There are many very interesting properties on the market that can be or are guest house s and retreats. Let me help you in the process of Finding Your Hawai’i”. Being a B&B owner has it’s challenges and rewards. Do not jump in without the assistance of an expert.
Call Me or send me a comment. I stand ready to assist and to do so with seamless Aloha.
A Hui Hou & Malama Pono,
Michael Martinage
808-870-0116 cell
MMartinagehawaii@msn.com
A bed and breakfast is generally known as a private home where a guest is provided a place to stay for the night. In some cases, the bathroom provided for the guest is shared with the family or another guest — although the majority of guests now expect (or demand) a private bathroom (usually en suite, or “in the room”). Breakfast is usually included with the price of the room.
A bed and breakfast provided in a private home is sometimes referred to as a homestay.
In addition to converted private residences, some establishments are considered bed and breakfast inns. The same concepts of “room and breakfast” apply. The major difference is that an inn has more rooms available than the usual one to four found in a private home. Inns often provide meals in addition to breakfast, as well as other services not always provided in a private home.
These two terms are used in the industry to distinguish the difference between a stay in a private home and an inn.
But remember, no two homes or inns are alike. They vary even within the same geographic area. These differences are part of what attracts people to stay at a B&B home or inn and are a significant part of their popularity. Each one has its own personality.
Generally, a B&B is not the reason for a guest to visit an area, but in some cases B&Bs have done such a masterful marketing job that this has changed. People read articles in a variety of publications and sometimes are attracted by a bed and breakfast and plan to visit the area specifically to stay at that B&B.
Travelers usually are attracted by recreational, cultural or historic sites, or by business they have in a particular area. Business travelers, especially women, sometimes seek out bed and breakfast accommodations as an alternative to the typical lodge, motel or hotel facility available in an area. B&Bs provide the traveler with a different lodging experience as well as what many consider a safer environment.
So you want to own a Bed and Breakfast, Guest House or Retreat. I want to help make that happen. My dream has always been “21 Bungalows on the Beach” and I get to run the activity board. Well, watch out for what you wish for. Myself and my partner Greg Nunn had a dream. We have extensive experience in hospitality, destination management and hotel operation and a love for the islands that is hard to match. I have lived in Hawai’i for 20 plus years, Maui for 17years/ Kaua’i for 2 / Big island 1 year. My previous position I worked through out the islands planning special vacations and incentives for corporations and families alike. Last year when we were in escrow in a small hotel in Maui and we saw the numbers would not work based on purchase price and market competition. We then set our sites on the Big Island of Hawai’i. The healing island, where dreams are born and the land is alive. What better why to jump into the fire then to move to a volcanic island. The Big Island has land and resources that are more abundant then the other islands and the prices -well much more realistic.
We just celebrated our one year anniversary, with our best month yet. It is not easy but I feel that I can really help the buyer who seeks the lifestyle and investment that a Bed and Breakfast, Guest House or Retreat can bring. Please call me and visit our web site. I believe in expanding my reality to the point that I pursure what I love doing and excel at it. I particularly like to involve myself in high energy levels of trust, optimism, appreciation reverence, joy and I love what I do in my life. Let me help you “Find Your Hawai’i”. I stand ready to assist and to do so with seamless Aloha, honesty and hard work.
People ask us all the time how we found Ka’awa Loa. I say we did not find her she found us. Ka’awa Loa Plantation is a Guesthouse and start-up coffee farm located in the heart of the Kona Coffee Belt on the island of Hawai’i. The 5-acre estate is nestled in tropical surroundings at the elevation of 1,200 feet directly above Kealakekua Bay. Our venue offers a wonderful spot to base your Big Island adventures.
In Hawaiian, Ka’awa is a sacred root used in ceremonies. Ka’awa Loa translates literally as “The Long Roots”. This is the name held by our neighboring apua’a (land divide), where the people from makai (the sea) and the people from mauka (the mountains) came together in the middle to trade, socialize, rest, and share their Aloha. Ka’awa Loa Plantation proudly continues this tradition today.
Area activities include swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters of the Pacific, ocean kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, touring coffee farms, and shopping in several eclectic local shops. Historic St. Benedict’s Painted Church and sacred Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, the Place of Refuge, are just a short drive away.
