It just felt right.

About eight days after I had relocated to West Maui came a fortuitous discovery. Walking from the Honokowai Farmer’s Market to my rental unit I strolled past a funky-looking complex called Paki Maui. The tan-colored property was football-shaped and, more importantly, was on the seaward (makai) side of the street.

What caught my eye was a sandwich board real estate sign at the parking lot entrance stating that a unit was for sale on an upper floor. Intrigued, yes. Dig deeper, yes. The year the complex was built had significance to me. The unit number had even more significance. Bingo. We might have a winner here?!

Turns out two other couples had made a play for the digs but their financing fell through and the new guy in town jumped to the head of the line. After some price jockeying, we reached a final number and I had 24 hours to decide. Gulp. Didn’t expect my home sweet home search to ramp up this quickly?!

My gut said “go for it.” The price tag was doable. YES to the entire package because it just felt right. Paperwork signed. Monies delivered. I became a condo-unit owner in a fashionable burb called Honokowai. Oh yeah, that beach thing. Nailed it!

Don’t laugh. I paid a handsome chunk for a 506-square foot one bedroom unit best described as a “glorified hotel room” with a phone-booth kitchen and semi-private bathroom. What a hoot! Small. Furnished. Downsized. Livable. Mine.

But wait – there’s more. From my front door I can see the beautiful West Maui Mountains.  From my lanai I can look down upon what I call the “jungle” – all kinds of foliage and palm trees and a koi pond and waterfall. From my front door I can walk 30 seconds and view the ocean. It’s right there! OMG!

Paki Maui offers a manicured courtyard that includes a security-protected pool, hot tub and kitchen area with gas grills. You can sauté dinner while staring at Lanai and Molokai in the distance. Gorgeous. All that and free parking. Right next door is Honokowai Park.

Kudos to my gut. Crafty call. Invaluable investment!