Steven Nickens Maui Real Estate Blog

 Hawaiian Jam in Haiku

One thing I have always enjoyed in Hawaii is getting together for parties, birthdays, weddings and just afternoon Pau Hana let's jam some music. When I first came to Hawaii in 1970 in Kona on the big Island.  After a day of surf out at Banyan's we would get together and watch the sunset and someone was always playing a Ukulele or guitar and singing.  Having moved to Maui in 1973 I have always enjoyed getting together with friends eating and playing music.  Here are a couple of shot at my friends niece birthday party to share the Aloha from the islands.

The guy on the left is Hakoni and has produced a few CD's on the island

That is the birthday girl a gifted musician, she cranks out Clapton and has played at the Blaisdell in Honolulu. The Ukulele player is from the big Island, he came over to Maui for a gig and we were lucky to enjoy his music.

Steve McGee has play with a lot of greats. I saw him at Chucks Steak house in 1975 playing with Neil Young. I have been playing for 30 years but there was to many hot musicians, I know when to take a back seat and enjoy.

It's all about the journey, a little music ,good food keeps the soul happy. The guy in the middle is dealing with cancer we have been  friends since I was 13. A couple prayers out to Rene.

This boy was eating the whole time I was there. He looks hungry.

That's me with my wife on  the left. It was a great evening with live music, tons of food and  having a good time. That is part of the island living that keeps me in Hawaii. It gets in your skin and you will never be the same. So I hope you enjoyed a little of the island life on Maui. I have been trying to share the different life styles we experience on Maui. Keep an eye open for more to come.

Aloha,

Steve Nickens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

Cell: 808-280-2208

email: nickens@maui.net

www.nickensmaui.com

Experience that makes a difference

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 really liked the colors of this rig.

You find people sailing from all ages and skill levels. One day there is a Japanese girl out just doing amazing tricks and then some guy is charging towards shore and does a forward flip, just crazy.

I don't know if it shows but it was really windy day.

Here are a couple guys going you know Mike it's pretty windy today I think I have had enough.

This is a future ripper. Her parents will have her out there in a year. You see kids that just rip. There parents have been doing it for years and just pass it on.

Here are a group of retired local boys enjoying a few Pau Hana beers with the boys.

The end of the day. Well I had a great time until I got launched upside down by a heavy gust. I landed in the rigging and thought I broke my arm.  Then I tried to water start and had pulled a muscle in my leg and couldn't get up. So I swam my rig to shore and limped back to my car. All in all its was a great day.  Don't get the idea that alls we do is surf and windsurf. I actually work hard selling real estate. But when the elements come together whether it's surfing or a good wind surf session I am all over it. So if you are looking for real estate on the north shore or Haiku give me a call. This is my backyard and I know it well with 36 yrs on Maui to serve you. www.nickensmaui.com

Aloha,

Steven C. Nickens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

www.nickensmaui.com

cell: 808-280-2208

email: nickens@maui.net

Experience that makes a difference.

Paia Maui's North Shore Island Life!

 

 

If you are staying in Wailea or Kaanapali there is a real good chance you will end up visiting Maui's north shore in quaint Paia Town.  The North Shore has been my home for over thirty years.  After a while you come to appreciate the character of the town.  25 years ago it was a sleepy town, but today it is a booming surf town on the north shore.  In the old days there were locals, surfers or hippies making up the scene in town,

  Hookipa Beach Park

 Diver

   Great coffee                             Sailboards Maui

For generations Paia town was a plantation town.  This is where people came to buy there goods from mom and pop stores own by Chinese or Japanese shop owners. I really like the small town and community feeling before is started growing.  People worked hard in the fields raising sugar cane and pineapple in the fields for long hours.

   Surf contest Hookipa

 My son Micah taking air

 Lone stand up paddler

 

My wife's family, her mom being Pilipino, her Grandparents lived in camp towns in Paia area. This was generations that worked hard in the fields. My wife's father were Japanese and Chinese immigrants and through in a little Hawaiian for the mix.  They also spent years working hard in the fields. Encouraging there kids to go to college and make lives for them selves and here we are today.

