Underwater Paradise

Humuhumunukunukuapua'a Photo By Michel Johnson

The state fish of Hawaii is the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.  Try saying that three times in a row: humu humu nuku nuku apua a.  It’s one of the many indigenous fish and marine animals that live around the Hawaiian Islands and can be seen while diving or snorkeling.

When people think of Hawaii they picture the white sand beaches lined with palm trees, but the real paradise is a few feet away under the sea.  Volcanic activity continues to expand the Big Island, adding new pieces to the coral gardens every year.  Divers and snorkelers can see thousands of different types of marine animals while exploring.  Everything from sponges to turtles make the coral reef their home.

Kapoho Tide Pools Photo By Mike McGrath

On the Kona side there are a variety of good locations to choose from.  Kailua Bay is a great snorkeling area.  The shallow reef has lots of fish and if your lucky you might see a moray eel.  Kahaluu Beach Park, one of the most popular, is fed by a fresh water spring.  Lots of colorful fish and coral to explore.  On the Hilo side of the island there are a few good spots, although most agree the water is clear on the Kona side.  Leleiwi Beach Park is a good location to see Hawaiian Sea turtles and it’s not far from Hilo.  Kapoho Tide Pools has very calm surf and is a nice place for children.  Bring a picnic and spend the whole day probing through the water and sunbathing on the lava rocks.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your aquatic adventure today. You can easily book one of our vacation rentals online at, www.letsgohawaii.com.  If you need to get in touch with us feel free to contact us at MacArthur and Company / Sotheby’s International Realty.


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Aloha Hollywood

Vincent Kartheiser

Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching and with it the 8th annual Big Island Film Festival.  This year 54 films have been selected for screening during the festival and in the Hawaiian tradition of “Talk Story” each is a narrative film.  On top of all the screenings there will also be a slew of other events including workshops for filmmakers, Awards Brunch, Best of the Fest Reception, and my favorite the Meet the Stars Reception.

This year Kate McKinnon and Vincent Kartheiser will be the guests of honor at the Meet the Stars Reception.  Kate McKinnon is a featured player on Saturday Night Live and is known for her impressions of Ellen DeGeneres, Ann Romney, and Penelope Cruz.  Prior to SNL she wrote and performed in “Disenchanted,” “Best Actress,” and “Kate McKinnon On Ice” at the Upright Citizens’ Brigade Theatre in New York City.

Big Island Film Festival

Vincent Kartheiser is known for acting in the Emmy Award winning series Mad Men.  He has also stared in the films Untamed Heart, Indian in the Cupboard, Crime and Punishment in Suburbia, Another Day in Paradise, Rango, and many more.  When he was first starting his career he guest-starred on numerous series including ER, Angel, and The Cleveland Show.  Look for him next year on FOX’s new series, High School USA.

Besides the two guest celebrities there will also be lots of filmmakers on hand to talk about narrative film while clinking glasses of champagne.  So, break out your best Hollywood-Glam outfit and come down to the Kilohana Room at the Fairmont Orchid on Friday, May 24, 2013 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.  Tickets will be available at the concierge desk.


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5,800 Acres of Kau Land Up For Auction

Kau Coffee Farms, Photo by Julia Neal

A foreclosure auction for more than 5,800 acres of Kau land is scheduled to be held at noon on May 21, 2013 at the First Circuit Court Building in Honolulu.  The land includes pastures, coffee farms, coastal land, as well as several homes and lots.  The county appraised the value at $13.6 million and the remaining mortgage is $59.7 million.  There is no upset price on the property.

How did such a large amount of land end up in foreclosure?  Well, it all started in 2006.  Alan Worden led a resort development group which included Windwalker Hawaii and WWK Hawaii Holdings to purchase the Kau land.  They had planned to subdivide the land into 20 acre lots, build infrastructure such as roads, and acquire permits to construct high-end homes on farm land.  In order to develop the land Windwalker Hawaii borrowed $44.7 million from Lehman Brothers Holdings against the property.

In 2008 Lehman Brothers filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection (the largest bankruptcy in US history) and stopped funding the loan.  Without the required monies Worden and his development group were unable to continue developing the project or even pay many contractors who had already done a fair amount of work for them.

5,800 acres of Kau land for auction, Photo by The Kau Calendar

Worden’s group filed a motion with the US Bankruptcy Court in New York asking permission to seek an alternative form of funding.  The motion stated, “Lehman’s failure to fund the project’s operating costs has thus severely disrupted the project’s ability to obtain necessary permits and has been so devastating that the Hawaii borrowers’ damages may exceed the amount borrowed.”

