A: The rules on Maui are very strict and actively evolving. You cannot simply buy any property and rent it out short-term (less than 180 days). Legal transient vacation rentals (TVRs) must be located in permitted zoning districts, such as Hotel zoning.
Important 2026 Update: With the ongoing developments surrounding Bill 9, many properties in "Apartment" zoning that previously allowed short-term rentals are facing a phase-out period targeted between 2028 and 2030. It is absolutely critical to verify a property's zoning, permit status, and future eligibility during the due diligence period. Reach out to Christian for the latest information on this topic
A: A B&B requires the owner or manager to live on-site in the same house where the rooms are being rented. A TVR applies to all other types of short-term rentals, including renting out a full condo or an ohana unit without the owner present. Both require strict adherence to zoning laws or specialized permits.
A: "Fee Simple" means you own both the structure and the land beneath it indefinitely—this is the standard type of ownership most mainland buyers are accustomed to. "Leasehold" means you own the structure, but you are leasing the land from the fee owner for a set period. When the lease expires, the land and improvements typically revert to the landowner unless the lease is renegotiated or the fee is purchased.
A: CPR stands for Condominium Property Regime. It is a legal mechanism that allows a single parcel of land to be divided into separate ownership entities. You might see a detached single-family home or a vacant lot listed as a "condo." This simply means the land has been CPR'd, allowing multiple owners to own distinct portions of a larger property, often sharing common elements like a driveway or water meter.
A: In the current market, condo inventory has risen, giving buyers more leverage. While single-family homes remain steady, it is becoming more common in the condo segment for sellers to offer concessions—such as covering a portion of the HOA fees for a set period or buying down interest rates—to stand out in a competitive market.
A: Maui County utilizes a tiered property tax system based on how the property is used. The "Owner-Occupied" rate is the lowest, but you must live in the home for at least 270 days a year and file a claim. "Non-Owner-Occupied" rates are higher, and the classifications for properties used as Short-Term Rentals or Time Shares carry the highest tax rates.
A: This is a state tax applied to the transfer of real estate. The rate operates on a sliding scale based on the purchase price of the property and whether the buyer is eligible for a county homeowner's exemption (i.e., whether the home will be their primary residence). The seller typically pays this tax at closing.
A: An ohana (accessory dwelling unit) can often be built on residential, rural, or agricultural land, but it depends heavily on the size of your lot, county zoning codes, and water meter availability. Water fixtures are strictly regulated on Maui, making a check with the Department of Water Supply a mandatory first step before planning any additions.
A: If the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you are obtaining a mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance. Given the heavy rainfall and flooding events Maui experiences, reviewing flood zone designations, historical water drainage, and sea-level rise implications is a crucial part of the buying process, even for cash buyers.
A: Because Hawaii is the only rabies-free state in the US, the Department of Agriculture enforces incredibly strict import laws. If you do not follow the exact protocol, your pet could face up to 120 days of quarantine in Honolulu at your expense. However, if you follow the rules perfectly, your pet can bypass quarantine entirely through the Direct Airport Release (DAR) program.
A: You can fly your pet directly into Kahului Airport (OGG), but it requires securing a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP). The state does not have its own inspectors stationed at the Maui airport, so you must independently hire an approved local inspector (such as the Maui Humane Society) to meet your plane on the tarmac, verify the microchip, and clear your pet.
A: Yes. Within 14 days of your flight, your pet needs a standard Health Certificate from a USDA-accredited vet As of January 1, 2026, Maui County implemented a new "Equivalent Single Dwelling" (ESD) model for calculating water demand on new permits.