Becoming a homeowner is one of the biggest decisions of our lives. From being financially ready, finding the perfect real estate agent, and deciding what you’ll need in a home to be equipped for your future, it’s all a huge step. Navigating the world of real estate and its jargon can be overwhelming and at times, confusing. Title and escrow are some of the most common terms you’ll hear in the industry. Often used interchangeably, they are both crucial yet very different parts of the home buying journey. 

Title

The word "title" refers to your legal rights to own, use, and dispose of a specific property. The title company ensures the property's title with policies to the buyer and the lender to protect against problems with the property or the

Here on Maui, aloha is at the core of everything in our daily lives. From waving at a friendly face on the street to letting someone go ahead of you in traffic, to helping your neighbor with their groceries. It’s no wonder that at any home on Maui, you’re likely to see friends and family gathering for no reason other than to “talk story” or hangout. 

What better way to accommodate Maui’s favorite pastime than gathering a list of homes with the best guesthouses!

A guesthouse is our favorite (and most stylish) way to host visiting guests. It’s both an extension of your home and a reflection of your hosting personality, whether it be clean towels, a signature welcome mat, or a mural of your favorite beach. Guests should feel like they are a part of

When coming to the Valley Isle or looking for something new to do on the weekends, Maui’s abundance of beautiful trails and hikes should never go undiscovered. With a plethora of trail options to choose from you can explore contrasting microclimates, plan a weekend camping trip, or a quick morning stroll! The options are endless. You don’t have to be a veteran hiker or trained outdoorsman because Maui offers something for everyone, even those who have never stepped foot on a trail! This is something you can do with the whole family. So pack some sturdy shoes, bring lots of water and sunscreen, and experience our favorite Maui hikes and trails listed below!

We always want people to have a fun and safe experience when exploring Maui. Please refer to

You might think that lounging on the sand, sipping Mai Tai’s, and chasing waterfalls is all that Maui has to offer. That couldn’t be further from the truth. With over 120 miles of coastline, it’s no wonder that some of the biggest surfing is done right here on the Valley Isle. With an even better reputation for winds that would make any kitesurfer drool, this is one of the most thriving sports on the island. When you think about the surf on Maui you might be picturing monstrous waves that take the likes of professional surfers to conquer. But that’s the beautiful thing about Maui, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s your first time on a board, to Maui, or even to the ocean, you’ll always find your place here. 

 Historically called the

Maui, a melting pot of people, food, climates, and exciting outdoor adventures. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters along the coast, windsurfing over the North Shore waves, rappelling down gigantic waterfalls, or biking down the winding Haleakala slopes, the natural beauty is endless. It helps that there are countless options when it comes to outdoor scenery you can choose to spend your days. Between the outstretched coastline, the dense rainforests, and the big blue skyline, Maui holds endless opportunities for experiencing adrenaline-filled island activities. 

While many might favor the slow-paced and relaxing lifestyle, there are exhilarating excursions for the extreme visitor that can only be done on the island of Maui. Being a small

As a native Hawaiian and inspired local, Thelma Garso-Pacheco has been a beacon of Hawaiian culture, history, and aloha spirit since 1973 when she moved from the Big Island to Maui. Graduating from Kamehameha Kapalama on Oahu, Thelma has grown up in the local community of Hawai’i and experienced the people, lifestyle, and treasured parts of the islands. She loves and appreciates every corner of Maui, from Iao Valley to Haleakala, and everything in between. 

Thelma joined the Island Sotheby’s International Realty ohana as an Administrator/Listing Coordinator for the South Maui Office in 2013. It was here that she learned to love the abundance of knowledge, insight, and appreciation for real estate that ISIR held. Working for a devoted team and