                                            

 Maui Girl                                           Excellent food                                  Great Paia Grinds

Modern Paia social make up has changed.  The Mom and Pop stores are closing down for surf shops, restaurants, specialty shops and coffee stores that we all need. It is sad to see the old days passing away, change does happen but there was a quality of life that was meaningful.  I do miss the simple days when everyone drove beater cars and enjoying the out doors.  Getting together and eating and playing music was the norm.  Actually we had a great jam session last night in Haiku with people from all over the island and the Big Island, good grinds and jamming music.

 Micah my son at the point Hookipa

  Another Shot Hookipa Beach Park

 Nate my younger son

 

Paia is a blend of surfers that have been here since the early days.  Then followed the windsurfers.  The North Shore has become the Mecca of windsurfing and kite boarding. 

                          My wife getting ready for a paddle

I remember surfing the point at Hookipa the first days that Mike Walsh World Champion sailor first sail out at the point.  That was the beginning of Hookipa becoming a world class windsurf destination an it still is. 

               

 If you live on the north shore you will become familiar with the old and new pros that call north shore home.  Names such as Naish, Pritchard Brothers, Klaus and Malta Simmer. Dave Kalama, strap surfer Laird Hamilton. Ian Walsh big wave charger and Pro surfer Micah Nickens my son who is a hard core ripper in the surf.

             

This was the launching of Primo Beer come back to Maui. My son was opening the event at Flatbread pizza . Maui Girls

                                              

        This was the older crowd section. These are my friends and beautiful local wife in the back center.

                                          I surf and paddle with these guy, I left our snowboard.

 Having surfed Hoopika for over 36 yrs you see many come and go at Hookipa.  Legendary surfer Jerry Lopez was a regular in the line up. It was awesome to paddle out every day with one of the greats and surf uncrowed perfect waves.

                    

                                       Here are a couple shots of me enjoying the water.

 

As time passes you pass the baton to the younger generation. Now my sons and there friends are charging 60ft Jaws and ripping up the point.  I am still out there in the line up, it's like an old saying the older I get the better I was.

                                                   

So northshore Maui is a very special place and attracts very special people.  Now Paia is a mix of artist, musicians, waterman and people that just love island living.  So as time passes we find that the old with the new do mix and bring a special blend of community that is unique and special.

                                                                                                                        

                                                             Maui Homes

 So if Maui north shore might interest you give me a call.  My son Micah is a pro surfer and real agent on the north shore also.  So please me a call I would love to work with you to find your dream home in Spreckelsville, Paia, Kuau or Haiku area.  With 14 years experience in Maui real estate and 18 yrs experience as a licensed contractor I have the expertise and experience to make your Maui dream come true. Maui Northshore searcb www.nickensmaui.com/northshore_props.htm

                                                 

 

Aloha,

 

Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

3750 Wailea, Alanui ,suite 5 WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Email: nickens@maui.net

Cell: 808-280-2208

 

Experience that makes a difference.

Artistry & Beauty of Kula, Maui, Hawaii

  I had to drive up to Kula along Haleakala Crater to preview some property today.  It was a lucky thing that I had my camera because it was just a gorgeous day.

My first stop was to take pictures of Kula Maui of a project called the Cottages at Kulamanu.  They are located right when you first enter Kula on the ocean side of the Hwy.  There are 40 duplex and single-family condominiums homes.  You can email for information at nickens@maui.net

As I continued up the Hwy I had to pull over to check out Kula Country Farms. I love this place; they raise beautiful flowers and strawberries.  I fell in love with the sunflowers. Maybe because my oldest daughter always enjoyed putting a patch in my own garden when she was a little girl.  I love the display of colors against the backdrop of South Maui.

