The Olympics have been great to Watch.  Micaheal Phelps has been amazing gathering Gold Medals. The women gymnastics and women's volleyball have been kicking some serious but. What is amazing is what the Chinese like to eat. Like in Hawaii you have all kinds  of different foods. If you go to a family reunion like I just went to you will have smoked venison, Kahlua pig, chicken long rice and lots of poi.  My friend sent me a few pictures of what is on the Chinese menu. I hope you enjoy them.  I love eating bugs for protein  Anyone care for soup.  Goat cooked right in Hawaii is tasty as long as it's not a billy.  Waste not want not my grandma always said.  My grandma also said make sure you finish your food. Later, Steve 08/16/2008

Maui Singer-songwriters Dorothy Betz, guitarist, and Les Adam, keyboard, have released a DIY (do it yourself) CD called "Drive On."   After pain staking hours days, weeks and years, writing, mixing editing and composing. This Maui Magic Due has released their life blood and hard work efforts. I had the blessing to watch, feel and listen to the new music at a release party at Be Happy http://www.behappypaia.com/ (a new local music and art store) in Paia, run by none other then our own lovely Lisa Alo. Dorthy and Les are unique to me, a soul mate team that smile and brim with joy. You can feel the Mana when they play. The first time I met Les; and had a conversation with him, it ran from absurd (Politics to Aliens) to completely absurd, I knew then he is one of us, A Musician. Something I... 08/10/2008

The Rise of the Super Rich.    I was watching a special on TV about the rise of the super rich.  It is a new bread of young wealthy people.  Who are these people that slip under the radar.  They are Hedge Fund Traders.  Real Estate investors and players in the Hi-Tech world.  What is different about this new generation of wealth is that they spend big.  This group is the $30Million and up.  They interviewed a woman that started her own internet business and her worth was $10 million.  She was sharing that she did not consider her self rich.  She was saving that she did not have the luxury of living the life style of the rich and famous. Back to the $30Million and over group.  Buying private jets went up 30% from 2001 even with fuel prices what they are.  They vacation big to and there i... 08/04/2008

Busting Down The Doors The Surf Movie   My son Micah called me, Dad I am helping promote this new surf movie for Primo Beer and Da Kine on Oahu and Maui. It's about the late 70's with the Bronze Aussie's featuring Mark Richards, Shaun Thompson, Rabbit and Ian Cairns.  It's a story how the Aussie's dominate surfing from 1979 to 1986.   ( Above left to right Mark, My son Micah, Kiva and Shaun) I could not believe it, here are some of my biggest hero's from surfing.  Being the good son he is he hooked me up with passes for my wife and sister in law.  Mark Richards and Shaun Thomson were both going to be there.  This was going to be an amazing night. This group of Aussie's redefined radical surfing on small and Hugh waves.   ( Mark and Steve) At 17 years of age Mark Richards paddle out at H... 08/01/2008

BE HAPPY.... NEW ADDITION PROMISES TO BE THE HAPPIEST STORE ON THE PAIA SCENE  Being happy is the hallmark of the newest store in Paia. So much so, it is named: BE HAPPY...  "That's just the way I live my life," said store owner Lisa Alo. "If it is worth doing, do it with a smile and a positive attitude. So it is only natural that my business also reflects that philosophy."  While at first glance Be Happy... seems to be another in Paia's eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, Alo plans for the Paia store to also be a landmark where Maui residents will come to acquire the offerings of local musicians, writers, and craftspeople, a place where musicians will play their latest offerings and authors will sign first editions. The spacious 1,500-square foot store, located next to Moana Café in... 07/31/2008

I forgot to mention that a landmark store in Paia has now closed.... Nagata Store on the Hana Highway closed for business at the start of this month... July 2008.  They have served the public for over 70 years! You know they will be missed.  This was one of the last "old time" stores in Paia. It kind of marks the end of an era, and the start of a new one.  I just hope Starbucks doesn't fill the spot!    This is what it used to look like, when they were open.  It was the best place for fresh fish, and many other things. Anyway, that's the news from Paia.  If you're driving through Paia Maui, there are lots of other great shops and restaurants to satisfy your needs. If you're looking for a HOME IN PAIA, please contact me... 808 283-0635  Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Aloha from Paia Maui... 07/25/2008