After six years of struggling the project has finally come to a halt and the Kau land will be auctioned off.  Chris Manfredi of Windwalker Hawaii said, “I was here before Lehman, and I will be here after… The community has treated me as `ohana, and I will continue to do all I can to continue to advance our community through agriculture.”


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Big Island Trekking

Mauna Kea, Photo by Rex Libris

Interested in exploring an ancient Hawaiian village?  How about hiking along a sea cliff?  Whether you’re a novice or an experience hiker, the Big Island has the perfect trail for you.  With terrain ranging from sea-level lava fields to the 13,796 foot peak of Mauna Kea, there are paths for all skill levels.  And best of all you’ll probably find something unexpected along the way like a rare orchid or a whale breaching the surface of the ocean.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has 150 miles of trails.  Beginners should try the Kīpukapuaulu or Nāhuku trail.  Kīpukapuaulu is a one mile loop through a bird park.  Along the way you’ll see recent lava flow from Mauna Loa.  The Nāhuku Lava Tube is an amazing 1/3 mile stroll.  Hike through the forest and inside the cave-like tube where lava used to flow.  The more adventurous and physically fit may want to hike the 3.5 mile Halema’uma’u trail.  Cross Kilauea Caldera to Halema’uma’u Crater and see lava flows and steam vents.  For more information and maps stop by the Kīlauea Visitor Center between 7:45 AM and 5:00 PM every day.

Captain Cook’s Monument and Kealakekua Bay can be accessed by hiking down a 2 mile trail through shrub tunnels, lava fields, and forest.  Although the trail is a bit challenging, the reward of arriving at the pristine beach is worth it.  The bay is said to have some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island and you’ll get to see Captain Cook’s Monument, a white obelisk.  Along the way you’ll pass through the remains of Ka’awaloa Village.

Trail to Captain Cook Monument, Photo by Captain Cook Society

The Awini Trail goes down to Pololu Valley Beach, a picturesque black sand beach.  The half hour hike can be quiet steep at times, but along the way you’ll see beautiful vistas and the view from the beach is spectacular.  Those interested in hiking further can follow a trail over the ridge to Honokane Nui.  The hike takes about 45 minutes, but the view from the ridge is stunning.  Make sure to bring your camera.

The Summit of Mauna Kea can be reached by a strenuous five mile hike or by simply driving to the top and walking a short distance.  The scenery along the way up Mauna Kea is best described as rugged or untamed.  At the summit you’ll find grand views as well as several astronomical observatories.   At the Mauna Kea Visitors Center there is free stargazing from their telescopes from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM every day.

So what are you waiting for?  Start planning your Big Island hiking tour today. You can stay in one of our vacation rentals while you’re here.  Have a look online at, www.letsgohawaii.com or get in touch with us for more information at, MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.


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How Green is Your Thumb?

Maulua Waikaumalo-Maul

Recently, I read Hawaii County was considering a proposal to add composting to its green waste program.  At the moment they only recycle yard clippings for mulch, but if the proposal goes through they will hire an outside contractor to turn our organic garbage into fertilizer.  It’s a great idea, but it started making me think, “Why don’t people just make their own compost?”

If you want to have a beautiful garden and you want to curb your yearly waste disposal, then stop putting it off and start making compost.  It takes a bit of preparation, but once you have everything in place making compost takes less time than taking out the trash.

Buy a Bin:  There are lots of containers designed specifically for composting.  You should be able to buy an affordable one at your local garden store.  Find a place in your backyard that has level ground and set the bin there.  Make sure to put the container on soil so that any liquid can drain away through the bottom.

Garden Clippings:  You want to have larger clippings like pruned hedges with small twigs at the bottom of your bin.  These larger clippings will create space at the bottom for drainage and air circulation.  (Air circulation makes it less likely your compost will smell bad.)

Compost, Photo by Wisemandarine

Organic Material:  You can add any organic material to your compost.  This includes anything from your garden like mowed grass or leaves.  But most importantly, you can add any sort of kitchen scraps including: coffee grounds, cooked or raw vegetable, meat and poultry, as well as the leftovers from dinner.  Basically anything that was once alive can be added to compost.   Some people say don’t add meat because it will attract critters, but that’s a personal preference.

