Michael Scott brings an uncommon blend of calm diligence, market knowledge, and creative insight to his real estate practice in Hawaii. As a second-generation REALTOR®, Michael grew up immersed in the world of real estate sales and brokerage management, deliberately choosing to carve his own distinct professional path based on one guiding philosophy: competence and cooperation can produce the best results for clients.

Background & principals

Born on Oahu and raised on Maui, Michael grew up in Hawaii instilled with a deep respect for the many cultures that enrich the islands along with a lifelong appreciation for the interdependence that makes it thrive.

Licensed in Hawaii since 1999 and a proud member of the Sayles Team since 2010, Michael’s career includes not just sales but also decades of high-level real estate marketing where his detail-oriented mindset and thoughtful communication skills are highly valued. Clients regularly describe him as reliable, loyal, and an excellent problem solver; someone who calmly unpacks complex situations and offers clarity in moments when it's needed most.

Michael pursues quiet, consistent work, anchored by facts, guided by reason, and always in service of successful outcomes for his clients. “We only get paid for solutions,” is a phrase he often says - a principle handed down from his father and one which Michael lives by every day.

Service & specialties

Behind the scenes, Michael builds resources for his clients and team that reflect his analytical mindset. He publishes regular market snapshots and maintains specialty curated property lists of communities based on zoning, vacation rental use, and special features so his clients can be confident that the properties they view will align with their goals.

Michael is especially attuned to working with clients who are in creative professions. Whether they're artists, writers, musicians, or self-made entrepreneurs, he finds common ground with people who value disciplined practice and have the vision to see beneath the superficial to recognize actual substance and potential. 

Over the years, Michael has represented buyers and sellers across a wide range of properties, from oceanfront condos at Mana Kai, Luana Kai, and Menehune Shores, to investor favorites like Kihei Akahi, Grand Champions, and Palms at Wailea, to luxury offerings in Wailea Beach Villas, Papali Wailea, and beyond. 

Michael’s rich background growing up in the industry and working with architectural photographers offers his clients a distinct advantage. Throughout the years, he has set foot in more off-market properties than many agents get to see in their entire career, and this special access to rarely seen condos and homes has allowed Michael to gain unique first-hand expertise on great locations, layouts, and features particular to certain communities. He uses this wealth of knowledge to fully educate his clients about their property options and uncover the communities that are ideal matches. 

Client care

When it comes to representing clients, Michael excels in his role as an advisor and advocate with the ultimate goal of supporting sound judgment, not forced outcomes. In fact, there are many cases when he has advised his clients against buying an appealing property because something did not align correctly with their stated needs. 

During negotiations and throughout the buying or selling process, Michael remains dedicated to preserving his client’s best interests while seeking collaborative solutions that work for all parties in the transaction.

Personal pursuits

In his free time, you will often find Michael making his own carefully crafted pour-over coffee, folding origami, or furthering his study of Japanese culture. He is an enthusiastic dancer at Maui’s Obon festivals and is an unabashed fan who loves watching classic Star Trek, designing with Lego, and re-reading the insightful novels by Terry Prachett. As a hobbyist piano composer, Michael considers auditory inspiration to be a big part of his life, and you are likely to find him delighting at birdsong, marveling at new ideas from a science podcast, or playing Erik Satie's Gnossiennes in his search for deeper meaning.