Running a farm can be hard work, but there’s nothing that compares to the feeling of being self-sufficient and helping to provide for your community.

From raising grass-fed cattle to growing tropical flowers and produce, there are plenty of opportunities on Maui to invest in agricultural properties. Along with the perks that come with working in the sun and the fresh air is the fact that you’re also helping the community become more sustainable.

For the sake of boosting your mental health and the health of the 'aina, here are a few farms and ranches properties ready to be your next agricultural adventure.

UPCOUNTRY NURSERY

Located on the slopes of Haleakala, this 27-acre property is home to Howard’s Nurseries, one of Hawaii’s top

As record-breaking cold temperatures swept across the nation on New Year’s Eve, the vast majority of the county bundled up and prepared their families, homes and pets for freezing temperatures. But here on Maui, that was far from the case.

There’s no doubt Maui is the best place to escape chilly winter weather, where residents and visitors can enjoy a temperate, tropical climate year round. Fortunately for those who want to escape from cooler climates on the mainland, there are hundreds of units across the island that provide a low-maintenance vacation home perfect for all seasons.

Whenever you're ready to flee the mainland's harsh winter weather, these condominiums are waiting for you. Here are a few of our favorites:

KAPALUA, MAUI

Now that 2017 has almost come to an end, it’s time to sit down and think about the changes you want to make in 2018.

Making a list of New Year’s resolutions can seem like a daunting task - especially when it comes to maintaining them. But there is one resolution in 2018 that will help boost your health and happiness that doesn’t require dieting or hitting the gym more.

There’s one simple thing we can all do to expand our horizons: Simply exploring the island we all know and love in ways we haven’t yet.

Hike the Crater

Driving to the Haleakala Crater is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities on Maui, but you’re only having half the fun if you just make it to the observatory.

Don’t just drive to the top of the crater - hike

It’s not even into the busy winter season for Maui’s real estate agents, but sales prices are rising and demand is growing.

Compared to last year, the median sales price for all properties is up 9.5 percent, according to  recent data from the Realtors Association of Maui. At the same time, homes for sale are down 17.3 percent compared to last year.

“We have limited inventory, even the new developments are selling out,” said Island Sotheby’s International Realty agent Volker Weiss.

Live beachfront at Maluhia at Wailea.

The busiest time of year for agents usually starts in January when visitors flock to the islands to avoid chilly temperatures. But even a month before the busy season kicks off, new developments are almost sold out, said

It’s the most wonderful time of the year - especially for Maui’s real estate professionals.

Each winter, thousands of visitors flock to the islands’ warm weather and white-sand beaches to flee chilly temperatures on the mainland. And some of those visitors - particularly ones that return year after year - decide to invest in vacation properties of their own. 

This Wailea Elua unit is situated one of South Maui's most elite condominium complexes.

Over the last year, condominium sales on Maui soared - even before winter, which is by far the busiest sales season. Now, Maui’s real estate professionals are gearing up for could be some very successful winter months.  

“It’s starting to get cold on the mainland so they come to Maui to enjoy our

The third quarter of 2017 was a busy one for Island Sotheby's International Realty agents, who facilitated transactions of millions of dollars in condominiums and homes.

From expansive Kula estates to exquisitely designed condominiums, our real estate agents represented buyers and sellers of some of Maui's finest residences. Here are a few of our favorites:

$4,500,000 | COCONUT GROVE, KAPALUA

Living in Coconut Grove is truly living in paradise. The private, oceanfront community is nestled just above the white sands of Kapalua Bay.

With three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, the elite condominium that sold was designed with pocketing doors that reveal views that sweeps from tropical gardens to the outer islands of Moloka’i and

Condominiums sales are quickly outpacing those for single-family homes, according to the Realtors Association of Maui.

Condominiums sales have soared recently on Oahu, the Big Island and Maui. On the Valley Isle, sales are up 7.3 percent compared to last year, while the median sales price rose 10 percent. Sales of single-family homes, on the other hand, only crept up by 1.6 percent.

“The condo market is definitely on an upward swing with sales,” said Ryan MacLaughlin, Broker at Island Sotheby’s International Realty. “The inventory is actively dropping and we are not even in our winter or busy market yet.”

This unit offers the most breathtaking views found at Wailea Point.

According to real estate data, there were 812 closed

There are few reasons why one would ever want to leave their home when it offers an entirely private oasis. 

At these elite estates, it's hard to find a reason why one would have to venture to resort pools - or even to the beach - when crisp, clear waters are located in the privacy of your own home. From exotic water features to elegantly designed jacuzzis, we selected a few homes that offer the finest pools in paradise.

7505 MAKENA ROAD, MAKENA HI

There are few homes on Maui with as perfect a pool as this expansive Makena Estate. The pool is nestled on a 4,000-square-foot lanai, which overlooks the clear, azure waters of South Maui.

This massive 10,000-square-foot estate is perfect for entertaining family and friends. An epic private

When many people picture the idyllic Hawaiian Islands, the first image that comes to mind is a colorful sunset on the horizon, framed by gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean and swaying palm trees.

At these luxurious estates, the view is even more spectacular. With panoramic vistas that span from Moloka’i to Kaho’olawe, these magnificent homes have vantage points that are simply intoxicating.

322 Waakaula Place, Wailea, Hawaii

With endless ocean views and 3,400 square feet of spacious living area, this home is the epitome of indoor-outdoor living. Located in the Wailea Golf Estates, the home overlooks Maui's azure south shore, in addition to one of the finest golf courses in the resort community. 

The single-level home offers an open

Maui is celebrated as one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations, with dozens of elite accommodations and resorts to explore. Thus, it may come to no surprise that its condominiums and expansive estates are undeniably world-class, too.

In the second quarter of 2017, Island Sotheby’s International Realty agents represented several buyers and sellers of absolutely magnificent homes, closing millions of dollars in transactions. While there are dozens of notable homes, we selected a few of our favorite high-end sales of the most recent quarter to spotlight for you.

Coconut Grove Condominium | $5,000,000 

The oceanfront, three-bedroom unit in Coconut Grove overlooks one of the finest beaches in the country - Kapalua Bay. The condominium