Upkeep:  You can add organic material whenever you have some on hand.  It’s a good idea to keep the compost moist (not soggy) and to turn the pile once a week to speed up the breakdown.  Depending on what you have in your bin it can take anywhere from two months to a year for your first batch of compost to turn into rich dark fertilizer.  This fertilizer can then be used around your garden.

About 30% of our trash is yard waste and kitchen scraps.  Why send it to a landfill when you can use it to build a more beautiful garden?  Start composting today and help the Big Island stay green.


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Gateway to Paradise

12-7205 Moana Kai Pali Pl, Puna

When purchasing a home the front gate is probably not the first thing on your mind.  You want to see the spectacular view from the lanai and the whirlpool bathtub in the master suite.  However, for French artist, Frederic Zimmer, the front gate is much more than a security device.  It’s the home’s signature.  That’s why Zimmer’s custom-designed gates are created with grace and beauty.  They are gateways to your home, your personal paradise.

At the end of an oceanfront cul-de-sac, in Puna, you’ll find one of Zimmer’s masterpieces guarding an elegant home.  12-7205 Moana Kai Pali Pl is a majestic 4 bedroom/ 3.5 bath bluff property with dramatic panoramic views of the ocean and coastline.  Each bedroom was designed to be its own suite with all the attention to details you’d find in a master bedroom.  The windows look out on Kehena Black Sand Beach and depending on the season you’ll see spinner dolphins, whales, and even occasionally a rainbow.  A quick stroll through the grounds will bring you past a waterfall, lily-pond, and an assortment of tropical plants.  Imagine relaxing next to the solar-heated pool or slipping into the oceanfront Jacuzzi at sunset.  With nearly 900 square feet of deck you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time sitting outside with the ocean breeze caressing your face.

12-7213 Moana Kai Pali St, Puna

A couple doors down at, 12-7213 Moana Kai Pali St, you’ll find another gate custom-designed by Fredric Zimmer and behind it a cozy, romantic getaway.  This 2 bedroom/ 1 bath home was completely remodeled in 2012 and now has new windows, siding, roof, appliances, furnishings, and Turkish travertine flooring throughout.  Both the kitchen and the bathroom have granite counter tops and granite backsplash.  The landscaping was professionally designed by the famed Rosette’s Nursery.  If you meander through the oceanfront garden you’ll pass beautiful rock walls and a solar-heated swimming pool.  There are two lanais that you’ll enjoy spending time on as the sun rises over the ocean.  This home is perfect for a couple who have seclusion and relaxation in mind.

So, what are you waiting for?  Now is a perfect time to open the gate to your personal paradise.  If you would like more information about these listings or our other properties, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.


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Travelers’ Choice Awards 2013

Pololu Valley, Big Island, Photo by Rui Tsai

Every year TripAdvisor.com asks its customers, “What is your favorite travel destination?”  The survey reveals the most popular places to visit world-wide according to the website’s over one-million customers.  This year the Big Island placed eighth in the list of top US island destinations to visit.

For years the Big Island was one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets.  Tourists tended to visit places like Maui or Oahu when they crossed the Pacific, but now vacationers are looking for something different.  Why go to the crowded beaches on Maui or the overpopulated city of Honolulu when you could enjoy the quiet and serenity you’ll only find on an island as large as the Big Island.

TripAdvisor points out that there are many activities on the Big Island revolving around nature.  The website suggests “don’t miss” the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the summit of Mauna Kea, and Hapuna Beach.  They also list Manini`owali Beach, located at North Kona’s Kekaha Kai State Park, as one of the 25 Best US Beaches.  Manini`owali truly is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see.  One TripAdvisor reviewer called it, “Incredible.  This beach knocks down the Amalfi Coast, Cancun, Costa Rica, Virgin Islands and more hands down.”

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upulehu, Photo by Bert Dickerson

As far as hotels, TripAdvisor customers rated the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in North Kona, as one of the best luxury hotels in the world.  It ranked number one in all four Travelers’ Choice Award categories including Hotels in General, Top Luxury Hotels, Top Hotels in the US, and Top Hotels in the World.   One reviewer said, “I’ve been to some great hotels. This one is the best of the best. Bungalow residences are perfect. Adult only pool is great. The open pool is great. Service is unreal. The higher end restaurant is phenomenal.”

So what are you waiting for?  Start planning your trip to the Big Island today. You can stay in one of our vacation rentals while you’re here.  Have a look online at, www.letsgohawaii.com or get in touch with us for more information at, MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.


