Maui is often synonymous with paradise, and for a good reason — or several, to be more precise. Its 120 miles of gorgeous coastline give way to beaches ranging from remote coves with black sand to three-mile strands of pure, golden beauty. Its outlying islands — Molokini, Kaho’olawe, Lāna’i, and Moloka’i — beckon across pristine, glimmering water. Verdant rainforests, untouched lava fields, and parks perched 10,000 feet above the sea compete for hikers’ attention. And as the “windsurfing capital of the world” with several of the most revered surf spots on the planet, the island abounds with exhilarating activities.

In the past 30 years, Maui has gone from a laidback sanctuary to a veritable hotspot for international travelers and world-famous luminaries. Five-star resorts redefine opulence with suites built for royalty. Acclaimed restaurants feature the culinary treasures of some of the best chefs at work today. Luxe, open-air plazas feature the likes of Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Jeff Bezos, Oprah, Willie Nelson, Mick Fleetwood, Paul Simon, and Woody Harrelson call the island home because, even though Maui boasts elegance in spades, it’s also maintained its warm, welcoming, live-and-let-live vibe.

Maui Real Estate Market

Maui real estate is highly desirable. Contact the 'Ohana Real Estate Team of Maui realtors & agents to find condos, houses & beach homes for sale in Maui, HI. 

What to Love

• 30-plus miles of stunning beaches
• Luxuriant rainforests teeming with trails and waterfalls
• Endless recreational thrills
• Several of the most high-profile properties in the country
  
  
  

Local Lifestyle

Maui has a powerful family-first ethos — only that ethos extends well beyond blood relatives. Echoing the hānai system that once reigned in Hawaii, long-standing residents have an unshakable sense of love and responsibility for their friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Since Hawaii is consistently ranked the healthiest state in the nation, Mauians thrive outside, whether dawn-patrolling to Honolua Bay for winter waves, cooling off with an afternoon hike in Makawao Forest Reserve, or aboard a friend’s yacht at sunset to relish Maui’s famed golden hour.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

The formerly sleepy island has transformed into a foodie and shopper’s Shangri-La, with restaurants and boutiques ranging from laidback and ‘ono (delicious) to high-end and unforgettable. 

Mama’s Fish House on the windblown North Shore is a tropical oasis of an eatery named the second-best fine dining restaurant in the United States by OpenTable. Featuring hyper-fresh seafood — think fish caught six hours before it’s cooked to perfection — and an array of extraordinary craft cocktails, Mama’s is as beloved for its outstanding food as it is for its romantic and entrancing beachside setting.

There may come a time when you decide to escape to the flanks of Haleakala. Once there, you can delight in a flight of locally-crafted wine and panoramic views at Maui Winery, where ancient trees surround one of the loveliest outdoor patios on the island. 

Billed as Hawaii’s largest craft brewery, Maui Brewing Co. is another idyllic setting to grab a few drinks. Meanwhile, special occasions call for a reservation at Morimoto Maui at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, where expertly prepared sushi is served with up-close-and-personal views of the Pacific.

Indeed, Maui kama’aina (locals) can shop for clothes, accessories, and home decor at The Shops at Wailea or Whalers Village. You also can catch concerts at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC). Every day on this island is jam-packed with opportunities for pleasure.

Things to Do

In addition to offering every water sport imaginable, including scuba diving and foiling, Maui offers a bevy of cultural activities. Summer kicks off with the renowned Maui Film Festival, where locals and visitors can dine on sumptuous food and sip artisan beers while watching a rare film under the stars. 

Come winter, island residents brave the trek to Peahi on the remote North Shore, where intrepid, world-famous surfers compete on 50-foot-plus oceanic beasts in the Jaws Big Wave Challenge. 

Challenges of another sort are also cherished every year on the pristine fairways of Kapalua in the annual Sentry Tournament of Champions, which lures golf luminaries like Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm to the West Side’s shores.

From O’o Farm to Oprah’s orchard, the island flourishes with organic produce, herbs, and flowers, celebrated yearly at the acclaimed Hawaii Food & Wine Festival and the Kapalua Food & Wine Festival. This three-day luxury fete overflows with epicurean brilliance.

In sum? Mauians are never at a loss for wonderful ways to spend their free time.

Schools

School-aged children in Maui are served by the Hawaii State Department of Education public school system and other private/independent academies. A handful of the most stellar schools on the island include:

• Montessori School of Maui (independent)
• Maui Preparatory Academy (private)
• Seabury Hall (private)
• Kamehameha Schools (only accessible to Native Hawaiians)
• Lahainaluna High School