Dear Kohala Coast visitors, Sorry for not continuing our posts on Kohala Coast Real Estate or the Hawaii Big Island Housing Bubble, which we had started recently. For those who are looking into moving to Hawaii and buying a Big Island home or a lot at an affordable price (Hawaii market considered!), we promise we will be back with more information on trends of Kohala Coast real estate market at the beginning of the New Year.
First things first! Now, it’s time to get ready to celebrate the beginning of a new year. The year 2007! Time flies when you are having fun. We wish everybody a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, which will hopefully include a visit to our wonderful island.
For everybody who was lucky and enjoys their well-deserved Hawaii vacation on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island at the moment, here is the great news about fireworks at Kohala Coast Hotels and Resorts for starting the New Year with a magnificent show:
Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Beach Resort Four Seasons Hualalai Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Dear Kohala Coast visitors, Sorry for not continuing our posts on Kohala Coast Real Estate or the Hawaii Big Island Housing Bubble, which we had started recently. For those who are looking into moving to Hawaii and buying a Big Island home or a lot at an affordable price (Hawaii market considered!), we promise we will be back with more information on trends of Kohala Coast real estate market at the beginning of the New Year.
First things first! Now, it’s time to get ready to celebrate the beginning of a new year. The year 2007! Time flies when you are having fun. We wish everybody a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, which will hopefully include a visit to our wonderful island.
For everybody who was lucky and enjoys their well-deserved Hawaii vacation on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island at the moment, here is the great news about fireworks at Kohala Coast Hotels and Resorts for starting the New Year with a magnificent show:
Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Beach Resort Four Seasons Hualalai Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Big Island Housing Bubble Let’s pick up where we stopped with our last post on the building or ‘overbuilding’ boom on the Kohala Coastand on Hawaii Big Island. Real Estate market in Hawaii and on the Mainland has been, and still is, an ever-discussed topic all through the year 2006. The so long predicted bursting of the housing bubble seemed to have finally happened or was it just stabilizing of the market or correction of overpricing, as some real estate analysts pointed out? In January 2006 the available inventory island-wide began to increase as house sale prices declined. Interest rates remained stable, which was encouraging to buyers. The housing market showed a totally different picture this year than it showed in 2005. What will the new year 2007 bring for the Big Island real estate market? The Hawaii Housing Bubble blog with Oahu and Mainland house sale stats offers some interesting insight into real estate ‘bubble’ facts in Hawaii and on the Mainland. If you are interested in buying a house in Hawaii, this information might be worthwhile reading. The more you read, the more you know. The decision-making is still up to you, just like in the stock market. Not all the predictions by the top analysts are the right ones. Some basic trends help though for making your own house buying or selling conclusions.
Here are a few stats backing the current real estate market on the Big Island:
The Kona Coast has 429 listings with a median asking price of $729,000, with 28 sales last month and a median price of $620,000.
Puna on Big Island’s East Coast currently has 611 active listings. Vacant lot sales and prices in East Hawaii have plunged steadily since November of 2005, according to information compiled from the Hawaii Information Service. Vacant land was a hot commodity last year as investors bought lots in hopes of flipping them for a good profit. But the slowing market made speculators move on, at least for the moment.
With an average Hilo home going for $350,000, buyers last month were paying $17,000 less than they were in November of 2005, with a 20 percent drop in sales volume. Hilo had 34 sales in November 2005 and 27 sales in November 2006.
Last but not least, high end homes over 1 million dollars on the Kohala Coast, such as Kohala Ranch, Kohala by the Sea and Kohala Estates are still at high demand. However, asking and selling prices for the medium range are falling in the Waimea/Kamuela area on the Kohala Coast, especially so in that odd area between worker housing and upper middle class properties $500K to $900K.
All the above stats are once again proving that it’s a buyer’s market, as we ended our most recent post. Some buyers are waiting for the market to swing even further their way in what experts have called a "market correction" after years of brisk sales and high prices, but remember ‘there is no place like Hawaii’ and properties on these islands are not unlimited!
Big Island Housing Bubble Let’s pick up where we stopped with our last post on the building or ‘overbuilding’ boom on the Kohala Coastand on Hawaii Big Island. Real Estate market in Hawaii and on the Mainland has been, and still is, an ever-discussed topic all through the year 2006. The so long predicted bursting of the housing bubble seemed to have finally happened or was it just stabilizing of the market or correction of overpricing, as some real estate analysts pointed out? In January 2006 the available inventory island-wide began to increase as house sale prices declined. Interest rates remained stable, which was encouraging to buyers. The housing market showed a totally different picture this year than it showed in 2005. What will the new year 2007 bring for the Big Island real estate market? The Hawaii Housing Bubble blog with Oahu and Mainland house sale stats offers some interesting insight into real estate ‘bubble’ facts in Hawaii and on the Mainland. If you are interested in buying a house in Hawaii, this information might be worthwhile reading. The more you read, the more you know. The decision-making is still up to you, just like in the stock market. Not all the predictions by the top analysts are the right ones. Some basic trends help though for making your own house buying or selling conclusions.
Here are a few stats backing the current real estate market on the Big Island:
The Kona Coast has 429 listings with a median asking price of $729,000, with 28 sales last month and a median price of $620,000.
Puna on Big Island’s East Coast currently has 611 active listings. Vacant lot sales and prices in East Hawaii have plunged steadily since November of 2005, according to information compiled from the Hawaii Information Service. Vacant land was a hot commodity last year as investors bought lots in hopes of flipping them for a good profit. But the slowing market made speculators move on, at least for the moment.
With an average Hilo home going for $350,000, buyers last month were paying $17,000 less than they were in November of 2005, with a 20 percent drop in sales volume. Hilo had 34 sales in November 2005 and 27 sales in November 2006.
Last but not least, high end homes over 1 million dollars on the Kohala Coast, such as Kohala Ranch, Kohala by the Sea and Kohala Estates are still at high demand. However, asking and selling prices for the medium range are falling in the Waimea/Kamuela area on the Kohala Coast, especially so in that odd area between worker housing and upper middle class properties $500K to $900K.
All the above stats are once again proving that it’s a buyer’s market, as we ended our most recent post. Some buyers are waiting for the market to swing even further their way in what experts have called a "market correction" after years of brisk sales and high prices, but remember ‘there is no place like Hawaii’ and properties on these islands are not unlimited!
