Read Annette Mejia’s Blog for Big Island of Hawaii Real Estate News, Information and Community Events

I can't believe that I have yet to mention one of the best things about living on the Big Island of Hawaii - the incredibly delicious Kona Coffee! Whether you live on the Mainland or you live on the Big Island, you know that Kona Coffee is known the world over as a top-of-the-line cup of joe. So what is it that makes Kona Coffee so desirable?

Kona Coffee is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. To be designated as "Kona," the coffee must be grown on the western slopes of the volcanoes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the South and North of the Big Islands of Hawaii. Nature has mysteriously aligned itself in this area of Kona to create the best land for growing a coffee bean. With the trees grow in rich volcanic soil and under afternoon cloud cover, they have a unique advantage over coffees grown in other parts of the world. The unusual weather pattern - sun in the mornings and clouds in the afternoon - only seems to enhance the crop. There is one bean imparticular that is the very best you can get of the Kona coffee bean (essentially making it the best singular coffee bean in the world). It is called the Peaberry bean. It is formed when one side of the flower fuses with the other leaving only one bean in the coffee cherry. This gives the peaberry a more concentrated flavor and makes up only about 5% to 10% of the total Kona Coffee harvest.

The people of Kona, Hawaii take their coffee seriously. And why wouldn't they? Their coffee beans are one valuable commodity. The Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) has a mission to protect the Kona coffee heritage. If you are interested in learning more about this untouchable bean, I have found the perfect place for you to do it.

FEATURED EVENT: KCFA EXPO 2011

The event will be this Friday, January 28th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Although intended for small farms and farmers, anybody is invited to attend. Best of all, admission is free!

The EXPO will be packed with vendors who will have on-going exhibits throughout the day, showcasing their marketing, farm equipment, coffee roasters, organic efforts, and more.

There will also be speakers throughout the day - the Chairman of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Dr. Skip Bittenbener of UH-CTAHR, and a Talk Story by KCFA farmers - just to name a few.

Contact Mary Lou Moss at 329 - 4035 for more information, or go to the Kona Coffee Farmers website.

For more information, however, about Big Island real estate, I am the person you'll want to talk to. I am a Big Island of Hawaii Real Estate agent, fully dedicated to helping people find a home in Hawaii. If you take a look at my About Us page, you'll quickly find that I am very well traveled, but after all of the places I have been, I can't imagine calling any other place home. If you were to visit the Big Island Hawaii, you'd probably feel the same.

This upcoming weekend brings big things to Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii. Announcing…

The 2011 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai!

This 54 Hole, 1.8 million dollar competition is a PGA TOUR Champions Tour Tournament. I told you in a previous blog post about the popularity of golf courses on the Big Island of Hawaii. This big time tournament is just one example of what stunning island beauty can bring to a community.

This particular championship will be held at Hualalai Golf Course in Kaupulehu-Kona starting Friday, January 21st and ending Sunday, January 23rd. When the golf legend Jack Nicklaus designed the course 11 years ago, he was inspired by its original lava landscape and, of course, the great Pacific Ocean. The signature 17th hole takes the golfers to a green that actually touches the ocean.

This tournament is more than just a Golfer's paradise, it is a contributing factor to the communities of the Big Island of Hawaii. Since this tournament's inception in 1997, considerable advances have been made to our charities and our economy. Nearly $650,000 has been donated to various charities such as the Rotary Club of Kona, Kealakehe High School, and Big Island Junior Golf programs.

Because of this tournament…
Kona soccer fields and Kailua-Kona's public park facilities have been completely renovated.
The ESP Dance club for girls can keep dancing.
The Old Kona Airport has now been given a makeover.
The local Kona hospital can now better diagnose and detect kidney stones with new state-of-the-art equipment.
A deserving Kona high school student can get the scholarship support they need to go to college.

