Summer on Maui

Aloha from sweet summer in the islands. 

Today was the first day the air felt warm early in the morning. Shorts at 7 a.m is a great way to start a comfortable day. Not too hot, nor muggy, clear, little puffs of trade winds, summer 2016 is shaping up nicely. Our seasonal tropical storms often start out warm, and then we are cooled off by showers. Looks like we have more showers headed our way.

The July 4th Rodeo and Parade attracted a great and happy crowd.  Being an election year, there were 62 parade Entries. Politicians waved to the crowd on horseback, on tractors, hay rides, convertibles and on foot. Luckily there were way more horses than candidates. Being the hundred year anniversary for the Kaonoulu Ranch and  they were well represented with almost 30 Riders. Our lovely Makawao Museum had a float the featured local musical talent of the Haiku Hillbillies. Float decorators and parade participants gathered in near by neighbor hoods in the very early morning hours. 

Summer also ushers in the  the start of Obon Season.  In early July the festivities take place at the beautiful Mantokuji Mission, the Japanese Buddhist Temple on Maui's North Shore outside of Paia.  Grave sites are decorated and the Bon Odori, Group Dance , is performed to honor the spirits of the ancestors.

The ocean has been inviting and the perfect place to cool off and get some exercise..

The tradewinds are blowing today and summer is shaping up beautifully as we roll on towards kids going back to school already !

Aloha, Hope to see you soon.

Cherie. 

Retiring on Maui

Aloha,

It's nice to be writing again and sharing Maui No Ka Oi,

Since I have been so very focused on Real Estate in the last few years, RE seems like a good subject to ponder and share today.

I've been working with people downsizing, investing ,buying their first home, wanting to build a home and retiring on Maui. Some of my long time friends are moving closer into town as they age, and the younger ones are moving further out into the country to build and grow their dreams. The cycle of life continues, and it's so evident to me now as my Baby Boomer friends are pondering their next move.

I came across something interesting today regarding retiring in Hawaii, and most especially on Maui. I want to share the information from the Maui Now news site.

"Six Maui Towns in State’s Top 10 for Retirement Ease"

By Maui Now

http://mauinow.com/2016/06/29/six-maui-towns-in-states-top-10-for-retirement-ease/

According to a recent study from SmartAsset, Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Makawao, Lahaina and Kula take the top six spots in the ranking of the state’s 10 tax-friendliest places for retirees in Hawai‘i.

The study from the New York-based financial technology company ranks cities on a Retirement Tax Friendliness Index, which takes into account property, income, fuel, sales and Social Security tax data.

The following cities and town in Hawai‘i lead the state in retirement tax friendliness.

Rank

         City, Income Tax, Property Tax, Sales Tax, Fuel Tax, Social Security Taxed?

Retirement Tax Friendliness Index

1.Kahului, Maui$7,082. 2% $601 $165 No43.93

2.Wailuku, Maui$7,082. 2% $601 $186 No43.06

.3Kīhei, Maui$7,082. 2% $601 $199 No42.76

4.Makawao, Maui$7,082. 2% $601 $200 No42.70

5.Lahaina, Maui$7,082. 2% $601 $206 No42.58

6.Kula, Maui$7,082. 2% $601 $204 No42.52

7.Laie, O‘ahu$7,082. 3% $676 $95 No42.37

8.Hilo, Hawai‘i Island$7,082. 3% $601$ 181 No42.31

9.Līhuʻe, Kaua‘i$7,0820. 2% $601 $198 No42.25

10.Wai‘anae, O‘ahu$7,0820. 2% $676 $142 No41.95

Find more details on the study results and methodology, and an interactive maponline. "

Retirement is on the mind for many.. I have a few friends who have opted for the condo life for half the year and mainland touring or living for the rest of the year. Condos in Wailea seem to be the most attractive to this lifestyle with shopping, dining, beautiful weather and easy ocean access.

Transitions seems to be the order of the day.

With Aloha,

Cherie

Home Searching on Maui

Aloha

It's a sunny Sunday afternoon and I am greeting folks  at Open House today on my awesome listing on 620 Laie Dr, Makawao.  One of the sweetest slices of Makawao with a gracious 1949 home perched on the hill is my recent beautiful listing. This home is as close as I have ever come to considering a move from my Heritage Home to a different one. It's so well constructed with high ceilings and incredible light.

Everyone who stops in really loves the house and  the grounds. The perfect match is coming soon. Several families , and multi generational families are really smitten with all the space inside. There's room for everyone  to spread out,  and enjoy the big yard as well.

The newly revised website for my RE business is also available to visit. Check out www.homesalesmaui. It's updated and features really wonderful photography from a few friends, with most of the gorgeous photos taken by my Daughter, Phaedra Kammerer.

 Phae is an amazing photography with a sensitive eye and a deep love for Hawaii. Most of her photos make me catch my breath as I can feel her alignment with her subject as she captures the perfect light. Photography that evokes emotional responses is a true art. 

It's nice to write again, it's been awhile...

Aloha and a hui hou to All,

Cherie

Abundant Harvest

Aloha,

This is breakfast this morning from my harvest yesterday afternoon. Winter is a great time for fruit picking on Maui. Come enjoy the apple bananas, lilikoi, starfruit, juicy tangelos, and avocado.

See you at breakfast!

Majestic Norfolk Pine

Aloha ,

It's been a little while since I've posted and now that my updated web site is settled in, it's time to sharpen my pencil again.

Theancient Norfolk Pine in my yard recently had some big work done. I was nervous for some crazy reason as my crew was very professional , careful  and safety conscious.

We had some 'round tree discussions as to height, girth , size of the giant. There are three very large Norfolk Pines in Hawaii.  One is on the Parker Ranch in Waimea, one is on Lanai, and the third is in my yard. The crew seemed to think my tree and the Lanai tree are both serious contenders for the Biggest in Hawaii.

I am never able to say "my tree" ...if anything I am the tree's human in charge of care taking.  I had a beautiful start way up high many years ago, but, after seeing the large tree in Makawao town get hit by lightening because of the start, I am very happy it is metal free.

The tree is 162' ft high and 19' feet around. The branches that were taken down were about 2 feet across. I am hoping a friend who turns bowls will be able to create some beautiful and functional art.

Come Hug a Tree, actually, a huge, majestic, full of Mana, noteworthy Norfolk Pine Tree.

With Aloha,

Cherie