Aloha Kohala Coast lovers, Not everybody can afford an annual Hawaii visit. Trips to Hawaii don’t come cheap. So, let’s assume you have not been back for another vacation on the Kohala Coast for about two to three years but plan another return visit for next year.
Well, you’d better be prepared for changes, big changes in the Kohala Coast scenery you have come to get used to in those past years. Hawaii Big Island was always the island, which was laid back and low key. Beautiful Kohala Coast beacheshave been a big attraction to travelers who did not want lie on one of those crowded Maui beaches but rather spend some peaceful time on one of the best Big Island’s beaches, like Hapuna or Mauna Kea beach.
However, as we all know, the ‘only constant in life is change’! Finally, the building boom from Oahu and Maui has caught up with the Big Island. Kona has changed a lot but the Kohala Coast as well. Even though we are all well aware that the economy of West Hawaii, like the entire State of Hawaii, is dependent on the visitor or tourism industry (West Hawaii welcomes more than a million visitors annually!), not all residents approve of the current situation. More and more condos and town houses are already up or are still getting developed on both sides of Highway 19 on your way from Kona to the Kohala Coast. Waikoloa Beach Resort added two more condo or town house complexes, as did Mauna Lani Beach Resort and Waikoloa Village area. Many more complexes are just new where there was bare land before. Infrastructure changes with shopping centers and additional lanes on the Highway will have to follow! Hey, you know what the good part of all that additional building here on the West coast is: It will increase the number of available Kohala Coast homes, houses and condos, adjust the asking prices and by doing so, it will eventually create a buyer’s market, which can already be observed at certain Big Island areas and certain medium level prices. Perfect for the average buyer looking for an affordable Big Island home for sale or property to buy.
Plus, it will also increase the available Kohala Coast vacation rental units, as a lot of those new homeowners use their Hawaii home as a vacation rental condo or home to help pay for their mortgage. With more vacation rental units being available close to the beaches, your chances for finding a great place at a perfect rate are getting better by the day. Long story short, for our Kohala Coast visitors it’s a win-win situation! Happy? I bet! Stay tuned for more from the Kohala Coast. Aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide
Aloha Kohala Coast lovers, Not everybody can afford an annual Hawaii visit. Trips to Hawaii don’t come cheap. So, let’s assume you have not been back for another vacation on the Kohala Coast for about two to three years but plan another return visit for next year.
Well, you’d better be prepared for changes, big changes in the Kohala Coast scenery you have come to get used to in those past years. Hawaii Big Island was always the island, which was laid back and low key. Beautiful Kohala Coast beacheshave been a big attraction to travelers who did not want lie on one of those crowded Maui beaches but rather spend some peaceful time on one of the best Big Island’s beaches, like Hapuna or Mauna Kea beach.
However, as we all know, the ‘only constant in life is change’! Finally, the building boom from Oahu and Maui has caught up with the Big Island. Kona has changed a lot but the Kohala Coast as well. Even though we are all well aware that the economy of West Hawaii, like the entire State of Hawaii, is dependent on the visitor or tourism industry (West Hawaii welcomes more than a million visitors annually!), not all residents approve of the current situation. More and more condos and town houses are already up or are still getting developed on both sides of Highway 19 on your way from Kona to the Kohala Coast. Waikoloa Beach Resort added two more condo or town house complexes, as did Mauna Lani Beach Resort and Waikoloa Village area. Many more complexes are just new where there was bare land before. Infrastructure changes with shopping centers and additional lanes on the Highway will have to follow! Hey, you know what the good part of all that additional building here on the West coast is: It will increase the number of available Kohala Coast homes, houses and condos, adjust the asking prices and by doing so, it will eventually create a buyer’s market, which can already be observed at certain Big Island areas and certain medium level prices. Perfect for the average buyer looking for an affordable Big Island home for sale or property to buy.
Plus, it will also increase the available Kohala Coast vacation rental units, as a lot of those new homeowners use their Hawaii home as a vacation rental condo or home to help pay for their mortgage. With more vacation rental units being available close to the beaches, your chances for finding a great place at a perfect rate are getting better by the day. Long story short, for our Kohala Coast visitors it’s a win-win situation! Happy? I bet! Stay tuned for more from the Kohala Coast. Aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide
Aloha again to our Kohala Coast visitors, After you followed our last post about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel closure, we have a little bit of new information from our Mauna Kea tennis club friends. Here is what they told us: The big guest parking lot will be serving for the hotel construction crew. Too bad for Mauna Kea Beach lovers but it does not look like there will be more beach parking and passes available. Sorry guys! It’s not quite sure where the tennis club members will be parking in the future. The ladies locker room and the storage room next to it were converted into the ‘new’ beauty salon. Air conditioned and newly carpeted, it looks pretty nice. Reason for this necessary change is that Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel never had its own beauty salon and Hapuna hotel guests always used the Mauna Kea salon.
It's also going to be interesting to see how much the Hapuna guests continue to shuttle over to use the Mauna Kea beach and the Hau Tree beach restaurant there. They are, supposedly, going to be dropped off at the tennis center, to walk across the lawn and down the stairs to the beach, which is an easy beach access and was used in the past by quite a number of beach visitors. That’s the latest for today on Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. If you had planned a stay at the hotel and are still looking for some adequate accommodation on the Kohala Coast, have a look at these private luxury Kohala Coast Vacation Homes as an alternative option. You won’t regret it. Warm aloha for all our Kohala Coast blog visitors from Pua.
Aloha again to our Kohala Coast visitors, After you followed our last post about Mauna Kea Beach Hotel closure, we have a little bit of new information from our Mauna Kea tennis club friends. Here is what they told us: The big guest parking lot will be serving for the hotel construction crew. Too bad for Mauna Kea Beach lovers but it does not look like there will be more beach parking and passes available. Sorry guys! It’s not quite sure where the tennis club members will be parking in the future. The ladies locker room and the storage room next to it were converted into the ‘new’ beauty salon. Air conditioned and newly carpeted, it looks pretty nice. Reason for this necessary change is that Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel never had its own beauty salon and Hapuna hotel guests always used the Mauna Kea salon.
