West Maui is easily one of the top vacation destinations in the world due to its long stretches of golden beaches, championship golf courses, and fantastic dining and nightlife in the great communities of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua. It’s such a great place that we’ll go ahead and say it: There are so many fun things to do that West Maui is the bomb diggity. And if it’s such a wonderful place to vacation, imagine living in this paradise year-round!
The housing market in West Maui remains strong. The median price of homes in West Maui is $809,570, a healthy increase of 19.4% during the last year. Many properties sell for more than the median, such as Kapalua luxury homes. For those seeking luxury condos, Lahaina real estate is the place to be.
Any search for West Maui homes should begin by hiring a real estate agent who has years of experience selling homes in these beautiful communities. Once settled in, you’ll quickly find out why West Maui is the shit.
Hit the beach
Once people move into Kaanapali real estate, it’s time to hit the beach and find out what West Maui is all about. Several beaches are popular for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, standup paddleboarding, and surfing. Ka'anapali Beach is known for cliff jumping from Black Rock, Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Pu'unoa Beach, or Baby Beach, popular with families with children. The many beaches are all close to shopping and restaurants.
Hang out in Downtown Lahaina
After buying Lahaina real estate, the best way to get the vibe of the community is to stroll along Front Street in historic Downtown Lahaina. It’s crowded and touristy, but it’s also fun to walk along a street with a great blend of restaurants, bars, art galleries, quintessential T-shirt shops, and other businesses. You’ll get a feel for the nautical history of the community and how important it is to the area’s economy. Plus, it’s the only walkable downtown on the island. Front Street is popular during the day, and nighttime offers many places to eat right along the water.
Sunset dinner cruise
An excellent way for new owners of Lahaina properties to get acclimated with the area is to book a spot on a sunset dinner cruise on the Maui Princess. The 120-foot Maui Princess is the largest and most popular tour boat in Maui, and two 1/2-hour sunset cruises are offered every night on the peaceful Pacific Ocean. Guests are treated to a three-course meal with entrées, including prime rib, roasted chicken, macadamia nut-encrusted Mahi Mahi, or vegetarian meatballs. Be sure to ask for seating on the upper deck for a breathtaking view of the sun sinking behind the horizon. Diners enjoy live music while taking in the scenery. The cost is $129.95 per adult and $89.95 per child.
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
One of the most unique natural features on the island is Molokini Crater, a partially submerged crescent-shaped volcanic crater in the channel between Maui and Kaho’olawe. Molokini Crater attracts a multitude of snorkelers who explore the stunning blue waters of the crater. Many charter boats leave from the West Maui waterfront for snorkeling adventures.
Golf
Residents of West Maui, including Kaanapali real estate, have access to some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, which feature incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. The consensus is the best course in the entire state is the Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay, which is so revered that it hosts the Hyundai Tournament of Champions on the PGA Tour every January. It has the most spectacular scenery in the islands and was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.
Another popular course is the Bay Course at Kapalua, designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane in 1975. It was Kapalua’s first course and also hosted professional tournaments. The stunning scenery includes views of Molokai off in the distance. Two other gems are Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course at the Ka’anapali Resort, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and has holes along the ocean and in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains; and Ka’anapali Kai Course, which is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities at a reasonable 6,388 yards.
Whale watching
Owners of Lahaina homes often take their out-of-town guests on whale watching tours since West Maui enjoys one of the best vantage points in the world for watching these incredible creatures. The Maui Nui Basin just offshore is a protected sanctuary for whales. Although West Maui residents don’t have to leave the shore to watch whales breach and spout, it’s impressive to watch from up close while on one of the several charter boats that operate locally.
Atlantis submarine adventure
While some coastal areas offer residents and visitors tours aboard glass-bottomed boats, Atlantis Submarines Maui provides an unforgettable voyage 100 feet below the surface that explores attractions such as shipwrecks, coral reefs, and a multitude of marine life. A 48-passenger submarine with large windows silently cruises through the crystal waters to the passengers' delight.
Parasailing
A terrific way to see the West Maui coastline from a different perspective is to go on a parasailing adventure. At West Maui Parasail, a powerful boat pulls guests through the air supported by a parachute to heights approximately 50 stories above the water. You’ll never forget the view.
These are just a few reasons West Maui is a fantastic place to live. If you think now is the time to begin shopping for Lahaina real estate for sale, let Jeff Onderko put his extensive knowledge of paradise to work for you — contact him today to find your dream home in West Maui!
