How Blockchain Technology is Changing the Real Estate game By Joe Liebkind   Many people are beginning to come around on crypto currency. Especially the people understanding the utility options real coins and companies offer. Given blockchain’s disruption of financial services and subsequent widespread application across industries, it’s hard to find a segment that has not been influenced by the technology. Cryptocurrencies have made a strong impact on payments, remittances, and foreign exchange. Initial coin offerings (ICOs) have challenged stock investing, startup loans, and venture cap ..read more

Jeff Bezos is buying up Maui, as locals hope for his best intentions Jeff Bezos just shelled out $78 million for a massive Hawaiian estate spanning over 14 acres on Maui's Southside. But the Amazon founder has only hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to investing in the Aloha State and the Valley Isle — which has locals worried. Jeff Bezos, 57, is scouting off-the-market ranches in Maui after buying property on Valley Isle’s south shore, known as La Perouse Bay. Jeff Bezos drops $78 million for a 14-acre Maui, Hawaii, estate with his own private bay.Ethan Kwon Bezos had also been ho ..read more

The 5,000 square foot Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center opens today in Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali. The announcement was made by the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Brookfield Properties. “We have long needed a place that helps our visitors better understand how to respect native wildlife, while simultaneously gaining a deeper appreciation for the islands. We depend on partnerships like the one we’re sharing with Whalers Village and the Whale Sanctuary to succeed in our conservation efforts, and I couldn’t be more excited about this ..read more

Maui FAQ's:   Maui is in a Seller's Market like everywhere else, why should I buy now?          -Maui's long term appreciation is the highest among all the islands with no end in sight. A perfect is example are the Maui homeowners that purchased a single family home 10 years ago and now their home is worth double or more. The simple fact is more people want to be here than what's available in inventory. Especially today with so many working remotely from home.    Is there a Real Estate bubble coming on Maui?         -Acc ..read more

Maui’s Vacation Rental Occupancy Climbed to 52.4% in February; Highest during Pandemic March 24, 2021, 11:36 AM HST  * Updated March 25, 7:18 AM 37 COMMENTS A A A   In February 2021, Maui’s vacation rental occupancy climbed to 52.5 percent with visitors arriving in the largest numbers since the pandemic started a year ago. Photo Credit: Cammy Clark In February 2021, Maui County’s vacation rental occupancy climbed to 52.5 percent, which is down 35.1 percentage points from a year ago but the highest rate since the start of the pandemic last March.  Maui County’s availa ..read more

Hawaii Hotel Occupancy Climbs to 30.5% for February, Up 8.6% from January     In February 2021, Hawaiʻi hotels statewide reported occupancy rate at 30.5 percent, which is up 8.6 percent from January 2021 but still well below the pre-pandemic occupancy rates of February 2020, according to the Hawaiʻi Hotel Performance Report published by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Compared to one year ago, statewide revenue per available room (RevPAR) decreased to $79 (-69.9%) and average daily rate (ADR) fell to $259 (-16.5%). In January 2021, the occupancy rate was 21.9 percent, RevPa ..read more

Love’s Bakery to Cease Operations in Hawai‘i March 2, 2021, 10:21 AM HST  A A A   Locally owned and operated, Love’s Bakery, a fixture in Hawaiʻi for over 169 years will cease operations at the end of March due to losses attributable to COVID-19. “Love’s Bakery has been a beloved brand for nearly 170 years,” the Love’s Bakery Management Team said in a press release announcement. “We have worked diligently to cut expenses, to maintain our market share and to remedy our operational difficulties, however under the current business environment we are no longer able to continue oper ..read more

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5 TIPS FOR A STRESS FREE HOME PURCHASE    Get a Headstart Make sure your finances are in good standing. Gather and review financial documents, such as bank statements, paystubs, tax returns, etc. Be sure to pay your bills on time and avoid making large purchases. A poor financial history could jeopardize your chances of getting a mortgage loan. Also, be mindful of the funds required to purchase your home: a down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. The sooner you begin saving, the better Retain A Pr ..read more

Many different words could be used to describe the year 2020 – and they’re not exactly positive.  In early spring, many Hawaii businesses began to shut their doors and Governor Ige imposed the now-infamous 14-day quarantine for travelers. It was an interesting time to be on the islands. Thousands of unoccupied rental cars sat in the fields surrounding Kahului Airport, the road to Hana was closed to non-residents, and once-bustling tourist attractions were eerily quiet. While the pandemic caused quite a blow to the local economy, the ocean became more clear than most had ever seen, there ..read more