It's also going to be interesting to see how much the Hapuna guests continue to shuttle over to use the Mauna Kea beach and the Hau Tree beach restaurant there. They are, supposedly, going to be dropped off at the tennis center, to walk across the lawn and down the stairs to the beach, which is an easy beach access and was used in the past by quite a number of beach visitors. That’s the latest for today on Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. If you had planned a stay at the hotel and are still looking for some adequate accommodation on the Kohala Coast, have a look at these private luxury Kohala Coast Vacation Homes as an alternative option. You won’t regret it. Warm aloha for all our Kohala Coast blog visitors from Pua.
Yes, you read it right. Now, it’s final. One of the most favorite Big Island hotels on the Kohala Coast is temporarily closed for repair due to more structural damage than originally assessed from the Kohala Coast earthquake in October. Some hotel employees anticipated this move; others were totally caught by surprise. Hotel management waited with this announcement till the last minute.
Last Saturday, the official day of closure, was a very sad moment for employees (we feel with all the employees being laid off at a time when they need their jobs the most!), guests and residents alike but safety comes first. It’s hard to comprehend that this oldest of the Kohala Coast hotels won’t be open for their regular busy Christmas crowd over the holidays. Current guests were moved to Mauna Kea’s sister hotel Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will do everything to find appropriate accommodations in other Kohala Coast hotels for guests with future reservations. Good news for Golf players who stay at Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel or belong to Mauna Kea golf club. Mauna Kea golf club and clubhouse restaurant will stay open. As will the beach restaurant ‘Hau Tree’, which is great for Mauna Kea beach lovers who like to have lunch on the beach. Mauna Kea beach will attract Kohala Coast visitors just as before or even more, as we expect the number of beach passes issued per day to increase with much more beach parking available. Stay tuned for more on Mauna Kea or Kohala Coast news. A hui hou. Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide
Yes, you read it right. Now, it’s final. One of the most favorite Big Island hotels on the Kohala Coast is temporarily closed for repair due to more structural damage than originally assessed from the Kohala Coast earthquake in October. Some hotel employees anticipated this move; others were totally caught by surprise. Hotel management waited with this announcement till the last minute.
Last Saturday, the official day of closure, was a very sad moment for employees (we feel with all the employees being laid off at a time when they need their jobs the most!), guests and residents alike but safety comes first. It’s hard to comprehend that this oldest of the Kohala Coast hotels won’t be open for their regular busy Christmas crowd over the holidays. Current guests were moved to Mauna Kea’s sister hotel Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will do everything to find appropriate accommodations in other Kohala Coast hotels for guests with future reservations. Good news for Golf players who stay at Hapuna Prince Beach Hotel or belong to Mauna Kea golf club. Mauna Kea golf club and clubhouse restaurant will stay open. As will the beach restaurant ‘Hau Tree’, which is great for Mauna Kea beach lovers who like to have lunch on the beach. Mauna Kea beach will attract Kohala Coast visitors just as before or even more, as we expect the number of beach passes issued per day to increase with much more beach parking available. Stay tuned for more on Mauna Kea or Kohala Coast news. A hui hou. Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide
Aloha Angela and Mike from Californa, Sorry for the delay with this message. We were just waiting for our Kohala Coast vacancies from rental owners for December coming in. It looks pretty good for your plans, even for the time between Christmas and New Years, there are still a few vacation rentals available on the beach or ocean view rentals. If you want to save some money on accommodation, you can find great places 10 -15 minute-drives from best Kohala Coast beaches. Save money on accommodations, rather spend it on a great dinner or even better on an exotic luau on the Kohala Coast resorts.
However, remember what I said last time in my post Christmas Vacation on Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island. make sure that you have a flight and car reservation before checking for Big Island accommodations. If that is all taken care off, check Cancellation, Last Minute vacancies for Kohala Coast rentals and Big Island vacation homes, vacation cottages, apartments, condos and suites. If your travel dates are flexible, plan your Big Island vacation for the beginning of December when restaurants and beaches will be still empty.
Kohala Coast hotels are preparing all their beautiful Christmas decorations. The Orchid Fairmont at Mauna Lani Beach Resort displays a full size gingerbread house which fills the lobby with an enticing aroma. Who can resist that? One of the most famous Kohala Coast hotels, actually the oldest one, will be missing and will be missed though. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel announced today that they will be closed due to more structural damage than expected from the October earthquake. Quite a number of guests will be accommodated at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Private vacation rentals might be an option for those who won't be the lucky ones to get a room at Hapuna Beach Hotel.
Aloha Angela and Mike from Californa, Sorry for the delay with this message. We were just waiting for our Kohala Coast vacancies from rental owners for December coming in. It looks pretty good for your plans, even for the time between Christmas and New Years, there are still a few vacation rentals available on the beach or ocean view rentals. If you want to save some money on accommodation, you can find great places 10 -15 minute-drives from best Kohala Coast beaches. Save money on accommodations, rather spend it on a great dinner or even better on an exotic luau on the Kohala Coast resorts.
However, remember what I said last time in my post Christmas Vacation on Kohala Coast of Hawaii Big Island. make sure that you have a flight and car reservation before checking for Big Island accommodations. If that is all taken care off, check Cancellation, Last Minute vacancies for Kohala Coast rentals and Big Island vacation homes, vacation cottages, apartments, condos and suites. If your travel dates are flexible, plan your Big Island vacation for the beginning of December when restaurants and beaches will be still empty.
Kohala Coast hotels are preparing all their beautiful Christmas decorations. The Orchid Fairmont at Mauna Lani Beach Resort displays a full size gingerbread house which fills the lobby with an enticing aroma. Who can resist that? One of the most famous Kohala Coast hotels, actually the oldest one, will be missing and will be missed though. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel announced today that they will be closed due to more structural damage than expected from the October earthquake. Quite a number of guests will be accommodated at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Private vacation rentals might be an option for those who won't be the lucky ones to get a room at Hapuna Beach Hotel.
Well, the motivated, committed and dedicated traveler always finds a way around obstacles, just like in 'Amazing Race'. So, be prepared that most of the Kohala Coast hotels and a lot of the vacation rentals are booked by now over the holidays and choices have become limited. Also know that flights and car rentals are another big issue when you plan your Last Minute vacation on your own. First check with the the Big Island car rentalcompanies what is available and at what rate. You may have to dig deep into your pocket when making a late car rental reservation.
