So, I have this expert agent from Maui, from the West Side, calling me today: yes, she would like to show my listing in Wailea Palms and, by the way, could I please prepare the rental history for this unit and explain? –Hello– We are supposed to be experts, selling Million+ $ properties! I can promise you, I will not leave Wailea and Makena to try selling you property on the West Side. It is just not my area. My true believe is that the Real Estate Expert will survive and not the Real Estate Salesperson or Real Estate Broker.

The Differences between The Palms at Wailea & Wailea Palms

That is a lot of palms between the two condo complexes. The Palms at Wailea used to be called Phase 1. During that time, Wailea Palms was known as Palms at Wailea, Phase 2. It is now a number of years ago that the Home Owner’s Association of Phase 2 managed to get the official name changed to Wailea Palms. I believe that both sides do benefit from this change. When you are approaching or driving through the complex, they almost feel the same. But that is only until you really get to know the area. It is pretty easy:

The Palms at Wailea (formerly called Phase 1)

This complex allows vacation rental. Outrigger Resorts is maintaining an active front office and most unit owners have decided to join their vacation rental program. Fee simple ownership allows for any other vacation rental company of your choice. There are 150 units on 16.7 acres. Buildings are numbered from 1 through 23. A separate and quiet road gives private access to buildings 20 through 23. The pool area is acceptable for a vacation since the ocean is so close. Cars are mostly rental cars and there is an active coming and going. A great spot for an unforgettable vacation with all the amenities. I would love to see my mother visit, being able to stay right here!

Wailea Palms (formerly called Phase 2)

Vacation rental is NOT possible. This complex is strictly residential. Owners may rent their property for a minimum of six months. Gates have been approved and the installation process has started. Soon there will be no more ‘just driving in’. There are 120 units on 14.5 acres in a similar line up. Buildings are numbered from 24 through 38. Here we have two large floor plans with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms that are not available in the sister complex. The pool and the pool deck are offering spectacular ocean views. It seems more quiet here: away from the steep road (Okolani Drive) entering into Wailea. Cars are mostly private vehicles and remain covered when owners are not present. Papali Wailea is an extremely low density complex with only 24 units on just over ten acres. A great neighbor at the north end!

The Palms are the Palms!

All things being equal, talking about the 270 units, they are still sharing the most important points. The concrete and steal construction is superior to other complexes in this area and price range. Keawakapu Beach is in walking distance and will become your home stretch to enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets that made Maui so famous.

Kai Malu at Wailea has recently been completed. Owners are receiving their gate openers and the gates will be activated some time next week. No more driving in for a ‘quick visit’. As of this post, there are 27 listings showing in the Maui MLS for this new Wailea Condo. That’s plenty! A great time to clarify the main differences between the 2 available floor plans.

The Lewa (Sky) Model has 1796 square feet. Nearly two thirds of the 150 two story town homes are build with this floor plan. The master suite, the second bedroom and the second full bath are on the upper level. The full size stackable washer dryer units are located upstairs. A third bedroom that feels more like a den or an office is on the ground level between the kitchen and the garage. There is also a powder room available on the ground floor.

To access the garage from this home, one has to step outside the main entrance door onto the covered entry area and open a second door that leads to the garage. The Lewa floor plan does not offer an inside connection from the home to directly access the garage.

With 1852 square feet, the Honua (Earth) floor plan is just slightly larger. Approximately one third of Kai Malu at Wailea was built featuring this model. The master suite, a powder room and the full size stackable washer dryer units are located on the ground level. The garage has one door that opens to the storage area behind the kitchen.

Last but not least, watch for this: When touring this peaceful and quiet community, it is obvious that some units are offering significantly more space outside, in front of the 2-car garages.

Just driving through this complex could get pretty confusing. The official house numbers posted do not at all match the unit numbers. Ask Your Realtor for a clear plat map that easily identifies the combination of both numbers and the layout of this special Wailea Condo.

Even if you might not have your own personal pool with your unit, you will come to enjoy one of Wailea’s finest recreation facility including a magnificent 75-feet infinity edge pool. And this is easy to find: first right after the gate. Have Fun!

This luxury condo project just south of the Maui Prince Hotel and the white sand of Maluaka Beach has completed almost a year of ground work. It is expected to start construction within a months time. The Makena South Golf Course has been closed last month for a solid renovation. The green between Maluaka at Makena and the ocean is the 16th fairway of the golf course. After completion, the re-designed course and the condo project will complement each other, turning this peninsula in a spectacular location for both properties.

The photos below are from a recent helicopter ride with Alex Air Maui. I very much enjoy their services and highly recommend them for a bird’s eye view of our island.