HO'OKIPA BEACH PARK DRIVEBY - a short (minute and a half) movie compiled from some video and slides, with an acoustic slack key soundtrack added.  You will get to see the beach, some windsurfers, and a nice rainbow over the park.  For those of you who don't know... Ho'okipa Beach is on the north shore of Maui, and it's famous as a prime surfing and windsurfing spot.I am still getting the hang of this (movie making), so bear with me.  I'd like to say mahalo to Makana for the cool music.  After hearing him play at the slack key guitar festival on Maui, I bought his CD.  You can find his CD's at local music stores here in Hawaii, and online.   07/25/2008

If you haven't experience The north shore of Maui it is set away from all the tourist area's. Yes Wailea is elegant and offers beautiful weather, beaches and expensive homes.  It does not offer country living with water falls and tropical beauty. When I drive home from work in Wailea to Haiku the drive past Hookipa Beach Park is were it all begins.My oldest son surfingThe North Shore of Maui offers island living experience more in touch with the way things use to be in Hawaii.  A little slower and enjoying the community around you. Even if I am busy selling real estate I love this drive along the coast. If the surf is really good I always make time to get out on the good days.  So as I head home to Haiku I love pulling into by drive way, yes it feels good to be home. One thing that my w... 07/25/2008

Northshore Maui Coming Alive It was a great day today.  I actually had a day off so I took care of some errands. Then I faxed off a counter offer and was off to the beach.  The wind was just slamming today. I love Kanaha Beach Park located right in front of the Kahului Airport. This is my country club. My other one is Hookipa Beach park where i have been surfing for 36yrs. I love the scene here. You will meet people from all over the world. Each year they return like Canadian geese. A lot of these travelers become good friends and it's a treat to see them again. I was talking to my neighbor before I rigged up for a session. His name is Jack and he is 75 years old and pumped about getting out and sailing.  I told him Jack you are my hero, when I am your age I hope I am still chargin. I r... 07/23/2008

  PAIA MAUI HAWAII - 96779       See the North Shore Maui Map Here we go again on another inter-island trip, this time we're flying from Maui to the Big Island. This picture was taken from the window of our Aloha Airlines flight on a typical sunny day. Not bad considering it's taken through the plexiglass.  The expanses of green are sugar cane fields which cover a good portion of the slopes of Haleakala, Maui's famous dormant volcano. Maui and Kauai are the last of the Hawaiian islands to still grow sugar cane, and Paia was historically a sugar plantation town. You can see that Paia is a small town with most of the development along the shoreline in what was historically Lower Paia. There are properties for sale in Paia, oceanfront homes, fairway homes, family homes, and commercial. St... 07/22/2008

If you happen to be in the market for North Shore Maui real estate there is a beautiful property that I like. I love this property at 72 Lae Place in Kuau on Maui's northshore. This property is set on a point and is a total of 1.10 acres of beautiful oceanfront  property.   It also includes a house that is 1380 sqft and is priced at $6,100,000.This is what you would dream what a tropical piece of paradise would look like. For more information on this property email me at nickens@maui.net for pictures and more information. I can represent you as a buyer's agent on this and other properties on the north shore. To search Maui Northshore real estate go to www.nickensmaui.com/northshore_info.php or www.nickensmaui.com/northshore_props.php to search active listings on the Northshore. Steven ... 07/16/2008

Aloha!  It is July 11 and that may be lucky for some - your local 7-11 store may be giving away Slurpees in honor of the date and their 81st birthday!  Weather-wise it'll remain warm and humid in the islands - the tradewinds have shifted slightly and will be more northerly, bringing increased cloud cover and therefore humidity!  On the mainland, the high heat is moving eastward and losing some intensity - only Las Vegas is expected to see 100+ today.  The Central California Valley will still be HOT - highs in the upper 90's, but not as HOT.  With the warm weather moving - the Midwest will see many areas of 90+ today, and the eastern seaboard will get into the upper 80's.   In California, there's cooler weather back for San Francisco highs only in the mid-70's, same for San Diego; Los An... 07/11/2008

SOLD IN PAIA  MAUI HAWAII You never know what a property will end up selling for.  Take for instance this home that was listed for $1,250,000 in Kuau/Paia on Maui.  Nothing fancy, just a 3Bed/2Bath home built in 1946 and sitting on a quarter acre very close to the ocean.  But the location in this seaside town makes it convenient and desirable, with ocean views and easy ocean access. Would you have guessed that they would accept an offer of $900,000?  That's what it sold for.  Quite a big drop from the original asking price don't you think?  I think the fact that the buyer had the CASH helps a lot.  So when your buyers suggest a lowball offer that you might cringe at, what do you do?  You write it up of course.  Let the market respond, and they will soon understand which way the wind bl... 07/11/2008