Over the holidays, car rental rates can be as triple the regular rate. Common sense tells you that this is an island with limited cars available, right?!. After your flight and car rental are reserved, check with us for accommodations. Cancellation Specials, Last Minute Specials, Hot Deals, Low Season Specials for Big Island Vacation Homes, vacation cottages, apartments, condos and suites will be posted in a few days on Vacancies for Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals.
If your travel dates are flexible, plan your Hawaii vacation for the beginning of December…restaurants and beaches will be still empty and vacation rentals are still showing vacancies. Kohala Coast Hotels show their nice Christmas decoration like the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel has its annual Christmas tree decoration contest with lots of beautifully decorated trees in the lobby in addition you their huge Christmas tree downstairs at turtle ponds, Hilton Waikoloa has a special attraction for families with children with their miniature railroad tracks and gingerbread house in addition to their regular free of charge boat and train rides around the expansive property and Mauna Kea Beach hotel shows off with a nice winter wonderland decoration on their fresh pine trees.
A few of the Big Island activitiesmight be still restricted for some time due to necessary repairs after the October earthquake (like 'Fluming the Ditch' does not operate at the moment) but the Kohala Coast vacation rental hosts are ready for your business. The skies are blue and sun is shining on the Kohala Coast. Vacation rental owners are awaiting you! When you are visiting in December, don’t miss the special Christmas events at the Kings’ Shops.The Christmas decorations and hula performances, including keiki (children) hula, at the Kings’ Shops are are special treat and fun for the entire family!
Well, the motivated, committed and dedicated traveler always finds a way around obstacles, just like in 'Amazing Race'. So, be prepared that most of the Kohala Coast hotels and a lot of the vacation rentals are booked by now over the holidays and choices have become limited. Also know that flights and car rentals are another big issue when you plan your Last Minute vacation on your own. First check with the the Big Island car rentalcompanies what is available and at what rate. You may have to dig deep into your pocket when making a late car rental reservation.
Over the holidays, car rental rates can be as triple the regular rate. Common sense tells you that this is an island with limited cars available, right?!. After your flight and car rental are reserved, check with us for accommodations. Cancellation Specials, Last Minute Specials, Hot Deals, Low Season Specials for Big Island Vacation Homes, vacation cottages, apartments, condos and suites will be posted in a few days on Vacancies for Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals.
If your travel dates are flexible, plan your Hawaii vacation for the beginning of December…restaurants and beaches will be still empty and vacation rentals are still showing vacancies. Kohala Coast Hotels show their nice Christmas decoration like the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel has its annual Christmas tree decoration contest with lots of beautifully decorated trees in the lobby in addition you their huge Christmas tree downstairs at turtle ponds, Hilton Waikoloa has a special attraction for families with children with their miniature railroad tracks and gingerbread house in addition to their regular free of charge boat and train rides around the expansive property and Mauna Kea Beach hotel shows off with a nice winter wonderland decoration on their fresh pine trees.
A few of the Big Island activitiesmight be still restricted for some time due to necessary repairs after the October earthquake (like 'Fluming the Ditch' does not operate at the moment) but the Kohala Coast vacation rental hosts are ready for your business. The skies are blue and sun is shining on the Kohala Coast. Vacation rental owners are awaiting you! When you are visiting in December, don’t miss the special Christmas events at the Kings’ Shops.The Christmas decorations and hula performances, including keiki (children) hula, at the Kings’ Shops are are special treat and fun for the entire family!
Aloha everybody, Let's continue on our jouney to discover some other qualities of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast than 'just a lovely beach'. There is so much more to find on our island. Desiree, cofounder of Kamuela Life Retreats, Big Island of Hawaii, will share her and her husband's ideas with our visitors today. We think this is a great way to combine a Kohala Coast vacation with addressing some personal issues in your life. So, if you liked what she had to say and you are interested in more information about their Hawaii retreats, visit their website. Enjoy Desiree's post of today. Aloha, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com
Are You Where You Belong In Life?
Many people come to the Big Island of Hawaii for personal renewal and reflection. The first time I came to Hawaii in 1974 I fell in love. Not with a person. I fell in love with this warm, colorful, sensuous, smiling island. I somehow felt at home, like I was where I belonged in life. However, belonging is not only about location. It is about your life.
Now, this is what I do for a living with my husband, Mark. We lead retreats on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii helping other people get clear where they belong in life. What dream do you have brewing? Are you at a crossroads or feeling unsure about your next steps? Perhaps it is time to make a change in your business or personal life and you don’t know where to begin? The following quote by Philosopher, Harold Thurman Whitman speaks volumes about the importance of igniting your own fire.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs—ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
Our Hawaii Retreat business opportunity came to us after we hit this same turning point three years ago and became clear what would make us come alive. We knew it was time for a change and we each began asking ourselves the hard questions. Things like: What do I want my life to be about? How can I create greater meaning and fulfillment in my lives? How can I use my talents and skills to make a difference to others?
The answers we found took us both by surprise. “Move to the Big Island of Hawaii and teach others how to find clarity of purpose and direction. Teach them how to navigate transition with greater ease and effectiveness.” Hummm… sounds good, but how could we possibly step into doing this. We did not understand the changes we were about to make, yet stepping toward this vision seemed like the only choice that would bring resolution to our uneasiness. Move, start over and begin a new business. Yikes! Oh, but our vision and the Big Island of Hawaii were both powerful lures. So here we are living our dream near the beautiful Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Running the Hawaii Retreat and Mentoring programs is simply our way of bringing the healing, Aloha Spirit to the rest of the world…one person, one group and one retreat at a time. So combine your next visit to Hawaii with time for focused reflection along the Kohala Coast. Simply take five days with us to redesign your life around what holds real meaning for you so that where ever you go… you are where you belong in life…for the rest of your life!
Aloha everybody, Let's continue on our jouney to discover some other qualities of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast than 'just a lovely beach'. There is so much more to find on our island. Desiree, cofounder of Kamuela Life Retreats, Big Island of Hawaii, will share her and her husband's ideas with our visitors today. We think this is a great way to combine a Kohala Coast vacation with addressing some personal issues in your life. So, if you liked what she had to say and you are interested in more information about their Hawaii retreats, visit their website. Enjoy Desiree's post of today. Aloha, Pua www.kohalacoastweb.com
Are You Where You Belong In Life?
