We’ve listed 6 of the most popular activities done on Maui in 2011.  We hope you’ll experience some of these when you visit Maui in 2012!

Big Aloha and happy 2012!!!

The Road to Hana is Maui’s number one attraction for a good reason. Cascading waterfalls, breath-taking coastal views, lush rainforest, and the untouched purity of the islands bring visitors back again and again. Hana is exactly what you imagine it to be. It’s home to local Hawaiians that pride themselves on keeping Hana undeveloped and untarnished by encroaching “civilization.”

Maui is world famous for the best whale watching in the world! Maui whale watching is what Africa is to safaris. You get a chance to not only see Humpback whales enjoy the freedom of warm waters with no predators, but you’ll most likely be given a show in acrobatics. Every year our Humpbacks journey to Maui in order to mate and give birth. If you haven’t witnessed whale surface behavior in Maui waters, you’re in for a treat!

Haleakala is Maui’s largest mountain/volcano with views of the surrounding islands and all of Maui. The best way to experience these views is by riding down the slopes of Haleakala on a bike. There are many Maui bike tours, and we recommend a self-guided tour for safety and convenience. Watch the sunrise from the crater, then bike downhill at your leisure through Maui’s Upcountry.

Molokini Crater is a volcanic atoll sitting just off the south coast of Maui. Conveniently, it harbors and protects some of the most awe-inspiring ocean life in Hawaiian waters. Snorkeling Molokini has become one of the most popular activities on Maui due to it’s incredible water clarity. Scuba diving is also a world famous activity for advanced divers on the backside of Molokini.

Maui is home to all kinds of surfing. Wind, kite, stand-up, longboarding, and shortboarding are all increasingly popular on the Valley Isle. You’ll find different areas attract different surfers and different skill levels. If you’re new to surfing, there are plenty of surf schools in Maui. If you have more experience under your belt, you can find great waves depending on season.

• Resorts tend to charge for things that vacation rentals don’t.  A good example is using certain areas of the pool.
• With a kitchen, you save a bundle!  Doing even just 1 meal a day at the house will save you considerably.
• Cocktails!  Resort bars and pool bars will crush your wallet.

With that extra money you save, why not put a few extra bucks into your accommodations?  With Hawaii Bound, agents will help you find the perfect spot for you and your family.  Call today and ask about inexpensive, beautiful homes.  You won’t believe the kind of places that are available on Maui.  Give them a call at (808) 443-0221 or toll free at 1-800-711-6284.

To see listings available on all islands, go to Hawaii Vacation Rentals.

A few more things about the tour.  Expect to be picked up and dropped off at your hotel (no driving for you!)  Also, expect a delicious breakfast and picnic lunch.  There’s so much more that you’ll be doing on this tour, so we’ve listed a few more things you can expect:

• Watch waves being surfed at Ho’okipa Beach Park (often Huge waves!)
• Visit Charles Lindbergh’s Memorial
• Explore Hana Town
• See the volcanic village of the Keanae Peninsula
• and much more!

Get your seats today while they’re available!

Play all day at the beach, then retire to the quiet and cool of Upcountry Maui at the Kula Cottage.

The Kula Kottage is a 2 bedroom 1 bath private vacation rental with 180 degree views of Maui.  Watch the sunset over the ocean from your lanai!

Call today and book your cottage by calling toll free: 1.888.922.2453
Ask them about bike tours and bike rentals.  If you book the cottage and do a bike ride from Haleakala, you can keep the bikes for the rest of your stay!  It’s a great deal because Kula and Makawao are really fun areas to bike around.

We recommend going through Aloha Rents.

You can find competitive rates along with many options for makes and models. Their service was created to simplify the rental process while saving you money. Let them help you secure your discount rental car for the Hawaiian Islands.

Call 1-800-440-7029

Maui Driving Tips

1. Slow Down!! This ain’t the mainland.  It’s very easy to do, since a lot of our roads have lower limits than you’d expect. Keep in mind that if you go 30 miles over the limit, you’ll be getting mandatory jail time!  They’re serious in Hawaii about slowing things down.

2. Honk only in an emergency. Honking in Hawaii is considered very rude and is hardly ever done.  It’s not an easy thing to do, but t steady your hand and let go of the road rage.  You’re in Maui now.

