Kihei

In Maalaea, condo buildings overlook azure water crashing against sandy shores along the bay. Situated in southwestern Maui, the neighborhood appeals to those looking for more seclusion and tranquility than areas like Kahului offer. With condos making up about 97% of the properties in Maalaea, the community sees little through traffic — but it does draw in tourists looking to rent condo units closer to the mountains of western Maui and those visiting the Maui Ocean Center. Although its shorelines offer the expected natural beauty of the island, it’s more appealing to whale watchers than swimmers. “Maalaea is interesting because it’s the second windiest harbor in the world, behind Commonwealth Bay in New Zealand,” says Adam Miller of Nine Times Network, a real estate agent serving the area and a Maui resident. With a population of around 300, Maalaea satisfies those looking for a quaint community and the experience of island life. Condo buildings line the shore, and of their units, 65% are owned. The other 35% are rented, often for a few days or weeks at a time, but the tourist population doesn’t have a negative effect on crime rates in the area — a significant draw for homebuyers; the CAP Index gives the neighborhood the lowest possible score for crime, putting it well below the national average. Maalaea isn’t the place to find waterfront single-family homes, so most of its properties provide lower-maintenance living options in amenity-rich condo buildings that were constructed in the 1970s and early 1980s, like the well-known Maalaea Banyans and Makani A Kai. According to the United States Census Bureau, over 50% of the population is 65 or older, but most buildings do not have age restrictions. One-bedroom units start below $350,000, but units on higher floors can reach over $500,000. For two-bedroom units, prices typically exceed $600,000, and luxury units can even extend over a million in resort buildings like Lauloa. To access the Hawaii Department of Education’s public schools, residents must drive about 5 miles north toward Kahului. Students can start their education at Puu Kukui Elementary, which earns a B grade from Niche and ranks among the top three public elementary schools in Maui County, and transition to Maui Waena Intermediate, a B-minus-graded school. From here, students can attend Maui High, a B-plus-graded school with an 80% graduation rate and career-based academies like the Academy of Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Transportation and Information Technology. For private options, like Maui Preparatory Academy, students need to venture up to 25 miles away to Lahaina on Route 30. While Maui Ocean Center appeals to many tourists staying in Maalaea’s condos, the quiet parks and beaches earn the locals' love. Though most of its bayside beaches aren’t ideal for swimming, the shores invite residents to walk along the sand and whale watch along the water’s edge. Haycraft Park is one of the top picks for weekend relaxation, but Sugar Beach earns an honorable mention for its snorkeling potential. Because mountain peaks beckon outdoor adventurers to the west, options like the East Lāhainā Pali Trail draw the attention of those preferring inland views of nature and challenging hikes. All of the dining and shopping options in the neighborhood line Maalaea Road near the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway. Residents watch the boats in Maalaea Harbor as they dine at spots like Tante’s Fishmarket and Seascape Maalaea, and they pick up anything from boat supplies to groceries at the Ma’alaea General Store — just as they have since 1910. For a more comprehensive selection of retailers, like Target or Whole Foods, residents can drive less than 10 miles north to Kahului. Despite the calm nature of Maalaea, it is home to one of the only live music venues on the island. “It’s called 'da Playground,' and it’s a hidden gem of a nightclub where you can catch famous comedians like Kevin Nealon, Pauly Shore and Jim Gaffigan, as well as live music and trivia nights,” Miller says. “There’s also a great taco restaurant inside.” Besides shows at da Playground, residents can also enjoy events like farmers markets and dog play dates in Kihei, five miles down North Kihei Road. With Kahului less than 10 miles north, locals can reach shopping hubs via the Kuihelani Highway. The Maui Bus also serves the area, allowing residents to take the bus from M’aalawa Harbor Village to Queen Ka’ahumanu Center in about 30 minutes. Top employers, like the County of Maui and Grand Wailea, are within a 10-mile drive of Maalaea, though public transit does not always provide a direct route to areas like Wailea. For trips off the island, Kahului Airport is about 10 miles away. According to Flood Factor, though a bayside community, only a few of Maalaea’s residential properties are at risk of minor flooding. That said, eight of the 17 roads in the neighborhood face a major risk of flooding, and the National Weather Service reports that there are about eight flash floods across Maui each year, mainly from October through April.