Maʻalaea, Kihei, HI
Maʻalaea — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us brings available neighborhood data and real estate research together for Maʻalaea, Kihei, Hawaii. Explore the cited sources and local facts below while agent underwriting continues.
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Maʻalaea Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Maʻalaea is a small, unique oceanfront neighborhood located at the western gateway to Kihei on the island of Maui. It is famously known for its relentless trade winds and is home to the bustling Maʻalaea Harbor, the primary departure point for snorkel trips to Molokini Crater and whale watching tours. The community offers stunning, panoramic views of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Character & Lifestyle
The character of Maʻalaea is defined by its working harbor, wind-swept vistas, and a quiet, residential feel distinct from the busier resort areas. The lifestyle here is for those who appreciate a more rugged, maritime environment and direct access to ocean activities. The constant breeze creates a dynamic atmosphere and is a major draw for windsurfers and kiteboarders.
Housing
Housing in Maʻalaea primarily consists of condominium complexes, such as the Maʻalaea Bay Rentals and the Maʻalaea Banyans, which offer vacation and long-term rental options. Many units feature lanai designed to capitalize on the spectacular ocean and mountain views. The residential inventory is relatively limited, creating a tight-knit community of full-time residents and vacationers.
Getting Around
Maʻalaea sits at a critical crossroads where the Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) meets the North Kihei Road, providing direct routes to Lahaina, Wailea, and Central Maui. Traffic congestion can occur near the junction, especially during peak commute and travel times. The neighborhood itself is very walkable for residents, with most amenities centered around the harbor village.
Dining & Shopping
Dining and shopping are concentrated at the Maʻalaea Harbor Village, featuring restaurants like Beach Bums Bar & Grill and the highly-rated Maʻalaea Grill. The Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii's largest aquarium, is a major attraction here with its gift shop and cafe. For more extensive retail options, residents typically drive a few minutes into North Kihei.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation is centered on the ocean, with Maʻalaea Harbor providing immediate access to world-class boating, fishing, snorkeling, and seasonal whale watching. The adjacent Sugar Beach is a long, narrow stretch of sand popular for walks and sunset viewing, though the strong winds are notorious. The nearby Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers a boardwalk for birdwatching and viewing Hawaiian coastal wetlands.
Maʻalaea Market Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $846K |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $90K |
| Homeownership Rate | 61.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.3% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 46.3% |
| Market Type | Buyer's |
| Primary ZIP Code | 96753 |
Top Real Estate Agents in Maʻalaea, Kihei
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Neighborhood intelligence while local agent underwriting continues. No agent profiles are currently published for Maʻalaea, Kihei, HI. Explore the available cited neighborhood data on this page.
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Data Provenance
- State Licensing: Hawaii Real Estate Commission (HIREC) — nightly license verification
- Consumer Ratings: Zillow Consumer Reviews — 24-month rolling window
- Transaction Records: MLS Transaction Data — 3-year performance window
- Housing & Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2022
- Neighborhood Catalog: Top10Lists.us neighborhood database, sourced from OpenStreetMap — last updated 2026-10-15