3. Don’t trespass! A lot of places you’ll find in the guidebooks make it look like you’ll be on public land, but it’s not always true. The last thing you want is to piss off some locals or violate your car rental agreement.

4. Don’t leave valuables in your car. We don’t have much crime, but the little crime we have is usually nonviolent. Maui theives know what a rental car looks like.  Please keep your valuables in your hotel or on your person when you travel.

Maui, Hawaii, USA

$85/hour

We’ve been testing out massage parlors on Maui for years now.  Most are outrageously expensive (ex. at the big resorts.)  But we just found one that does incredible massages for a decent price.  Massage Maui in front of the Sugar Beach Resort is outstanding.

The location is great because it’s easily accessible for anyone on the south side (Makena, Wailea, Kihei), not more than 30-45 minutes from the West side (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua), and a short hop from the North side (Kahului, Wailuku, Paia.)

The inside is large enough for at least a few people to get massages simultaneously.  The Asian decor and ambiance is quiet and soothing.  Our Masseuses were ready for us right away for our appointment.  They asked how hard a pressure we preferred, and I told her my preference for really getting in there.  She knocked out some serious knots, and somehow knew exactly where they were.  She asked what I did for a living and about any troubled areas.  I gave her pretty general areas, and she found the exact points immediately.

If you want to save money while getting a great massage in Maui, go to Massage Maui at the Sugar Beach Resort.  The big resorts charge a lot more for 1/2 the massage.  We were really pleased and plan on going back. Call them at (808) 357-7317 to book your massage.

THE WORST

Dalian, China

Cost: $15/hour

Visiting friends in the tier 2 city of Dalian, we were taken to the best spot in town for a massage.  We walked past a dozen or so piles of burning trash to a dirty sliding glass window in a large industrial building.  OK, first signs of discomfort reached.

We walk into a small room (100-150 sq ft) with 4 people, and 2 massage tables.  Our masseuses were blind (the leading job for blind people in China.  In fact, I’m pretty sure this job is reserved for blind people.)  We lay down on our respective tables and the massage begins.  The massage was actually pretty good (they practice more medicinal massage, which hurts like hell, but I like it.)

My wife told be about 2 things that disturbed her.

1. In some massage parlors, the hole you put your face through when lying down sometimes will have a bowl of water and flowers under it for you to look at.  My wife had the lovely view of a box holding dirty, smelly jars.
2. She also made the mistake of using the bathroom.  She’s still scarred from the experience.  Apparently, it was a hole in the ground and the entire room was beyond filthy.

Our massage ended with us getting up and dressed with close to 20 people crammed in the room.  Most of them had been smoking and conversing loudly in Mandarin during our last half of the massage.  The room was hardly large enough for 4 of us, but they were all fascinated to see westerners in these parts.  People were all over, sitting on tables, on file cabinets, and practically squeezed into every nook smoking feverishly.  Needless to say, we won’t be getting a massage there again.

THE BEST VALUE

Bali, Indonesia

$3-250/hour (depending on location)

Though you can get massages for as little as $3 on the beach, or as much as $250 at a resort, finding a good masseuse in Bali has nothing to do with price.  Most massages you’ll get are by untrained hands trying to make a buck.  Even the expensive resort massages (though better than the ones on the beach) sometimes are not all that great.

The best massage we had was at a hole in the wall spot in Seminyak (many of the best spots are in places you wouldn’t think) with a bunch of young girls.  My wife and I each had a 4 hand massage (20 fingers each) for 1 1/2 hours at $15 per client.  Incredible value because these girls knew what they were doing.  If we can find this place again, we’ll be back.

On the other hand, we had a different 4 hand massage at a place in Kuta with a bunch of similar girls.  Unfortunately, these ones were loud, laughing and talking the whole time.  They were not well trained, and at one point I found an unwanted fist up my bum.  We’ll stay VERY clear of this spot.