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Real Estate Market Perspective 2013

73-4367 Hiolani Pl, North Kona

Wondering if now’s the time to buy a new home?  Maybe you have a property and you’re trying to decide if this spring is the right time to sell.  Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, studying the market trends can help you gain perspective on the current market and what to expect in the future.  While there is no full-proof way of forecasting the next several years you can make an educated-guess based on previous statistics.

According to Griggs Report, a collection of data based on statics from MLS Hawaii, Hawaii information Service, and Realtors.com, the North Kona residential median price hit a new high of $399,000 in January 2013.  That’s up from $365,000, the medium price for 2012.  (This includes only homes priced below $4M and is a moving average/median price based on 12 months of sales.)  The Hawaii County Statistics for September 2012 shows the number of building permits to be substantially up, but they are down by 15% for single-family homes.

At the moment property inventory is in short supply with a 22% decline from last year.  However, both the average and the median price have leveled off in the past few months, and the pending ratio has taken a seasonal upward turn because of the increased number of pending sales versus declining inventory. (The Pending Ration is the number of pending sales divided by active listing and multiplied by 100.)

Griggs Report: North Kona Residential Real Estate Market Trends

What does all this mean?  Well, based on this information we can figure out a few things.  The Pending Ratio is a good indicator of market strength.  At the moment we are in a “seller’s market.”  While that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to purchase a home it does indicate that it’s a much better time to sell your property when compared to last year.  It also reveals that with the current limited amount of homes for sale and the lack of new single-family homes being built that the average price of homes is most likely going to rise over the next year.  So, if you are looking for a new home it’s better to purchase it now than to wait for the prices to go up.

Still finding these numbers confusing?   If you’re interested in buying or selling a home, but unsure if now is the right time, don’t hesitate to get in contact with me.  I’ve been in the business for over four decades and would love to answer your questions.  Get in touch with me at MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.


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Steven Tyler Act

Steven Tyler, Photo by SongLyrics

Many superstars have a second home in Hawaii.  Roseanne Barr lives right here on the Big Island.  Ben Stiller and Pierce Brosnan have homes in Kauai.  And Oprah Winfrey and Woody Harrelson have estates in Maui.  The tropical climate and the beauty of the island are definitely an attraction for celebrities, but even more so is the attitude of the locals.  Hawaiians usually give celebrities their space and try to treat them like anyone else.  There are no laws against paparazzi, but snapping unwanted photos is frowned upon.  Well, there are no laws against it yet.

Last December, Aerosmith lead singer, Steven Tyler, spotted a photographer taking pictures of him and his girlfriend in their bedroom.  (Tyler owns a multimillion dollar home in Maui.)  He immediately called up Maui Senator Kalani English to discuss the problem.  English agreed to introduce a celebrity privacy bill to the Hawaiian State Senate.  The legislation, drafted by Tyler’s lawyer, would make it possible for people to sue others who take videos or photos of their private moments.

This last February Steven Tyler and Mick Fleetwood, of Fleetwood Mac, testified before a Hawaii Senate committee that celebrities and anyone else should not have to tolerate  intrusive paparazzi.  The bill was passed by the Hawaii state Senate.  However, it was later stalled in the House.  Many against the bill sited the vague wording as making the legislation a possible violation of freedom of the press.

House Representative, Angus McKelvey, said he wouldn’t hold a hearing for the measure and stated there were other legal avenues available for celebrities, including taking the issue to court.

Tyler’s lawyer, Dina LaPolt, plans to keep pushing the bill and hopes for a house hearing later this year.  She says legislation takes time to pass, and over the next few months she will continue to educate lawmakers about the bill.

 


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Hawaiian Homes For As Low As $165,000

Fairway Villas At Waikoloa Beach Resort D32, South Kohala

Have you been itching to move to Hawaii, but think buying a home here is just too expensive?  Do you want the Big Island life style without the big price tag?

One misconception people have about Hawaii is that everything is expensive.  Sure, homes is Maui and Honolulu can come with a hefty price tag, but here on the Big Island you’ll find properties that are significantly less expensive.  Imagine living near tropical forests and beautiful ocean vistas for an affordable price.  Imagine living a slower life without the hustle and bustle and the worrying that seems to fill your day on the mainland.  All of these things are possible if you really want them.  Have a look at some of our inexpensive properties.  At these prices you’ll have to come up with a new excuse for not moving here.

