Inside Maui: May Trends, Shifts, and Strategy
Market Trends
Between rising inventory, uncertain stock market, and high interest rates, things have changed a lot on Maui over the last year. I put these charts together to give you the clearest read on what it actually means.
It is now a buyer’s market in both single family and condos. (Over 6-months supply is a buyer’s market.)
The Minatoya announcement, which we should have an answer on by July 1st, has created a huge reduction in closed sales for condos, which is a big factor in the +125% increase in months supply of inventory.
As you can see the single family market is down a little from last year, but up from our last “normal” year of 2019. While it is a buyers market currently, it’s not far off from a balanced market.
What is Months Supply and why is it important?
In real estate, "months supply" refers to the number of months it would take to sell all currently available homes on the market, assuming no new listings enter the market and sales continue at the current rate. It's a metric that indicates the relationship between supply and demand in the housing market.
Calculation:
Months of supply is calculated by dividing the total number of active listings (homes for sale) by the average number of monthly sales.
- High Months of Supply (e.g., 6+): Suggests a buyer's market, where there are more homes available than buyers, potentially leading to lower prices and more negotiation power for buyers.
- Low Months of Supply (e.g., 1-4): Suggests a seller's market, where there are fewer homes available than buyers, potentially leading to higher prices and more competition among buyers.
- Balanced Months of Supply (e.g., 5-6): Suggests a balanced market, where supply and demand are relatively even, and prices tend to be stable.
Example:
- If there are 100 homes for sale and 20 homes are sold each month, the months of supply would be 5 (100 / 20).
View the source data directly from the MLS:
PDF DOWNLOAD: Regional Data Sheet April
PDF DOWNLOAD: April Activity
Just Sold! – 1470 Halama St, Kihei
We closed above asking price and under contract in just 2 weeks. This was a unique property, but I knew going in that the key would be timing and positioning. We priced it intentionally, not low but sharp and firm. We made sure the media was exceptional and grabbed buyers notice with a reason to act fast. Once it hit the market, we had strong interest almost immediately, and it moved quickly from there. In this market, strategy wins. There is no guesswork. It’s about knowing the buyer pool, understanding what drives urgency, and showing the property in its best light from day one. You can check out the stunning video of this beachfront home here. |  |
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New Listing! – Royal Kahana #1106
Just listed a new one I’m excited about, Royal Kahana #1106. It’s an 11th-floor unit with ocean views that hit as soon as you walk in. The layout’s clean and open with nicely crafted renovations, the building’s concrete. Yes, it’s fully short-term rental eligible and Hotel Zoned. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to escape or a strong rental when you're not here, this one makes sense both ways. We just posted the full video tour on YouTube. [Watch it here] (link) |  |
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What Sellers Should Know About the First 7 Days on Market
1. Buyers Will Judge the Listing Before They Read It
Your first photo, your thumbnail, your opening sentence I could even go as far to say that’s the first showing. And it happens online now, within seconds.
Why this matters:
If you don’t grab their attention visually, they won’t bother to read further. Strong media isn’t optional anymore, it’s the front door.
2. Your Launch Timing Shapes Momentum
Listings that hit at the wrong time or without a coordinated release often stall before they start. You want to hit when buyer traffic is peaking, not trickling. (not sure about this, needs josh's insight)
Why this matters:
A strong first week can mean private showings, multiple inquiries, and even early offers. A quiet launch can take weeks to recover from.
3. Price Signals Positioning
Whether the pricing is aggressive or conservative, it should reflect strategy and not guesswork.
Why this matters:
Buyers are informed. If the price doesn’t align with perceived value, your listing won’t get attention or worse, it’ll be used to justify interest in competing properties.
4. You Only Get One Debut
Your first impressions carry the most weight. That means media, copy, email blasts, and social rollout should all be ready before day one and not built afterward.
Why this matters:
Even the best homes lose heat when they feel stale. Momentum starts from the moment it goes live and you can’t fake a strong launch.
Local Spotlight
Maui Chocolate & Coffee Tours
Hidden in the lush slopes of Upcountry Maui, Maui Chocolate & Coffee Tours offers a true farm-to-bar (and farm-to-cup) experience unlike anything else on the island. Visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at how cacao and coffee are grown, harvested, and transformed into premium, small-batch products and all on a working farm.
Tours are hands-on, intimate, and rich in history, blending education with tastings that highlight Maui’s unique growing climate. It’s a rare opportunity to see the roots of two iconic industries side-by-side, and to taste the difference that true local craftsmanship makes.
Have something you'd like featured next month?
Reply to this email or send me a DM — I’d love to hear from you.
And if you’re curious about what’s happening in the market, feel free to reach out anytime.
— Joshua Broady