  Okay I got to keep moving I am headed towards Grandma's House, I mean Grandma's Coffee. If you have ever been to Keokea you have to stop and try Grandma's mocha's and fresh pastries. I break all the rules when I walk in the door.  Hot mocha and pumpkin bread, as they say in Hawaii "Broke the Mouth".

  If you have lived up Country for anytime at all you really have to appreciate redwood water tanks.  They are part of the history of upcountry Maui. In the old days they needed the tanks for water catchments and they were everywhere.  People still use water catchments but they are usually lined with plastic. Another thing I like about redwood water tanks is artist like Robert Nelson and Curtis Cost that have forever made them immortal in their artwork.

  So I take a left after leaving Grandma's and there were no wolves following me just a passing mongoose. I am driving up towards Silver Cloud Ranch Bed & breakfast.  It was once own and operated by a Portuguese family that use to offer trail rides up into the mountains. Now the area is own by a celebrity that I will keep under our hats.

  As I was traveling down the road this gentleman was out working on his front yard.  I thought this is really a work of art going on here so I pulled over.  Excuse me sir, would you mind if I took a few pictures.  I told him what you created is a work of art.  This guy just lit up, you could tell that he was very proud of the excellent job he did. I hope you enjoy them.

 Entance to his garden

 If you look real close you can see the gardner. Most artist are shy, I know my wife is a artist.

Sun Yat Sen Park

   Sun Yat Sen

So I was thinking of a lunch I had a month ago with a group from China.  They invited me to the Fairmont Kea A Lani in Wailea for lunch. Needless to say the food was superb and enjoy a glass of quality wine offered by my new friends.  Any way my new friends from China were telling me how Sun Yat Sen was a Hero in China.  He help over throw the Monarchy and you know the rest. 

 View from the park.

Sun Yat San was not a communist but was trying to establish more of a Democracy. 

They told a story while Sun was living on Maui he was raising support to overthrow the old rule, Sun Yat Sen said if you donated money to his cause he would make you a general.  Needless to say there were a lot of generals running around Maui.  So above  are a few pictures from the Sun Yat San Park in Ulupalakua.

Lavender Farm Kula

   This shot over looks Maalaea Bay

 View up the crater.

My last stop was up to the Lavender Farm in Kula. Okay call me crazy I love flowers.  They sell Lavender oils and crushed flowers. 

If you like you can have private tea parties and the setting is on top of the world, I mean the crater. This is a very special place. If you come to Maui make sure you include a visit to the Lavender Farm.

 Okay I have a weakness for horses. My youngest  daughter Meili  who is 21 yrs old has talked me into three horses over the years in Haiku.  They are enviromentally friendly and fuel efficient and you can recycle waste.

 The fields are alive!

  

So that was my morning to preview property in Kula and a little detour.  Next I was off to my Wailea office at the Shops at Wailea to get some work done. So if Kula or Ulupalakua might be your next home give me a call or visit my site at. www.nickensmaui.com/upcountry_info.php or www.nickensmaui.com/upcountry_props.php   If you would like to be on an email list of updates Kula or Upcountry real estate email: nickens@maui.net

  

Steven C. Nickens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

3750 Wailea Alanui, suite 5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Email: nickens@maui.net

Cell: 808-280-2208

  

Serving All Maui

Maui Real Estate Kihei Condos For Sale

 Kihei Maui Condos are a hot market on Maui.  If you were to take a poll on Maui where to stay, Wailea or Kihei Maui

would be at the top. You have awesome beaches with great restaurants and shopping available.  The occupancy rate is pretty high through out the year.  Steven can help find the right Kihei Condominium for sale for you.  If you are looking for Kihei Maui oceanfront condos you can search this site for active properties. Below are listed a few of our favorite Kihei Maui beachfront condos for sale and easy beach access condos. 

 

Don't forget to visit me at The Wailea Group LLC. At The Shops at Wailea office.  Steven can .represent you as your Maui real estate agent. For Kihei, Wailea and all Maui.

