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Launiupoko

Launiupoko

Rural Neighborhood in Lahaina, Hawaii

Maui County 96761

$3,809,065 Average Value
$2,080 Average Price per Sq Ft
16 Homes For Sale

Kipuka is alive and well in Launiupoko

In the Hawaiian indigenous language, “kipuka” is a word that refers to a time of regrowth, and it is a word that encapsulates the West Maui neighborhood of Launiupoko following the devastating wildfires that struck the island beginning in August 2023. It is estimated that more than 2,200 buildings were destroyed, including residential buildings and historical landmarks. The cost of the catastrophe has been estimated to be over $5 billion and more than 100 deaths. While the loss is nearly incomprehensible, the Hawaiian spirit of kipuka is even greater than the degree of destruction. And as the west coast of Maui begins the arduous task of recovering and rebuilding, the Launiupoko neighborhood is leading the charge.

Be it ever so humble...

Homes here are built to take advantage of incredible natural surroundings, especially the vast Pacific Ocean that stretches out from the coast. “Launiupoko is situated at the beginning of West Maui and you’ll find that most of the residential properties here are perched on the mountainside to offer breathtaking panoramic ocean and inter-island views,” says Realtor Jordan Kamikawa, a Maui native who has been representing real estate transactions in the area for 10 years. Those views come with a significant price tag, however. The median price of real estate in Launiupoko is $4.15 million, and buyers can expect to pay an average of $2195 per square foot. A two-bedroom/two-bathroom ohana (cottage) home can sell for $1.6 million and prices can go up to over $8 million for a spacious four-bedroom/six-bathroom ranch-style home on a 7-acre lot.

Homebuyers new to the Hawaii real estate market need to be aware of what are commonly referred to as CPR properties, as they appear with a high degree of frequency in listings in the state. Simply put, a CPR is a Condominium Property Regime, which means that the home is classified as a condominium. However, this does not necessarily mean the building is part of a complex. Rather, it means that a house, for example, has been divided into multiple smaller units – each its own – and each of those units is listed for sale. The buyer gets full ownership rights and obligations of a specific unit, and the multiple units share things like parking areas or the yard. This is a common occurrence in Hawaii due to the fact that the price of land is so expensive.

One if by land, two if by sea

One example of the indomitable spirit that pervades the island is the reopening of Launiupoko Beach Park, which reopened to the public sooner than expected thanks to the combined efforts of more than 600 town employees who worked to clear debris from the beach. “Launiupoko Beach Park is a real highlight of the neighborhood,” says Realtor Jordan Kamikawa, a Maui native who has been representing real estate transactions in the area for 10 years. “It’s a really popular spot for beginner or intermediate surfers because of its gentle rolling waves." Park-goers will find multiple outlets for surfboard rentals, and parents love the beach for the saltwater wading pool created by a large stone jetty protecting the coastline, as well as the park’s outdoor shower facilities. Further inland, an abundance of farms populate the area, including Maui Mist Gardens, where they produce “dirt-to-bar” chocolate from their own cacao trees on land that is also home to a bonsai nursery, a botanical garden and the studio of Impressionist artist Ann Pistillo.

School is in session

Launiupoko is districted to the Hawaii Department of Education, which earns an overall rating of B-plus from Niche. Students can attend Princess Nahienaena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High School. Princess Nahienaena earns a C rating from Niche, Lahaina Intermediate earns a C-plus and Lahainaluna earns a B-minus. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, students at Lahainaluna High School can participate in any of over 20 school-sponsored clubs and they have the opportunity to play 21 different varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of multiple private school options on Maui, including the nearby Maui Preparatory Academy, rated the best private school in Maui County by Niche, which gives the school an A-plus rating.

Retail therapy and cheap eats

Due to the closure of most of the town of Lahaina following the wildfire, grocery shopping requires a drive to Safeway just north of Laihana, 5 miles away. For other shopping, locals make the 20-mile drive to Kahului, which is home to Target, Home Depot and other retailers. And when dining out is on the menu, a local favorite is the Maui Breakfast Food Truck in Launiupoko, home of 50-cent coffees and a $5 classic Hawaiian breakfast of eggs, rice and a choice of spam, ham or sausage. And for local favorites, Eating Local in Lahaina is a popular choice that has reopened since the fire and is currently serving breakfast and lunch in their signature casual setting.
Andrew Spencer
Written By
Andrew Spencer
Paul Peck
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Michael McAdams
Video By
Michael McAdams

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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 Gail Swanson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lanai

min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Launiupoko 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

Launiupoko Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$4,174,000
Median Sale Price
$3,250,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$4,088,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
13%
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$2,080

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
279
Number of Homes for Sale
16
Median Year Built
2006
Months of Supply
21.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,381
Above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
4,717
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
49,222

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    1 - 4pm

    85 Lau Awa Place, Lahaina, HI 96761

    $5,900,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,197 Sq Ft
    • 85 Lau Awa Place

    This private paradise is located on a stunning 5.595-acre parcel in the coveted Makila Plantation phase of Launiupoko at the base of the West Maui Mountains with expansive views of the three surrounding islands and Pacific Ocean. This exquisite property offers a 4 bedroom/ 4 bath main house, a charming 2 bedroom 1 bath Ohana making up 4,100 sq. ft. of total interior living space and nearly 1,000

    Elise Valceschini Coldwell Banker Island Prop-KP

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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 Gail Swanson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
708
Median Age
55
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
15.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
32.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$106,579
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$145,829

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
46.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.4%
% Population in Labor Force
56.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
28''
Average Winter Low Temperature
66°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

9 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 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.

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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
Launiupoko
Gail Swanson
Hawaiian Style Realty LLC
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