Hawaii Island Festival: Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Hawaiian Storytelling Competition ~ Saturday September 14th!
Kane come out to show their skills to throw their voice in higher registers. They also share the manao of their mele, the songwriter and the hidden meaning (kaona).
This is to honor the late Uncle Kindy Sproat, a true Hawaiian who lived in Pololu Valley, as his kupuna before him. This event has served as a platform for many falsetto singers to share their talents and voices. Many have gone on to form bands and to record their own music.
Event Details: Hawaii Island Festival:Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Hawaiian Storytelling Competition
▪️Date: 9/14/2019 (Saturday)
▪️Address: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road Kamuela, HI
Make your life even sweeter by attending the Eighth Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival, April 26 & 27, 2019 at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. From chocolate cooking demonstrations and a unique tequila and chocolate pairing event, to the fun and festive gala of all galas, our annual event is the sweetest (and savoriest) event of the year!
The 2019 gala event will be held on Saturday, April 27 and the ticket price includes unlimited tastings at more than 25 food stations, unlimited beer and wine pours from our various sponsors, an all-you-can-enjoy chicken mole bar, signature cocktails, DJ and live music, a fabulous silent auction and all around chocolate-themed fun. Limited Early Bird and VIP gala tickets are available starting November 23, 2018. With VIP tickets you’ll enjoy early access (before general admission opens), reserved tables and a private bar.
For the fifth year in a row The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. is offering fantastic room packages that include gala and event tickets. The schedule is updated often so sign up for our emails and like us on Facebook.
The Big Island Chocolate Festival is presented by the Kona Cacao Association, Inc. (KCA) The mission and goal of this non-profit organization is to promote the cacao industry on the Big Island of Hawai‘i by presenting BICF as an educational and outreach opportunity for local cacao farmers, the hospitality industry and cacao enthusiasts. We encourage you to become a member of KCA and support our cause.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS (tickets available after February 15, 2019 – Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date):
(4/26/19) – Cacao Farm Seminars/Workshops — Perfect for the current and aspiring cacao farmers seeking to learn the latest techniques, industry updates, processing and more.
(4/26/19) – Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory Farm Tour— Take a behind-the-scenes peek at how cacao becomes our favorite sweet and savory treat.
(4/27/19) – Cooking Demonstrations — Enjoy a range of culinary cooking and technique demonstrations from local chefs to uplevel your cooking skills!
The Kamuela Philharmonic’s A Hawai‘i Homecoming celebrates the concert return of Anthony Arnone, acclaimed cellist, to Hawai‘i. Known throughout the islands, Mr. Arnone will perform one of Antonín Dvorák’s most famous works of music, Cello Concerto in B minor. This work is one of three pieces Dvorák composed in the United States – Cello Concerto, American Suite, and Symphony No. 9 from the New World. Showcasing the fantastic talents of Mr. Arnone is not the only highlight of this performance. Many of the talented musicians of the Philharmonic will be featured in Béla Bartók’s Rumanian Folk Dances. A compilation of folk tunes Bartók discovered through various gypsy encampments throughout Eastern Europe are presented in masterful form.
Date: 10/7/2018 (Sunday)
Address: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Hours: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost/Cover: Section A (Pink) : $50 / Section B (Blue) : $40 / Section C (Mustard) : $30 / Section D (Purple) : $15
On July 7th, enjoy First Take With Science Friday, live from the Aloha State!
Hawaii Public Radio presents “First Take With Science Friday” and welcomes host Ira Flatow to his first live appearance in the Aloha State.
Every week, Science Friday brings today’s most innovative and exciting scientists to your public radio airwaves. “First Take With Science Friday” will bring those same stimulating science stories to two Hawaiian stages.
At these science-themed evening conversations, you’ll join Ira as he interviews a local scientist—and, true to Science Friday form, you’ll be invited to ask your own questions and join the conversation. The events will be recorded for possible broadcast on future episodes of Science Friday.
Both evenings are exclusive to HPR members and tickets may be requested at time of donation. Seating is reserved and assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
To purchase tickets, you must become or renew as an HPR station member. To do so, call (808) 955-8821 during business hours.
Accepted pledge amounts:
Pledge amounts of $75 ($6.25 per month) = a single reserved seat.
