Rooted in Aloha: The Story of Sullivan Properties
Family Owned & Operated since 1979.
A Journey Shaped by Courage and Determination
The roots of the business trace back to founder Robert B. Sullivan. Long before he ever walked the shores of West Maui, Robert lived a life defined by resilience. Growing up in Salem, Oregon, and attending the University of Oregon, he enlisted during World War II with an eye toward becoming a pilot. When colorblindness prevented him from flying for the U.S. Air Force, he didn't give up—he volunteered as a paratrooper, ultimately dropping into Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
After surviving fierce battles across Europe and finishing his degree in Oregon, Robert entered real estate at age 27, selling his very first home in Salem for just $6,500. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly grew, spanning real estate and ventures like an Avis Car Rental franchise in Hawaii. Following the infamous Columbus Day Storm of 1962, Robert and his wife, Paula, packed up their family and moved to the islands. Settling in historic Lahaina Town, Robert discovered the place where his family would truly put down roots.
Building West Maui From the Ground Up
In 1975, Robert was selected as one of only three brokers hired by the Kapalua Land Company to represent the landmark initial offerings of Kapalua Resort—including The Bay Villas, The Golf Villas, The Ridge Villas, and The Ironwoods. Helping introduce these signature luxury enclaves gave Robert an unmatched, ground-level understanding of West Maui’s micro-markets, architecture, and resort communities.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated, client-centered boutique brokerage, Robert founded Lahaina Towne Brokerage in 1979. A decade later, in 1988, he teamed up with his son, Patrick T. Sullivan, to officially establish Sullivan Properties Inc. Together, they expanded the firm beyond traditional brokerage into full-service vacation rentals, long-term property management, and island activity concierge services.
Three Generations of Local Knowledge
Today, Sullivan Properties remains family-owned and operated. Patrick Sullivan, also an alumnus of the University of Oregon with a degree in real estate and finance, serves as Principal Broker and owner, guiding the firm with the same integrity and steady hand his father established.
The family tradition continues to grow:
- Kelly J. Sullivan, Patrick's daughter, serves as a licensed real estate agent, carrying forward the multi-generational standard of client care and neighborhood expertise.
- Kevin P. Sullivan, Patrick's son, brings island hospitality to life on the water as a professional surfer, running a premier surf lesson school that introduces guests to Maui's waves.
From oceanfront condos along Kaʻanapali, Kahana, and Napili to luxury estates in Kapalua, the team brings firsthand perspective gained from living, working, and raising families right here on the coast. Whether helping a buyer find their dream island home, maximizing returns for property owners, or matching visitors with the ideal vacation condo, Sullivan Properties pairs high-level real estate acumen with the warmth of genuine 'ohana.
