Once the seat of royalty during the reign of King Kamehameha, Lahaina is a charming seaside town full of culture and history. It’s situated on the west side of the island between the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, so you get stunning natural scenery all around. The coast is lined with sea cliffs and sandy beaches, including Napili Bay, Lahaina Beach, and Baby Beach. Lahaina is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, with vibrant colors painting the sky as the sun goes down. To the east, the West Maui Mountain features nature trails and cascading waterfalls and provides a dramatic backdrop to the town.

For history buffs, Lahaina is home to many well-preserved historical sites. The downtown area is designated as a National Historic Landmark District, and Front Street is lined with buildings that date back to the 19th century when it was a thriving whaling town. Other notable landmarks include Baldwin Home Museum and the Pioneer Mill Smokestack. Despite being a popular tourist destination, residents foster a tight-knit community and a strong sense of ‘ohana. The real estate market is incredibly competitive, setting record highs in the past year. If you’re considering investing here, read on to learn which factors are most important in your Lahaina home search.

Consider a specific location to narrow down your choices. Lahaina offers several neighborhoods known for their upscale homes and luxurious properties. Think of whether you want to be close to specific amenities, such as a shopping plaza, a park, schools, medical facilities, or areas for recreation. One of the most desirable factors is the property’s proximity to the beach. Below are some of Lahaina’s best neighborhoods.

Located just one mile south of downtown Lahaina, Puamana is a gated oceanfront community with direct access to the beach. Amenities include a clubhouse lanai, tennis court, fitness center, and three pools, with one right by the ocean.

The ultra-exclusive Mahana Estates is situated on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. It features large custom-built estates that are more secluded and private. Residents can access resort-style amenities, including a spa, walking trails, an award-winning tennis facility with 10 courts, and several championship golf courses.

For a livelier atmosphere, Downtown Lahaina features vibrant streets lined with shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. One of the greatest advantages of living downtown is the walkability. Residents even get convenient access to the beach. Front Street is just one block from Lahaina Harbor, where you can go boating, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Decide the size and type of property you are looking for. You’ll find plenty of single-family homes for sale in Lahaina as well as townhomes, resort-style condominiums, and vacant land you can build on. Critical criteria to consider are the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, parking spaces if needed, outdoor living areas, and specialty rooms, such as a study or gym.

Assess the condition of the property. Get a professional home inspection and work with an experienced Realtor before submitting any offers on a home. You need to know if the house has any structural issues or damages and if it may need repairs or renovations. If it does, decide whether you are willing to invest the time, effort, and money into fixing up and repairing the property. Find out when the home was built. Typically, older homes may need upgrades.

Determine the amenities and features that you want in and around the property. Optional property amenities may include a lawn, a backyard, a swimming pool, outdoor space, a garage, smart technology, and energy-efficient features. Think of your lifestyle and preferences when making a list of criteria. For example, do you like to cook or garden? If so, you’d want a property with a well-equipped kitchen and garden area.

You also need to think about neighborhood amenities you want to be close to. This may be especially important if you have children and want to be within a highly-rated school district. If you have pets, particularly a dog, you may want to be near a park. Other things to consider are your proximity to shopping and dining areas, in which case Downtown Lahaina will be ideal. Or, if you want to be closer to the beach and water activities, you may want to look at seaside neighborhoods.

When searching for Lahaina homes for sale, decide whether it will be used as a full-time resident, a vacation home, or a rental property. As a primary residence, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of living in a beautiful coastal time and being part of the local community. As a vacation destination, Lahaina is a premier getaway where you can get plenty of relaxation and recreation.

It can also be used as a rental property. Both long-term and short-term rentals are common in Lahaina. Long-term leases, where tenants rent the home for a year or more, can provide you with a steady flow of income. Short-term vacation rentals can vary from nightly to weekly in length of stay. This can be a lucrative option, especially during peak seasons and holidays.

Because of its desirable location and thriving tourism industry, Lahaina real estate has a strong investment potential and may generate a good return on your investment. A thriving rental market exists, especially for well-maintained properties in sought-after locations. Not only can it generate a steady rental income, but Lahaina properties have seen a steady increase in appreciation and maintain strong resale values.

Make your dream of owning a piece of paradise come true and contact the ‘Ohana Real Estate Team. This team of real estate professionals embodies the true spirit of Ohana, excelling in customer service and treating their clients like family. As Maui’s most innovative real estate team, they provide expert Compass Concierge solutions for anyone interested in Lahaina real estate.