If you are thinking about moving to the Big Island of Hawaii, specifically a home in Kona, Hawaii, I highly suggest you tune in to the Championship on the Golf Channel. It will just give you a little taste of what you can expect from Big Island Hawaii Real Estate. The schedule will be as follows:

Friday 1/21: 6:30 - 9 pm ET
Saturday 1/22: 7:30 - 10 pm ET
Sunday 1/23: 7:30 - 10 pm ET

The beauty of our Island is definitely a valuable asset to our economy for it brings us people, events, tourism and attention. Whether you are a golfer or not, you cannot deny that this is a big benefit to moving to the Big Island. If you are seriously considering buying a home in Kona, and just watching it on TV is not good enough for you, you are always invited to make an in-person visit. For a last minute whilrwind trip, you can call ahead for tickets, or purchase them at the Gate. Even if you don't go to the tournament, I am happy to show you around North Kona, South Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala, and more. I am always here to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable with a home on the Big Island.

When we hear "film festival," we often think Sundance in Utah or Cannes in the South of France, but the Big Island of Hawaii has their very own film festival that makes the idea of a film festival truly Hawaiian. A labor of love from Executive Director Tania Howard, she felt that after participating in the MountainFilm Festival in Colorado that the Big Island deserved a film festival that focused on ocean-related films. Thus the Waimea Ocean Film Festival was born! It is being held this week from January 13th through 15th at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai located in Kona Hawaii off the Kona-Kohala coast.

The Waimea Ocean Film Festival features films, presentations and activities specific to Hawaiian culture such as sunrise activities (yoga on the beach, ocean swims, and outrigger canoes), breakfast talks, and related events to the Big Island of Hawaii. And one more thing, you get to enjoy the beauty of the Kohala Coast all the while. The festival planners have even gone so far as to allow time for participants to observe the whales (as you know from the last post, it's whale watching season in the Big Island!), watch the sunset, or enjoy the purple light of dawn of a Hawaiian sunrise.

This event could not be more perfect for somebody looking to buy a home in Hawaii. There are actually cultural teachers that will help participants better understand the Hawaiian culture, specifically their reverence for the land and the sea. To add to that, the west Hawaiian voyaging society, Na Kalai Wa'a Moku o Hawaii, will be hosting breakfast talks and evening activities like voyaging canoes, way-finding, and sharing cultural stories and traditions.

This is just one of many events held throughout the Big Island of Hawaii every year. The wonderful thing about Hawaiian culture is that we often take something and make it our own. Everything that we do, whether it be film festivals, holidays, or dining out, we do it with our own twist, making it truly Hawaiian. If you are thinking about relocating to the Big Island of Hawaii, don't be intimidated by a new culture, embrace it. If there is any one overlying quality of Hawaiian residents, it is that they are welcoming. So whenever you are ready to take that next step with buying a home in the Big Island, I will be waiting to welcome you.

Aloha!

On the mainland you may have deer hunting season, but here in the Big Island of Hawaii, we have something much better if you ask me…Whale Watching Season!

This mammoth of mammals, the Humpback Whale is one of the largest animals in the world. Just like you and me, it would much rather spend its winter in Hawaii so It makes the journey from Alaska to the Big Island, finds its mate, gives birth to its young, and then swims back to Alaska in April, babies in tow.

Here are some interesting facts about Humpback Whales so when you move to Hawaii, you are well acquainted with these beautiful creatures.

Giant, but Gentle
Humpback whales can weigh up to 45 tons, their lung capacity is the size of a Volkswagen bug, and their young grow at a rate of 100 pounds a day. With that said, these are incredibly gentle creatures. Simply watching them leap out of the water, you will notice that they are very graceful in their technique.

Fasting
While these whales are in Hawaiian waters, they actually do no eating whatsoever. Before their trip to Hawaii, they feasted on plankton, shrimp and other crustaceans, resulting in enough stored fat to keep them strong during their journey.

Whale Song
During the breeding season, humpback males sing out to the females the longest and most complex song known to the animal kingdom. This song, still a mystery to scientists, can be heard underwater from up to twelve miles away.

Hawaii Natives
Hawaiian's respectfully refer to whales as "Kohola." Some native Hawaiians see the kohola as a family guardian. If you think about it, their babies are actually born in Hawaiian waters so these whales are native to Hawaii, or "kamaaina."

Whether on a boat, or a hillside overlooking the ocean, you can actually observe the pure beauty and amazement of a humpback whale and her young, frolicking, spouting and leaping out of the water. I am here to tell you - this does not have to be some dream vacation trip. This can be your life.