Many people come to the Big Island of Hawaii for personal renewal and reflection. The first time I came to Hawaii in 1974 I fell in love. Not with a person. I fell in love with this warm, colorful, sensuous, smiling island. I somehow felt at home, like I was where I belonged in life. However, belonging is not only about location. It is about your life.
Now, this is what I do for a living with my husband, Mark. We lead retreats on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii helping other people get clear where they belong in life. What dream do you have brewing? Are you at a crossroads or feeling unsure about your next steps? Perhaps it is time to make a change in your business or personal life and you don’t know where to begin? The following quote by Philosopher, Harold Thurman Whitman speaks volumes about the importance of igniting your own fire.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs—ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”
Our Hawaii Retreat business opportunity came to us after we hit this same turning point three years ago and became clear what would make us come alive. We knew it was time for a change and we each began asking ourselves the hard questions. Things like: What do I want my life to be about? How can I create greater meaning and fulfillment in my lives? How can I use my talents and skills to make a difference to others?
The answers we found took us both by surprise. “Move to the Big Island of Hawaii and teach others how to find clarity of purpose and direction. Teach them how to navigate transition with greater ease and effectiveness.” Hummm… sounds good, but how could we possibly step into doing this. We did not understand the changes we were about to make, yet stepping toward this vision seemed like the only choice that would bring resolution to our uneasiness. Move, start over and begin a new business. Yikes! Oh, but our vision and the Big Island of Hawaii were both powerful lures. So here we are living our dream near the beautiful Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Running the Hawaii Retreat and Mentoring programs is simply our way of bringing the healing, Aloha Spirit to the rest of the world…one person, one group and one retreat at a time. So combine your next visit to Hawaii with time for focused reflection along the Kohala Coast. Simply take five days with us to redesign your life around what holds real meaning for you so that where ever you go… you are where you belong in life…for the rest of your life!
Here we go again, Our most recent post talked about our active volcano and how Hawaii Volcanoes National Park attracts each year thousands of visitors. Have you ever wondered what makes people want to come to Hawaii Big Island? Is it the live volcano, the exotic beauty and the diversity of our island, the white sand beaches, the warm Pacific Ocean or the unique Hawaii events like the Big Island Ironman Triathlon in Kona or Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo? I guess everybody has his own reasons why they are drawn to the Big Island. Here is another, more recent powerful tendency within the Hawaii tourist industry, which Kohala Coast resorts and private Big Island holistic practitioners alike are recognizing and paying attention to. More and more tourists are visiting the Hawaiian Islands for healing purposes, with baby boomers leading the group of searching for a healing vacation in Hawaii. They want to get away from their busy lives in the fast track, take time to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate in the serenity of exotic, tropical environment Hawaii has to offer. Of all the Hawaii Islands the Big Island with representing fire, snow, ocean and earth elements, has always been considered as a very powerful energy and therefore healing island.
To further meet the needs of this ever-growing group of Hawaii tourists, the First Hawaii Island Conference on Health and Wellness Travel was recently held on the Big Island with great success. The conference helped launch the Hawaii Island Health and Wellness Travel Association, which was successful in signing up more than 100 members at the event. You can read more about this conference in West Hawaii Today’s article article ‘More than just a pretty beach’.
Anybody who is interested in alternative healing and would like to combine his or her vacation on the Kohala Coast with accomplishing some serious healing, can find a wide array of ancient Hawaiian & modern healing modalities provided by individual healers, health care professionals or Kohala Coast Spa professionals from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage to acupuncture, chinese medicine, ayurveda, herbalism, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, fitness, yoga, Pilates and more. Kohala Coast spas and Big Island retreats will help your design your healing vacation. We also recommend Five Mountains Hawaii and Kekukui.com online directory & a healing island resource guides which offer a comprehensive variety of health and healing resources on the Big Island of Hawaii. Find more information on healing vacation on the Kohala Coast.
Here we go again, Our most recent post talked about our active volcano and how Hawaii Volcanoes National Park attracts each year thousands of visitors. Have you ever wondered what makes people want to come to Hawaii Big Island? Is it the live volcano, the exotic beauty and the diversity of our island, the white sand beaches, the warm Pacific Ocean or the unique Hawaii events like the Big Island Ironman Triathlon in Kona or Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo? I guess everybody has his own reasons why they are drawn to the Big Island. Here is another, more recent powerful tendency within the Hawaii tourist industry, which Kohala Coast resorts and private Big Island holistic practitioners alike are recognizing and paying attention to. More and more tourists are visiting the Hawaiian Islands for healing purposes, with baby boomers leading the group of searching for a healing vacation in Hawaii. They want to get away from their busy lives in the fast track, take time to relax, recuperate and rejuvenate in the serenity of exotic, tropical environment Hawaii has to offer. Of all the Hawaii Islands the Big Island with representing fire, snow, ocean and earth elements, has always been considered as a very powerful energy and therefore healing island.
To further meet the needs of this ever-growing group of Hawaii tourists, the First Hawaii Island Conference on Health and Wellness Travel was recently held on the Big Island with great success. The conference helped launch the Hawaii Island Health and Wellness Travel Association, which was successful in signing up more than 100 members at the event. You can read more about this conference in West Hawaii Today’s article article ‘More than just a pretty beach’.
Anybody who is interested in alternative healing and would like to combine his or her vacation on the Kohala Coast with accomplishing some serious healing, can find a wide array of ancient Hawaiian & modern healing modalities provided by individual healers, health care professionals or Kohala Coast Spa professionals from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage to acupuncture, chinese medicine, ayurveda, herbalism, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, fitness, yoga, Pilates and more. Kohala Coast spas and Big Island retreats will help your design your healing vacation. We also recommend Five Mountains Hawaii and Kekukui.com online directory & a healing island resource guides which offer a comprehensive variety of health and healing resources on the Big Island of Hawaii. Find more information on healing vacation on the Kohala Coast.
With the recent reports on the big Kohala Coast earth quake still in the minds of Big Island residents and Big Island visitors to the 2006 Ironman Triathlon, the connection from the earthquake to our active Big Island volcanoes is easily made.
We figured some basic information on volcanic activity in the past and present cannot hurt, especially since a visit to our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on everybody’s agenda, however short their stay on our island. Besides a Mauna Kea Summit adventure, visiting a live volcano on the Big Island is one of the most fascinating experiences.
