Hawaii Real Estate value outlook & trends 2013

Aloha to all of our Hawaii lovers,
Mahalo for coming back to another blog visit at 'Best Hawaii Vacation' blog. A lot of you who consider buying Hawaii real estate as an investment or vacation rental or as a retirement place for later in your life, will find interesting updates regards current real estate trends in Hawaii. Realtors might find the article of value as well. We are grateful that our friend Bill Jardine from the Big Island is back sharing his profound real estate knowledge of the Aloha State with all of us. Just as the island life has changed tremendously over the past years, so has real estate as proven in Bill's old articles. What to expect of the real estate market in 2013? This is what Bill thinks.

"As most of you know there are two sides to residential real estate. The Waimea news letter, written and posted each month, talks about the "experience" side of real estate … what it is like to live here on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, which is what your residential real estate is for, after all. The other side of real estate is the "money" side, and we are all very interested in both sides of our realty. Everyone I know wants to know what is happening with real estate values, and if you own real estate you know that the value of your property is extremely important to you!

Summary of activity:

We are seeing distressed properties getting purchased at a rapid rate, as you might expect. We still have clients sitting on the side lines, waiting for the best time to buy, and those that are have now missed the bottom of the market and will now be faced with competition for good properties, although prices are still relatively low compared to replacement cost.

We have seen brisk business in both middle class housing as well as resort condos, and inventory is drying up. The combination of super cheap mortgages and houses priced below replacement cost has created a demand for decent houses as well as some speculation for resort condominiums that can be used as vacation rentals.

Although the very high-end properties are not as attractive as properties below $2,000,000, we have also seen a substantial uptick in properties being purchased in the multi-million dollar range. Kukio, Hualalai, Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea Resorts have all seen an influx of new buyers for luxury homes that are priced well below replacement cost.

There are quite a few property buyers who now believe that their equity is better off in real estate than in other forms of investment. This is not necessarily true, since well-managed stock portfolios are showing good gains as the general economy begins to stabilize and some of the international panic is beginning to subside. Nonetheless, we have seen examples of individuals cashing in their stocks and buy real estate as an inflation hedge and useable asset. Our advice remains having some of each and not over loading one portion of you asset portfolio.

Outlook for 2013:

What you can expect to see over the coming year is a rapid increase in real estate purchases that will seem surprising to those who have become used to the slow conditions of the past few years. Properties which look unreasonably priced today will be looking quite reasonable by the Fall, since we have so few places to choose from at any given time.

Example:

A friend would like $2,000,000 for his very nice house. Right now there are three other houses in his neighborhood which are a better deal, so he will need to wait until those sell before his property looks reasonable. My guess is that he won’t need to wait too many months before he is the price leader in his category.

Our point of view:

Our clients are all buyers and are quite intelligent and knowledgeable about real estate. They do not want to deal directly with the agency that represents the Sellers, since their interests are the opposite of the Seller’s interests. They want to use an agent without a conflict of interest who can negotiate the lowest price. This is now the trend in the US, and our agency is the first Exclusive Buyers Agency in Hawaii negotiating the lowest price possible, while the other agencies are obligated by law to get as much as they can for their sellers.

You make your money when you BUY your property!"

Great mantra Bill to finish your article. Anybody who'd like to comment on it, is most welcome. Mahalo and aloha, Pua KohalaCoastWeb

5 reasons to book this Hawaii Summer SPECIAL 2013

Welcome back to Best Hawaii Vacation blog,
Aren't we all looking for Specials, even more so when it relates to a unique Hawaii vacation?  Vacation in Hawaii like Donald Trump but at a rental rate everybody can afford. Wouldn't that be wonderful! This summer special offer can make your dream come true. Here are 5 reasons why we think booking this SPECIAL guarantees you your best Hawaii vacation:

1. The price is right at $375/nt. (dbl.) - $50/nt. extra guest

When you look at the photos of this luxury 3Bd/5.5Ba ocean view Kohala Ranch vacation villa at 24/7 gated Kohala Ranch on the sunny South Kohala coast and read about all the many wonderful amenities, which come with it, you have to admit that the regular price of $605/nt. seems to be just right. At $347/nt. Summer Special for two, you will get the magnificent discount of 38%. This is a limited time offer for June - September 2013.

2. Exclusive amenities Donald Trump would like

OK the 'Donald' would probably have his own private butler and cook at his Hawaii vacation villa but believe me apart from those guys, this private Hawaii home away from home excels in everything else with its outstanding features and amenities. Let's name a few:

- private solar heated swimming pool
- expansive unobstructed ocean views
- totally secluded and private with 24 hr gated security on the first 5 acres in Kohala Ranch
- 4200 sqf of living room
- home security system
- wheel chair accessible
- and so many more!

3. Privacy of this Kohala Coast villa is top amenity

Gated 5,000 acre Kohala Ranch where the vacation villa is located is one of the premier locations for Hawaii visitors on the Big Island who prefer to be away from the crowds of the 5-star hotels and love to indulge in top privacy. Privacy and seclusion are guaranteed with no next door houses or neighbors around!

