Question 1

Is Maui a buyer's market or a seller's market in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Island-wide, Maui is currently a buyer-friendlier market. Median prices for both single-family homes and condos are down year over year, inventory is rising, and days on market have stretched past 100 days for homes and past 130 days for condos. The exception is South Maui (Wailea/Makena), where home sales have outpaced new listings for two consecutive months, a sign that submarket is tightening even as the island-wide trend stays soft.

Question 2

What is the median home price on Maui right now?

Accepted Answer

As of April 2026, the island-wide median single-family home price was approximately $1.29 to $1.3 million, down roughly 7 to 26 percent year over year depending on the data source and that month's luxury sales mix. The island-wide median condo price was approximately $645,000 to $651,000, down 13 to 32 percent year over year.

Question 3

What is Bill 9 and how does it affect condo buyers?

Accepted Answer

Bill 9 is a Maui County measure that would phase out short-term rental use in apartment-zoned condominiums. As of mid-2026, a proposed hotel-zoning framework was denied by the Maui Planning Commission, and the matter now sits with the County Council, which needs a supermajority of six votes to proceed. A class-action lawsuit arguing vested property rights is also active. No final implementation timeline exists yet, so any condo purchase tied to rental income should be underwritten with current legal counsel.

Question 4

Why is consumer confidence affecting luxury real estate more than interest rates?

Accepted Answer

A large share of luxury buyers use cash or low leverage, which limits how much mortgage rates affect their decisions. Industry research from mid-2026 found that consumer confidence has overtaken financing conditions as the top factor in luxury home-buying decisions. National consumer sentiment hit a record low in April 2026 before partially recovering by June, which has made even qualified, cash-ready buyers more deliberate and slower to commit.

Question 5

Which areas of Maui are holding value best right now?

Accepted Answer

South Maui (Wailea/Makena) is showing early signs of tightening, with sales outpacing new listings. West Maui (Kaanapali/Kapalua) continues to trade on land value, privacy, and view corridors rather than transaction speed. Makena's gated communities hold value particularly well because privacy, controlled access, and protected views cannot be added to a property quickly.

Question 6

Is now a good time to buy luxury real estate on Maui?

Accepted Answer

Rising inventory and longer days on market mean less competitive pressure and more room to negotiate than in 2022 to 2023. Well-documented, well-maintained properties with clear permitting and insurance histories are still moving and commanding premiums, while properties with deferred maintenance or unclear rental status are sitting longer. Buyers focused on scarce attributes like privacy or oceanfront access may find better terms now than once the market stabilizes.

Question 7

Can I still operate a short-term rental on Maui in 2026?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the specific property's zoning, the building's HOA rules, and whether Bill 9 ultimately passes. Hotel-zoned and properly permitted units are generally unaffected for now. Apartment-zoned condos used for short-term rental face the most regulatory uncertainty. Buyers relying on rental income should verify zoning, HOA rules, and current enforcement posture directly with Hawaii-based counsel before closing.

Question 8

How is insurance affecting Maui real estate purchases since the 2023 wildfire?

Accepted Answer

Insurance has become a first-order underwriting factor rather than a closing formality. Buyers increasingly request insurance indications early in the process instead of waiting until late escrow, and properties with wildfire mitigation features or strong utility redundancy tend to face fewer insurance-related delays and surprises.

Main Content

Maui Market News

MAUI LUXURY REAL ESTATE TRENDS – JUNE 2026

SIGNS THAT NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

REMODELING PROJECTS THAT WILL BOOST YOUR HOME’S VALUE

Contact Us

Contact Us

Follow Us On