New FEMA flood maps place 3,700 Oahu properties in high-risk zones
Updated FEMA flood maps have designated 3,700 additional Oahu parcels as high-risk flood areas, requiring property owners with federally backed loans to purchase flood insurance and comply with new building regulations. Property owners in newly designated Special Flood Hazard Areas with federally backed loans must obtain flood insurance within 45 days or lenders can force-place […]
Maui Vacation Home Sales Plunge 85% Since 2021 Peak
Vacation home purchases in Hawaii dropped 78% from 2021 to 2025, with Maui’s Kahului area seeing an 85% decline. The collapse follows the pandemic-era buying boom and reflects broader economic pressures. Hawaii ranks second nationally for vacation home purchase declines, falling from 2,156 mortgaged purchases in 2021 to just 478 in 2025. Kahului metro area […]
Governor Green Considers Gas Tax Pause as Fuel Prices Rise Statewide
Governor Green is reviewing options to temporarily suspend state and county gas taxes this summer to provide drivers relief from rising fuel costs. The potential pause could save consumers about 30 cents per gallon. Governor Green is considering pausing state and county gas taxes for part of the summer due to soaring pump prices. The […]
Construction Spending Rises Statewide but Housing Development Drops on Maui
Hawaii’s construction industry had a strong first quarter with $2.09 billion in spending, but housing construction significantly declined including on Maui where multi-family projects slowed from 2025 levels. Maui recorded $170 million in construction activity, dominated by public projects rather than private development. Multi-family housing construction on Maui decreased significantly compared to first quarter 2025 […]
Maui Construction Hits $170M in Q1 Despite Housing Project Decline
Hawaii’s construction industry had a strong first quarter with $2.09 billion statewide, but Maui saw $170 million in activity with declining multi-family housing projects compared to 2025. Maui recorded $170 million in construction activity during Q1 2026, primarily from public projects. Multi-family housing construction on Maui slowed significantly from 2025 levels. Statewide, single-family and multi-family […]
Disaster Unemployment Benefits Available for March Storm Victims Until June 15
Property owners and workers affected by March 2026 storms across Hawaiian counties can apply for disaster unemployment assistance worth $346-$868 weekly through June 15. Benefits cover those who lost work or income due to the natural disasters. Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for those affected by March 10-24, 2026 storms, floods, and landslides across Hawaiʻi, Honolulu, […]
Repeat Visitor Shares $13,320 Maui Vacation Breakdown, Cancels 2025 Trip
A long-time Hawaii visitor detailed spending $13,320 on lodging alone for a 20-night Maui and Big Island trip, citing escalating fees as reason for canceling future visits. Annual Hawaii visitor since 2012 spent $13,320 on lodging for 20 nights across Maui and Big Island properties. Costs included $11,800 base lodging plus $1,170 in beach club […]
Oahu Condo Market Shifts Toward Local Buyers as STR Rules Tighten
New data shows 83% of Oahu property sales in 2025 went to local buyers, with short-term rental permits now restricted to resort zones like Waikiki. The condo market faces challenges from rising maintenance fees and surprise assessments that can reach tens of thousands. Short-term rental permits are now limited to resort-zoned areas like Waikiki and […]
Federal Aid Deadlines Approaching for March Kona Low Storm Damage
Multiple state and federal agencies are reminding Maui residents that deadlines are approaching for disaster assistance related to March 2026 Kona Low flooding and storms. Property owners have until mid-June to apply for FEMA aid, SBA loans, and unemployment assistance. June 14 is the final deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA low-interest […]
Hawaii Passes Two Housing Bills Affecting Property Market
The Hawaii Legislature passed bills updating the Individual Housing Account savings program and reforming affordable housing restrictions. A parking reform bill failed in a tie vote. Individual Housing Account program updated with higher tax-deductible deposit limits to help families save for home down payments. Inclusionary zoning reform passed, reducing restrictions that prevented locals from qualifying […]