If you’re planning to sell your home in South Maui , Hawaii, you’re in a great spot – both literally and financially. Apart from being a beautiful place to live in, this sunny corner of Maui’s southwest is a sought-after destination for buyers who want the best of both worlds: laid-back island life while living in the lap of luxury. And if you’re looking to get top dollar for your property, knowing what these buyers want and making the best home improvements to increase value is your secret weapon.
WHO’S BUYING IN KIHEI?
Kihei attracts a diverse mix of buyers who are all drawn to its relaxed lifestyle and year-round sunshine. Here’s a look at the types of people most often buying homes in the area and what they’re after.
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Second homeowners. The majority of these buyers often come from the mainland, such as places like California, Washington, or even Canada, and they want a stress-free escape where they can unwind for a few weeks (or months) each year. These buyers typically want move-in-ready homes with minimal upkeep that let them enjoy the full Maui lifestyle without extra hassle.
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Investors. With Kihei’s strong tourism appeal, short-term rentals remain a major draw (within current regulations). Investors are looking for properties that not only photograph well for vacation rental platforms but are also equipped with energy-efficient systems to help manage ongoing costs.
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Retirees. Kihei is especially popular with retirees who are looking to downsize while still enjoying comfort and style. They want comfort, accessibility, and the kind of upgrades that make everyday living a little more indulgent.
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Remote professionals and young families. There are a growing number of people choosing to live full-time in South Maui . They are looking for homes with open floor plans, natural light, energy-saving features, and a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor living that suits both remote work and island play.
THE 10 UPGRADES THAT ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME
If you’re planning to upgrade your home before selling, focusing on the best home improvements to increase value can make all the difference. These are the features that can boost your resale potential and catch a buyer’s eye from the moment they walk in or scroll through the listing photos:
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Install or upgrade split A/C systems
Maui’s natural beauty is undeniable, but when selling a home inSouth Maui – located on the island’s warm, dry southwestern coast – it’s important to recognize what today’s buyers prioritize. With average high temperatures often reaching the upper 80s and limited rainfall throughout the year, indoor comfort becomes a key selling point.
One of the best home improvements to increase value in this part of Maui is upgrading the cooling system. Modern buyers, especially those relocating from cooler climates or investing in vacation properties, expect homes to have effective, energy-efficient air conditioning. Outdated or underperforming systems can be a deal-breaker, regardless of a home’s location or ocean view.
By investing in reliable climate control, such as split A/C systems or whole-house fans, sellers not only increase comfort but also demonstrate that the home is move-in ready and thoughtfully maintained. In a competitive market like Maui, improvements that directly address the island’s climate give sellers a clear advantage.
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Create or improve a lanai/outdoor living space
For buyers in Kīhei, Wailea or Makena, outdoor space is more than just extra square footage; it’s an essential part of everyday living. In fact, outdoor living areas are among the best home improvements to increase value across Hawai‘i, especially in sun-drenched climates like South Maui , where alfresco entertaining is possible nearly every day of the year.
Enhancements like ceiling fans, weather-resistant furniture, and outdoor kitchen setups can transform a basic patio into a welcoming oasis. A covered lanai, in particular, is a standout feature. It not only extends the usable living space but also creates a breezy, shaded retreat. Here, potential buyers can easily imagine themselves sipping handcrafted cocktails, working remotely, or hosting sunset dinners with friends and family.
By investing in well-designed outdoor areas, sellers can showcase the full potential of island living, an upgrade that resonates deeply with lifestyle-focused buyers and adds real market appeal.
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Add solar panels and battery storage
Solar panels are a smart and eco-friendly upgrade that buyers look for. With Maui’s high energy costs, it’s no surprise that solar panels rank among the best home improvements to increase value. Buyers are increasingly drawn to the idea of harnessing the sun to power their slice of paradise, especially when paired with battery backups that provide peace of mind during cloudy days or unexpected outages.