Whale season is part of everyday Big Island Lifestyle. Hawaii has plenty of career opportunities, a great family environment, and some beautiful Hawaiian homes meant for year-round living. If you are interested in relocating to the Big Island, I can help you. I am a Big Island Real Estate agent that has been to a lot of places and I can't think of a better place to call home than Hawaii.

If you're considering moving to the big island of Hawaii and you are a golfer, you will be more than pleased with the results of Big Island Golf. Just picture lush green fairways set against a black volcanic rock back drop, setting the scene like only the Big Island of Hawaii can. After all, the Big Island is not called the "Golf Capital of Hawaii" for nothing. There are 16 publicly accessible golf courses in the Big Island alone. The following are the most celebrated and recognized areas...

Kohala Coast Resorts of Waikoloa
The Kohala Coast is what you could call a golf course paradise. With 8 fantastic courses lining the coast, you can take your pick of the litter. The two courses at the Waikoloa Beach Resort are absolutely beautiful with their hypnotic ocean views, and swaying coconut palms, but also challenging, designed by famed golfers, including former British Open champion Tom Weiskopf.

Mauna Lani
This course was just honored with the first-ever Green Golf Award for the resort's golf environmental stewardship program. Two championship golf courses reside here, both of which are considered a masterpiece of design. Each of them stand as a testament to the possibilities of environmentally-sensitive golf course architecture.

Mauna Kea
The Golf Course at Mauna Kea is one of the most scenic and favored golf courses in Hawaii's history. Beyond the course itself, Mauna Kea offers superior amenities like practice facilities with a driving range and putting green, along with group clinics and private lessons. And after a hard day on the course, you should have no problem spoiling yourself with a fantastic meal at the Number 3 Restaurant in the clubhouse.

If you're looking for more information about the different areas of the Big Island of Hawaii, please visit my website. I have webpages on Hawaii Maps, Big Island Climate and Weather, even Big Island Tax Information. I strive to be a leading resource on Big Island Hawaii real estate. If I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to call me or email me.

The holidays are a time for sweets, cakes, and cookies...and not feeling bad about indulging in all of them! When I have a sweet tooth, there is one place in particular that I have to go to. It's called Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies. These mouthwatering cookies are hand-made daily in Kona Hawaii and once you've tried one, you'll know exactly what I am talking about when I say that they are addictive.

These are a favorite of the locals and are slowly spreading their fame to visitors too. The beauty of Mrs. Barry's, just like a lot of businesses in the Big Island of Hawaii, is that it's a labor of love. Mrs. Barry's story starts 30 years earlier when she won multiple awards for the Best Cookies at the Hawaii Macadamia Nut Festival Cookie Contest.

With a strong following from her family and friends Mrs. Barry, opened up a little cookie shop in Kona Village. Slowly the selection of cookies expanded and her cookies became "discovered" by more and more people. Eventually they ran out of space and had to move to a bigger store near the Kona Airport, which worked out perfectly for visitors who'd heard of the famed cookies and could make one last stop before leaving the Big Island.

I wish I could describe into words how amazing these cookies are. But the best I can do is tell you that they use only the freshest ingredients, buy local, and buy daily. Food always tastes better when it's local - especially when it comes to coconut, Kona coffee, and macadamia nuts on the Big Island.

Almost every cookie has a little back story behind it. For example, the Peanut Butter cookie is the original cookie. A favorite of her brothers, she sent these to him during the Korean War. Then there's the Award Winning Macadamia Nut cookie - the one that started it all and won first prize at the Nut Festival all those years ago. There are so many choices and each one sounds more amazing than the next…coconut shortbread, coffee crunch, Hawaiian Wedding, Chocolate Chip Mac Nut.

Find out more about Mrs. Barry's cookies by going to her website. Not only can you watch a video with the story behind the famed cookies, but you can actually order them for yourself - even if you're on the Mainland. In fact, she ships them internationally.

