Mele Kalikimaka a Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou
Merry Christmas        and         Happy New Year
LOCAL MAUI NEWS
Aloha Fellow Kaanapali Golf Estate Owners,  

Between the Vans Triple Crown of surfing, the Maui Invitational college basketball tournament and The Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA) and Los Angeles Rams pre-season game set for next year, there are a lot of reasons why sports fans are paying attention to Hawaii.   The idea of forming an independent state sports commision is floating around again.  Recently it was announced that The Pacific Rim cup, a professional soccer tournament that debuted earlier this year at Aloha Stadium, will return to Hawaii in February.  The global tournament will take place during four matches on Feb. 8 and 10.

The iconic Maui Sugar Cane Train may return permanently with regular runs starting in May.  In the meantime, if you have kids (or are just a big kid yourself) you shouldn't miss the "Holiday Express".  The 4-mile roundtrip through West Maui includes games, milk and cookies, and even a brief stop to pick up Santa. This is really a unique experience and you can even get a gift for kids and a printed photo with Santa. It runs twice nightly thru December 31st.  Get all the details  here.

The Plantation Course is set to be renovated  with an extensive multi-million dollar enhancement project set to begin in February (after The Sentry Tournament of Champions) and completed by November 2019.  Already completed are a number of recently unveiled improvements to the Kapalua Bay Course.  The course has been rerouted to improve pace of play and create a memorable and challenging final stretch of holes.
        CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS
Surfing Santa. Santa Claus Surfs on his Surf Board while on a Beautiful Beach with a Blue Ocean. Focus on Santas Face Santa Vacation. Surfing Santa. Santa goes Surfing. Santa Claus enjoys the beach
Home prices on Maui rose last month, compared to November 2017. The median price of a single-family home rose nearly 8% and the median price of a condominium jumped 32%.

The median price of a condominium last month was $528,650, which was an increase of 32.3% from $399,500 during November 2017.  The number of condos sold declined by 6.3% to 120 units, from 128 during the same time last year.

The median price of a single-family home last month was $740,398, which was 7.6% higher than the median price of $688,000 in November 2017.  The number of single-family homes increased by 4.6% to 76 homes sold, from 73 sold last year.
 
Now l et's take a look at the Kaanapali Golf Estates :

VACANT LAND

Status
Address
List $
Sq Ft
Sold $
Close
GENERAL
Active
261 Akia Pl
475,000
10,324
KAHUA KAI
no listings
SUMMIT
Active
195 Welau Way
375,000
10,790
Active
411 Wekiu Pl
450,000
11,112
Sold
189 Welau Way
399,000
10,010
395,000
06/28/18
PINNACLE
Active
45 E Mahi Pua Pl
655,999
19,651
Sold
77 W Mahi Pua Pl
790,000
20,308
700,000
10/29/18
LANIKEHA
Active
627 Anapuni Lp
410,000
12,117
Active
70 Lewa Lani Pl
415,000
11,800
Active
607 Anapuni Lp
420,000
12,630
Active
27 Kaulele Pl
475,000
12,071
Active
50 Lewa Lani Pl
487,000
10,907
Active
45 Lolii Pl
495,000
20,417
Active
704 Anapuni Lp
499,000
11,927
Active
65 Lolii Pl
599,000
20,617
Active
110 Lewa Lani Pl
600,000
13,072
Active
167 Anapuni Lp
619,000
21,780
Active
955 Anapuni Pl
649,000
20,611
Active
377 Anapuni Lp
695,000
21,192
Active
404 Anapuni Lp
715,000
40,862
Active
324 Anapuni Lp
739,000
40,209
Active
524 Anapuni Lp
765,000
47,687
Active
25 Lolii Pl
849,000
20,219
Active
564 Anapuni Lp
950,000
43,643
Active
304 Anapuni Lp
995,000
40,554
Active
224 Anapuni Lp
995,000
40,816
Escrow
995 Anapuni Pl
460,000
20,299
Sold
227 Anapuni Lp
624,900
23,265
599,000
12/14/18
Sold
105 Lolii Pl
350,000
26,045
350,000
12/12/18
Sold
604 Anapuni Lp
595,000
28,156
500,000
06/05/18


