Major progress was made in regards to building a hospital on West Maui, after more than decades of efforts and lobbying by the local community. Joe Pluta with West Maui Taxpayers Association and Brian Hoyle with Newport Hospital Corporation are the be thanked for their hard work and commitment to this project.  And now the project has received its third and final recommendation for approval and is moving forward! Given the fact that there is only one two lane road connecting West Maui to the hospital in Kahului and that this road can often have traffic jams or simply be closed, a lot of residents are starting to feel relief in regards to managing their healthcare. Please read the entire Maui News article at http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/515675.html?nav=10 For info on Ma... 03/05/2009

The Association for Improved Healthcare on Maui (AIHM), just sent out word that the West Maui Hospital has cleared its third panel hearing, and that things look good for the certificate of need (CON).  AIHM's mission is to advocate for a better healthcare system, focusing on providing a 350 bed, private, state of the art, full service teaching hospital in Kihei, and a private satellite hospital in West Maui.  The addition of a West Maui Hospital is a hotly debated topic in our small island community.  Many of those of us that live on West Maui see an acute and emergency care facility as part of the necessary infrastructure, and question why greater medical funding is available on Oahu.  Others question the logistics of implementing a new hospital system, and the virtues of private vs. p... 03/04/2009

  This Saturday, the Kapalua Golf Academy will hold a Demo Liquidation Sale.  All equipment will be 15-40% off, and include such brands as Cleveland, Mizuno, and Titleist.  While you are there, take a few minutes to introduce yourself to some of Kapalua's best teaching professionals: Jerry King - "Top 100 Intructors" - Golf Magazine Claude Brousseau - "Golf Professional of the Year" - PGA Aloha Section Ben Hongo - "Golf Professional of the Year" - PGA Aloha Section At Kapalua Golf Academy on Office RoadMarch 7, 200910 am -2 pm. 03/03/2009

  The Honolua Store has been the heart of Kapalua for decades.  What started as a general store for the plantation, has turned into one of West Maui's favorite breakfast and lunch spots.  People line up each morning for their breakfasts and plate lunches (try the mini-hobo), where the food is promised to Broke Da Mouth. Since its renovation last year, it now also serves dinner, features a gourmet coffee bar, and offers organic produce from the Kapalua Farms. The New Hours are: Honolua Store: 6 am to 8 pmDeli: 6 am to 7:30 pmCoffee Bar: 6 am to 3 pm   03/03/2009

Today, Maui Land and Pineapple, the parent company of the Kapalua Resort announced its response to the current economic climate.  In addition to department consolidation and elimination of non-essential travel, all salaried employees will take a 10% paycut.  Approximately 100 positions were eliminated at the resort and in the corporate offices.  ML&P is in discussions with both the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua and the Kapalua Spa, asking for priority consideration for those employees affected by today's cuts.  Both are slated to open in June, and expected to create about 150 jobs in the community.  You can find more information online at both www.pacific.bizjournals.com and www.honoluluadvertiser.com 02/24/2009

This week, our office had the pleasure of hosting a nine-hole invitational with LPGA Kapalua Classic Winner, Morgan Pressel.  32 of our Kapalua Resort owners played the back nine of the Bay Course, with each team teeing off with Morgan on the 17th hole. After the tournament, we retired to the Pineapple Grill at the Bay Course Clubhouse for pupus.  Morgan is a ton of fun, and was generous with her time.  As a spectator on 17, I saw some wonderful shots and enjoyed seeing everyone play. Morgan Pressel with Gary Planos, SVP of resort operations and tournament director. Cheering the Winner on 17! Serious Golf at the Bay Course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii 02/21/2009

It's been a busier week in the Kapalua Resortin terms of market activity.  Occupancy was higher throughout the resort, and we had several special events, including Whale Quest, and the Grand Opening of the Kapalua Cafe at the Adventure Center. There are two new listings, one, a Ridge Villa one bedroom for $945,000 and the other, a two acre lot at the Plantation Estates for $1,275,000. We saw several price reductions this past week, largely at the Ridge Villas and Bay Villas.  This week also brought new escrows, with two homes now pending at Pineapple Hill.  Priced under $3 million, the homes in Pineapple Hill have become attractively priced when comparing with condominium options at similar price points. New Listings         MLS # Address Unit Original Price List Price   336274   Kapalu... 02/21/2009

