Company News - Kohala Coast properties

Turn your vacation into an investment

August 14, 2019/0 Comments/in Company News, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

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If you love visiting Hawaii, then chances are you have dreamt about how you could live here, or at least spend more time than just the occasional vacation. But how can you do it without breaking the bank?

In our 30+ years of real estate on the Big Island of Hawaii, we have worked with many folks who have bought a property here and mitigated a large portion of the cost by using it as a vacation rental when they are not using it themselves. Plus, in many cases, they gain equity in the property the longer they own it, and make a profit when they sell.

Imagine having your own place in Hawaii, where you can escape to any time you please (no more long, cold winters!). You can purchase a vehicle to drive while you’re here, saving on expensive rental car costs. And you can leave clothes, toiletries and other necessities at your property, so all you have to do is hop on a plane and come!

Here are some other benefits and things to consider about owning a Hawaii vacation rental:

Many properties are sold turn-key, with furniture, dishes and linens included. All you have to do is walk in and relax.
Each of the resort properties offer a unique set of amenities, such as discounted golf, pools, spas, tennis courts, BBQ areas, and gathering spaces.
As an owner, you are in complete control of when you or family and friends use the property.
When you are not using your property, you can close it up or use a property manager to oversee it as a vacation rental.
There are potential tax benefits to owning, improving and visiting the property (discuss these with your tax advisor).

An experienced guide to Hawaii real estate and property management

There are many resort properties along the sunny Kohala Coast, with both condominiums and single-family homes, each with a distinctive character, amenities and costs. We have many years of Big Island real estate experience and a deep knowledge of each property, and can guide you through the process of finding the best place and investment specifically you.

Our team can also provide comprehensive property management services, from marketing and booking to maintenance and bookkeeping. Whether you’re looking for a rental for your next vacation, or a home or investment property for the next step in your life, we’d love to help. Just get in touch.

Escape the winter – plan your Hawaii vacation!

Speaking of escaping winter weather, now is the best time to book for the best rates and dates for winter 2019 vacations. When you’re looking at vacation rental options, consider the Villages at Mauna Lani.

Big Island vacation rentals: Villages at Mauna Lani

With three bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath, this spacious, two-story, resort townhome offers the epitome of privacy and luxury. Located in a quiet, gated community within the lush Mauna Lani resort, this bright and airy Hawaiian hideaway boasts multiple lanais and fully retractable sliding glass doors, so you can make the most of Hawaii’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

Pools and private beach club

Guest amenities include access to the freeform pool and exercise room within the Villages complex, as well as access to the private Mauna Lani Beach Club. You will also be within walking distance to resort hotels, shops and restaurants (although you may prefer preparing your own meals in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen!).

Book now for the best dates and rates in winter 2019

Escape the upcoming winter – book now for the best dates and rates for winter 2019! And remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Bicycle image courtesy of Bikeworks Hawaii.

Soak in the culture – and the sunshine – of Hawaii

February 7, 2019/0 Comments/in Company News/by Kohala Coast Properties

One of the things that makes the Big Island of Hawaii so special is how the beautiful Hawaiian language and culture is interwoven into daily life … from the Hawaiian words and phrases, to the Hawaiian slack key guitar and ukulele music, to the keiki (children) and kupuna (elders) dancing the hula.

Opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s rich history and culture

There are many opportunities to learn more about Hawaii’s rich history and culture. Start with a visit to Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, here on the Kohala Coast, where you can walk in the footsteps of King Kamehameha the Great, and watch for sharks gliding above the submerged ruins of a temple. The historic site, which shares the history of the beginning stages of the Hawaiian Kingdom, features an interesting self-guided loop hike, ranger talks and tours, movie showings, exhibits and displays, and craft demonstrations and activities. Entrance is free.

Explore an ancient Hawaiian fishing village

A short drive up the coastline is Lapakahi State Historical Park, a large area of ruins from an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Here, you can learn about traditional Hawaiian culture through the partially restored remains of this ancient Hawaiian coastal settlement. Admission is free.

Escape to the City of Refuge

We also recommend a visit to Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (also called the “City of Refuge”), south of Kona. Long ago, Hawaiian people caught on the losing side in war or breaking kapu (sacred law) could escape the death sentence if they could physically get to the pu’uhonua and receive absolution from the kahuna pule (priest). The park offers ranger orientations, self-guided tours, hiking, and cultural demonstrations. There is an entrance fee to the park.

Try your hand at lei-making, or your hips at hula

Many of the hotels and shopping centers on the Kohala Coast also offer local entertainment as well as cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities such as lei-making, and beginning hula and ukulele. Check out the Queen’s Marketplace in Waikoloa Beach Resort and the Shops at Mauna Lani.

Visit the Big Island

We invite you to come soak in the culture – and the sunshine – of Hawaii. There are often good airfares to Kona – set up a fare tracker on Google Flights to find the best deals. Then, let us help you find your perfect vacation rental, whether you’re looking for a cozy studio for two or a luxurious villa for a big group.

Newly constructed Hawaiian retreat

When looking for a Hawaii vacation rental, consider Kulalani at Mauna Lani. This Hawaiian retreat is located in the newly constructed, beautifully landscaped Kulalani resort, which features a lagoon style pool, a lap pool, two hot tubs, and a climate-controlled fitness center. The private beach club, which offers chairs, umbrellas, bar and restaurant, is a short stroll away, as are shopping, dining and groceries.