$100 ($8.33 per month) = a VIP ticket, which includes the opportunity to meet Ira Flatow at a pre-show reception, plus preferred seating. Limited quantity. VIP TICKETS IN HONOLULU SOLD OUT.
Discounted rates for group packages of two or more general or VIP seats also available online.
“First Take With Science Friday” is recommended for ages 12 and above. Running time is approximately 90 minutes without intermission.
When: Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 7:30 p.m
Where: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Rd., Waimea, HI 96743
When you walk in the Out of the Darkness Walks, you join the effort with hundreds of thousands of people to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss.
Date: 10/7/2017 (Saturday)
Address: Waimea Elementary Field, 67-1225 Mamalahoa Hwy Kamuela, HI
Contact Info: For more details, call 808-339-1794.
Thanks to Walkers and Donors like you, AFSP has been able to set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in our latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Aloha. It is starting off to be another beautiful week in Hawaii with the return of the cool stirrings of the Tradewinds. Clear skies, fresh air…..Hawaii!
The time has never been better to be a buyer for Puako property. While much of the Island’s most desirable areas have limited inventory, there has never been more properties for sale in Puako in my entire career (selling here since 1989). By clicking on this market report covering sales over the last 3-months (wait…what sales?!?) you can see that there are 17 homes* and lots for sale with three properties in escrow
The last quarter of 2015 and early first quarter of 2016 saw fourteen properties come to market. All but four are still on the market. Two of the three in escrow were listed then, all priced at the lower end of the price range. (Two of the three are our Elite Pacific Properties listings) Two sold although one that sold was actually on the market nearly two years priced 17% higher, then given a “rest” from Multiple Listing Service, a refreshing practice to make it appear as a new listing. Understand the buyer had looked at it earlier and made the offer soon after the price was reduced. The best Puako value, Puako #80, was listed only a few weeks ago and in escrow within days because of its location, charm and excellent pricing. Word on the streets is it was purchased by one of its regular vacation rental guests. The other oceanfront home in escrow has been in escrow for months but is another example of a well-priced, well located property considered to be a good value given its extra-large, deep set lot with a classic beach house. The lot next door to this home, another great value is still for sale, click here to see. Although there have not been any sales over the last 3-months, there was total of 8-sales between August of 2015 and March of this year. You can see what sold by clicking here for that report.
At least three of the oceanfront properties on the market have been trying to sell for literally years. We can suspect that this is mostly due to their prices. I have shown them to several clients who felt their perception of value was not equal to the sellers perception of value. Limited inventory in the past gave sellers the luxury of pricing to meet their needs. Add to that that sellers are not always educated as to how the differences between homes affects their values. Puako is a community without CC&Rs which is very attractive to most of those who call Puako home. This leads to a mixed basket of homes; from rustic beach cottages to grand oceanfront estates. It is difficult to determine values since we really have to compare mangoes to bananas. Harder still for a seller to price to sell if he doesn’t understand how these differences affect their value in the marketplace of today. That is the job we agents have to do! But right now, my job is to educate you so you make the right choice as a buyer. Having all these choices now at this time of year makes it an awesome time for us to find your perfect Puako home. Or if not Puako, we will find you one somewhere else on this beautiful Island!
Give me a call or shoot me an email and let’s jump on this opportunity now.
*Puako Kai is 2-CPR homes on one lot listed separately (2X) and together (1X). It has been on the market 18-months, listed with three different Brokerages. Now at 20% off the original list price of $2,350,000.
Lots of people want to avoid the hassle of the permitting process, thinking it will save them time and money. Every day we Realtors see the costly aftermath of this when the banks won’t loan on homes with unpermitted additions or lacking final permits….My Grandmother had a saying “Penney wise, pound foolish” You might save a few dollars in the beginning, but if you ever want to sell your home, after the fact permitting can cost you a lot! My friend Alan Van Zee at Hawaii Mortgage said I could share his article about the implications of building without a permit in today’s lending climate, thanks again Alan for these very wise words!
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Building Without a Permit
The percentage of single family homes for sale that have unpermitted improvements is staggering. As lending regulations have tightened over the past 8 years, sellers and homeowners are learning the harsh reality of not playing by the rules.
It really makes no sense to do work without a permit. While permits may take some time getting through the building department, the cost for one is relatively low. I’ll just be bold and say – If you proceed with building anything without a required permit, you are dumb.