The following is an update for the Kapalua Resort Market, including Active Listings, Pending Sales, and Sales Year-to-Date. You will note that pricing in the resort ranges from $575,000 for a one bedroom Golf Villa to $19,500,000 for a home in Kapalua Place.  There has been one property sold this year, at the Golf Villas, and there are two properties pending, one in Pineapple Hill, and one at the Residences.           Listing Price     Sale Price   PROPERTY TYPE Active Pendings Sold Low  High Average Low High Average All Condominiums 101 1 1 $575,000 $9,395,000 $1,874,757 $620,000 $620,000 $620,000 All Homes 32 1 0 $2,490,000 $19,500,000 $6,259,545 - - - All Land       $950,000 $14,995,000 $2,782,125                           CONDOMINIUMS                   Bay Villas 28 0 0 $795,000 $2,... 02/11/2009

Cafe Kapalua is the Kapalua Resort's best kept secret.  This little cafe initially opened to serve coffee and snacks to adventure seekers stopping by to register for the hikes or to spend the day out on the mountain zip-lining.  Since it began, the Cafe's menu has grown and it is one of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots (if I can get a table!).  Friday through Sunday, February 20-22nd, the Cafe Kapalua will celebrate its grand opening with breakfast and lunch specials all weekend long.  The cafe features innovative and healthy cuisine, often using local organic ingredients (many from Kapalua Farms).  On February 20th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm,  the Cafe will host a wine tasting featuring a variety of responsibly grown organic and biodynamic wines, all of which are produced using mindful... 02/11/2009

The Kapalua Golf Academy is pleased to announce the availability of a new three-hole walking course, which consists of former Village Course holes 1 and 2 and one at the practice green. There are three sets of tees with varying yardage, making it ideal for young, new, senior or seasoned golfers to polish their skills and walk this scenic loop. Currently, the cost is $25 for visitors, $20 for resort guests and kama‘āina, $15 for Kapalua Club Gold members and free for Kapalua Club Platinum members.  Disc golf has been moved across the highway on the Kapalua Resort's old Village Course, where you will also find the Village hiking trails.  02/08/2009

With all of the exciting changes in the Kapalua Resort, there has been a fair amount of press.  Here is a sampling of features about the resort and some of the activities that you might find interesting: From GolfDigest.com there is a review of Kapalua's famed Plantation Course, which made Golf Digest's list of the America's 100 Greatest Public Courses. On her travel show, Rachel Ray Featured lunch Beach House at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, ziplining at the Mountain Outpost, and golf with the Kapalua Golf Academy's Jerry King at the Bay Course:  Video Clip 1 and Video Clip 2 Or, if Spas are more your style, read about the Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua which was featured in Shape Magazine and in Travel Today.  One of the greatest new activities in our resort is the Jean-Michel Cousteau... 02/05/2009

The Kapalua Resort's Quarterly Coffee Hour for Resort Owners is well attended.  After all, this is Maui, and any change is big change.  Over the past few years, the Kapalua Resort has undergone a spectacular transformation, with the additions of activities, such as the coastal trails and zip-lines, and new development, such as the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay and the Kapalua Spa. In these Coffee Hours, management from Kapalua Land Company and their parent company, Maui Land and Pineapple, are on hand to provide updates on resort development and events, and to answer questions. Today, it was announced that the resort is on track to open both the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences and the Kapalua Spa on May 31, 2009.  This will also include the Beach Club at the Residences, which is... 02/05/2009

Pineapple Grill is one of my favorite Kapalua spots.  It's just a short walk from where I live at the Golf Villas, and has a great bar menu when looking for a quick bite, fantastic weekend brunches, and lovely lunches and dinners.  On February 25th, Pineapple Grill will host a wine dinner to benefit Maui Culinary Academy as part of the ‘Aipono Awards Winemaker's Dinner Series.  This incredible evening will feature Chef Ryan's award winning cuisine paired with the wines of Southern France.  Master Sommelier Fran Kysela will co-host the event, limited to 30 people, in a spectacular outdoor setting.  The Maui Culinary Academy is a well respected program offered by Maui Community College.  MCA has trained many of our local restaurants' award winning chefs.  A visit to their website at www.m... 02/02/2009