COMMENTS:

Great tips. Will certainly check out Bali. There’s nothing like a great massage while you face the ocean and hear the waves crashing on the shore. You may also want to know that some massage establishments also offer soothing sounds that help you relax. These are actually quite effective. Brian

Renting from Oahu and Maui, Hawaii Photo Rental has a large stock of Canon and Nikon cameras, as well as many compatible lenses and accessories.  You can also rent lighting, waterhousings, workstations, and video equipment.  They’ve made it affordable to photograph like a pro while visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

Visit their Hawaii camera rental website or give them a call at:

Oahu (808) 735-3838

Maui (808) 877-3005

Again, you can rent:

• Nikon Cameras
• Canon Cameras
• Lenses (for both Nikon & Canon)
• Lens Extenders
• Lighting equipment
• tripods (& Monopods
• Batteries
• Filters
• Memory Cards
• Waterhousings
• Computers
• Monitors
• Video Equipment and Accessories
• and more!

COMMENT:

I ended up renting a lens online from a different site and bringing it with me two trips ago. Being able to reserve on island and not have to worry about packing it for the trip and then shipping it back when I returned home would be much easier.

Trying this out next time, for sure. Kris Nelson

When searching for Wailea homes for sale, we’re finding that prices are finally becoming affordable.  Recently, some of our authors have been looking for new homes (this author included.)  Many of us live in smaller condos, which is great for location and maintenance.  But when you want a little more room, having a larger condo in the Wailea area can make all the difference.  Some of the floor plans we’re seeing are wide-open with a lot more square-footage.  Plus, you can’t beat the neighborhoods in Wailea.

As we search, we’ll continue to post information and properties that we think are tough to pass up.  If you’re looking as well, make sure to check the Maui MLS to see prices, descriptions, and photos for potential new properties on the market.  Contact Hawaii Life today to ask questions:  (800) 667-5028

They have great prices on organic mattresses, bamboo furniture, Maui style futons, homemade wool pillows and much more.  Finding the right furniture for your home is important.  We highly recommend checking out Maui Living Furniture for quality, long-lasting furnishings that are good for the environment and good for you!

Visit site: Furniture Maui

Some the products that most impress us are:

• Clove Cases: 5 and 6 drawer dressers, nighstand, armoire

• Juniper Cases: 5 and 7 drawer dressers, nightstand, TV stand

• Spices Bedroom Collection: Platform Beds

• Sonoma organic pillow tops and mattresses

• Organic bed and bath products: Towels, sheets, and more

• Comfortable Maui style futons

Maui Living Furniture has been in business in Hawaii since 1985.  This family operated business has grown naturally due to their offering quality items with the best service possible.

Shopping here for furniture is not only good for the environment but it is good for local Maui business. We appreciate when small business owners are able to offer quality products at great prices; Maui Living Furniture has been doing this for decades on Maui.

Contact them today by calling (808) 871-6406 or drop by the store today.  They have their showroom open from 11-6 Tues-Friday, and 10-2 on Saturdays.  You can also visit their website at Hawaii Furniture.

Specializing in beach portraits, they’ve earned a reputation from their professionalism and skill when photographing couples, families and groups on the beach.

Give them a call at (808) 242-12424 or stop by their beach kiosk in Whaler’s Village Kaanapali, Maui.

You can also visit their website to see more examples of their Maui portrait photography.

We just received our new Soma Airbag Designs Surfboard bags.  They’re 6’6″ and can fit 2 boards in each bag.

After close inspection, inflation, and testing, we think Soma has come up with the best board bag on the market.  What makes it so great is its durability and light weight as well as its compact size when not in use.  Often, when we travel inter-island, we have an over-sized bag with a couple boards inside of it that have their own smaller bags or socks on.  When arriving at our surf destination, we have our boards out and a huge bag that wont fit anywhere.  With Soma we can deflate the bag and throw it in the closet.  Fantastic idea!

The bag has inflated rails, top and bottom.  It fits 2 boards easily and has room for fins, leashes, wax and other small items.  Another side benefit to the bag is that it works very well as a mattress if you plan on camping out or just don’t want to sleep in a nasty bed at some 3rd world hotel.  It’s very comfortable and even has a separator pad between the boards that can act as a blanket.

These board bags are relatively inexpensive and very sturdy.  We’ll be taking our bags to Bali from Hawaii and from California without worries.

Contact them today to order your next board bag at support@airbagdesigns.com, (877)320-7478 or go to their website and order now at AirBagDesigns.com

COMMENTS:

Bali Traveler: We took the Soma Airbags to Bali and traveled for almost 3 weeks. 2 bags for 4 boards. We arrived safely back in Ca and Hawaii (respectively), with our boards completely intact. We took 6 flights and surfed everyday at different locations with out a problem. These are great bags!