Solar isn’t just an eco-friendly statement; it’s a smart financial move. According to Redfin, homes with solar systems often sell faster and at higher prices. If your home already has panels installed, upgrading with a battery storage system can make your property even more attractive to savvy buyers.
These energy-efficient enhancements don’t just cut utility bills, they also may qualify for state and federal tax incentives. In a market like Maui, where sustainability and self-sufficiency matter, solar power is both a lifestyle upgrade and a valuable selling point.
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Modernize the kitchen
The kitchen has always been the heart of luxury island living, and in Kīhei, Wailea or Makena, a beautifully updated kitchen is one of the best home improvements to increase value and attract top offers. Features like quartz or granite countertops, energy-efficient appliances, custom cabinetry with smart storage solutions, and a stylish backsplash can elevate an ordinary kitchen into a stunning centerpiece.
Open floor plans paired with pendant lighting and soothing coastal colors create a space that feels both modern and effortlessly relaxed, capturing the tropical island vibe buyers crave. This blend of functionality and island-inspired style helps buyers envision themselves enjoying daily meals, entertaining guests, and embracing the laid-back luxury that defines Maui living.
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Update bathrooms with spa-like finishes
A relaxing atmosphere resonates deeply with buyers seeking serene escape. Spa-inspired bathrooms consistently rank among the best home improvements to increase value, especially in vacation-focused markets like Kīhei, Wailea and Makena. You don’t need to go all out to create an impressive upgrade. Thoughtful enhancements such as new tile, water-efficient fixtures, and improved lighting can make a significant impact.
Retirees and vacation homebuyers are drawn to bathrooms that serve as personal retreats. Features like rainfall showerheads, frameless glass doors, and soft-close drawers add both comfort and a touch of luxury. Additions such as a shower bench or towel warmer can elevate the space, creating a relaxing atmosphere that resonates deeply with buyers seeking a serene escape.
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Refresh flooring with tile or durable engineered wood
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice, so updating it can significantly enhance a home’s appeal and value. In Kihei, buyers increasingly favor durable, low-maintenance flooring that can handle the challenges of coastal living.
Porcelain tile, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) have emerged as top choices thanks to their resilience against sand, salt, and everyday wear. Beyond their practicality, these materials elevate the home’s aesthetic, offering a clean, polished look that complements island life.
Light, natural tones are especially sought after, as they perfectly capture Kihei’s relaxed, beach-inspired style, helping homes feel bright, open, and inviting from the moment buyers walk in.
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Improve curb appeal with tropical landscaping
Create an outdoor look that will truly set your Kihei home apart. Curb appeal is crucial for making a strong first impression, and in tropical Kihei, Wailea & Makena, beautiful landscaping can truly set a home apart. Buyers are drawn to outdoor spaces that highlight the island’s natural beauty while remaining easy to care for.
Selecting the right plants is key. Drought-tolerant varieties such as hibiscus, ti leaf, crotons, and native palms thrive in Kihei’s climate, adding vibrant color and lush texture.
Thoughtful details like clean edging, well-defined pathways, and efficient water-saving systems, such as drip irrigation or xeriscaping, not only enhance the landscape’s appearance but also demonstrate smart, sustainable upkeep that appeals to today’s environmentally conscious buyers. Together, these elements create inviting outdoor spaces that perfectly complement island living.
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Paint with coastal-inspired color schemes
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your home. In South Maui light, coastal hues like soft whites, airy grays, warm beiges, or pale blues tend to work best since they echo the sea and sky. These tones reflect sunlight beautifully and make a home’s interiors feel open, calm, and welcoming.
Neutral palettes also photograph well in online photos, which is a big plus when listing your home. To appeal to a wide range of buyers, it’s best to skip bold or trendy colors. Clean, versatile hues allow buyers to project their own version of island living onto your Kihaei home for sale.