15-2719 Opelu St is a 3 bedroom/ 2 bath home in Puna for under $165,000.  This gem is a short walk to the ocean in a nice neighborhood.  You’ll find vaulted ceilings in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and master bedroom.  The kitchen has greenhouse windows, granite tiled counter tops, and a pantry closet.  The master bedroom has two sets of sliding glass doors.  One set leads outside and the other goes to an indoor patio.  The grounds are well maintained with tropical palms and an assortment of plants.  Coconut, papaya, and young banana trees dot the landscape.

Across the island in South Kohala we have a 3 bedroom/ 2 bath condominium for $425,000.  D32 Fairway Villas at Waikoloa Beach Resort is a third floor penthouse villa completely furnished with designer furnishings.  There is a loft which is perfect for a study/ in-home office and the spacious design will make every day feel like a luxury.  Surrounding the complex you’ll find some of the best golf courses on the Big Island and nearby there are gourmet restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.  This condo is a great property for renting out part of the year and using for vacation the rest of the year.

75-5816 Welo St, North Kona

In North Kona, at 75-5816 Welo St, we have a 2 bedroom/ 2 .5 bath home for under $420,000.  This property is in a great location and close to beaches, restaurants, resort activities, and much more.  Almost every room has an amazing view of the Pacific.  The modern design is open with cathedral ceilings and you’ll find sliding glass doors throughout the house letting in the island breeze and sunlight.  Outside there is a covered lanai and mature landscaping.  This property is part of Kailua View Estates which has a community center and two tennis courts for use by residents.

So, what are you waiting for?  Now is the time to purchase a home on the Big Island.  If you would like more information about these listings or our other properties, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.


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Mauna Lani Holiday

Sleepy Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, Photo by Rosa Say

Did you know the Mauna Lani Resort has been home to hundreds of Hawaiian green sea turtles?  It’s true.  Juvenile turtles live in the saltwater ponds of the hotel until they are mature.  Every Fourth of July there is a ceremony during which the turtles are released.  I often wonder if those turtles miss the pampering of the resort.  If I had access to all the resort’s amenities like gourmet restaurants, luxury shopping, world class beaches, and two golf courses, I don’t think I’d want to be released into the wild.  I suppose they still get beach access.  You’ll often see green sea turtles sunbathing in the sand near the resort.

The best part about staying at the Mauna Lani Resort during your vacation is they have everything.  Want to spend a day in a thatched hale receiving an amazing spa treatment, then Mauna Lani is the place for you.  Interested in playing a round of golf on a championship course, then Mauna Lani is perfect.  Even better is the fact that you don’t have to stay in a hotel room while you’re at the resort.  You can reserve a luxury vacation rental and have all the privacy and amenities of being in a full house while using the resorts facilities.

Kulalani # 401 in the Mauna Lani Resort

Kulalani # 401 is a fully equipped 2 bedroom/ 2 bath vacation rental in the Mauna Lani Resort.  This two story condo has stunning views of the golf course and mountains.  Relax on your wrap-around lanai with a cool drink or go out and take advantage of the resort.  Spend the afternoon dining at restaurants such as Tommy Bahamas and Ruth Chris Steakhouse or stroll down to the beach and let the ocean lap over your bare feet.

If golf’s your thing, you’ll want to stay at Mauna Lani Resort Golf Villas O-3.  Enjoy a 2 bedroom/ 2 bath golf villa located on Mauna Lani’s famous South Course.  From your lanai you’ll have views of Mauna Kea and the Hualalai Mountains.  Take a dip in the resort’s pool or lounge around with friends and grill some kebabs in the BBQ area.  Besides other amenities you’ll also have access to Mauna Lani Resort’s “Private Beach Club”.

Halekailani in the Mauna Lani Resort

Looking for a larger rental?  Then look no further.  Halekailani (House of the Heavenly Sea) is a 7 bedroom/ 7 bath luxury estate in a private community within the Mauna Lani Resort.  This vacation rental sits on one acre of beautifully manicured tropical grounds that look out onto the ocean.  The design is superb with only the finest furnishings and details.  Relax in one of the two swimming pools or outdoor spas.   Your concierge manager will happily arrange golf tee times, tennis reservations, dinner reservations, spa treatments, private tours, and other activities.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your vacation to the Big Island today. You can browse our other vacation rentals online at, www.letsgohawaii.com or get in touch with us for more information at, MacArthur Sotheby’s International Realty.


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