RESIDENTIAL 

Status
Address
List $
Bd
Ba
Sold $
Close
Active
346 Aalii Way
1,500,000
3
2.5
Active
180 Kalaihi Pl
2,825,000
4
4
Active
320 S Ulukoa Pl
3,295,000
4
4.5
Active
170 Kalaihi Pl
3,690,000
4
2.5
Escrow
215 Kalaihi Pl
3,698,000
3
3.5
Sold
357 Kului Way
1,699,000
3
3
1,550,000
10/31/18
Sold
261 S. Ulukoa Pl
1,900,000
3
3
1,750,000
07/31/18
Sold
367 Aalii Way
1,988,000
4
3.5
1,774,500
05/18/18
Sold
345 Kului Way
1,945,000
3
3.5
1,900,000
03/05/18
Sold
300 Aalii Way
1,950,000
4
4
1,775,000
03/05/18
Sold
303 S. Ulukoa Pl
1,495,000
3
2.5
1,400,000
02/15/18
KAHUA KAI
Active
18 Kahua Kai Way
3,399,000
3
3.5
Active
50 Kahua Kai Pl
3,595,000
3
4
SUMMIT
Active
211 Welau Way
2,450,000
3
3.5
Sold
284 Wekiu Pl
2,275,000
3
3.5
2,100,000
11/07/18
Sold
384 Weiku Pl
2,178,000
3
3.5
2,090,000
11/01/18
Sold
183 Welau Way
2,100,000
3
3.5
2,050,000
07/27/18
Sold
202 Wahioli Way
2,375,000
3
3.5
2,375,000
05/02/18
Sold
202 Welau Way
2,880,000
4
3.5
2,550,000
02/28/18
PINNACLE
Active
23 W. Mahi Pua Pl
3,595,000
5
5.5
Active
56 W. Mahi Pua Pl
5,800,000
3
4
Sold
21 E. Mahi Pua Pl
2,695,000
2
4.5
2,375,000
11/20/18
Sold
90 W. Mahi Pua Pl
4,995,000
5
5
4,250,000
08/20/18
Sold
94 W. Mahi Pua Way
3,675,000
4
4.5
3,325,000
07/20/18
Sold
93 W. Mahi Pua Pl
3,695,000
3
4
3,200,000
03/14/18
LANIKEHA
Active
697 Anapuni Lp
2,275,000
3
3
Active
30 Lewa Lani Pl
2,300,000
3
3.5
Active
29 Ke Ahi Lel Pl
3,300,000
4
4
Active
1035 Anapuni Pl
3,995,000
5
5.5
Active
204 Anapuni Lp
4,800,000
4
3.2
Sold
667 Anapuni Lp
2,200,000
3
3.5
2,160,000
11/27/18
Sold
26 Kaulele St
2,198,000
3
3
1,950,000
09/17/18
Sold
297 Anapuni Lp
3,995,000
4
4.5
3,650,000
01/04/18


THE VINTAGE

Status
Unit
Bd
Ba
List $
Sold $
Close
Active
21
3
2
1,065,000
Active
141
3
2.5
995,000
Active
130
3
2.5
1,111,970
Active
161
2
2.5
1,125,000
Active
57
3
2.5
1,169,000
Active
104
3
2.5
1,300,000
Active
139
3
2.5
1,325,000
Sold
42
3
2.5
845,000
801,000
01/08/18
Sold
162
3
2.5
849,000
829,000
06/18/18
Sold
66
3
2.5
1,090,000
1,090,000
01/05/18
Sold
10
3
2.5
1,200,000
1,175,000
02/20/18
Sold
134
3
3
1,550,000
1,400,000
05/01/18
Sold
115
4
3
1,275,000
1,150,000
12/05/18
    
Figures from Realtors Association of Maui
FEATURED LISTING

564 Anapuni Lp
Lanikeha Vacant Lot 51
$950,000

Lot 51 is a large 1-acre home site at the top of Kaanapali's newest luxury neighborhood "Lanikeha".  Sitting on the Southern rim of Lanikeha, Lot 51 is protected from trade winds and features views from Mala Wharf to Kaanapali, islands of Lanai to Molokai, and the West Maui Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

(click on pictures for more information)

                       
TOURISM 
It seems that for the state of Hawaii, neither strikes, volcanic eruptions, nor natural disasters kept this year's tourism numbers so far this year from surpassing the record number of tourists in 2017. According to a recent report from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state's tourism struggles began in April when parts of Kauai dealt with massive flooding ... nearly 50 inches of rain in one 24-hour period.  Then there was the volcanic eruption at Kilauea, followed by Hurricane Lane and Tropical Storm Olivia. The cherry on top was a 51-day strike that involved 2,700 hotel workers.  With all that, Hawaii is still on track to surpass last year's tourism record!

But what about visitor satisfaction?  Maui received mostly rave reviews from visitors regardless of their origin, although Japanese tourists apparently were harder to please, according to a study prepared for The Hawaii Tourism authority.  