As wonderful as this convenience is, I would have to say that a Mrs. Barry cookie tastes its very best when you are eating it on the Big Island of Hawaii, on a lanai that overlooks the ocean in your very own Big Island Hawaii home. Sound far-fetched? It's not. Relocating to the Big Island is a lot easier than you may think. Check out my Big Island Hawaii Real Estate website for more information or just give me a call if you have any questions.

Until then, I would like to with all of you a very Merry Christmas - one filled with Peace, Love and Indulgence!

If anybody on the Big Island of Hawaii was dreaming of a White Christmas this year, they got their wish a little early because it snowed this week in Mauna Kea Hawaii. The passing storm brought snow to both of the Big Island's summits - Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

The Mauna Kea summit access road actually had to briefly close as more than six inches of snow was expected to fall. But what do you think happened as soon as the road was reopened Saturday morning? SNOW DAY!!

Droves of residents and visitors headed to the summit to build snowmen, throw snowballs, and even scoop some of it up to take it home with them. Believe it or not, snow in Hawaii is not completely unheard of. Snow usually falls on both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits every year between October and March. But by no means is snow flying around the streets on a regular basis. The aforementioned snow bunnies had to go 13,000 feet above sea level to actually be able to play in the snow.

For those of you thinking about buying a home on the Big Island, you may be curious about what the weather is like here in the winter. The best way to explain it to you is that Hawaii does not have the four different seasons of the Mainland. Instead, we have two - Summer and Winter.  

Overall, the weather is pretty consistent all year round. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s for most of the year, but can dip to the 60s during the winter months. The winter season does bring dangerous wave conditions to the north shore of the islands. To the hardcore surfers, however, this is hardly a bad thing. Many consider it the best surf.  Hawaii's "wet" season also starts in November. This varies greatly from place to place, but overall, the rainfalls do not last long.

If you want to learn a little bit more about Big Island Hawaii weather, check out my Climate and Weather page. But if you want to see what it feels like to experience December in shorts for yourself, I highly recommend a visit. If you are thinking about buying a home in the Big Island, you are going to need a Big Island real estate agent who is experienced in relocating to Hawaii from the mainland. I'll be waiting in the sunshine for your call!

Mele Kalikimaka! I am sure that you have all heard that by now, made popular by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1950. The words "Mele Kalikimaka" are actually a phonetic translation. When the missionaries and other Westerners brought Christmas to the islands, the Hawaiians had difficulty pronouncing "Merry Christmas." Thus "Mele Kalikimaka" was born!

If you have just moved to the Big Island of Hawaii, then you are going to need a little bit more than "Mele Kalikimaka" to get you through the Holidays in Hawaii. So as your Big Island Real Estate Agent, I feel it is my duty to teach you about the ways of the Big Island at Christmasttime. Class is in session!

Big Island of Hawaii Holiday Vocabulary

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year.
The time of the New Year is actually the same time of the year that Hawaiians traditionally honored the earth for giving them food to eat. This four month period of resting and feasting was named Makahiki (mah-kah-HEE-kee).  It meant four months of no war and no conflict. It all came together when the westerners brought New Year to the Big Islands - "Hau'oli" (happy), Makahiki (year), and Hou (new).

Mahalo Nui Loa - Thank You Very Much. Since the holidays are all about giving, make sure you say thank you as much as possible to express your appreciation.

Ahiahi Kalikimaka - Christmas Eve 

La'au Kalikimaka - Christmas Tree

Hau'oli - Joy, Happy

Kanakaloka - Santa Claus

Kanake - Candy

Big Island of Hawaii Holiday Traditions

Luau Celebrations - an outdoor meal that consists of a kalua pig roasted in an "imu" (an underground oven), chicken noodle soup, Lomilomi salmon and poi.

Visit Menehune Santa - He drives a Christmas tree boat or a red canoe, he's dressed in shorts and a Hawaiian shirts, and his elves are said to paddle the boat to shore.

Bake traditional Hawiian Christmas Treats - Sweet potato cheesecake with "haupia" (coconut frosting).

Listen to Hawiian Christmas songs like Po La'I E and Silent Night, often sung by carolers, accompanied by ukuleles or guitars.  