Have you ever sat outside on a warm summer evening and gazed up at the moon wondering what it was like for the astronauts to land there and walk around? I have and I tell you except that there is no atmosphere on the moon, parts of Volcanoes National Park remind me of pictures I’ve seen from the moon. It’s eerie driving around the Park, seeing all the desolation of recent lava flows, yet the beauty of new life sprouting from cracks in the lava and seeing up close new land being formed from ongoing lava flows.
One can easily spend a day or two exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so if you are staying on the sunny Kohala Coast take a couple days and rent a beautiful Volcano Vacation Rental. We gathered useful park information for our Kohala Coast visitors including a short history of the park, safety tips, information on helicopter flights over an actice volcano, link to daily lava flow update and lots of photos. Enjoy the fireworks of nature. Listen to the Park Rangers and read the signs, and you will be safe plus have an experience of a lifetime!
With the recent reports on the big Kohala Coast earth quake still in the minds of Big Island residents and Big Island visitors to the 2006 Ironman Triathlon, the connection from the earthquake to our active Big Island volcanoes is easily made.
We figured some basic information on volcanic activity in the past and present cannot hurt, especially since a visit to our Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on everybody’s agenda, however short their stay on our island. Besides a Mauna Kea Summit adventure, visiting a live volcano on the Big Island is one of the most fascinating experiences.
Have you ever sat outside on a warm summer evening and gazed up at the moon wondering what it was like for the astronauts to land there and walk around? I have and I tell you except that there is no atmosphere on the moon, parts of Volcanoes National Park remind me of pictures I’ve seen from the moon. It’s eerie driving around the Park, seeing all the desolation of recent lava flows, yet the beauty of new life sprouting from cracks in the lava and seeing up close new land being formed from ongoing lava flows.
One can easily spend a day or two exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so if you are staying on the sunny Kohala Coast take a couple days and rent a beautiful Volcano Vacation Rental. We gathered useful park information for our Kohala Coast visitors including a short history of the park, safety tips, information on helicopter flights over an actice volcano, link to daily lava flow update and lots of photos. Enjoy the fireworks of nature. Listen to the Park Rangers and read the signs, and you will be safe plus have an experience of a lifetime!
After our last post how a Waikoloa family dealt with the challenges of the recent Kohala Coast earth quake, we feel it's time to go on with life, just as everybody else on the island does.
Yes, believe it or not, earth quake or not...not even a full week after the 6.9 earth quake rattled the Kona and Kohala Coast on Sunday 10/15/06 the 2006 Hawaii Ironman, Triathlon World Championship took place in Kailua Kona October 21. Kona was full of visitors and athletes from all over the world expecting another spectacular triathlon. And this is what they got.
This Ironman will be for ever in the memory of Big Island visitors and Ironman athletes alike as the 'race with the earthquake'. After a 6.9 earthquake had hit the the West coast of the Big Island on Sunday morning 10/15/06 at 7am, just one week before Ironman and left Big Island visitors, athletes and residents shaking, trembling and wondering whether there would be an Ironman this year, it was soon clear that the island and its people had gotten away with a big scare but minor injuries and building damage.
In the days before the earthquake hit, Kona was unusually hot and humid, and in the days after, the area got slammed with a series of torrential downpours of uncharacteristic intensity and duration. On the day of the Ironman, skies were overcast and no heavy winds troubled the athletes on their bike ride from Kona to Hawi and back. It seemed that Pele had made peace with the athletes. It was all going so well, right up until 7:20 pm, over twelve hours into the race when a torrential downpur happened in Alii Dr, the home stretch of the Ironman World Championship.
Athletes had to make it through knee deep high water to make it to the finish line. About one hour later the downpour stopped and the water receded allowing athletes to cross the finish line under more regular conditions, some after they ran for 10 and more miles in dripping wet shoes and clothes and others, the luckier ones, totally dry. Read more about the 2006 Ironman Championship in Hawaii on the Ironman official site.
Find 2006 Ironman results on our website. West Hawaii Today has in addition to the Official Ironman website (see link above) lots of great stories about this year's Ironman available. Don't miss those. We are certain all our Big Island visitors who stayed on our beautiful island during the Ironman week will have quite some stories to tell when coming home to the mainland.
Be assured that life is back to normal on the Kohala Coast. Vacation rental owners along the West Coast are looking forward to your visit. You will find SPECIAL rates for your stay on the Kohala Coast in November here.
A hui hou and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide p.s. We have found this great video on YouTube about the Big Island Ironman Triathlon and would like to share it with all the Hawaii travelers who have never seen the Hawaii Ironman and plan a visit to the Big Island.
After our last post how a Waikoloa family dealt with the challenges of the recent Kohala Coast earth quake, we feel it's time to go on with life, just as everybody else on the island does.
Yes, believe it or not, earth quake or not...not even a full week after the 6.9 earth quake rattled the Kona and Kohala Coast on Sunday 10/15/06 the 2006 Hawaii Ironman, Triathlon World Championship took place in Kailua Kona October 21. Kona was full of visitors and athletes from all over the world expecting another spectacular triathlon. And this is what they got.
This Ironman will be for ever in the memory of Big Island visitors and Ironman athletes alike as the 'race with the earthquake'. After a 6.9 earthquake had hit the the West coast of the Big Island on Sunday morning 10/15/06 at 7am, just one week before Ironman and left Big Island visitors, athletes and residents shaking, trembling and wondering whether there would be an Ironman this year, it was soon clear that the island and its people had gotten away with a big scare but minor injuries and building damage.
In the days before the earthquake hit, Kona was unusually hot and humid, and in the days after, the area got slammed with a series of torrential downpours of uncharacteristic intensity and duration. On the day of the Ironman, skies were overcast and no heavy winds troubled the athletes on their bike ride from Kona to Hawi and back. It seemed that Pele had made peace with the athletes. It was all going so well, right up until 7:20 pm, over twelve hours into the race when a torrential downpur happened in Alii Dr, the home stretch of the Ironman World Championship.
Athletes had to make it through knee deep high water to make it to the finish line. About one hour later the downpour stopped and the water receded allowing athletes to cross the finish line under more regular conditions, some after they ran for 10 and more miles in dripping wet shoes and clothes and others, the luckier ones, totally dry. Read more about the 2006 Ironman Championship in Hawaii on the Ironman official site.
