While reading MauiNews.com I saw an article entitled, “Lahaina gateway grand opening set for Saturday“.  According to this article, the grand opening of the Lahaina Gateway in Maui is set for this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Keawe Street. Kimokeo Kapahulehus will begin the day by blessing this new 138,000 square-foot center.  Entertainment is scheduled to begin at 10:30 with the Mau Merahi Tahitian Troupe and will also feature Henry Kaleialoha Allen and John Cruz.  There will be activities, music, dancing, free food, games and giveaways.  The Lahaina gateway has been open for months and several businesses are already operating in this new “lifestyle center”, but this Saturday will be the official grand opening.

The Lahaina Gateway is home to the largest Barnes and Nobles bookstore in the state as well as Maui’s first gourmet grocery store, Lahaina Farms.  Other businesses include Genki Sushi, Outback Steakhouse, The Melting Pot, Maui Dive and Surf, State Farm Insurance, Office Max, Claire’s, David’s Happy Nails, Hat Shack, Baskin Robbins, Foot Locker and Sunglass Icon.  Many of these retailers will be highlighting their items as well as giving away merchandise and guided tours.

If you have not yet visited the new Lahaina Gateway, Saturday would be a good time to do so, you can even bring the kids and make a day of it.

After suffering major structural damage in the October 16 Earthquake, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is scheduled to reopen in December. I was just reading Mauinews.com when I saw an article about the anticipated grand reopening of this spectacular beachfront hotel.

According to General Manager of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Jon Gersonde, the exterior of the hotel will remain the same. The interiors however, are being redone and will feature a new look. Some rooms will be reconfigured so that they will be larger. Gersonde also said that bathrooms would be larger, “about a third of the size of the room,”

When the hotel closed for renovations, the Mauna Kea was forced to lay off approximately 420 employees. While most of those employees who were laid off are expected to return to work once the hotel reopens, Mauna Kea is publishing a monthly newsletter in order to keep in touch with their former employees and notify them of new developments.

The newsletter also keeps former guests up-to-date on how things are going at the Mauna Kea golf course. Since it was closed in May 2007, the golf course at Mauna Kea has been under restoration from tee to green, including the replacement of the grass. Renowned course designer Rees Jones is overseeing the restoration work to the course, which could possibly reopen as early as November.

Since its opening in 1965, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been a Kohala Coast landmark synonymous with understated elegance and luxury.

Click if you would like to read this article in its entirety at mauinews.com.

For those who are unfamiliar with all of the markets and fairs featuring arts and crafts here on Maui, I have gathered some information that should help. Maybe you will be visiting in the near future or maybe you just are not familiar with all of these great arts and crafts exhibitions. If you love arts and crafts fairs, markets and workshops, you will love the variety offered here on Maui.

Aloha Craft Fair
The Aloha Craft fair takes place at the Maui Mall on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aloha Friday Arts & Crafts
An arts and crafts fair sponsored by the Wailea Marriott Resort’s Ho‘olokahi Hawaiian Culture Program. It is held every Friday in the courtyard of the Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Banyan Tree Arts
Held at the Banyan Tree Park every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this crafts fair is hosted by the He U‘i Cultural Arts Festival and the Lahaina Arts Society.

Central Maui Open Market
Marketplace featuring produce, vegetables, electronics, Hawaiian crafts and more Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the corner of Lono Avenue and Vevau Street.

Everything Made on Maui Fair
Artists and artisans from Maui sell their glass, jewelry, pottery, wood and other arts ans crafts at Keolahou Church on Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Part of the proceeds benefits the church.

Friday Art Night
Hosted by the LahainaTown Action Committee on Friday nights from 7 to 10 p.m..

Held at local area galleries with appearances by local and internationally recognized artists and entertainers.

Hawaii Made Crafts
Local artisans and artists display and sell their work at 1312 Front Street in Lahaina from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Market Place
Local arts and crafts fair from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lahaina Market Place on Wainee Street.

Maui’s Best Gift and Craft Fair
Crafts and gifts fair Held Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kukui Mall in Kihei.

Napili Craft Fair
A craft fair sponsored by the Maui Family Support Services from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Napili Plaza.

Ohana Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, local artisans and growers sell their crafts produce.

Swap Meet
The Swap Meet is Maui’s largest flea market. Open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon on Puuene Avenue, admission is fifty cents.

I was just looking at a website called HousingPredictor.com, when I ran across their Top 25 Real Estate Market Forecast for 2008.  Those who own real estate in Maui have reason to be optimistic or at least relieved.  According to this forecast, Maui is fourth in the top appreciating U.S. markets with a projected 5.6% increase in values.  Honolulu was second overall with a forecasted increase of 6.8% for 2008 making Hawaii the top appreciating U.S. state overall.  Kauai is another area that is expected to do well with a forecasted 4.9% appreciation for this coming year.

Traditionally, Hawaii’s real estate market has had less housing stock than qualified buyers have as well as fewer foreclosures than many areas.  These factors have helped to make Hawaii a housing market that can thrive while others are ailing.  And although Maui home sales and Maui condominium sales are down, the inventory of homes has actually declined bucking the national trend.

If you own property in Hawaii, you will be glad to hear this news especially if you have been waiting for home prices to level off before selling.  If you have recently bought real estate here on Maui, you can relax knowing your investment will not lose value and will potentially gain throughout the coming years.  If you are thinking of buying a home on Maui, this news should help put your mind at ease that Maui is not following the national trend of declining home sales and home values.  Click to read more about Hawaii at HousingPredictor.com

Though one should do their own independent research before deciding whether this or other online, independent forecasts are accurate, Housing predictor’s forecasts for 2007 were correct within a +/- 1 to 2 % margin.

Here at Fox and Fox Maui real estate consultants, we have the knowledge and experience to help you make sense of what is going on in the world of Maui real estate.  If you need more information about Maui homes or Maui condos, please do not hesitate to call us.