Overlooked Homes in Iao Valley – Maui’s Hana “Lite”

If you don’t have all day to drive the road to Hana, consider going to Iao Valley instead.

Iao Valley is located in the Central Maui town of Wailuku, just minutes from the airport. The road is somewhat windy, there’s a stream, and a waterfall or two…You won’t be disappointed.

Come with me on a tour of Iao Valley…Oh yeah, the answer is 134 steps; You’ll know what I’m talking about

The older I get, the more nostalgic I get. I hear music that reminds me of growing up, and it seems to transport me back in time. Iao Valley is like that for me. As a youngster in the 60’s, our parents would drop us kids off at Kepaniwai State Park for the day to picnic, and hike the stream. (Boy have things changed! You wouldn’t dream of dropping your kids off unattended these days.) One of the smells that is indelibly etched into my memories is the smell of blooming yellow ginger flowers, and fruiting guava trees. If I ever hear Cat Steven’s Peace Train, or Rod Stewart’s Maggie Mae, I’m transported back to being an 8 year old! If you can get to Iao Valley in August, September, or part of October, you too can experience this heavenly scent.

Here is the pic of the JFK profile that I promised

Iao Valley Homes for Sale

What you may not know about Iao Valley is that there are homes in the area. In the 60’s & 70’s, there were a hand full of homes along the road to Kepaniwai State Park. Within the past few years, several areas have been developed along the ridges that overlook the valley. Here are a few listings that are currently available.

One of my favorite areas in the Central/Wailuku area is Old Wailuku Heights. The subdivision was developed in the late 1950’s and some of the islands most progressive architectural designs are located there. Case in point, (MLS# 343153), 3080 Alaneo Place, is classic post-and-beam construction with Asian influences. This home reminds me of the many post-and-beams that I have sold in Los Angeles. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home was built in 1960 at the very top of Old Wailuku Heights.

The home is just under 3,000 square feet with an 800 square foot ohana on 2 lots, totaling approximately 3/4 of an acre. Views stretch from Maalaea to Haleakala to the Kahului Harbor. The price has been reduced to $1,100,000 from $1,400,000. It’s a little rough around the edges, but for the collector of fine architecture, this may be for you.

The post-and-beam architectural style allows for large expanses of glass, bringing in views like no other architectural style can.

If newer construction is your style, consider (MLS# 340437), 532 Polulani Drive. The home was built in the newer area of Wailuku Heights in 1990. The price has been reduced to $1,190,000 from $1,900,000. 5 bedrooms, 4 baths at 3,260 square feet with a 480 square foot covered lanai.

Can you imagine the BBQ’s on this deck!

Finally, (MLS# 342755), 900 Malaihi Road #A, is an amazing 4.26 acre fenced, and gated agricultural property. The current list price is $1,295,000 reduced from $1,475,000. Clocking in at 2,779 square feet with a 1,146 square foot barn, the main house has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 658 square feet of covered deck.

A sweeping view of Kahului Harbor to Haleakala is a perfect diversion from tending to your own fruit, or vegetable farm, complete with horses if you choose. Convenient.

So, the next time you contemplate a trip to Hana, spend a fraction of the time at Iao Valley; I can show you any of these properties with all of that extra time. Maui’s Iao Valley is Hana “lite” to me! For more information, contact me.