Maui Visitor Satisfaction Barometer
                             VISITORS             EXCELLENT          ABOVE AVERAGE
                      East Coast                   90.1%                              8.6%
                      Canada                        89.4%                              9.6%
                      West Coast                  88.7%                              9.4%
                      Japan                           68.7%                            28.7%
                      Oceania                       85.7%
                      Europe                         84.1%
                      Korea                           83.2%
                      China                           80.8% 

To see the full report  click here. And go to 2018 VSAT Report 2nd Quarter

All year long,   M aui Beachfront Rentals handles my vacation rentals so I can enjoy a steady stream of income without all the hassles.  When I have guests coming in, like now for the holidays, I never send them to a hotel.  Why would I, when they can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, free parking, and all the amenities of a resort through  MBR. Maybe you should make it one of your New Year's resolutions   to check them out and see if you can't make good money when not using your property.  Not only will they take all the hassle out of it for you, they'll cover all the bases plus extra advertising on sites like VRBO, HomeAway, Flip Key and others ... all at no additional cost.
      MORTGAGES
Dean Rathbun  of  Avis Mortgage  says that home shoppers and refinancers saw some relief in mortgage borrowing costs  this week.  The 30-year fixed rate mortgage moved to its lowest average since mid-September.  Conforming loan limits are going to get a boost for 2019 in nearly every part of the U.S.  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a 6.9% increase to $484,350 next year from $453,100 this year.   The FHFA also announced an increase to loan limits in "high-cost areas."  They define that where 115% of the local median home value is higher than the baseline loan limit. The new limit for one-unit properties in most high-cost areas will be $726,525 in 2019, rising from the current $679,650.  I can do those loan amounts in Hawaii right now.

Buyers will likely see a significant jump in their monthly payments next year.  Mortgage payments are forecasted to rise 8.4% in 2019.  Many economists are predicting mortgage rates above 5% next year.  The National Association of REALTORS predicts that the 30-year fixed interest mortgage rate to average around 5.3% next year.

Markets are turning up the heat on the Fed to dial back rate hikes.  They are lowering the chance for a rate hike this month and hoping it's delayed  until January.  The Fed had indicated three moves next year, but the market sees at most one.  We will find out December 19th whether or not the Fed approves another quarter-point move higher.
MAUI HAPPENINGS 

now - 12/31: Santa's Holiday Train  nightly schedule
12/24: Santa arrives by outrigger canoe 9am Wailea Beach
12/24: Santa arrives by outrigger canoe Noon - 1pm Polo Beach
12/29: Kwanzaa Celebration  details
1/02-06: Sentry Tournament of Champions  Plantation Course
1/05: Songs of the Pacific  benefit for Whale Trust

Holiday Craft Fairs
"Maui Gift & Craft Fair" Sundays  9am-2pm   Lahaina Gateway Center
"Maui's Finest Craft Fair" 9am-3pm
Tuesdays/Fridays Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas
Wednesdays Marriott's Maui ocean Club
Saturdays Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
Thursdays Hyatt Residence Club Maui

Maui OnStage    Iao Theater    tickets
1/05: Comedy with J P Sears
1/14: One-Acts III
1/18-20: The Maui Fringe Theater Festival
3/01-17: Pirates of Penzance
4/26-5/12: The Boys Next Door
7/12-8/4: Mama Mia

Maui Arts & Cultural Center   
   tickets  
12/21: Pat Simmons Sr. & Jr.   (of the Doobie Brothers)
12/27: Steven Tyler
12/29: Steve Earle   rock/country/folk
12/29: Hannibal Buress   comedy
12/30: Bill Maher
1/03: Straight No Chaser    male a cappella group
1/04: Judy Collins
1/05: Willie K's Bluesfest
1/10: "The Essence"   surfing film
1/12: Observe and Play Family Day
1/12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
1/12: Blayne Asing   folk-Hawaiian music
1/13: Broadway Pops
1/18: Slightly Stoopid   reggae rock fusion
1/18: Anjelah Johnson   comedy
1/23: David Sedaris   readings and recollections
1/27: Surfing Hawaii:  related Exhibit Lectures
1/31: Derek Gripper   classical guitarist

Mulligans On The Blue    Tuesdays
6:30 pm Free Magic Show
9:00 pm Open Mic Comedy Night (except 1st Tues of the month)

New Years Eve Cruises
Pride of Maui:  info
Pacific Whale Foundation from Lahaina and Maalaea:  tickets
Trilogy:  details
Alii Nui:  sold out/wait list
                   

Mortgage interest rates have either fallen or remained flat for 5 consecutive weeks and purchase applicants are responding with an uptick in demand given these lower rates.  But as you read above, interest rates are expected to rise next year.  Right now our   Island is filled to capacity this holiday season with folks who will wish that they could own their own piece of paradise.  And all those folks are also aware of the rising mortgage rates. Listen, if you're considering selling your property or adding another to your portfolio, you should call me for a confidential, no obligation discussion. As owner of Berkshire Hathaway Maui Properties I have over 30 years experience in the Maui market with sales approaching $2 billion!  We a re the  only  Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Brokerages on Maui. Our offices are located in Lahaina-Kapalua and Wailea-Makena.  I'm available to you 7 days a week.

Happy Holidays to friends and ohana ( family )  celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.  
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store?
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more ...

Alex, Leslee, and John
Your Kaanapali Specialists
If you are currently listed with another Broker, this is not intended to disturb that relationship
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