Spacious, professionally decorated Hawaii vacation rental

The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, townhouse-style home offers 1,600 square feet of living space. Highlights include the very private lanai and barbecue on the ground level and an upper-level lanai overlooking the vast pool area. The attached garage is stocked with everything you need for your trip to the beach or pool.

Save on your Big Island accommodations

Remember, you can save 10% on your vacation rental when you book directly with us and mention “Aloha Escape” in your reservation. Hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of the Bjorn, Ariana Vincent, Daveynin and Sodai Gomi.

Celebrating Cherry Blossoms and Chinese New Year on Hawaii’s Big Island

January 25, 2019/0 Comments/in Company News/by Kohala Coast Properties

While this is the coldest, darkest time of year for a lot of folks on the mainland, it’s our favorite time of year here on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. The sun is rising at 7 a.m. and setting into the sea a little after 6 each evening. The mornings and evenings are just cool enough for a light jacket, and the mid-day temperature is in the low 80s – very comfortable for shorts, t-shirts and slippahs, but not blisteringly hot. The skies are clear and blue and sunny. It is a good, good life.

Blossoming with unique, local festivals

This is also a very fun time of year. While most of the time, life is very laid back here on the Big Island, the first weekend of February bursts into action with several unique local festivals.

Up first – Asian Fest, celebrating Chinese New Year

Next weekend kicks off with Asian Fest on February 1 at Waikoloa Beach Resort, where we’ll celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Pig. There are free food samples from local restaurants, a line-up of live music and dance entertainment, and we especially love the Chinese Lion Dancers and the beat of the Taiko drums.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

On February 2, we’ll head up to the green, rolling hills of Waimea for the Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, which celebrates the blooming of the town’s historic cherry trees with free, multi-cultural performing arts, hands-on demonstrations, and over 150 crafters and food booths.

Waikoloa Wiliwili Festival

The following weekend, on February 9, is the annual Waikoloa Wiliwili Festival, which celebrates and educates festival-goers on the beautiful wiliwili tree and the importance of protecting the native Hawaiian dry forest ecosystem. The festival features vendor booths, food, live music, games, a native plant sale, free lectures and workshops, and guided tours of the Waikoloa Dry Forest Preserve.

Come and visit Hawaii

Whether you want to explore the festivals or just put your feet in the sand, we’d love to have you come visit. There continue to be good airfares to Kona – set up a fare tracker on Google Flights to find the best deals. Then, visit our website to find your perfect vacation rental, whether you’re looking for a cozy studio for two or a luxurious villa for a big group.

Brand-new home in Waikoloa Beach Resort

You can be among the first to enjoy our brand-new, single-family home in the beautiful new community of Ainamalu in Waikoloa Beach Resort, with convenient access to shops and restaurants, as well as the island’s best golf and beaches.

Luxurious, laid-back island living

This three-bedroom, two-bath home is the definition of laid-back island living. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mauna Kea, a large, private lanai with gas grill and outdoor dining space, and even a tropical outdoor shower off the master suite.

Special introductory rates on vacation rental home

Right now, you can take advantage of special introductory rates, available for a limited time! And remember, you can save 10% on your vacation rental when you book directly with us and mention “Aloha Escape” in your reservation. Hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival.

Clear skies and quiet volcano here in Hawaii

January 11, 2019/0 Comments/in Company News/by Kohala Coast Properties

Here on the sunny Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, we are enjoying some of the clearest skies we have had in decades! For the past 35 years, Kilauea Volcano, which is located on the opposite side of the island, has been erupting nearly continuously, causing hazy skies we call “vog.”

Kilauea Volcano update

Last summer was the volcano’s largest eruption in at least two centuries (as you likely saw on the news!). Since August, Pele (the Hawaiian goddess of fire) has been quiet – and scientists are saying the lull in lava activity could continue for some time.

Volcano National Park open

In the meantime, we are loving the clean, fresh island breeze and the perfectly clear blue skies that the Kohala Coast is famous for. We’ve also been enjoying the trails and amazing geological features of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which was closed during the eruption but reopened last fall. (Note that the park is accessible to the public despite the government shutdown, although all park events are canceled and some areas and facilities are closed.)

Lava recovery effort

We continue to remember the many families affected by the last year’s lava flow. More than 700 homes were destroyed and thousands of people were displaced, and recovery efforts are ongoing. If you’d like to learn how you can help, check out the efforts of the Big Island Giving Tree.

Come enjoy the sunshine

If your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time relaxing, we invite you to come enjoy the sunshine, warmth and clear skies of the Kohala Coast. There continue to be good airfares to Kona – set up a fare tracker on Google Flights to find the best deals. Then, visit our website to find your perfect vacation rental, whether you’re looking for a cozy studio for two or a luxurious villa for a big group.

Imagine morning coffee on the lanai

For example, imagine starting your day with morning coffee on the lanai, overlooking the well-manicured grounds of Waikoloa Beach Villas, a quiet, gated community in the beautiful Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Stroll to the beach

Then, take a short a stroll to the white sand and calm water of Anaeho’omalu Bay, perhaps browsing the unique shops or getting a bite to eat along the way. Spend the afternoon enjoying the property’s resort-style swimming pool, fitness center and BBQ area.

Prepare your evening meal in the fully equipped kitchen, relax in the walk-in shower or deep soaking tub, and fall asleep to the sound of the gentle island breeze outside your window.

Save on your Hawaii accommodations

This experience is waiting for you, and you can save 10% on your vacation rental when you book directly with us and mention “Aloha Escape” in your reservation. Hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of Upsilon Andromedae, Matthew Dillon, and Matt McGee.