A new state law requires landlords to notify mediation services when issuing eviction notices, giving tenants 10 days to request free mediation before court proceedings can begin. Landlords who don't comply cannot legally enforce evictions.

• Act 278 mandates landlords notify mediation services the same day they serve eviction notices.
• Tenants have 10 days to request free mediation services, which landlords must participate in if requested.
• Landlords who fail to notify mediation services cannot take tenants to court or legally enforce evictions.
• Since February 5, Maui mediation services received about 25 landlord inquiries while Honolulu received around 250 notices.
• The two-year pilot program stems from post-fire legislation originally enacted on Maui after eviction moratoriums ended.

Source: Hawaii News Now

Mayor Bissen will deliver his 2026 State of the County Address on March 5, focusing on wildfire recovery, housing solutions, and economic development including visitor industry balance.

• The address will highlight progress on housing, recovery, and economic stability while outlining future community strengthening actions.
• Key priorities include advancing local housing solutions and continuing wildfire recovery efforts focused on housing stability and infrastructure.
• Economic development plans will emphasize supporting local businesses and maintaining a balanced visitor industry.
• The event is free and will be broadcast live on multiple platforms including County social media and local television.
• Cultural and natural resource protection through sustainable stewardship will be addressed as a county priority.

Source: Maui County

The Hale Kama'Aina mortgage assistance program has expanded its benefits to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers on Maui. These enhanced incentives aim to address the island's ongoing housing affordability challenges.

• New incentives added to existing Hale Kama'Aina program to reduce financial barriers for local first-time homebuyers
• Program expansion comes as Maui continues to face housing affordability crisis affecting local residents
• Enhanced mortgage assistance could help more local families achieve homeownership and remain in the community
• Changes reflect ongoing efforts to support resident retention amid high cost of living pressures
• Program improvements may impact local housing market dynamics and community stability

Source: Maui Now

The median price for single-family homes on Maui climbed to $1.4 million in January 2026, reflecting continued upward pressure in the island's real estate market.

• Single-family home prices hit a median of $1.4 million, marking another milestone in Maui's escalating housing costs
• The price increase impacts both local residents seeking homeownership and the broader rental housing supply
• Higher home values may influence vacation rental rates as property owners adjust to increased carrying costs
• The housing market trend reflects ongoing demand pressures in Maui's limited inventory environment

Source: Maui Now

Mortgage rates have reached their lowest point in three years, potentially making Maui real estate more accessible for both local residents and investors looking to enter the vacation rental market.

• Interest rates hit a three-year low, reducing monthly mortgage payments for potential Maui property buyers
• Lower financing costs could increase demand for Maui real estate, including vacation rental properties
• Current residents may find refinancing opportunities to reduce their existing mortgage payments
• Improved affordability might attract new investors to Maui's vacation rental market
• The rate drop could impact local housing inventory as more buyers enter the market

Source: Hawaii News Now

Home equity line of credit rates continue falling this week, offering better financing opportunities for Maui homeowners looking to renovate, invest in vacation rental properties, or access their home's equity.

• HELOC rates dropped for another consecutive week, making it cheaper for Maui homeowners to borrow against their property equity
• Lower borrowing costs could benefit vacation rental owners looking to upgrade or expand their properties to attract more guests
• Maui's strong real estate market means many homeowners have significant equity built up that they can now access more affordably
• The rate decline trend may present opportunities for property investors considering acquisitions or improvements in Hawaii's competitive rental market
• Homeowners should compare current HELOC offers as rates vary between lenders and could impact renovation budgets significantly

Source: Hawaii News Now

Maui's real estate market experienced contrasting trends in December, with property sales jumping by double digits while condominium prices dropped significantly. This shift could impact both rental property investments and accommodation availability for visitors.

• Property sales volume increased by double digits in December, indicating strong buyer activity in the Maui market
• Condominium prices experienced a steep decline, potentially making rental properties more affordable for investors
• The mixed market signals suggest shifting dynamics that could affect vacation rental inventory and pricing
• Lower condo prices may create opportunities for new vacation rental properties to enter the market
• Residents and visitors may see changes in accommodation options as the market adjusts to new price levels

Source: Maui Now

New housing market data for Maui reveals important trends that could impact both long-term residents and visitors planning extended stays on the island.

• Housing market statistics provide insights into accommodation costs and availability across different areas of Maui
• Market trends may influence vacation rental pricing and inventory for travelers planning future trips
• Real estate data helps gauge the overall economic health of Maui's tourism and hospitality sectors
• Housing patterns can indicate which neighborhoods are seeing growth in both residential and short-term rental opportunities

Source: RAM

The Realtors Association of Maui has teamed up with community partners to create the Kakou Homeownership Education Program, designed to provide local residents with resources and guidance for purchasing homes in Maui's challenging real estate market.

• The Kakou program offers free educational workshops and resources specifically tailored to Maui's unique housing market conditions
• Local residents will gain access to expert guidance on financing options, down payment assistance programs, and the home buying process
• The initiative addresses the ongoing housing affordability challenges faced by families looking to establish roots in Maui
• Community partnerships strengthen the program's ability to connect participants with local lenders, housing counselors, and real estate professionals
• The program represents a collaborative effort to support long-term residents in achieving homeownership despite market constraints

Source: Maui Now

Alexander & Baldwin, one of Maui's largest landowners and developers, has agreed to a $2.3 billion merger deal that could significantly impact future development and real estate projects across the island.

• The merger involves Alexander & Baldwin, a key player in Maui's commercial and residential development landscape
• At $2.3 billion, this represents one of the largest corporate transactions involving a major Maui-based real estate company
• The deal could influence future housing developments, commercial projects, and land use decisions that affect both residents and the tourism industry
• Changes in ownership structure may impact ongoing and planned developments in popular areas where A&B holds significant property interests
• Local stakeholders will be watching closely to see how new ownership affects community development priorities and real estate availability

Source: Maui Now