The Maui County Real Property Tax rates have been updated for the upcoming fiscal year. Property is classified based upon its highest and best use. Properties receiving home exemptions, condominiums, permitted bed and breakfasts and permitted transient vacation rentals are exceptions. Condominiums are classified upon consideration of their actual use (Non-owner-occupied, Commercial, Short-term rental, Timeshare, Owner-occupied).

• July 1—Tax year commences. Taxes are calculated based upon January 1 assessed values and fiscal year tax rates.
• July 20 — First half of fiscal year tax bills mailed.
• August 20 — First half of fiscal year tax payments due.
• September 1 — Deadline for filing dedication petitions.

Wayfinding and navigation are some of the essential parts of the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. Polynesian voyagers were one of the first people to travel long distances in early ages, so navigation was crucial and an integral part of places like Hawaii's historical and cultural heritage. 

"Before the invention of the compass, the sextant and clocks, or more recently, the satellite-dependant Global Positioning System (GPS), Pacific Islanders navigated open-ocean voyages without instruments, using instead their observations of the stars, the sun, the ocean swells, and other signs of nature for clues to direction and location of a vessel at sea," Hokule'a.com. 

 As recently as 50 years ago, the deep knowledge of navigation and wayfinding

Astronomy is a part of Hawaii’s deep-rooted history. Without it, the islands of Hawaii would not be inhabited. Throughout the Pacific, there are islands that would never have been discovered without the ancient practice of navigation and the study of stars. 

We spoke with Dr. Roy R. Gal, Associate Astronomer at the Institute for Astronomy, the University of Hawaii at Manoa to get his insight on the significance of the stars in Hawaii.

Dr. Gal studies how galaxies like our own Milky Way evolve over time, and how this varies in different places in the Universe. He uses telescopes from all over the world, including Mauna Kea, to look at far-away galaxies. 

“We see galaxies as they were a long time ago, and trace the changes over time - much like

Photo: Dante Parducci

Island Sotheby's International Realty's Ryan MacLaughlin, R(B) and Alex Cortez, R(B) represented the buyers in the significant sale of 4585 Makena Road, Kihei Hawai'i.

Sold for $25,000,000, this 7 bedroom, 8.5 bathroom Makena Estate offers sophisticated, contemporary flair and over two acres of manicured tropical landscaping, making it both an ideal private retreat and a home for those who love to entertain. 

Photo: Dante Parducci

This significant sale finalized in late May marks the highest on Maui in the last five years. Nothing surprising for our seasoned realtors as both Ryan and Alex also represented the sellers of the previous highest sale in the last five years, 4508 Makena Road, which sold for $24,600,000 in

The Hawaiian islands are home to some of the most famous stories of astronomy, wayfinding, and navigation. Ancient Hawaiians were skilled in using the natural world around them to guide their everyday lives. They sailed all over Polynesia using the night sky as their compass and the ocean as their guide. Today, traditional voyagers still use celestial navigation and wayfinding to honor the ways of the first Hawaiians. The most magical part? We can still explore the same skyline that Hawaiians were studying and using to navigate more than 500 years ago.

While Maui is now home to growing small cities like Kahului or Kihei, most of the island becomes a glowing light show when the sun sets. Looking up at the night sky with a warm cup of hot cocoa, some

Born and raised in Southern California, Luana made the official move to the island of Maui over 23 years ago and has never looked back! Her background as a culinary major turned realtor means she can help her clients discover their dream home...and tell them where the very best dining is on Maui! 

“I entered real estate to educate local families on the value of homeownership and getting the most out of their hard-earned money,” says Luana. 

Luana works hard for her clients from beginning to end and makes it her mission to ensure they feel as though they’re getting 5-star service, attention, and support. Her authenticity and Maui expertise make her the perfect Island Sotheby’s International Realty partner when making Maui your home. 

“Being

The County of Maui Department of Finance’s Real Property Assessment Division announced today that a new long-term rental classification and exemption have been established as part of the Maui County Code.

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, real property occupied as a long-term rental, with a signed contract to lease for 12 consecutive months or longer to the same tenant, may qualify an owner for an exemption of up to $200,000.

Real property rented on a long-term basis (12 consecutive months or longer) without a home exemption, will be eligible for the $200,000 long-term rental exemption and will be classified as Long-term Rental. Real property with a home exemption that also qualifies for the long-term rental exemption will be eligible for an additional

If you’re looking for a serene and remote island experience that feels like a stay-cation, this weekend needs to include escaping to Lana’i. Only 16 miles away from Lahaina, you can take a short ferry ride over – currently available five days a week. Untouched hidden gems, tucked away natural wonders, and peaceful isolation, await you on every corner of Hawaii’s smallest visited island. On one side of the island at Four Seasons Resort Lanai you are welcomed to a luxury resort setting with 5-star dining and poolside cocktails. On the other side, you have thrilling off-roading adventures and exciting rugged terrain sure to entice the explorer in all of us. There is also Sensei Lanai - A Four Seasons Resort, where you will experience an adults-only,

Island Sotheby's International Realty welcomes Sharron Lawton, a Maui resident for over 23 years! A native of the island nation of Barbados, Sharron holds island life near and dear to her heart. After earning a degree in Business Management and traveling to foreign places like Indonesia, South and Central America, and spending some time on islands throughout the Caribbean, Sharron brings her passion and trusted perspective of island life and real estate to the table. 

Sharron loves spending time with her ohana during her free time. You can find them outside, playing along the Maui shoreline, paddling, surfing, soaking up the sun, or even venturing along the many hikes Maui has to offer. 

As a seasoned hospitality professional, Sharron

Congratulations to Island Sotheby's International Realty's Courtney M Brown RS-56519 who was able to represent her clients on the purchase of their dream home — Kapalua Ironwoods #44 overlooking Oneloa Bay. Kapalua Ironwoods is a gated community featuring a pool, spa, tennis courts and resident manager. It features sweeping views from the beach at Oneloa Bay, across the Kapalua Bay Golf Course, and out to Honolua Bay. Sold Price $4,150,000.