Spotlight on Dave Futch – Top 3% Maui Realtor and Avid Maui Surfer for Three Decades

An avid surfer originally from Miami, Dave Futch has been a Maui resident for more than three decades. “My wife and I moved from Florida to Maui for our honeymoon — and we’ve been on it ever since!” he says of his island home. He’s been a licensed realtor based in the charming town of Haiku for 27 years, specializing in Upcountry and North Shore residential real estate sales. In that time, he’s closed 279 transactions and has achieved more than $188 million in sales.

He and his wife Andrea built their family home in Haiku and have lived on that same property ever since. “I was attracted to Haiku because of its country feel and its proximity to Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maui’s epicenter for surfing and windsurfing,” says Dave. “Most of the friends I’ve made have also been attracted to the Haiku (country) vibe. It seems that the best friendships are made with folks who share similar interests.

“I just love my home, living with my wife, and visiting with my daughter, who now lives in Santa Monica,” says Dave.

Dave’s Philosophy

Operating completely on his own and without the benefits of a support team, Dave has been one of the top 3% of all Maui real estate agents for the past two years. “Earning this huge honor as a solo agent is particularly important to me, knowing that the stats for many of my fellow recipients were derived from groups or teams,” says Dave.

Living his values is an important focus for Dave, who is highly attuned to his purpose in life and to supporting causes that he believes in by giving of his time and energy. He counts being chosen for the Hawaii Association of Realtors® Leadership Academy as one of his most significant career accomplishments. “What I learned there has changed my life,” he says.

Rather than working with a team of juniors, Dave instead devotes much of his time to mentoring other agents, sharing his wisdom and experience learned from many years working in the Maui market. He’s carefully chosen a small group of Hawaii Life agents who align with his values and philosophy, and advises them to, “Discover what someone’s interests are and help them find their way to happiness – this is what sparks joy for me.”

It’s not a profit motive at the heart of Dave’s career, which is, oddly enough, the reason he’s been so successful. For him, it’s mostly about the stoke of impacting people’s lives. “Making people happy is my inspiration in both my work and personal life,” says Dave, who says his favorite aspects of his job are:

1. “The opportunity to help people with very important decisions.”
2. “The freedom to get up early and surf.”
3. “The independence to go out to help as many people as I want.”

“Discover what someone’s interests are and help them find their way to happiness – this is what sparks joy for me,” says Dave

Dave’s Faves

After all these years, Dave still loves his life on Maui, appreciating the artistic and interesting people that gravitate to Maui for its natural beauty from all over the world. He says he draws energy and positive vibes from kitesurfing, windsurfing, books, art, and architecture. Here are a few of his favorite Maui inspirations:

Dave’s Favorite Book: Be Here Now, Be Now Here by Baba Ram Dass

“He was a neighbor of ours for decades and was a continuous contributor to my belief system. One line from the book is, “surfing is like a dance”. I apply this idea to my personal and business lives. His positivity was unmatched,” says Dave.

Dave’s Favorite Artist: Sabrina Futch

As a graduate from Haleakala Waldorf School, Sabrina learned to be artistic, as a graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), she learned to refine her skills. “Her comics and illustrations reflect her great values and make you smile,” says Dave.

Dave’s Favorite Band: The late Willie K

“Willie K makes me want to dance – especially when on the Sunset Sailing Cruise!” says Dave.

Dave’s Favorite Architecture: Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, designed by C.W. Dickey

Dickey was born in Haiku, Maui, and is credited with the “Dickey roof” with its extended eaves, a signature feature of Hawaii’s classic plantation-style home. His uncle was Samuel Alexander, co-founder of Alexander & Baldwin. “His architectural style reflects a timelessness and a subdued grandeur that will forever be a classic,” says Dave.

Dave’s FavoriteBeach: Baldwin Beach

“Baldwin Beach is stunningly beautiful and often looks like the screen saver on your computer. A peaceful sunset or morning stroll can make an everlasting impression,” says Dave.

Dave’s Favorite Outdoor Pursuit: Surfing

While he’s been known to kitesurf, play golf, and go snowboarding, Dave’s all-time favorite part of Maui life is surfing. “Nothing quite compares to the feeling you get when riding a wave. I am forever on a quest to revisit that “stoke”.”

Dave’s Favorite Human: Andrea Futch

It goes without saying that Dave holds tremendous admiration for his wife of 31 years, Andrea. “She is a beautiful person, inside and out. She is someone who embodies the best virtues,” says Dave. “Her selflessness and generosity, her sensibility, and her ability to recall the words to all of the songs…she never ceases to amaze me.” ❤️

Baldwin Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore, Hawaii