Oceanfront Living in Maalaea – One of Maui’s Best-Kept Secrets

Maalaea is a small community centrally located in North Kihei only 20 minutes from Wailea, Kaanapali, or Kahului. Although we share the Wailuku zip code, Maalaea is no where near Wailuku.

Maalaea…Maui’s best-kept secret!

The village consists of 10 condominiums and 11 private residences. All of Maalaea was built in the 70’s within 30 to 50 feet of the oceanfront – that would never be allowed today – as there is now a 150-foot setback. Originally, the 10 condominiums consisted of two fee simple buildings and 8 leasehold (meaning you do not own the land). Over the years, all but three of the condominiums have converted to fee simple.

Nearby Activities & Amenities

Maalaea is home to the Maui Ocean Center, Harbor Shopping Village, Buzz’s Wharf, Water and Golf sports park, plus Shell gas station, Circle K, and Carl’s Jr; plus 4 electric car charging stations. The main street through Maalaea is Hauoli Street (means happy), which dead end’s into Haycraft Park.

Harbor Shopping Village includes:

• Beach Bum’s Bar & Grill – Casual dining, great BBQ ribs and fish tacos, music in the evenings
• Sal~Tim~Bocca – Italian restaurant with beautiful views in a nice, relaxing atmosphere
• Hula Cookies & Cream – Handmade ice cream
• Porto’s – Flame-fired artisan pizza
• Pacific Whale Foundation Store
• Red Dirt shirts

Maalaea Harbor is also home to 80 boats offering activities such as snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, and sunset dinner cruises. The United States Coast Guard houses a U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Maalaea Surfing

Maalaea also has the distinction of being located on the world-famous Freight Train wave, the shortest, fastest breaking wave in the world. The wave called Māalaea, or Freight Train, is a right-hander off the breakwall and over a shallow coral reef. It is considered to be one of the world’s fastest rideable waves, but is rideable only on large southerly swells (source Wikipedia).

Maalaea Freight Trains

The Maalaea Life

For more information about Maalaea living, feel free to contact me.