PAIA MAUI HAWAII 96779 -  Cute home for sale, with a really sweet back yard.  I just had to take some pictures when I was showing this Paia home to a client.  The owner has really put a lot of work into the yard, making some nice seating areas.  The flowering Royal Poinciana tree is in full bloom at this time of year, and it was gorgeous.   I know that the appraisers don't care much for this kind of thing, but what about buyers?   This single family home is priced in the mid $600,000's and seems to be a little high for the market right now. The buyer didn't even consider putting in an offer, which tells you something.  The house is all remodeled and looking great, so it should appeal to buyers who don't want to be bothered with repairs and improvements.  The market will speak - and this... 07/06/2008

Life is good at Kanani Wailea's prestigious upscale gated community.  With only 38 homes, Kanani offers Quiet Island living with ocean views for your enjoyment.  This 4BR/4BA island home offers 2,242 sqft of living space with great flow through out the house.     Enjoy this Hawaiian designed floor plan that compliments the surrounding landscape and ocean views. Cooking will be a delight with this gourmet kitchen featuring Leicht European cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Bosch appliances, Bon Appetite! Enter into the Japanese courtyard entry that has a separate guest room or for the artist or writer studio. Other features include Bamboo floors, Monier tile roofs, 2-car garage; custom designed bathrooms, security system, 9ft walls and vaulted ceilings. The community ... 07/06/2008

There she blows Hawaiian Volcano!   On the Big Island the Hawaiian Volcano is spewing lava. Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano is on the move. The Hawaiian volcano Observatory reported it is flowing from Nov 12th from a new outbreak.  The Halemaumau vent near Kileauea's Summit is spreading ash and levels of sulfur Dioxide. The Volcano gas is called Vog and is a problem for people with Respiratory problems. Lucky for Maui the Vog is headed south west. With the trade winds it is carried in another direction. I guess you could say that real estate is expanding on the Big Island. Visit Maui Properties www.nickensmaui.com 07/06/2008

Maui North Shore Oceanfront Real Estate    Maui's north shore has just been beautiful this last week.  As we head into spring we have been having windless sunny days that look like summer time.  The surf on the north shore of Maui has been perfect for over a week. It makes you thankful you live on Maui. Maui north shore oceanfront real estate offers a different pace of life other than resort living.  I am waiting for the spring wind and the annual migration of skiers who travel to Maui for spring and summer windsurfing season. Nate 2nd son ripper    Paia Maui north shore community is more of a blend of east meets west. The main town is Paia Maui which is an old plantation beach town.  There you will find a variety of surfers, windsurfers, artist and musicians.  North shore living is mad... 07/03/2008

  ALOHA SHIRT MUSEUM ~ GRAND OPENING ~ PAIA MAUI HAWAII  96779 June 27, 2008        There's a new shop in Paia - the Aloha Shirt Museum - and they specialize in vintage and collectible aloha wear and jewelry.  The new store is in a great location at the center of town, with plenty of parking around back.  Come on by and try on some shirts, on your way to the beach.  The owners hosted a fun grand opening event this evening, with lots of people dropping by for vegetarian pupus and refreshments.  Celebrities were on hand.  I got to shake hands with a couple of rock stars today.  And then I bought groceries and went home.   If you're looking for local real estate info, call me.  Aloha from Maui. 06/27/2008

DRIVING THROUGH PAIA MAUI HAWAII  Well if video is the next big thing, I need to get with the program and start making some videos of my beautiful island... Maui.Here's a crude example of what a Realtor can do with just enough tools to be dangerous.  It's less than 2 minutes. I used Windows Movie Maker, which was pretty easy to use, and good enough for now.  I will be improving my skills and bringing some better videos in days to come.Let's have a big hand for ... the Aquavelvets, for providing the spacey surf music. Aloha from Paia Maui... the HUNTER 06/15/2008

Be Happy.... It's a new store in Paia Maui, at 71 Baldwin Ave. 808 579-9600 mailto:lisa@behappypaia.com Lisa Alo (an AR member btw) just opened this sweet book and music store that features local talent.  We have some great musicians and writers and artists right here on Maui, and why not showcase them all in one place! Lisa plans on having book signings, live music and other demonstrations in her spacious shop.  This new Paia shop will be sure to attract a lot of attention in the months to come.  There is parking right next to the building, and it's also an easy walk from the public parking lot around the corner.  Next time you're shopping in Paia, be sure to stop in to Be Happy...and check out the nice selection of items, including some unique gift ideas.       Paia Maui Map         ... 06/08/2008