NEW UPDATE: OCTOBER 4th, 2010

Furlough Fridays have been cut down to less days and are now called “Non-Instructional Days”.  This should make our uneducated masses happy.

Though Governor Linda Lingle never expressly mentioned “Furlough Fridays” in her speech on Friday, she did address the issue of education.  Lingle made it clear that she understands that our system of education is broken and suggested that we concentrate more on the time children are IN classrooms rather than OUT of classrooms.

(QUICK NOTE: Furlough Fridays are days where education is taken away from children in order cut staffing expenses to help the State budget deficit.)

Though we agree that Hawaii education has MAJOR problems, Lingle’s statement, “We need to get more worked up about what happens when they are in school rather than when … they are not in school,” is like saying, “When you have cancer, don’t worry about the fact that your doctor will be around even less to cure you, worry about the cancer!” How exactly does one fix a problem when those closest to it are given less time to fix it?

With a culture that obviously struggles to develop its children to be competitive in our world, wouldn’t you think that keeping teachers employed full-time should remain a priority?  Yes, our deficit is a big problem, but cutting education is the shortest sighted solution one can propose.  In her speech on Friday, Lingle reiterated her proposals to fix our economic woes.  She discussed:

• Programs putting unemployed welfare recipients to work. This sounds great, but in our personal experience, a sizable portion of people on welfare in Hawaii aren’t interested in working.  The idea of compensating employers for hiring welfare recipients is also a good idea in theory, but if an employer NEEDS an employee wouldn’t they have to hire them anyway?  This also seems short-sighted considering that when the program stops, many will go back on welfare because their employer won’t be able to afford keeping them on.

• Tax Credits for construction and Renovation. Island growth is really not a long-term solution either.  We have enormously high occupancy rates and big problems with distribution of scarce resources like water, as well as devastating environmental issues to try and fix before we encourage more construction.

So what is the solution to our economic problems in Hawaii? We feel high-tech industrial growth, long term educational growth, and preparation of  economic down turns will do us better than any other solutions.  Lingle did mention a proposal to set aside 5% of funds when tax revenues are growing.  This is a good idea, but government track records in this area have shown that money set aside often becomes reallocated with time.

The implementation of Furlough Fridays is indicative of Hawaii’s prioritizing education below most other things.  Lingle insinuates that the problem lies IN the classroom and that the problem is quality.  We disagree.  The blame falls everywhere between the parents all the way to the top administrators in the school system, as well as on the heads of legislators.  If administration would let teachers spend more time teaching than testing, if parents took more of an interest in their children’s education and genuinely wanted their kids to be brighter than they are, if government could find better ways to cut from the budget and possibly take federal aid we might see a brighter future in Hawaii.

Are teachers to blame? Surely some teachers in Hawaii shouldn’t be teaching, but for the most part teachers are NOT the reason for our lagging behind most of the country (and the world) in educating our children properly.  The problem is that education is not a priority in Hawaii when it should be #1.  Our spiraling cycle of education continues to build on an already poorly educated culture.  Much of this is due to our citizens already being poorly educated and not seeing the value in it.

Not only would an emphasis in education be helpful to us economically in the long term, but socially we believe the islands would become healthier.  In that, we mean with more understanding of other cultures, higher levels of confidence and income, and a broader more developed economic share of the world’s production and innovation could alleviate some of the ignorance and racial tension that is so prevalent in Hawaii today.

This editorial is just one view point from one of our writers.  Quotation and information was found through the Maui News.  Mahalo for your reporting!

COMMENT:

A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN US EDUCATION:

It’s been reported in the LA TIMES via NEWSER that the State of Utah is considering completely getting rid of the 12th grade in order to save $60 million per year to help battle its $700 million budget deficit.

While we’re at it, why don’t we get rid of education all together? It would save money and we could become a country of manuel laborers. Let’s let the rest of the world use us as labor while they concentrate on management, innovation and all major decisions. Maybe a different country could handle our budgets better too. Yep, we’ll make great pets.

Check them out at Discount Car Rentals in Hawaii or call them for the best rate.

The housing development would be built over 73 acres behind Lanai High School and the Elementary.  Along with the housing, area would be set aside for more empty lots as well as 2 parks and a full community center.