Sorry to be harsh, but what time and money you may save going the “cheap and dirty” route, will not only cause problems for you in any future financing, but you may never really reap the reward of added value.
Appraisers have a tough job when valuing a home with unpermitted improvements. No matter how nice, an enclosed lanai or transformed garage can never be counted in the calculations of living space square footage. That could change your 3 bedroom 2 bath home into a 2-1. The value placed on living space is significantly higher than non-living space. If someone is trying to buy your listed home for sale, the appraisal may not support the sales price. SO unless the buyer is putting a substantial amount down, it could cause the transaction to collapse.
While this phenomenon of unpermitted improvements occurs on every island, what’s up with Maui and Hawaii Island? The incidence of unpermitted improvements is almost like a contagion. Recently I had a client wishing to buy a beautiful ranch property on Maui for $1,300,000. The owner/seller constructed a 1,700 square-foot shed/barn/garage on the property without a permit. Why? The permit was not that expensive. They obviously had a contractor build it, as it was not some piece of junk. Now the seller has to go and obtain an after-the-fact building permit. Not only does it slow down the transaction process, it could derail it if the county comes back and doesn’t approve what was built. If you are selling something valued at almost 1½ million dollars, are you nuts to think you can build an illegal structure larger than many people’s home, and it won’t cause any problems? Maybe the thought of selling was not on their radar when they built it. But selling or not, here’s a fact – rarely does a property stay in one’s family without the need for financing.
I get the idea that you may work in the trade and have friends that can help on the side, but get a permit. Maybe you don’t want to get a permit because certain specialty areas need a licensed contractor to perform that work? For the specialty areas like electrical and plumbing, get a licensed contractor to do the work. If I were buying a home and found that someone other than a licensed contractor did the electrical or plumbing, it would not sit well with me. After all, what could happen? The place flood or go up in flames?
The bottom line is that lending and unpermitted improvements don’t mix. If you want to see your “investment” reap the greatest reward from the time, money, and effort you put into a renovation or expansion, do it right, and get it permitted.”
Reprinted courtesy of Alan Van Zee, Hawaii Mortgage Company, Phone: 808.988.6622
“HawaiiCon is a three day science, sci-fi, and fantasy convention featuring celebrities from the most popular genre TV shows, scientists, panel discussions, tours, and extra special events.
In addition to the usual panels and workshops in the convention rooms, HawaiiCon will also provide members the unique opportunity to go on tours, share a luau, take a hula lesson, or go to the beach with their favorite stars.
The list of celebrities is unprecedented for a first year convention: Most of the cast of Stargate: Atlantis are scheduled to appear for a 10th year reunion, Claudia Christian and Patricia Tallman from Babylon 5, Richard Hatch, Michael Hogan and Kate Vernon from Battlestar Galactica, Esme Bianco from Game of Thrones, voice actress Cree Summer and many more.” Click here for more information.
Selling Real Estate on the Big Island of Hawaii is not like selling Real estate anywhere else in the world. Sure, the basics are universal but there is something different on this island that is Hawaii Island. Diversity is the best description; diverse in every way. The agents we collaborate with to make a sale to the clients to the properties themselves; not one is the same and all are unique
There are so many reasons to love selling Real Estate on the island of Hawaii. But the best reason is that every day I am blasted by the beauty that surrounds me. From the beautiful scenery to the beautiful people who live here; both the inner and outer beauty that we who live and visit here are so fortunate to experience.
The weeks pass by; no one like the other. Different places, different needs, different dreams. But this past week has been one spent in North Kohala. Truly lucky!!
The south end of North Kohala seems more South Kohala than North. The average rainfall of 6”/year, although there has been 16” so far here this year (a record), provides a dry, arid environment; the most desert like zone of the Big Island. But our desert is unlike anyone else’s desert! The grass and Keawe covered dry lands roll gently into the ocean. When the rains pour down, which is often the case if darks clouds pay their rare visits, water may run in the dry stream beds, bouncing along as waterfalls while we residents watch in awe. The South end has many nice neighborhoods; Kohala Ranch and Kohala by the Sea being two of the neighborhoods that have gated entries.
My commute with this view to show my listings in Kohala By The Sea and Kohala is an excellent example of a typical day. Those two homes appeal to different home seekers for different reasons, but are good examples of the range of homes on the market in this section of North Kohala.