The beautiful thing about Christmas in Hawaii is that the Big Island is a state that is made up of many ethnic and cultural groups. Christmas traditions are very diverse and are not as easy to pin point as they are on the main land. Pair that along with the fact that Hawaiians did not celebrate Christmas until 1820 when missionaries brought Christianity to the Big Island.

Moving to Hawaii is definitely about accepting a new culture, but one that is very accepting of cultures that you bring with you. If you are considering relocating to the Big Island, you will need somebody to guide you along the way. Whether you want somebody to tell you the inside secrets like the Christmas traditions, or you need somebody with Big Island Hawaii Real Estate market savvy, I can help you.

Mahalo Nui Loa! (if you were paying attention, you should know this one)

Have you been to the Palace Theater in Hilo Hawaii yet? If not, I highly recommend it - especially if you are thinking about moving to Big Island Hawaii Real Estate.  Many people might think - Does theater exist in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? But the Palace Theater is actually the source for a lot of talent. It is the perfect place to really experience Hawaiian culture through dance, music and theater.

Opened in 1925 during the heyday for American movie palaces, the Palace Theater was originally a part of a small family of theaters owned and operated by Adam C. Baker, a well known showman in Hawaii. Today it is a popular destination for the Big Island of Hawaii community. December is a great time to visit because the calendar is jam packed with fun and exciting events for the holidays. Here is the lineup of upcoming events.

HoliDAZED
When: Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Where: The Palace Theater
What: Holiday songs, mashed together, re-written, with added narration, and a little bit of Puna spice. This HoliDAZED concert honors the quagmire of emotions and experiences that come with the holidays. This concert offers holiday cheer in a fresh, hilarious package.

The Nutcracker
When: Friday, December 10, 2010 at  7:00 pm, Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Where: The Palace Theater of course!
What: Seventy dancers in total come together to perform the Nutcracker. Gorgeous costumes, elaborate sets, and a Christmas tree that grows right before your eyes!

A Night of Hawaiian Music with Ben Kaili & Friends
When: Friday, December 17, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Where: The Palace Theater
What: Watch local talent come together for one really good show. The lineup includes Victor Chock, JJ Ahuna and Dwight Tokomoto with Hula Halau Ke'olu Makani O Mauna Loa.

Tis the Season
When: Saturday, December 18, 2010
Where: The Palace Theater
What: An eclectic performance by the Kanilehua Chorale. They will perform everything from Bach to Jazz.

A big part of relocating to Hawaii is immersing yourself in the culture. The Palace Theater is a great place to start. If you are thinking about moving to the Big Island of Hawaii, I would love to be your resource for Big Island Hawaii Real Estate. With experience and passion for the Big Island of Hawaii, I am a pretty good tour guide.  Call me anytime!

Lava. It's definitely hot, but even more importantly it is a major reason why so many home owners are able to call the Big Island home. Volcanoes and lava flow are essential parts of Hawaiian topography and landscape. Since the entire island is made up of five volcanoes, it is safe to say that the Big Island would not be what it is today without lava. It may be surprising and even a little scary to imagine watching an active volcano, but believe it or not, volcanic activity on the Big Island is one of Hawaii's major tourist attractions.

Officials at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have plenty of regulations in place that allow everyone to safely enjoy two of the world's most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea (which has been erupting continually since 1983). So don't be afraid to get a closer glimpse of Hawaiian volcanoes - it is a truly magical experience, especially after sunset!  Imagine a deep, purple sunset contrasted by a bright orange river of lava pouring into the ocean, creating full billows of steam that dissipate into the evening sky…. Be sure to bring your camera!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park also conveniently provides you with things to do depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the volcanoes. Visitors have the option of exploring the desert lands and tropical rain forests near the summit of Kilauea, or blazing new trails on the wilderness hikes. You may even catch sight of a few native Hawaiian butterflies or a nene (Hawaiian goose) on your hike!

Since volcanic activity is difficult to predict, it is best to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park's website before planning your sizzling adventure.

These volcanoes not only constantly provide more land for the growing island, but they also give people another chance to see what truly unique beauty the Big Island has to offer. If you are looking for a "hot spot" on the Big Island to call your own, be sure to contact your Big Island Hawaii Real Estate Agent. I would be more than happy to show you the Big Island Hawaii homes for sale!