The county will be looking to process the project on a fast track set up to allow exemptions from community plan amendments and change-of-zoning processes.  Being affordable housing will allow it to move faster through the system for approval.

But with anything in Maui County, even if everything goes perfectly, we won’t see construction of new homes anytime in the near future.  Everything takes 100 times as long to process and complete in the state of Hawaii.  That’s probably why most of Hawaii is still beautiful.

You may also be interested in rading about the Lanai Wind Farm.  If you want to learn more about new projects in Maui, Check out Maui Real Estate Development.

HISTORY

In the past, we’ve flown with Island Air and incurred long delays lasting up to 6 hours!  If you’re deciding between another carrier and Island Air, you will probably get there faster with a stop over and 1 hour layover than with a direct flight on Island Air.

RECENT EXPERIENCE

Our flight to Kauai was delayed by 2 hours without notice.  I mean, no one told us anything and instead had us sit and wait with no idea of what was going on.  Then, on our flight back to Maui, we arrived at the ticket check in counter to find a sign saying our flight was cancelled and that no one could check us in for an hour and 20 minutes.  We sat and waited and couldn’t go into the airport till we had a boarding pass.  Finally, we got checked in and got to our gate with no one there.  25 minutes after our flight was supposed to leave, a message over the intercom explained that our flight was delayed by over 4 HOURS!  Meanwhile, other flights with Island Air to Maui continued to board in front of us throughout the day.

We spoke with a supervisor (a major ordeal to obtain an audience with, but we had the time.)  The only solution he came up with was to buy a ticket with a rival airline!  Yes, it’s true!  The supervisor of Island Air told us if we really need to get to Maui in a timely manner, we should consider buying a ticket with another airline.

We also overheard a TSA employee mention that most locals know to use Hawaiian Airlines because of their punctuality.  He said, “It’s worth the extra few bucks to make sure you get there.”  So our day concluded with over 6 hours of delays and cancellations.

THE FUTURE

It pains us to watch Hawaii businesses go out of business in these harsh economic times, but if Island Air dies, (with a smile) I’ll chalk it up as Economic Darwinism.

Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe in Wailea, South Maui, threw one of the best parties of the year to start off the Maui Film Festival. On Wednesday the 17th of June, 2009, this notoriously fun party attracted all kinds of celebrities, vacationers, and local Maui residents.

Some of the celebrities that enjoyed the warm night were Eddie Murphy, Justin Chambers of Grey’s Anatomy, and the director of Cash Crop, Adam Ross.

With a full bar (including an Ice Bar) and some delicious Pupus (appetizers) all at the low price of $50 for admission, it’s easy to see why this event was so popular.  Some of the delicious Pupus included crab claws, jumbo shrimp, mussels, chili orange chicken, Thai peanut beef, rosemary lamb chops, and caviar on toast.

Plenty of specialty cocktails were made with Tommy Bahama’s signature rums being poured through the ice sculpture. Stella Artois sponsored the event with tasty beer flowing from multiple taps around the restaurant.  Along with great drinks, we enjoyed some incredible live music on the patio.

Adding to the romance and excitement we’re a couple of Cirque du Soleil style performers on stilts walking around with masks and wings.Overall this was the best value and the most fun of the many parties surrounding the events at the Maui Film Festival in 2009.  We’ll be here again next year to share more pictures and news.

Thank you Natalie Brown for allowing us to use your photos.  See more of these photos at Tommy Bahama Maui. Mahalo!

Maui’s favorite springtime event, the 36th annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair was held today Upcountry.  This much anticipated event did not disappoint.  Every year, the craft fair is held the day before Mother’s Day and for good reason.  The event was packed with visitors and residents looking to pick up something unique and locally made for Mom.

Seabury Hall had fun for all ages: kids enjoyed the pony rides provided by Piiholo Ranch, the large double slip and slides, and the jumping castles, while adults shopped, looked at classic cars, enjoyed local food, and danced to the live bands.

Art on Maui has always been the major focus of the event, and again this year dozens of talented artists gathered to show and sell their goods.  Everything from glass blowing to photography was featured at the many booths.  We’ll make sure to come back next year, and we’re glad so many people came this time.