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Add or upgrade the outdoor shower
An outdoor shower consistently impresses homebuyers in Kihei. It might seem like a small detail, but outdoor showers are a standout feature that consistently impresses buyers in Kihei. Whether rinsing off after a beach day or washing away sand post-surf, this practical amenity adds a touch of resort-style luxury to any home.
You don’t need an elaborate setup to make an impact. A sleek privacy wall, durable fixtures, and thoughtful landscaping (such as lava rock, bamboo, or tropical plants) can easily transform the space into a private outdoor oasis. It’s a subtle upgrade that speaks to the island lifestyle and enhances both convenience and curb appeal, making it a memorable selling point for potential buyers.
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Install smart home systems and security tech
Today’s buyers are looking for homes that offer both comfort and convenience, and smart technology checks both boxes. Features like smart thermostats, app-controlled lighting, security cameras, and keyless entry are among the top 10 things that add value to your home, thanks to the control and peace of mind they provide.
These upgrades are especially attractive to out-of-state buyers who plan to use their Kihei property as a part-time residence. With remote access and automation, they can monitor and manage their home from anywhere, making ownership more seamless and secure.
Beyond functionality, smart home features send a clear message: your property is modern, well-maintained, and thoughtfully upgraded – an edge that can make all the difference in a competitive island market.
WHAT NOT TO RENOVATE
When preparing your Kihei, Wailea or Makena home for sale, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of renovations. And while thoughtful improvements can absolutely raise your home’s value, not all upgrades deliver a strong return on investment (ROI). In fact, some can cost far more than they’re worth, especially when they don’t align with what buyers in your area actually want or need.
These are the types of renovations that don’t often pay off in a place like Kihei:
- High-end upgrades that outpace the neighborhood
- Luxury add-ons with minimal ROI
Some features feel luxurious, but don’t translate into higher resale value – especially if they’re highly specialized or appeal to a narrow group of buyers. These upgrades may sound impressive, but home theaters, wine cellars, built-in aquariums or water features don’t often impress during showings.
- Trendy finishes that don’t appeal broadly
Design trends come and go fast. What looks stylish today might feel dated a year or two from now. The goal when renovating for resale is to create a clean, timeless backdrop that appeals to the widest possible group of buyers. Some finishes to avoid are overly bold tile or wallpaper, highly customized cabinetry or built-ins, ultra-specific color palettes, and statement fixtures that overwhelm.
- Expensive tech that might go unused
It’s tempting to think every buyer wants the latest tech, but that’s not always true. Many people appreciate smart home features, but they also want simplicity. If your system requires multiple apps, complicated controls, or constant updates, it may actually turn buyers off.
It might be tempting to go all-in on luxury, but one of the most common (and costly) renovation mistakes is upgrading beyond what the surrounding neighborhood supports. In Kihei, this can be especially tricky, as home values can vary greatly depending on proximity to the beach, views, and resort areas. If the surrounding homes are modestly upgraded, buyers may not be willing to pay a premium for features that feel out of sync with the neighborhood.
How to know when to hold back
Before you dive into any major renovation, ask yourself:
- Does this feature appeal to most buyers in Kihei?
- Is it appropriate for the size, style, and price range of my home?
- Will this upgrade raise the value enough to justify the cost?
- Could this money be better spent on a simpler update with broader appeal?
If the answer to any of those questions is “no,” it might be time to reconsider. Not every upgrade adds value and some can even make your home harder to sell.
START INCREASING YOUR HOME’S VALUE TODAY
The best renovation strategy isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what really matters. By choosing upgrades that add comfort, function, and style without going overboard, you can make your home for sale stand out in the Kihei, Wailea & Makena Maui market and attract the right buyers.
Also read: How to SELL your property on Maui
If you’re not sure where to start or how to prioritize, Dennis and Martha are here to help. With years of experience in Maui real estate, they know which upgrades make the biggest impact. Whether you’re planning to list soon or just thinking ahead, you can count on Dennis & Martha to be with you every step of the way.
Contact Dennis & Martha at 808.280.0788 directly or reach out via email.