Enjoy our website, and we hope to welcome you “Big Island Style” soon!
www.kaawaloaplantation.com
808-323-2686 phone
808-870-0116 cell
Getting Home Improvement Estimates
Getting several home improvement estimates is vital in hiring a contractor.Comparing estimates can be tricky, and negotiating can seem burdensome, but doing both well is worth the time and effort. With a well-planned home improvement project, several estimates, and some negotiation, you can save money and feel confident in the quality of the work.
The process of getting home improvement estimates involves educating yourself, contacting contractors for estimates, checking references, comparing the estimates, and negotiating with your top choices.
Educate Yourself
Before you start calling contractors, be sure to study. You can use the internet or the library to become familiar with your home improvement options. There is a wide variety of materials that can be used to complete your improvements, and the prices may vary considerably… as does the quality. Knowing the difference between materials is one way you can better compare estimates and negotiate the price.
Contacting Contractors
It is wise to call many contractors for estimates - try to get at least four to compare. Some may not get back to you right away, but this isn’t always a bad sign. Perhaps it’s a clue that they are busy, because they are in demand. You just need to balance that with the response times you may get as a customer. Sometimes it is fine to be put on a waiting list, but that could delay your project.
Just take the time to get the estimates that are best for you. Don’t be pressured by salespeople who tell you the price is only good for so long. They do that to close the sale. Jumping into a contract may not be best for you.
Be clear on what you want when you talk to the contractors. Feel free to ask questions to ensure that they are bidding for the right things. For instance, if you ask them to paint a room, be sure that their quote involves patching holes, painting trim, etc.
Checking References
Be sure to check references on the contractors that are making estimates early in the process. Prior customers should be happy to share their opinions. If you run across a bad reference, the estimate from the contractor may not be one to consider. You should also check to make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded.
Comparing Estimates
When comparing estimates, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Again, differences in materials and actual work can definitely make a difference. Ask questions to ensure that you understand exactly what the bid is for.
Negotiating the Price
Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price. There is usually a large mark-up on home improvement projects and most contractors are willing to deal. If you feel more comfortable with one contractor whose bid is more than another one, ask him to meet the price. Do understand that the quality of their work may exceed the others, so they may not be willing to match the price, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
In Hawai’i - Wai is fresh water and the term wai wai means wealth. The Polynesian realized early on that without fresh drinking water nothing else mattered. Living on Napo’opo’o Road and owning both a guesthouse and having four and half acres of diversified agriculture has made an incredible impact on how I use water. Young plants need lots of water the first two years. We have planted coffee, pineapple and orchards that will not require a lot of watering once established. It is no surprise that our environment is changing however with that said. Hawai’i has been drought prone forever. Please think what you can do to assist. Water Catchment systems are part of life in the island. Let’s look at them as a way to bring the best of Mother Nature to our doors.
Please consider these tips:
Conserve in Your Landscape
Visually inspect your sprinkler system once a month during daylight hours. Check and fix any tilted, clogged or broken heads. Although watering at night is recommended, you won’t notice problems with your system unless you see it in operation.
Avoid watering your landscape during the hottest hours of the day (10 am until 6 pm) to minimize evaporation.
Water your landscape in cycles by reducing the number of minutes on your timer and using multiple start times spaced one hour apart. This allows the water to soak into the soil and avoids runoff.
Water your lawn only when it needs it. If you leave footprints on the grass, it is usually time to water.
Turn your sprinkler system off during or after a rainstorm and leave it off until the plants need to be watered again.
Consider installing an automatic rain shutoff device on your sprinkler system.
Install drip irrigation systems for trees, shrubs and flowers.
Check your sprinkler valves for leaks when checking all your heads.
Avoid watering your lawn on windy days.
Try to add more days between watering. Allowing your lawn to dry out between watering creates deeper roots and allows you to water deeper and less often.
Place a rain gauge in your backyard to monitor rainfall and irrigation.
Set the kitchen timer when you water by hose.
Test soil moisture with a soil probe or screwdriver before you water. If the soil is moist, don’t water!
Watch out for broken sprinklers, open hydrants, broken pipes and any other significant water losses in your community. Be sure to notify the property owner or the water district of the problem.
Make sure the water coming out of your sprinklers is not misting and drifting away in the wind. This is usually caused by too high of pressure—if necessary, install a pressure reducer on your sprinkler line.
Turn back your automatic timers in the spring and fall. Water only once or twice a week during the spring and fall.