Applications are now being accepted for Hale O Piʻikea I, the first phase of a County-supported, three-phase affordable rental housing initiative by ʻIkenākea Development that will deliver 223 rental homes upon completion.

Phase I is slated to open in July-August 2025 and will include 89 units: 18 one-bedroom, 57 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom apartments, with maximum rents (including utilities) ranging from up to $757 to $2,100. There will also be one unit reserved for an on-site resident manager.

Applications are accessible through the project community website at https://mdihawaii.com; click on “Maui,” then “Hale O Pi‘ikea.”

This project is specifically designed for individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), ensuring truly affordable housing where residents won’t spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Households earning above 60% AMI are not eligible, reinforcing the project’s focus on serving Maui’s most housing-burdened residents and addressing the island’s urgent need for attainable homes.

The project was financed in part through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Rental Housing Revolving Funds from the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), with additional support of over $7.5 million from the County of Maui through the County’s Affordable Housing Fund program and Housing Trust funds.

“Hale O Piʻikea is another step forward in creating housing our working families can truly afford,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “This project reflects our commitment to prioritizing kamaʻāina housing and helping residents who are most burdened by housing costs. We’re proud to support this effort to provide access to safe, stable homes through our Affordable Housing Fund and we are grateful to everyone who has worked to bring this project to this milestone.”

The affordable housing project had been planned for more than four years and was initiated in response to longstanding community needs. Although construction began shortly after the Lahaina wildfires, the project was not a reaction to the disaster. The timing is coincidental, but highlights the urgent need for projects that support Maui’s ongoing recovery and long-term housing stability.

Keegan Flaherty, ʻIkenākea Associate, said: “With market-rate housing on Maui increasingly out of reach for low-income families, we designed our community for long-term living—drawing on extensive research to offer the most appealing, cost-effective features of market-rate homes without compromising financial viability.”

Hale O Piʻikea is thoughtfully designed to offer a comfortable, community-oriented living environment that emphasizes efficiency, sustainability and connectivity. The development will include a centrally located Community Resource Center featuring laundry facilities, a computer lab, an exercise room, office space, a lobby/reception area with an elevator, and a kitchen/multi-purpose room for resident functions. Residents will benefit from wide, well-lit interior and exterior walkways, expansive shaded walking paths, landscaped common areas with spaces for gatherings and recreation, and ample off-street parking for vehicles and bicycles. Designated parking stalls will be provided for both residents and guests.

Each unit will feature a spacious living area with ceiling fans, a fully equipped kitchen with modern, energy-efficient appliances—including a dishwasher, garbage disposal, and high-quality cabinets and countertops. Bedrooms will include closets and large windows to bring in natural light and fresh air, enhancing both comfort and livability.

Strategically located in Kīhei at the intersection of Piʻikea Avenue and Liloa Drive, the Hale O Piʻikea Affordable Rental Housing Development will allow easy access to public transportation, health and social services, public schools, recreational areas (including beach parks), government offices, as well as shopping, dining and employment opportunities.

Residents at Hale O Piʻikea will have access to free onsite social services offered in partnership with a variety of local organizations, including financial literacy and money management programs, homeownership education and support, family development resources such as parenting and healthy relationship workshops, and case management assistance.

Moss Construction is completing the two additional rental communities as part of the ongoing development. The first is a 96-unit project reserved for kūpuna ages 55 and older, scheduled to open in February 2026. The second is a 35-unit garden-style walk-up designed for individuals and families, set to open in December 2025. Both projects will offer affordable rentals for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI).

The project’s managing agent, Mark Development, has begun accepting applications and a lottery will be held to determine the order in which applicants are processed for eligibility. Lottery selections for these residential workforce housing units will be prioritized with a preference given to residents of Maui County.

Questions and inquiries regarding Hale O Piʻikea may be submitted via email to properties@mdihawaii.com.