Hawaii is a wonderful place to live, work and play! Born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands, Debbie Arakaki has had the good fortune to have experienced everything Hawaii has to offer. She and her team have an in-depth knowledge of the island, the title and escrow process, and tips for living in the area. Having been in real estate sales since 2006, Debbie is honored to have been included in the top 100 Realtors in the state of Hawaii for many years including the top 2% of Realtors for highest sales in Maui.
Here, Debbie discusses her real estate journey and why she loves the Hawaii lifestyle.
4885 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761 - $7,888,000
Why did you choose Real Estate?
The real estate industry is ever-changing – It's very dynamic and exciting and there are so many aspects to it that I love! I am constantly meeting new people and helping them find the right property that will fulfill their goals, which range from land development to a first home, investment, or vacation home here in Hawaii. I have been working in real estate for over 18 years and there is always something new to learn as each escrow is different with various moving parts; at the end of each transaction, there is no better feeling than celebrating with my family, friends, and neighbors as we reach their real estate goals together.
What was your journey to where you are today?
My journey started with a little sandwich shop in Lahaina town. When my family and I moved from Oahu to Maui, we were so proud to open up our little shop which eventually grew into 4 fully-operational restaurants! Along the way, we met so many neighbors and friends that made up our little community, many of which were in the real estate industry by way of developers and contractors who helped me understand how to look for the right real estate.
My husband and I began building our own homes and subdividing properties so when we decided to sell the business it was only natural to transition to real estate and help clients go through the same process. Our own projects were such fun, rewarding, and positive experiences that I made it a goal to help my clients have that feeling and journey too.
4885 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761 - $7,888,000
What is your biggest success story to date?
With over 18 years of work and experience in this field, there have been so many projects that I would categorize, at the time, as my "biggest success story". The first thing that comes to mind, however, is having started two large, luxury brokerages in Hawaii. It was so fulfilling to bring a new brand to not just one island but to the entire state. Through this experience, I made incredible connections and relationships across the islands and was able to intimately learn the nuances of each. Yet, despite that being considered my biggest professional success in the traditional sense, I truly feel that my biggest success to date has been my yearly fundraiser for the Maui Food Bank. What started out as a few donations, has grown exponentially resulting in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local families that need a helping hand with food for themselves, their families, and children. It fills me with an immeasurable sense of pride that I get to be a part of such a giving community, and I am able to give back in this small way.
What makes your market unique?
Maui's market is so diverse; from our microclimates – ranging from sunny, dry beaches to wet, lush rainforests – to our communities, which each possess their own unique personality. This is why it's so important for agents, and our clients, to understand which area of the island will fit their personality best and which will provide access to their favorite hobbies. In one area of the island, you will find yourself in resort areas with manicured subdivisions, while in others, you are surrounded by expansive agricultural communities. Letting clients experience all of these different areas is pivotal to helping people find their perfect home, where they feel a strong sense of belonging. Wherever they land, they will become part of the fabric of our Maui community, so finding the right place is key!
For more information, please contact Debbie Arakaki at debbie@debbiearakaki.com
Debbie Arakaki is one of the exclusive agents representing the Maui, HI real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.