Moving thru North Kohala you will see slopes gradually turn green as the rainfall increases while we go north. As you pass the towns of Hawi and Kapa’au you get the feeling you have gone back in time to a place where the good life means living well spent playing in the fresh air in a beautiful place with good friends and family. You can see it’s a place where the sidewalks are rolled up early because the residents want to get up at the first gleam of dawn to enjoy the place where they live. One that really sparkles in the sunlight. Secret surf spots, ditch kayaking, hiking, fishing and more demand your attention. You will see the old Plantation era homes, from the field workers homes to the managers estates, still loved and maintained; exuding the character of old Hawaii. Some are even for sale.
Scattered in the vast open spaces are farms, ranches and estate properties. Streams and waterfalls may form the boundaires of some properties but views of either the mountians, the forests or the oceans are equally shared among all the different kinds of properties. And as you come to north point of the Island, at the end of Akoni Pule Highway at Pololu Valley you will have passed the other property I had to work at this past week. You will also pass a few streams, one or two that offer swimming pools at secret spots along their course.
Life isn’t too bad holding Open House after having a showing of this home known as the Ohana at Niuli’i. It is well-known in certain circles after being named a Record Home by Architectural Record. Only 8-homes are designated as such each year by this publication. It is quite an honor for an architect to receive. It is one of many awards for the architect, Jim Cutler of Culter-Anderson. Sometimes called the “Glass House”, it is uniquely engineered to bring the outside environment inside evoking drama in an exquisite interior.
Who needs to hang paintings when this is your view?
And this is my job, my career… day in-day out, always amazed by the beauty of this island we call home. What’s not too love?
The rush of the winter market has subsided for the moment…or has it? The past few years have shown that the snowbird market is not necessarily the best time for the astute buyer to buy Big Island property, especially the “trophy” properties along the ocean and in the resorts. The last weeks of April into the first week of May are experiencing a vigorous buying frenzy. Properties listed in December anticipating ambitious appreciation have now languished long enough that the serious sellers are now motivated to move on and let go. So these oceanfront Big Island properties may now be ripe to pick up at realistic market prices.
The first one is south of and adjacent to Waikoloa Beach Resort. Click here to see. It is 27 acres directly on a white sand beach. The conservation designation may limit what you can build to 5,000 square feet of improvements, conservation zones vary based on each locations’ unique classification. But waking up to the blue skies, seas and white sands under a warm sun is heavenly. It is priced well at $7,000,0000 when compared to the slightly smaller parcel of 21+ acres a bit more to the south and less easily accessed property to the south asking $20,000,000, click here to see this listing.
Drive south of Kona to historic Kealakekua Bay. Along its south shore is a secluded, gated road; Keawaiki. Go further down this Road and you will come to Puu Honua o Ho’onaunau, also known as the City of Refuge. Spent a lot of time here lately in this magical place with clients who purchased a super sweet oceanfront home last month. There are very few places like this where one watches lauipala, (yellow tangs) swim in clear ocean water from the shore, seeing them as clearly as if you were in the water with them. Which is really where you should be; swimming, surfing, kayaking and playing in the warm waters of this black sand beach bay. This property, click here, is a true Kama’aina home on almost one and a half acres. You have to wonder how much you will use the pool when you have the best ocean waters in the world to play in a few steps away.
Lets not forget the lovely oceanfront Pauo’a Beach at Mauna Lani. This sparkling new home feels as much like oceanfront as non-oceanfront can. The resort location allows one the opportunity to walk to many of the nearby amenities. It should be finished by next month.
Enjoy your week! Stay well, be healthy and call if you want more information or to schedule an appointment. A hui hou
ADDITIONAL EVENTS (tickets available after February 15, 2019 – Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date):
The south end of North Kohala seems more South Kohala than North. The average rainfall of 6”/year, although there has been 16” so far here this year (a record), provides a dry, arid environment; the most desert like zone of the Big Island. But our desert is unlike anyone else’s desert! The grass and Keawe covered dry lands roll gently into the ocean. When the rains pour down, which is often the case if darks clouds pay their rare visits, water may run in the dry stream beds, bouncing along as waterfalls while we residents watch in awe. The South end has many nice neighborhoods; Kohala Ranch and Kohala by the Sea being two of the neighborhoods that have gated entries.
Loving Living in Hawaii 