Talk Story with an Advertiser: Ma‘ata Tukuafu, RS

Whether she is listing a multimillion-dollar home or helping her clients search for a modest dwelling, Ma‘ata Tukuafu puts in the same amount of effort and commitment.

Before Covid, Ma‘ata was a property manager, and obtained her real estate license in January 2019. (Hawai‘i law requires that you have your license if you manage more than one home.) She began working earnestly as a Realtor in January 2020, realizing she could bring integrity, fairness, and kindness to the profession. While many businesses had to shut down in March 2020 (including property management), real estate sales were deemed essential. This gave Ma‘ata the time to hone her business skills and learn the system via online classes. She also attributes having a good broker as helping her with her successes.

When asked what helps her stand out from other Realtors, Ma‘ata mentions, “First, every vocation I’ve had has given me skills that enhance my business. I’ve worked for a large international tour company, at interior design, a law firm, bookkeeping, I’ve also run my own businesses; eBay sales for others, and a cleaning business hiring many workers. Second, I’m a people person. I grew up on O‘ahu and have been on this island since 1998. I know a lot about the culture, and I know a lot of people. I love connecting people and creating gatherings. I bring all these skills to what I do now.”

Throughout her many vocations, Ma‘ata has continued writing articles for various outlets, including Ke Ola Magazine. As a professional writer, she says her favorite type of real estate transaction is listing properties, because she loves creating the properties’ descriptions.

Ma‘ata also shares, “I like to learn new things, and create new businesses. One of my dreams is to create a ‘Skill School,’ a type of vocational school for adults. I see a lot of hands-on skills that are falling by the wayside—sewing, cooking, plumbing, and handyperson type things. I’d love to connect people who are in the trades, to hold classes for those who are eager to learn. Our island kids really could use a vocational/trade school, and I’d want to be part of setting it up.

“When I go to sleep at night, I like to know that I did the best I could throughout the day, and possibly touched at least one person in a heartfelt way. I’ve had families, older couples, buyers from out-of-state, and foreign sellers. Many turn into repeat business, but most of all, they become friends.”

Ma‘ata Tukuafu, RS
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Island Lifestyle
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr. Suite 308, Kohala Coast
808.895.7896
MaataSellsHawaii.com