Maui Northshore Realtor – Steven Nickens
Aloha! I wanted to share a bit of my journey living and working on Maui’s Northshore. As a surfer growing up in California during the golden years of the late ’60s and early ’70s, I fell in love with the ocean early on. At nineteen, I moved to Lahaina, Maui in 1973 with little more than a surfboard and a dream. After a few years of waiting tables and surfing every day, I eventually made my way to the Maui Northshore — and I’ve called Haiku home ever since.
My career began in construction, and before long, I earned my contractor’s license and opened Nickens Interiors in Makawao, right across from Komoda’s Bakery in the Matsui Building. For 16 years, I ran that retail business specializing in flooring, window coverings, and installations across the island, working with Maui homeowners, builders, hotels, and condominium projects.
Along the way, I met my beautiful wife Ivy — a local Maui girl — and we’ve been partners in life for over 44 years. Together we raised four children (now grown with families of their own) and built three main homes and two cottages right here in Haiku. Today, we operate a legal B&B on our 2.5-acre property surrounded by tropical fruit trees and gardens — truly a reflection of the Haiku lifestyle we love.
The ocean has always been at the center of our lives. I started sailing Prindle 16-foot cats back when Ivy and I first met — she loved every wild ride, and I knew she was a keeper. Our sons, Micah and Nate, grew up surfing competitively on Maui and Oahu ( Steve competed also for 10 years), while our daughters each followed their own passions, from horses to the arts. Surfing remains our family’s heartbeat, and Hookipa Beach Park has been my go-to break for over 50 years. I even took up windsurfing later in life, though I’ll admit I leave the Hookipa windsurfing to the pros!
Travel has also been a big part of our lives — snowboarding trips to Canada with the family, surf adventures in Costa Rica and New Zealand, and in recent years, exploring Italy, Sicily, Greece, Portugal, and Spain during the Maui real estate slow season. Every journey reminds us how special it is to return home to Haiku, Maui’s Northshore.
HAIKU, MAUI NORTHSHORE HOMES FOR SALE
When I’m not showing homes or working with clients, you’ll find me in the garden or jamming with my music buddies. I’m part of a local men’s group and recently joined a bluegrass jam that meets twice a month — great people, great fun, and another reason I love island living.
Now, about my Maui real estate career — I’ve been selling real estate on Maui for over 30 years. My early years began right here on the Northshore when I helped open the Paia office for Aina Maui Properties with Leslie Youkuchi. After eight great years there, I joined The Wailea Group, working on premier resort projects such as Wailea Beach Villas, Ho‘olei, and Papali Wailea. That experience gave me a deep understanding of both resort-style luxury and island-residential living.
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Today, I’m proud to work with Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, the #1 independent brokerage in the islands. Hawaii Life has offices statewide and a strong digital presence, reaching millions of buyers every year. This allows me to give my clients — especially those selling homes in Haiku, Upcountry properties, and Maui Northshore estates — maximum marketing exposure. From oceanfront condos in Wailea and Makena to land and homes for sale in Haiku and Kula, I represent buyers and sellers island-wide.
If you’re considering buying or selling your home on Maui, I’d love to help. Let my 30+ years of experience, local knowledge, and Hawaii Life’s unmatched marketing network work for you. Call or text me anytime — I look forward to helping you find your perfect piece of Maui.
Aloha, Steve
Steven Nickens RS-54097 GRI ABR
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers
Offices: The Shops at Wailea, Kihei Rainbow Mall, Makawao, and Kahana
Cell: 808-280-2208
Email: Contact
Website: nickensmaui.com
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