bed, 2 Bath Condos with Ocean views currently starting in the $500’s and oceanfront condos
starting in the $700’s; add another 15 to 20 percent for 2 bed, 2 bath condos. For a summary of all the South Maui Condos, go
to my custom South Maui Condo Index and to Kihei Condos for the current listings in the Maui MLS.
For those willing to compromise on view and location, there are more economical values in many complexes along the South Maui Coast.
Ma'alaea Condominiums - An Attractive Alternative Ma’alaea, while considered part of South Maui, is really a distinctly separate area
comprised of a commercial marina, boat ramp, the renowned Maui Ocean Aquarium Center, fine Shops and Restaurants and ten condominium
resorts, each with between 40 and 80 condos, many with great ocean views. Ma’alaea’s higher concentration of Leasehold (about 50%) versus
Fee Simple properties, which predominates in the rest of South Maui, is a concern for some looking to acquire Maui Real Estate. For buyers
not bothered by owning leasehold, Ma’alaea presents an attractive alternative. For more information concerning Ma'alaea,
contact Maui Realtor ® Bob Staples
Homes in Kihei, Homes with Ohanas - A
growing number of great communities offering ocean views, close proximity to beaches, parks, reastaurants, stores and much more.
Generally speaking, as you move South in Kihei, the prices
move higher. Toward the South end of Kihei, the influence of Wailea is obvious, with communities having more of a planned
appearance, homes with larger floor plans, a broader range of amenities and more upscale finish work. Prices in these areas reflect
that, with many now topping $1 million.
In North Kihei, you can still find homes starting in the $600’s, and $700’s,
in great neighborhoods, some with ocean views, and all just a block or two from the beach.
There are a number of residential subdivisions in Kihei, each governed by it's own home owners association which serves, primarily, to preserve the exterior
appearances of the homes and the landscaping that surrounds them and to maintain any common area land / landscaping owned by the
community association. So, whether you are looking for a retirement home you don’t care
to rent out, are intending to become a full time resident or just want an affordable investment property, Kihei has much to offer.
Bob would be pleased to meet informally with you, share my knowledge and provide you with an informative
Buyers Guide which will help you become familiar with South Maui Real Estate.
Kihei Homes Custom homes like this, with superbly crafted finish work that rivals that of many Wailea homes, are beginning to permeate the South
Kihei landscape. With the recent addition of Kilohana Ridge and now Kilohana Kai Vistas, South Kihei is taking on a new persona. See
more of this property in our Featured Property section.
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