 Here are a few links for the following Kihei Maui Condos For Sale

Kamaole Sands www.nickensmaui.com/kamaole_sands.php

Maui Banyans  www.nickensmaui.com/maui_banyans.php

Sugar Beach  www.nickensmaui.com/sugar_beach.php

 

Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

3750 Wailea Alannui, Suite %WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Email: nickens@maui.net

Cell: 808-280-2208

Ho'olei Wailea Maui

 

Wailea Maui Hawaii is just an amazing place.  We have world class beaches and golf courses. 5-star hotels and restaurants. One of my favorite places is Ho'olei Wailea town-homes. This quality project is located across the street from The Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa.  There are 120 unit town-homes that are 2-story with elevators. They offer top of the line appliances with Wolf and Sub-Zero and Italian cabinetry.  Also included are limestone floors and granite counter tops. The living room doors are Fleetwood retraceable sliding doors that open up to a large lani and ocean views.

 

This is a great project if you are looking for Wailea Maui condos for sale.  As far amenities there is a large pool with a sand entry for small kids. They also offer a state of the art fitness center and sauna. Being a member of the Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa through the Kulana Club you will enjoy the benefit of The Grand Wailea Hotels pools, fitness center and discounts on food and drink. The hotel also provides shuttle service to the hotel and back to your unit. The real bonus is you have the option to put you unit in Grand Wailea's rental program that has been real successful.

 Last week there were three units that went into escrow. Out of 120 units there are 8 units left. For more information on Ho'olei Wailea email Steven for prices, inventory, amenities and all property information for Wailea Maui real estate for sale and all Maui real estate. View Wailea Condos www.nickensmaui.com/wailea_condos.htm

 

Steven Nickens R(S) GRI,  ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite 5WE

Wailea,Maui, Hawaii 96753

Cell:808-280-2208

Email: steven@thewaileagroup.com

www.nickensmaui.com

 

I have had a few days off work so I thought I would head over to the south shore.  That would be Lahaina side as you come around the Pali from Maalaea.  The waves were real small so I brought my standup board for a work out and catch a couple small waves.

                            

So I was watching all tourist and locals really enjoying the day. It was hot sunny and a few playful waves. This is part of island living which means going to the beach with your friends. Make sure you bring a cooler of food and drinks and don't forget the sun screen.

                            

Here is a group of friends that were on it. Surfing, stand up and camera crew on the beach.

                            

It's always good to have evidence that you actually can stand up on your board.  They got the shot.

                           

I don't know if this was there first time out but they were having a great time. Half the people in the water were girls. They have taken to the line up these days and they charge.

                          

The locals know how to surf.  With a canoe you can bring the Keki's, Tutu's, uncle and auntie. Yes they do have the right of way in these canoe's

                          

It's all about island style and living the life. People say but you live on an island. Well we tend to make the most of it and are pretty blessed.

                          

So it was a great day and time to head back to the north shore. Maui is an amazing place. I love the life style and what a great place it is to raise a family. After the years on Maui many people on Maui become your ohana or family. So I  hope you enjoy these pictures, it is a window into the island we love.

Aloha,

Steve

I thought I would post a few pictures of the art and flowers in the Grand Wailea Hotel.  Once in a while I work in the lobby selling the Hoolei Wailea  town-homes. They are right across from the Grand Wailea and if you buy a unit you receive membership in the hotel Kualana club. With membership you get full run of the hotel. Hoolei units offer 3BR/3.5 BA with elevators.  Hoolei has all the amenities and upgrades you would expect with a quality development.  They run in price range from $2.9M to $3.8M for ocean view units. 

 

 I love the lobby in the Grand

 Canoe

 Bronze art work

 Bronze Hula girls

 The Guys

 Tropical flowers

 Orchids

 My Desk

 Big Mama

 

I I hope you enjoy the photos, I think this is such a beautiful hotel. If you are looking for Wailea Maui Condos for sale check my site at www.nickensmaui.com/wailea_condos.htm  or Maui real estate for sale go to www.nickensmaui.com

Mahalo,

Steven NIckens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLc.

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753