Find 2006 Ironman results on our website. West Hawaii Today has in addition to the Official Ironman website (see link above) lots of great stories about this year's Ironman available. Don't miss those. We are certain all our Big Island visitors who stayed on our beautiful island during the Ironman week will have quite some stories to tell when coming home to the mainland.
Be assured that life is back to normal on the Kohala Coast. Vacation rental owners along the West Coast are looking forward to your visit. You will find SPECIAL rates for your stay on the Kohala Coast in November here.
A hui hou and aloha, Pua Kohala Coast Vacation Guide p.s. We have found this great video on YouTube about the Big Island Ironman Triathlon and would like to share it with all the Hawaii travelers who have never seen the Hawaii Ironman and plan a visit to the Big Island.
After our first hand report about the earthquake on Sunday 10/15/06 from a Kona Resident, we got this detailed report from a Waikoloa resident, whose family experienced the earthquake on the Kohala Coast. Big Island residents who read this personal account, will find valuable recommendations for being prepared for an earthquake or another natural disaster. 'Aloha from Waikoloa - We survived the Earthquake' Written by Sharon 10/20/06 Sharon is a Big Island resident who lives in Waikoloa. She also teaches a free stretch class for seniors each Wednesday 10 - 11am at Tutu's House. As there are so many people on the mainland wondering what happened on the day of the earthquake and how Big Island residents coped with it, Sharon agreed to share her email to her family and friends with our visitors of the Kohala Coast Vacation Guide. Mahalo Sharon! Hi there, Warren, Mom, Einstein and I are just fine! First of all, thank you everyone for your concern and support. We are truly blessed with sooooo many great friends and family. I was so shocked that my buddy Carolyn called all the way from Bahrain a couple hours after the earthquake hit. It was on the news worldwide. Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. We are still cleaning up – almost done. People are still calling and emailing to find out if we are okay, so I figured I better send something to let you know we survived.
I was spared the horror of having to experience the earthquake. I had been on Kauai for a few days hanging out with my buddies Joey and Susan. I was leaving Sunday morning to return to Kona. I felt the earthquake (probably the largest one). I tried to call home but couldn’t get through on the land line and cell. So after about 45 minutes, I finally got through to Warren on his cell. When I heard his voice, I was so relieved. And that no tsunami was generated was even more of a relief. Warren said it was like a giant had picked up our house and just shook it from side to side violently. There was no warning. It just started with a growling sound and then the whole house just starting shaking. He was upstairs with Einstein. So he grabbed Einstein and watched as everything in the bathroom and bedroom started to flying out of the cabinets and drawers. One of the mirrors from our bed wall unit fell and good thing Warren had picked up Einstein or he would have been hurt. After the first one, Warren ran downstairs to check on Mom. She was a bit shaken, but okay. It was so violent that Warren couldn’t get downstairs and good thing he didn’t try or else he might have fallen down stairs and hurt himself. When the next one hit, Warren grabbed my Mom and Einstein and stayed under the door jam. This is what Warren told me - The house was a mess – not an empty space to walk. The kitchen was a mess with cracked cups, dishes, spices, pantry items, etc. We have tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. In the living room, Mom’s TV fell down (it still works), one of the bookcases fell and shattered a lamp and vase, some of the crystal glassware and figurines in the wall unit shattered. Most of the damages were in the kitchen and living room. We have stress cracks in the drywall, but it is mostly superficial. Our sidewalk that faces the hillside moved about an inch from the house. Our neighbors sustained some damages like the garage door fell on their cars and rocks walls that just crumbled. Some of the larger rocks on our hillside came rolling down, but didn’t damage anything. If you drive around, you won’t see too much damage on the outside – it is all inside the house. I just found out today that the fencing contractor who installed our fence lost his house. He lives in Kamuela (wet side) and his and three other homes slid off their foundations. His house was declared a total loss and will have to rebuild. Compared to this, our damages are so minute.
I spent 8 hours between Lihue and Honolulu airports. Lihue airport had power. Honolulu did not. So having spent about 5 hours in Honolulu with very minimal AC was not fun. I was fortunate that I bought water and food in Lihue because when I got to Honolulu, all the shops and restaurants were closed. People were calling me on the cell, and after a while I wasn’t answering. Sorry about that. I was trying to conserve my battery so I could keep in contact with Warren and let him know my status for I didn’t know how long I would be waiting. I finally landed in Kona about 5:00pm and arrived at home about 6:30pm. I was waiting for my bag and box, but of course they didn’t make it because we have several different flights on one plane. And this was the last flight to Kona that day. Good thing Joey vacuum packed the Lawai zuke and cucumber tsukemono and put them in a cool pack. Man, it would have been so stink! Hawaiian Air delivered my stuffs Monday around noon. Thanks again Sue and Joey for checking in on me from time to time.
So while I am doing my part in cleaning, mom is in Las Vegas. She left Monday evening and is returning tomorrow evening. Their flight was delayed on Monday – instead of leaving at 1:00pm, they left at 6:30pm. The group that was suppose to leaving on Sunday, left on Monday at 1:00pm. She had to fly into Honolulu first which was at 10:30am. So she and her buddies spent the next 7 hours hanging around at Honolulu International. They didn’t mind. They were so excited. She’s having a great time!
This earthquake was a wake-up call for our state and all of us about how we handle this type of situation. Communication is so important and being prepared. Living on the Big Island, you have to be prepared. We get power outages more frequently than Oahu. So we always have flashlights, batteries, propane lanterns and stove, hibachi, charcoal, small AM/FM battery radio, phone that hooks up to phone line (not the cordless type where you need electricity) and all “the list of items to have in case of hurricane and tsunamis”. We have a car battery charger that can power some small appliances. We try to make sure it is always charged. Thinking of getting a generator. We bought these crank type flashlights from Brookstone. They are really great and very bright. You crank for 30 seconds, and the light lasts for couple hours. There’s a couple different ones that cost between $25 to $50. Well worth the money.