On Thursday, February 5th, Ancien Wines Owner and Winemaker Ken Bernards will pair four of his signature wines with Chef Philip Wong's four-course Hawai'i Regional menu to create a memorable dinner. Since moving to Kapalua in January, Merriman's has become one of my favorite evening spots.  It's just a short walk from our home to this spectacular setting.  While the more formal dinner inside is outstanding, I really enjoy dining al fresco at the point.  Here they've set up tables and chairs to take in the sunset, and the fare is lighter (pupus and cocktails).  After dinner, I gravitae to the chairs around the fire pit, the perfect spot to talk with friends while listening to the ocean in the background. Merriman's Kapalua is located onceanfront on Kapalua Bay at One Bay Drive.  The Wine... 02/02/2009

Maui is a small island, and West Maui is a small town.  Whenever I go out, whether it's to the movies, the grocery store, or the beach, I run into someone I know.  Instead of the grapevine, we affectionately call the fast traveling word of mouth news here the "Coconut Wireless."  The Coconut Wireless is how I often hear of new businesses, great restaurants, real estate happenings, and cool Maui events. And the Coconut Wireless is how I heard that the Wiki Wash and Lube had reopened.  It's a full service car wash here in the Lahaina Business Park, and a great way to get your car clean in a hurry.  They also have full detail services and oil changes.  The car wash had been sold a few years ago, and closed shortly thereafter.  Those of us who had used the service were bereft.  Now, it's ba... 02/02/2009

  Aloha, The January edition of my Kapalua Resort Newsletter and Market Update, is now posted online.  Over the last month, there were 14 new listings, ranging from a low of $599,000 for a Golf Villa one-bedroom to a high of $7,110,000 for a three bedroom Ritz-Carlton Residence, Kapalua Bay. There have been 23 properties that have reduced their asking prices: one at the Ironwoods, two Pineapple Hill Homes and two lots, four Golf Villas, six Bay Villas, and seven Ridge Villas. There were three price increases: one at the Bay Villas, and two at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay. Finally, there are the before mentioned one new escrow at the Pineapple Hill, and sale of the Golf Villa one bedroom at $620,000. You will find links to all active listings, as well as summaries of recent ... 02/01/2009

On Monday, I had the opportunity to make a site visit to the Kapalua Resort's newest community, the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay. Construction is nearing completion, and it is estimated that this new resort will open on May 31, 2009.  Approximately 40% sold out, this unique property consists of 84 whole ownership residences and 62 fractional Ritz-Carlton Club residences.  Residences range from $3,885,000 to $9,395,000. It was about four in the afternoon, when construction ends for the day--the view is directly toward the sunset, so please forgive the glare in the photos.  Taken from 2503, this is a view of his is the pool area, with Kapalua Bay and building one in the background.  They've put the palm trees back in--they were originally on the Bay Hotel grounds and have been in ... 01/28/2009

Lahaina Grill is one of my favorite restaurants on Maui.  The food is magnificent and the service phenomenal.  In fact, the Hale Aina Awards has awarded Lahaina Grill the accolade of Best Maui Restaurant for 15 years in a row. This island style bistro has announced KAMA'AINA MONDAYS every Monday in the month of February on 2/2, 2/9, 2/16 and 2/23. With a Hawaii ID, you would receive 50% off all entrees on the menu."We want to take this opportunity to have you join us for an evening out and to say Thank You," shares chef/owner Jurg Munch.For reservations and more information: (808) 667-5117 or visit www.lahainagrill.com 01/28/2009

The Maui News is reporting today that Maui Land and Pineapple and its partners have found funding to replace Lehman Brother's position as a lender for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay.  After news surfaced that Lehman Brothers had declared bankruptcy back in September, the partnership financed the construction of the project themselves.  Construction continued without substantial delays, and sales of both the whole ownership residences and the fractional residences continued.  During this time the partnership sought replacement financing, which is now subject to Bankruptcy Court confirmation (thought to be at the end of January).  While many other high end developments have suspended construction, the Residences are just a few short months away from completion, as is the neighbo... 01/13/2009

January 11, 2009, The Plantation Course, Kapalua, Maui: Jeff Ogilvy is the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz Championship winner.  However, after stellar play all week, it wasn't a breeze on Sunday: the 31-year old player started the day with a six-shot lead, only to find it whittled away to just one stroke after eight holes.  Ogilvy fought hard for the next 10 holes to maintain his lead over Anthony Kim, finishing in a six shot victory at 24 under. In his fifth PGA TOUR victory, the Australian golfer accepted the trophy along with a million dollar check and the keys to a new convertible Mercedes-Benz SL550.  With a huge grin, Ogilvy said that beginning the PGA season here in Kapalua was "the best way to start the year. The golf course is unbelievable." Ogilvy also thanked the tournament officials... 01/12/2009