Health, Wealth, Wisdom & Fun

Link: http://www.billboardmama.com/hawaii-real-estate-p-376.html

The Hawaii Real Estate market continues to be a wise investment. In 2009, the prices have declined to that of 2005 levels - meaning, you are getting more than your money's worth. Everyone knows that China is the next major player on the world economy, and Hawaii's proximity to China makes it a natural investment opportunity for the Chinese down the road. Just as the investments of the Japanese fueled a spike in real estate prices in the 1980's, it is more likely that the same will happen with Chinese investments. Add to this the fact that there's a big and active Chinese community in Hawaii and it does not take a fortune teller to know that an investment in Hawaii real estate makes sense.

On all islands, there's a lot of inventory in the residential market at present. Prices have been diving into historic lows. But the wisest investment opportunity can be found in the vacant land market and so far, the most abundant supply of vacant land in Hawaii is found on the Big Island.

The Big Island is actually what we know as Hawaii - it's the largest among the group of islands. Fascinatingly, this is an island of contradictions. You could enjoy both worlds - marveling at the beauty of the snow-capped peaks of Mauna Kea while sipping your Mai Tai in a beachfront bar in Hilo. You can traverse from sea side to tropical forest to active volcanoes to barren "moon rock" and be back in the sea in one day. The island boasts quaint accommodations to world class hotels and resorts. Activities for the adventure-lover are plenty: big time game fishing, iron-man triathlon, skiing, snowboarding among others. All in all, you can say that on the Big Island, things are rather spread out.

* The Big Island remained true to its moniker - it's really large. Even if you combine all other islands, their size would only be half of that of Hawaii.
* The Big Island is the rockiest as well as the youngest island in the state. It was also the first island discovered by the ancient Polynesian settlers.
* The Big Island is formed by 5 volcanoes. 2 of them are still active. Kilauea is the most active - both in Hawaii and in the world.
* The Parker Ranch - the biggest ranch in America - is situated on the Big lsland.
* The most southern part in the US is found at Ka Lae on the Big Island.
* The Big Island also pays homage to the biggest telescope in the world.
* The world's largest macadamia nut and orchid growing industries are found on the Big Island.

For investment purposes, Big Island ocean front property with decent acreage is among the best choices. Beaches are limited on the Big Island, so you must realize that you may have to select between ocean front (rocky shore) and beachfront (sandy shore) when choosing a Big Island waterfront property. Between the two, a beachfront property will always be a wiser investment. Still, much more needs to be taken into account, particularly for those who aren't from the islands. Because of this, a real estate expert is an absolute necessity. The Big Island Land Company has been exclusively engaged in Hawaii real estate for over 20 years. Their employees grew up and live on the Big Island. They can cater to your inquiries and offer valuable insights.

Link: http://www.billboardmama.com/luxury-hawaii-rentals-p-375.html

Particularly if money is not really a primary concern for the American traveler, only a few places offer better alternatives than Hawaii. Daily flights from and to most major cities in the US are numerous. Passports, visas and shots are not necessary as Hawaii has been a state since the early 1950's. Also, everyone in Hawaii can converse in English. When in Hawaii, you are in one of the most wonderful places in the world but you are still, actually in America. Of course, there are plenty of Luxury Hawaii Rentals that you can choose from so that your whole vacation experience shall become more worthwhile.

Begin by choosing which island suits your needs. Kauai, meaning "garden island" is the most tropical of the main Hawaiian islands. This paradise represents Hawaii before it became a state - it's the least built out island. The movie "South Pacific" was shot there in 1958 and barely anything has changed in the intervening time.

Oahu is yet another paradise-like island. Oahu, which means "the gathering place" is what many people picture out when they think of Hawaii. Diamond Head, Waikiki, Punchbowl Cemetary, North Shore surfing, Pearl Harbor are all located on Oahu, including the capital city of Honolulu. It's the most crowded and developed of all the islands.

The celebrated Maui, or the "Valley Isle" boasts of the rugged road to Hana and the Haleakala crater - this is an extinct volcano that could fit the whole island of Manhattan. As any golfer would describe, the courses in Kapalua are world class.

Of course, never overlook the Big Island, Hawaii. Home to active volcanoes, the Merry Monarch Hula Festival, as well as the Gold Coast of Kona, the Big Island is the youngest and least vegetative among all the Hawaiian islands.

The next step is to select your luxury accommodations. Our recommendation is to select a vacation rental specialist such as Pacific Islands Reservations to help you select the perfect place for your stay in paradise. Of course, be ready with your travel information like your travel dates, the number of people in your entourage and the amenities that you prefer. Most likely, you would want to stay right on the beach, and there are literally hundreds of properties to select from. Whatever your taste desires, be it personal trainers, car service, private chefs, you'll have it through luxury Hawaii rental.

Of course, it's no fun if your desired accommodation isn't available. Note that these Luxury Hawaii Rentals are always booked at least a year ahead - so, plan your trip way ahead of time. If you follow these simple suggestions, you can rest assured that you'll indeed have the vacation of your lifetime.

Link: http://www.billboardmama.com/oahu-vacation-rentals-p-374.html

There are only 3 hotels on the island of Oahu, outside of those in downtown and Waikiki, that is. Unfortunately, there are no hotels AT ALL in Kailua, Lanikai, Kaneohe, Waimanalo, and a large portion of the North Shore. This could mean two things: (1) search for Oahu Vacation Rentals or (2) get ready to drive a lot if you want to have that magical Oahu experience.

Definitely, some of the best vacation experiences on Oahu can be enjoyed by staying in a vacation rental. Oahu rentals offer a wide variety of accommodations: from studio cottages to twelve-bedroom beachside villas. All these are scattered throughout the island.

Most vacation rentals are located either right on the beach (beachfront properties) or within a short walk of a block or so (beach side properties.) Most of the remaining vacation rentals gives you a view of the ocean. At least half of the vacation rentals on Oahu have a swimming pool as well as a gourmet kitchen. Of course, a full kitchen is present in all vacation rental properties. A few properties have a sauna or hot tub, personal gym, home theater or other amenities.

If your entourage is big enough, then the price of any Oahu vacation rental will be reasonable. The breakeven point-where the vacation rental rate matches the hotel room rates--is normally around a party of four adults. A significant difference between hotel bookings and vacation rental bookings is that the vacation rental usually charges a refundable security deposit, and an automatic cleaning fee on top of your room rate.

The other major difference between vacation rentals and hotels on Oahu, is that vacation rentals are rarely available for a stay of less than a week. This is because of Hawaii's anti-vacation rental law. This law is enforced differently on the different islands. In Oahu, for instance, a home cannot be a legal vacation rental unless it was grandfathered in at the time of the creation of the law. But if your stay is for thirty days or longer, then you could just rent any home as a vacation rental.

The owner who has his house rented illegally is subject to a charge of a thousand dollars daily. The lessees face no fine, but can arrive to find their vacation rental closed down (on rare occasions, but it can happen), or be harassed by the neighbors, or the police. At first glance, it might seem that you have to limit yourself to the hundred or so legal vacation rentals. But there are other solutions. Be aware that many of the finest places to be with are not legal Oahu vacation rentals. If you are really sold out on staying in an illegal rental, make sure that you tell anyone who asks that you'd be staying there for 30 days. In essence, it is always legal to stay anywhere - provided that it is for thirty days or more. Otherwise, just abide by the law and stay there for 30 days.