Gracing the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, this estate serves as one of the top properties in Hawaii. Built with the classic plantation days in mind, 65 Wili Okai Way offers the best of style and modern amenities. Situated in the highly sought-after gated neighborhood of Pu'unoa—and placed perfectly on a fully manicured, fruit-bearing 5 acres of land—this 5 bedroom 5.5 bathroom estate with a separate 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom guest home exudes the quintessential Hawaiian family retreat experience. The level of detail is unparalleled, including incredible custom finishes like metal work from famed artist Larry Padilla throughout the property, including all of the fire torches and several architectural elements.

65 Wili Okai Way is conveniently located to the heart of Lahaina town, Kaanapali and Kapalua as well as the West Maui Airport for quick island-hopping adventures. 

Address: 65 Wili Okai Way, Lahaina, HI 96761

Price: $8,750,000

For more information, please contact Greg Burns at (808) 214-0302 or greg@isleluxury.com

Greg Burns is the exclusive agent representing the Maui, HI real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

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Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

The post West Maui Mountain Residence, Presented By Greg Burns appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Welcome to 476 Laulea Place. This home boasts sweeping oceanfront views, serving as a retreat encompassed by 1.25 acres of landscaped grounds, resting on a rare sandy beachfront parcel in Spreckelsville. Choose a life of ease and adventure on Maui's North Shore, all the while being surrounded by natural beauty in a highly sought-after, active community. Morning coffee with sandy toes...why not?! Windsurf, wing-foil, paddleboard, dive, sunbathe, picnic or stroll down your secluded beachfront by simply opening your back gate.

A private road leads you to this gated property, which includes the main residence and separate, detached guest quarters—offering absolute privacy for you, your family and closest friends. Significant property enhancements include a new roof, new fencing and an impressive investment in landscaping. Current owners have conceptual plans to go along with the sale. The guesthouse has been recently repainted.

Address: 476 Laulea Place, Paia, HI 96779

Price: $6,875,000

For more information, please contact Greg Burns at (808) 214-0302 or greg@isleluxury.com

Greg Burns is the exclusive agent representing the Maui, HI real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

Photo Credit: D. Parcucci

The post Private Oceanfront Maui Retreat, Presented By Greg Burns appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Owning a luxury oceanfront condo in Wailea is a dream come true for top-tier buyers who enjoy living close to the water. Here are a few tips on buying a condo in Wailea, one of the most sought after places in Hawaii.

1. Find a licensed lender. Unless you’re paying cash, you’ll have to secure financing for your purchase. If so, make sure to find a lender who is licensed in Hawaii. When buying a condotel, or a cross between a condo and a hotel, you will most likely be required to make a 30-percent down payment. Your real estate agent can give you a list of licensed lenders and mortgage brokers who know how the Maui market works. Keep in mind that the lending and escrow processes in Maui and the mainland are slightly different. Most notably, there are delays in completing these steps for those buying in the neighboring islands, since the final documents have to be sent to Oahu for recording purposes. This can take up to two additional days.
2. Know what form of land tenure you’re paying for. There are two kinds of land ownership in Hawaii – fee simple and leasehold.
   With fee simple, you own the property and the land it stands on. With leasehold, you own the unit, and your neighbors own theirs. As a collective, you co-own the building. However, you don’t own the land that the building stands on. Someone else, usually a corporation, owns the land, and you give them a lease payment each month. This is often the case for condo buildings. Over the lifecycle of the lease, your monthly lease payments will likely be renegotiated every five to 10 years. The lease will include terms stating when and how the lease payment amount can be renegotiated. In some cases, the new lease amount will be based on the property’s value. When property values increase, lease payment amounts usually follow suit. There are many fee simple condo buildings that used to be leasehold properties. In these cases, the individual owners or the Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) successfully negotiated with the landowner, thus converting the building to a fee simple property.
   However, if you don’t negotiate land tenure, the lease can end and might not be renewed. With your building sitting on someone else’s land, unit owners can be evicted and without any right to compensation. This doesn’t happen often, but it is a huge possibility. Your realtor can help you discern issues concerning land tenure when buying a condo in Wailea. Exercise due diligence, and have the lease reviewed by a real estate attorney if necessary.
3. Ask about AOAO fees. Every condo building in Hawaii is required to have an AOAO, which is made up of unit owners responsible for running and maintaining the condo. As a unit owner, you have a say in the management and maintenance of the building. When it comes to AOAO fees, it’s important to know how much you’ll have to pay each month, what you get in exchange for the fees, which expenses are shouldered by the AOAO, and which costs will come out of your pocket.
   Other questions to ask include:
   • How much are the building’s operating expenses?
   • How does the AOAO set the budget?
   • Are the reserves well-funded, and how it is set?
4. All AOAOs are in charge of shared areas like the gardens, swimming pool, and the building’s exterior, including the roofs and exterior walls. When it comes to Condotels, your AOAO fees will cover cable TV, Wi-Fi, basic phone lines, and other conveniences that guests might expect. If your condo has air conditioning, you’ll want to know if electricity is covered, or if you’ll receive a separate bill each month.
5. Do research on management agreements with rental companies. If you’re buying a condo with the intention of renting it out, you need to have a good understanding of how management agreements work.
   Your condo can be managed in the following ways:
   • You can manage it yourself, especially if you live on the island or have a local contact who can respond to emergencies
   • You can work with an offsite property manager
   • You can hire an onsite company
   • You can hire an onsite company under contract the AOAO
6. You’ll find reputable rental management companies in Maui. Moreover, it’s normal for condo buildings to have onsite rental management companies. Before signing with a rental management company, find out exactly what you’ll be getting, how much they’ll charge, and if there will be additional charges that aren’t included in your contract.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The post Top Tips For Purchasing An Oceanfront Condo In Wailea Beach From Expert Greg Burns appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