COMMENTS:

Year after year, for the past 5 years, I had been wanting to go to this Seabury Craft Fair because I heard it’s the best! Unfortunately, year after year a conflict in schedule arises (this year it was my son’s Taek Won Do Tournament). That weekend is a very busy weekend for Maui – lots of events going on.

Next year I hope to make it. I am crossing my fingers! Liza

1. Take Responsibility. When you have bills to pay, pay them on time.  If you don’t have the money, you shouldn’t have spent it.  If you need more money, see our next point.
2. Stop Complaining and start Maximizing your Business Potential!It’s possible that you’re business has run very well for the last 10-20 years while still operating in the stone age.  Keep in mind, it’s easy to keep things running smoothly when the economy is growing and visitors continue to come.  You need to realize that successful businesses don’t just GROW.  The true meaning of a successful business is an adaptable business that becomes more efficient with time, offering a more superior product year after year. Having 100 shops  that are all poorly run does not make you a success. You need to begin finding ways not only to save where you’re wasting, but also to maximize areas that work the best.  Cut needless costs, promote the most positive points of your business, and take advantage of opportunities that are new to this day and age (which brings me to my next point.)
3. Don’t be left behind because of Ignorance. If you’re business has yet to figure out that the web is the driving force for huge amounts of sales and inexpensive marketing, you can bet your competition has!  Just having a website is not enough.  Make sure people are getting to your site, through Sponsored listings, Referring websites, and our favorite, Search Engine Organic listings (FREE!)  Find some one to begin getting quality traffic to your website, and make sure your site doesn’t waste it once it gets it.  See Hawaii Web Group for quality Web Design, SEO, SEM, and PPC.  If you don’t know what these are, you should.  Have them explain it and find out how they can save you money and increase your profits ASAP.
4. Leave the Drama at home and Play Ethically. This is pretty standard for any community, but is especially important on Maui.  It has become all too clear how much Maui is like one big High School when it comes to business.  Everyone knows everyone, and they all have an opinion.  This island is small, and it astonishes me to see how many companies burn bridges, and more disturbingly screw other companies over.  Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated and stay out of the drama.  If you aren’t spreading gossip, rumors, or talking down the competition, you may be left out of the same conversations on the other side.
5. Show Up!  And on Time! I know this sounds crazy.  But in these times, we need every competitive edge we can get over our Hawaii competition.  Doing this will give you a foot in the door (because you know your competition will show up late!)
6. Reinvent your business!  Go Green! Ok, you’ve heard this before.  I’m not writing this on Hemp paper with incense burning.  I’m not suggesting you follow the trendy thing to do.  Rather, It’s become an obvious fact that companies whom take an interest in it’s own negative environmental contribution are appreciated and preferred over the more callous competition.  It’s not impossible, and can save your company a lot of money.  Once you’ve thoroughly looked at your company for needless waste, you’ll find many ways to save money.  Invest that money in more environmental and community friendly resources, and you’ll find a new angle at which to promote yourself.  It’ll pay off largely in a very short time.
7. Go Local! Take advantage of the local community resources.  This goes for personnel, commodities, and anything else that you can do to contribute to the island.  Yah, you may be able to get it cheaper from the mainland or another country, but the positive contribution will be recognized by those that receive it and will most likely be reciprocated in some way (which most always makes up for the cost.)  Plus, you’re feeding another Maui business which helps everyone.  The more we keep our money on Maui, the more we benefit directly and indirectly from it.
8. Continue to live life free from fear! I’m not saying,”spend! Spend! Spend!  Don’t worry about anything!”  What I mean is to be frugal, but don’t cut off your spending on Maui entirely.  Don’t let the media scare you into buying Euro dollars and living on Top Raman.  Continue to live life as you would, but with less extravagance and a more cautious eye.  The world is in a crazy place, but living in fear will only make things worse.
9. Find synergy with other businesses and opportunities! Find other local businesses that look as though they could benefit from working with you and vice versa.  Even your competitors can be used to help you make money if you use the right angle.  Just because you’re selling the same thing doesn’t mean you can’t help each other.  look into a relaxed partnership with a competitor to bulk up on things that make your product cheaper, better, and more desirable.
10. Preach and Spread Aloha! I know it’s a bit cliche, but that’s what people want.  Many people on the islands have forgotten how to live with aloha.  More importantly, many have stopped preaching its importance.  When you live with goodwill and a positive demeanor, it becomes infectious.  The happier we all are, the more valuable our home becomes, and the higher our quality of life becomes.