4. Short 10 minute drive to best beaches

Not only the best beaches and championship golf courses are close-by  and in easy reach, there is also no limit to the adventurous visitors to explore, always provided they would like to leave their private piece of island paradise. Ocean activities may start at Kawaihae Harbor, visit famous Pololu or Waipio Valley or watch the stars on Mauna Kea Summit.

5. Enjoy Hawaii honeymoon, family reunion with mom & dad or friends in luxury

The Hawaii villa comfortably accommodates 8 people. No question that your sweetheart will be carried away when you take her for your Hawaii honeymoon to this exclusive place she had not dreamed of in her biggest dreams. Or a wonderful thank you vacation to mom and dad or friends for always having been there for you. A Hawaii vacation to remember for a lifetime!

What do you think? Email us or leave a comment. Mahalo, Pua Kohala Coast Web

PBS Hawaii presents Live Broadcast February 21

PBS HAWAII PRESENTS NA MELE: PURE CAZ

Once again 'Best Hawaii Vacation' blog is happy to share one of the latest Press Releases by PBS Hawaii.

"The Brothers Cazimero share their lifetime of music, along with very personal thoughts about Hawaiian music and culture in the PBS Hawaii broadcast premiere of Na Mele: Pure Caz Thursday, February 21 at 8:00 pm HST. The program will also be available online via live streaming on PBSHawaii.org

Photo Credit: Bryan Bosworth, PBS Hawaii

The live pledge broadcast supports the public television station's NEW HOME Campaign, a $30 million capital fund to build a new broadcast facility at Sand Island Access Road off Nimitz Highway.

Co-hosted by PBS Hawaii President and CEO Leslie Wilcox and Honolulu radio personality Billy V of KINE/KCCN, the two-hour program features the pure natural sounds of Robert and Roland Cazimero − a definitive collection of music that's marked their legendary career. Na Mele: Pure Caz also includes candid interviews with Robert and Roland describing their childhood, parental influence on their career and their roles in making Hawaiian music a living legacy for future generations.

During the live portions of the broadcast, the Cazimeros will be joined by entertainers and special guests whose own careers have been influenced by the brothers. They include: Amy Hanaialii Gilliom, Leinaala Heine, Haumea Ho, Harry Soria, Mihana Souza and John Cruz among others, along with Leah Bernstein and Jon de Mello of Mountain Apple Records

Na Mele: Pure Caz is the second pledge program the station is airing in support of the NEW HOME Campaign. With $19 million raised to date, PBS Hawaii must secure $11 million more to reach its capital campaign goal

Hawaii’s only public television station, PBS Hawaii, advances learning and discovery through storytelling that profoundly touches people's lives. We bring the world to Hawaii and Hawaii to the world

Enjoy Hawaiian music with Brothers Cazimero brought to you by PBS Hawaii. Aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Web

Where to buy fresh tropical fruits in Hawaii?

Those of our 'Best Hawaii Vacation' visitors who come back to Hawaii for many years, have learned to appreciate the unique taste of fresh fruits from the Aloha Islands.

Just as each island is different in its layout of coastal and mountain areas, climate and beaches, the growing of tropical fruits varies from island to island. On our visits to Maui, we were very surprised when we heard from farmers at a Kihei Farmer's Market that Maui does not grow 'white pineapples' which are our favorite on the Big Island. Quite a number of people had never heard of those. BTW if you can get your hands on them, don't hesitate to buy. They have low acidic content and melt on your tongue. White pineapples are sweet like honey.

Best way to find fresh and most unique tropical fruits on your Hawaii vacation is to ask your rental host or hotel concierge for weekly Farmer's Markets in the area where you vacation or local fruit stands by private growers. Those fruits are freshly picked, juicy and the prices are right. It's also very common that vacation rental owners whose property is surrounded by tropical fruit trees allow their visitors to pick fresh fruits for daily use. Can't get better than that!

Big Island visitors on the Kohala Coast have many options to buy fresh fruits. The tropical fruit stand in Kawaihae by Hilo growers - in the parking lot next to "Blue Dragon" Kawaihae restaurant - is the closest to most rental homes in the area. It is open almost daily with fresh fruits, veggies and wonderful tropical orchids to buy. Our favorites there are the strawberry papayas and apple bananas which are a wonderful addition to your breakfast when vacationing on the Kohala Coast.

On your excursions around the Big Island, you may also check the Farmer's Markets in Waimea (see photo below), Hawi or Honokaa. When on the search for rare tropical fruits like Rambutan and Lychee, plan a visit to famous and popular Hilo Farmer's Market. In addition to buying the freshest yet cheapest fruit, it's also the perfect place to buy a Hawaiian gift to take home from the islands.

What is your favorite tropical fruit in Hawaii? Where do you buy it? We love to hear from you. Mahalo, Pua Kohala Coast Web

Hawaii Keikis sing popular song

After our recent post with a photo of  hula dancing keikis at the Queen's Shops on the Kohala Coast, we came across this wonderful video by HawaiiKidsMusic.com

Watch the keikis on one of our beautiful Hawaii white sand beaches. The kids hula dance keiki kind and sing the popular song 'Pearly Shells'. We enjoyed it a lot and are sure you will so too.