So this is how we spent earthquake day – Sunday, October 15, 2006. Hope all is well you. I know everyone experienced different levels of the quake and it was scary. This is something you wouldn’t want anyone to have to experience. I cannot comprehend the feeling. I know the ones I felt before are no where near what happened on Sunday. They say we will continue to get aftershocks for another month, and it should start to lessen. People here are still edgy every time we feel one. Well wishes to all of you and keep safe. Sharon, Warren, Mom and Einstein
You will also find articles and stories on the Big Island Ironman Triathlon. Yes, it still takes place at this minute on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island. With more on that soon. Stay tuned!!!!
After our first hand report about the earthquake on Sunday 10/15/06 from a Kona Resident, we got this detailed report from a Waikoloa resident, whose family experienced the earthquake on the Kohala Coast. Big Island residents who read this personal account, will find valuable recommendations for being prepared for an earthquake or another natural disaster. 'Aloha from Waikoloa - We survived the Earthquake' Written by Sharon 10/20/06 Sharon is a Big Island resident who lives in Waikoloa. She also teaches a free stretch class for seniors each Wednesday 10 - 11am at Tutu's House. As there are so many people on the mainland wondering what happened on the day of the earthquake and how Big Island residents coped with it, Sharon agreed to share her email to her family and friends with our visitors of the Kohala Coast Vacation Guide. Mahalo Sharon! Hi there, Warren, Mom, Einstein and I are just fine! First of all, thank you everyone for your concern and support. We are truly blessed with sooooo many great friends and family. I was so shocked that my buddy Carolyn called all the way from Bahrain a couple hours after the earthquake hit. It was on the news worldwide. Sorry I didn’t respond sooner. We are still cleaning up – almost done. People are still calling and emailing to find out if we are okay, so I figured I better send something to let you know we survived.
I was spared the horror of having to experience the earthquake. I had been on Kauai for a few days hanging out with my buddies Joey and Susan. I was leaving Sunday morning to return to Kona. I felt the earthquake (probably the largest one). I tried to call home but couldn’t get through on the land line and cell. So after about 45 minutes, I finally got through to Warren on his cell. When I heard his voice, I was so relieved. And that no tsunami was generated was even more of a relief. Warren said it was like a giant had picked up our house and just shook it from side to side violently. There was no warning. It just started with a growling sound and then the whole house just starting shaking. He was upstairs with Einstein. So he grabbed Einstein and watched as everything in the bathroom and bedroom started to flying out of the cabinets and drawers. One of the mirrors from our bed wall unit fell and good thing Warren had picked up Einstein or he would have been hurt. After the first one, Warren ran downstairs to check on Mom. She was a bit shaken, but okay. It was so violent that Warren couldn’t get downstairs and good thing he didn’t try or else he might have fallen down stairs and hurt himself. When the next one hit, Warren grabbed my Mom and Einstein and stayed under the door jam. This is what Warren told me - The house was a mess – not an empty space to walk. The kitchen was a mess with cracked cups, dishes, spices, pantry items, etc. We have tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms. In the living room, Mom’s TV fell down (it still works), one of the bookcases fell and shattered a lamp and vase, some of the crystal glassware and figurines in the wall unit shattered. Most of the damages were in the kitchen and living room. We have stress cracks in the drywall, but it is mostly superficial. Our sidewalk that faces the hillside moved about an inch from the house. Our neighbors sustained some damages like the garage door fell on their cars and rocks walls that just crumbled. Some of the larger rocks on our hillside came rolling down, but didn’t damage anything. If you drive around, you won’t see too much damage on the outside – it is all inside the house. I just found out today that the fencing contractor who installed our fence lost his house. He lives in Kamuela (wet side) and his and three other homes slid off their foundations. His house was declared a total loss and will have to rebuild. Compared to this, our damages are so minute.
I spent 8 hours between Lihue and Honolulu airports. Lihue airport had power. Honolulu did not. So having spent about 5 hours in Honolulu with very minimal AC was not fun. I was fortunate that I bought water and food in Lihue because when I got to Honolulu, all the shops and restaurants were closed. People were calling me on the cell, and after a while I wasn’t answering. Sorry about that. I was trying to conserve my battery so I could keep in contact with Warren and let him know my status for I didn’t know how long I would be waiting. I finally landed in Kona about 5:00pm and arrived at home about 6:30pm. I was waiting for my bag and box, but of course they didn’t make it because we have several different flights on one plane. And this was the last flight to Kona that day. Good thing Joey vacuum packed the Lawai zuke and cucumber tsukemono and put them in a cool pack. Man, it would have been so stink! Hawaiian Air delivered my stuffs Monday around noon. Thanks again Sue and Joey for checking in on me from time to time.
So while I am doing my part in cleaning, mom is in Las Vegas. She left Monday evening and is returning tomorrow evening. Their flight was delayed on Monday – instead of leaving at 1:00pm, they left at 6:30pm. The group that was suppose to leaving on Sunday, left on Monday at 1:00pm. She had to fly into Honolulu first which was at 10:30am. So she and her buddies spent the next 7 hours hanging around at Honolulu International. They didn’t mind. They were so excited. She’s having a great time!
This earthquake was a wake-up call for our state and all of us about how we handle this type of situation. Communication is so important and being prepared. Living on the Big Island, you have to be prepared. We get power outages more frequently than Oahu. So we always have flashlights, batteries, propane lanterns and stove, hibachi, charcoal, small AM/FM battery radio, phone that hooks up to phone line (not the cordless type where you need electricity) and all “the list of items to have in case of hurricane and tsunamis”. We have a car battery charger that can power some small appliances. We try to make sure it is always charged. Thinking of getting a generator. We bought these crank type flashlights from Brookstone. They are really great and very bright. You crank for 30 seconds, and the light lasts for couple hours. There’s a couple different ones that cost between $25 to $50. Well worth the money.
So this is how we spent earthquake day – Sunday, October 15, 2006. Hope all is well you. I know everyone experienced different levels of the quake and it was scary. This is something you wouldn’t want anyone to have to experience. I cannot comprehend the feeling. I know the ones I felt before are no where near what happened on Sunday. They say we will continue to get aftershocks for another month, and it should start to lessen. People here are still edgy every time we feel one. Well wishes to all of you and keep safe. Sharon, Warren, Mom and Einstein
You will also find articles and stories on the Big Island Ironman Triathlon. Yes, it still takes place at this minute on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island. With more on that soon. Stay tuned!!!!