This was written by Chris Norberg, project manager of Hawaii Web Group LLC.  Their company has increased profits while building on new and continuing clients even with a down economy.  Much of their success is said to derive from their continual evolution as a business by staying one step ahead of popular trends and taking new technologies and using them for everyone’s benefit.  Learn how they can help you turn things around and become successful in these difficult times.

COMMENT:

QUICK UPDATE: Our holiday season was busy as ever, despite the many doom and gloom predictions. We feel the coming months will be difficult for many, though if you can pull through until summer, you’ll be rewarded. This summer will be an excellent opportunity for business in Hawaii to take advantage of the competitions poor business practices.

Use your head and stay ahead. Summer is just around the corner. Take advantage of new visitors from new regions. The money is going to be there, it’s just whether you’ll be getting a piece of the pie or not. SPREAD THE ALOHA!

THE BAD

Hawaii is the most oil dependant State in the most oil dependant Country in the World. The rising fuel costs affect everything in our lives. With everything being shipped from overseas, Hawaii’s economy is a slave to the oil industry. Signs of this changing are slim to none. With the rising costs, Hawaii is becoming ever more expensive to live and visit.

THE GOOD

Hawaii seems to get hit by a slumping economy a little later than the rest of our Country. Hawaii real estate is still highly valued because the people that can afford to buy here are of a different breed. Wealthy people tend to weather storms better than the masses, and the wealthy are the ones buying second homes in Hawaii, especially when the economy is struggling. Decreasing value in the dollar can only help Hawaii tourism and industry. A huge portion of visitors to Hawaii come from Canada and Japan. With the dollar becoming worth less, tourism will rise with international visitors. These visitors will help us grow and stay afloat through the rough times.

WHAT WE CAN DO

American visitors and residents of Hawaii both need to concentrate on buying American, and traveling in America. Keeping money in this country will ensure our prosperity. As the dollar falls, local production is more attractive and will help our economy. Signs of this are already present. The film industry rushed to Canada to save money in the last 5 years. Just in the last year, we’re seeing filming move back to the USA. With major tax incentives, the state of Hawaii has enjoyed industry revenue with recent filming on Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai.

With concentration on continued spending within Hawaii, this rough spot in our economy will be lessened, and we’ll be better prepared for the next wave of prosperity.

hawaii real estate

Now is the time to invest in US property, Don’t abandon it, invest in it.

1. Rent a Condo

The big fancy resorts are great but you can share a 2 bedroom condo with friends for 1/2 the cost of one room.

2. Eat In

The first tip is crucial on this one. If you have a kitchen where you’re staying, you’ll save a fortune on meals. Eat at least breakfast and lunch here. You can make sandwiches for lunch on the road. Hit up Costco on the way in. Also, do a couple of BBQ’s instead of pricy dinners every night.

3. Plan Plenty of Beach Days

The beach is free. Even some mor elaborate beach activities are cheap. Snorkeling can be done for near to nothing a day in rentals.

4. Don’t get Sucked into Tourist Traps

They are everywhere. Figure out what you want to do online before you arrive on the island.

5. Watch the Airline Prices

Some airlines to Hawaii will offer incredible deals last minute. Get on their mailing lists.

6. Rent an Economy Car

Gas is more expensive in Hawaii than any other state in the nation. You will be driving a lot, so save on gas with a smaller car. Plus, economy cars are cheaper per day to rent.

7. Read the 101 Things to Do in Maui

Choose your favorite 30 and then widdle it down to the free activities. You’ll be plenty busy still and will have a blast.

8. Get Up Early

Maui is best enjoyed during the day. This way you’ll hit the hay earlier and eat less expensive dinners. You’ll also spend more time doing cheap daytime activities.

9. Give Your Bar Tab a Rest

Though it is illegal to drink on the beaches, there are plenty of places you can go with a 6 pack and save $200 on Pina Coladas. This is where tip #1 comes in handy again. Make cocktails at home before you go out.

10. Buy Small Souvenirs

You’re going to want to bring home the 6 foot tall wooden tiki god, but you’re better off picking up a small bag worth of souvenirs at the shops or boutiques to give out to friends.