Aloha, from the Kohala Coast

Who dunit on the Kohala Coast?

Hawaii vacationers  did it. 

What did they do? 

They had the best vacation of their lives!

To find out how you can do it too.

Visit Kohala Coast Web!

We will help you solve the mystery. Aloha from Pua and Keoki

Bill's surf adventure with the big Kahuna wave in Hawaii

Aloha to all of our Hawaii surf enthusiasts,
Ever wondered how it is surfing the big winter waves in Hawaii? Keep reading Bill's surf adventure from many years ago. Having had our own encounters with the famous winter surf and knowing the power of those waves, Bill's story kept us on the edge of our seat

"December … this morning the air was cold and clear, and a search-light moon gave ground to a golden dawn rising over Mauna Kea. Those who wake early will know what I mean when I say the sky seemed almost polished, with the stars sharp and bright. It was a winter sky this morning, as December’s bright face came smiling into town.

Waimea is blessed with both high country vistas and easy access to long, creamy beaches along the Kohala coast. In winter we see the spectacle of teenagers in slippers and board shorts bundled up in thick hoodies with boogie boards under their arms, standing by the roadside waiting for rides down the hill. Winter surf is always the best surf!



Many years ago, my brother-in-law, Jim, who was a fine body surfer of some acclaim, was crowing about his custom-made paipo board. It didn’t look that great to me, and I thought that I could make an even better one. Paipo boards were made of plywood and were much, much faster than the soft boogie boards popular today. Of course they were dangerous too, but we didn’t worry as much about danger then as folks do now. Jim’s board was yellow. Mine would be red.

That was late summer, and there was no surf to speak of when I set out to build the fastest board Waimea had ever seen. It took a couple of months to laminate the material and slowly shape her sleek lines, building dynamic edges into the trailing corners, where the board would cut into the face of the wave. When it was done everyone wanted to take a picture. It was gorgeous and deadly at the same time. After all, it is much better to get conked on the head by loose foam boogie board than a 20-pound plywood missile!

We waited weeks for the first big surf of the season to finally arrive off the point at Waialea. When it came, it came big, and the whole bay was completely closed out! We sat on the beach for at least an hour before we could plot a way out through the steaming lines of surf stacked up all the way to the outside break.

I had great respect for Jim’s ability in the water, so I had taken care to give myself every advantage I could think of, including taking the time to carefully apply several coats of car wax to the bottom of my beautiful red board. The way it slipped though the water was something to behold as we made our way through the crushing walls of white water thundering through the bay. Soon the roar of the break drowned any thought of our calling to each other, and we dived deep enough to hurt our ears in order to make way under the giant breakers. My board was perfect in every way, steady and confident under water, but my heart was hammering out of my chest!

The outside break seemed impossibly big to me, although I knew that was just an illusion. Once our boards began down the steep faces we would fly like birds at impossible speed, masters of the thunder, and the waves would seem much smaller. Before long Jim took off on a magnificent wave and disappeared as the smooth back of the wave collapsed and tore across the bay. I waited and waited until I finally saw him seemingly a half mile inshore, waving triumphantly on his yellow board. He had made a fabulous ride!

Scared half to death I hesitated for several more waves until a true monster smoothed out and towered above me. I was in a perfect spot, well back in the pocket as I stroked hard down the face of the steepening giant, and my beautiful red board seemed to tremble with excitement, leaping forward, almost in free fall. The top of the wave pitched far out over the face, darkening the sky as the carefully shaped trailing corner of my paipo board knifed into the vertical face of the wave, groaning with the strain, and shot me forward so fast I didn’t think I could hang on. In a split second I was nearly airborne, streaking across the great green wall, when the hissing water plucked my fins and shorts right off my body!

I had no time to worry about how things looked, because a great, growing welt was forming across the face of the wave as the backwash surged out to sea, creating a ridge, cresting right in front of me, and there was nowhere to turn! In the blink of a terrified eye I was hurled high into the air, sailing far above the seething crush of bone-grinding white water below, watching my impossibly fast, red paipo board climbing ever higher in the gale of spray until the last glimpse of red winked away behind the giant avalanche that sucked me down, crushing me into a deep channel between the coral heads choked with swirling sand and darkness.

I never saw my board, my shorts or my fins again. Fortunately we had left towels in the branches of the keawe trees to cover my battered, scrapped and bruised body when I finally dragged myself to shore for the long wait until my brother-in-law with his inferior, yellow board finally swam to shore. I had time to think about my accomplishment, and there was no doubt in my mind. For a few glorious seconds I had ridden the fastest paipo board Waimea had ever seen. Who is to say what that beautiful red board could have done with a better rider?

May December bring you many blessings, fine health and much love! Malama pono, Bill Jardine Big Island Buyer Brokers

We and our visitors would love to hear from your Hawaii surf adventures. Mahalo, Pua and Keoki Kohala Coast Vacation