Section Image

Maalaea

Maalaea

Rural Neighborhood in Kihei, Hawaii

Maui County 96753, 96793

$820,094 Average Value
$950 Average Price per Sq Ft
17 Homes For Sale

Quiet community along the Maalaea Bay

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.
Ocean views and tall mountains dominate the scenery at Maalaea Harbor.
Ocean views and tall mountains dominate the scenery at Maalaea Harbor.
Rent a smaller fishing boat for a relaxing day in the harbor.
Rent a smaller fishing boat for a relaxing day in the harbor.
1/2

Condos close to the mountains and sea in Maui

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.
Beachfront condos offer plenty of time in the sun.
Beachfront condos offer plenty of time in the sun.
Lauloa condo offers breathtaking views of Maalaea Bay.
Lauloa condo offers breathtaking views of Maalaea Bay.
1/2

Haycraft Park and quiet escapes from tourist attractions

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 Lahaina Pali Trail draw the attention of those preferring inland views of nature and challenging hikes.
Weekend tents are a regular site at Haycraft Park.
Weekend tents are a regular site at Haycraft Park.
Sugar Beach is popular for outrigger canoe enthusiasts.
Sugar Beach is popular for outrigger canoe enthusiasts.
1/2

Public schools from Kahului to Lahaina

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.
Puu Kukui Elementary utilizes standards-based learning to ensure student success
Puu Kukui Elementary utilizes standards-based learning to ensure student success
Maui Waena Intermediate School in educates over 1,000 students in grades 6 through 8.
Maui Waena Intermediate School in educates over 1,000 students in grades 6 through 8.
1/2

Fun at da Playground or the farmers market

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.

Access to the Maui bus and a local airport

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.
The Maui Bus runs 7 days a week, servicing residents along the West Maui coast.
The Maui Bus runs 7 days a week, servicing residents along the West Maui coast.
The Maalaea Harbor area has plenty of activities for the whole family.
The Maalaea Harbor area has plenty of activities for the whole family.
1/2

Dining with a view of Maalaea Harbor

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.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at Tante's.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at Tante's.
There are many delicious restaurants at the Maalea Harbor.
There are many delicious restaurants at the Maalea Harbor.
1/2

Flooded roads during the wet season

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.
Alicia Swain
Written By
Alicia Swain
Paul Peck
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Zack Kojoyian
Video By
Zack Kojoyian

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kelly Lau, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lanai

min drive

Bus

Ma'alaea Harbor Village

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Maalaea US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Maalaea Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$635,000
Median Sale Price
$586,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$6,149,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$725,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
11%
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-15%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$950

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
572
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Median Year Built
1977
Months of Supply
10.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,806
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,318
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
911
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
583
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kelly Lau, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,239
Median Age
55
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
15%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$106,060
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$145,802

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
46.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.5%
% Population in Labor Force
56.2%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
64°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

15 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

8 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Maalaea neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Maalaea