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.

Aloha!

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.

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!

How does a Thanksgiving look when it's completely removed from the Plymouth tradition? No frosty chill to the air and no bundling up in down jackets before going to see grandma…. Is it even possible to celebrate Thanksgiving in Big Island, Hawaii? Of course it is! With its spirit of gratefulness, fun, and friendship, the Hawaiian tradition of the Luau fits in perfectly with the modern day celebration of Thanksgiving.
For those of you who may not understand what a Luau is, it is a feast where friends and family can come together to celebrate, just like Thanksgiving.

Centuries ago, it was customary for Hawaiian men and women on the Big Island to eat their meals separately. It was King Kamehameha II who decided to break the tradition and allow the community to feast together. This is somewhat similar to one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in 1621, where the Wampanoag Indians and the colonists at Plymouth came together for a harvest celebration.

Although these two celebrations do share their similarities, a Big Island Hawaii home is truly unique and special, so its no question that a Luau Thanksgiving must have its own unique and special traditions. Instead of digging out the Cornucopia and silk autumn leaves again, try adorning your table with fresh colorful orchids or bright, festive silk lei garlands. Next, get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in Luau style with some sensational, flavorful recipes!

For appetizers, start off with a tropical fruit salad and pineapple salsa with tortilla chips and pretzels. Give that ordinary Thanksgiving turkey some zing by grilling up a pineapple-mustard glazed turkey with macadamia nut stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, and pineapple upside-down biscuits. End the evening on a sweet note with Pineapple cream cheese pie, pineapple sorbet, and chocolate coconut pie. With so many delectable Big Island delicacies, it's easy to have a Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i [Happy Thanksgiving] that your friends and family will love!

Thanksgiving is always a memorable time of year. Make it unforgettable by spending some time on Big Island real estate! If you're looking to start some new holiday traditions in a new place, there are many Big Island Hawaii homes for sale. As your Big Island Hawaii Real Estate Agent, I would love to show you around! Give me a call anytime.

 Imagine taking a nighttime stroll along the beaches of South Kohala after dinner every night. Picking up fresh fruit at the local farmer's market on the weekends. Enjoying the taste of some of the world's best coffee every morning before work. Watching the waterfalls splash into the clear blue waters near South Hilo when you need to get away from your day to day stress. Just think of your every day routine - then add a little paradise to each part of it. That is what living in Big Island Hawaii real estate is all about.

Whether you're looking to live in a small town or a big city, Big Island Hawaii has what you are looking for. With its primary schools and universities, owning a piece of Big Island Hawaii real estate will surely benefit the whole family. I can make relocating to Big Island Hawaii a pleasant experience for you. There are plenty of Big Island homes waiting for new homeowners. You just have to take that next step and come see them for yourself. If you have questions about any area in the Big Island or if you need a Big Island Hawaii Real Estate Agent to help you make this tropical paradise your hometown, just give me a call - I can help!

The best thing about living in Big Island Hawaii  during the holidays is that you can enjoy all of the fun traditional activities - in beautiful Big Island weather!  When some of you think Pumpkin Patches, you think about being wrapped up in jackets and scarves, trying to pick out a pumpkin with frozen hands. Not so in the Big Island.  Our festivals and events are surrounded by sunny weather and a warm and welcoming feeling that only the Big Island can provide. Here is one particular event that you can't miss this October in South Kohala Hawaii.

Hawaii's Prepatory Academy's Ohana Association is holding its 19th annual Pumpkin Patch Festival!

Where: Hawaii Prep's Upper Campus; The Corner of Kohala Mountain and Kawaihae roads in Waimea.
When: Sunday, October 24th, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free Entry and Free Parking
What: Peruse this huge pumpkin patch with more than 500 pumpkins, games, prizes, food booths, a silent auction and live entertainment.
Website: www.hpapumpkinpatch.com

Big Island Entertainment
The line up for the live entertainment is pretty impressive - performances by Hawaiians Unlimited, the Honokaa High School Jazz Band, Pacific Rhythm, the Beamer Solomon Halau and Ryan Hiraoka (Na Hoku Janohano Award Winner). As an added bonus, there will also be a surprise performance at noon.

Big Island Fun
Kids are bound to have a ball at this event. Games and activities include a climbing wall, party bouncers, horseback rides, a fishing booth, face painting, a dunking booth, train rides, a haunted house, and the Lele-kine Bungee Trampoline.

Big Island Eats
You have my permission to stuff your face at this fun-packed festival! All of the festival food staples you should expect will be there - hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, salad, nachos, cotton candy and popcorn. But it wouldn't be a Big Island Hawaii event without local favorites like lau lau, shoe chicken, musubi (pictured) and Braddah Pops. The Makani football team is hosting a chili cook offs. Don't worry. It's not the football players who will be making your chili - local chefs will be the participants. The public has the pleasure of tasting the chili and voting for their favorite.

How would you like to spend every winter no longer worried about the cold weather? How would you like to really get to know what it means to become part of Big Island Hawaiian culture? Relocating to Big Island Real Estate is not as unrealistic as you may think. The most important thing is to find a Big Island Real Estate agent that you can trust. If you'd like to learn more about  South Kohala Hawaii  or any of its surrounding areas, give me a call and I will introduce you to the ins and outs of living in Big Island Hawaii.

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability.  Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows.  Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates go up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life.  It’s important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial “comfort zone.”  To that end, it may be more important to lock in today’s relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today’s market.