On Maui, luxury real estate truly lives up to its billing. Unparalleled comfort, sophistication, and enjoyment are all part of the package when you buy a home on the Valley Isle.

But how does one decide which part of this tropical paradise to live in? I’ve got just the advice you need. As one of the top Maui realtors, you can count on me to find the best spot on the island.

When choosing where to live on Maui, begin with these three main considerations:

Your ideal or preferred lifestyle

Do you need a home that keeps you close to work? Are you a retiree looking for an idyllic retreat to make the most of retirement? Are you a thrill-seeker that needs quick access to the island’s best surfing or diving spots?

Answering questions like these will help you identify the ideal area to begin searching for your Maui home.

How you plan to use the property

Buying property on Maui is a great idea, even if you don’t mean to use it as your primary residence. Because of its desirable location, Valley Isle presents many investment opportunities.

If income-generating opportunities are your motivation for buying a Maui luxury property, look into beach communities, historic sites, and other tourist-friendly locations. The constant influx of visitors will work to your advantage.

Photo Credit: Rajiv Perera

Timing and market conditions

Like any real estate transaction, sound timing and strategy when buying translates to huge dividends. Paying attention to how the Maui real estate market is performing can help you score your dream home or investment property at the best value.

Understanding real estate market trends on Maui becomes much easier when you work with a knowledgeable and savvy local area expert like yours truly, Greg Burns. Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals on the Valley Isle. Connect with me anytime through the contact details listed at the end of this article.

3 Exceptional Residential Communities on Maui

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the most desirable communities on Maui. If you’ve figured out your lifestyle, purpose, and buying strategy, you can start checking these community pages to see how your buying plans measure up:

Photo Credit: Tristan Ramberg

Wailea

This affluent area along Maui’s south shores is home to some of the finest beaches you will find in Hawaii. Its strong tourist appeal makes it a great location for investment properties.

Lahaina

Brimming with history and culture, the capital of the former Kingdom of Hawaii offers more than just your expected serving of sun, surf, and sand. You will find a diverse range of homes here, from grand historic estates to posh ocean-facing condo suites.

Makawao

Located in Upcountry Maui, communities like Makawao have cooler conditions, elevated viewpoints, and are surrounded by quaint local restaurants and cafés, boutique shops, and art galleries. While a bit removed from Maui’s best-known beaches, this part of the island offers idyllic escapes for buyers looking for comfort and tranquility.

The post How To Choose Your Ideal Maui Neighborhood appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Gracing the slopes of the West Maui Mountains this estate is one of the top properties in Hawaii. Built with the classic plantation days in mind, 65 Wili Okai Way offers the best of style and modern amenities. Situated in the highly sought after gated neighborhood of Pu'unoa and placed perfectly on a fully manicured, fruit bearing 5 acres of land, this 5 bedroom 5.5 bathroom estate with a separate 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom guest home exudes the quintessential Hawaiian family retreat experience. The level of detail is of the highest of finishes including incredible custom metal work from famed artist Larry Padilla throughout the property including all the fire torches and several architectural elements. 65 Wili Okai Way is conveniently located to the heart of Lahaina town, Kaanapali and Kapalua as well as the West Maui Airport for quick island-hopping adventures.

Address: 65 Wili Okai Way, Lahaina, HI 96761

Price: $8,750,000

For more information, please contact Greg Burns at (808) 214-0302 or greg@isleluxury.com

Greg Burns is the exclusive agent representing the Maui, HI real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Elite Pacific Properties Photo Credit: Elite Pacific Properties Photo Credit: Elite Pacific Properties Photo Credit: Elite Pacific Properties

The post Greg Burns Presents A Beautiful Lahaina Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.