Big Island Bed and Breakfasts

Naming the B&B is one of the most important decisions an innkeeper will make. You’re likely to be stuck with whatever you pick forever, so don’t make a hasty choice! It is important to chose wisely and be culturally sensitive when choosing a nmae.

Here’s How:
Make a fairly long list of potential names before settling on one. Ask some friends, neighbors and kapuna whose opinions you trust to give honest input.

Consider using your location in the name. But be careful — names like Inn by the Sea are overused. Where is your land located? Is there a Hawaiian name for the area or land? What about the apua’a? The land divid that your land is loctaed on. Ours is Wiapunaula - however we felt that it’s Hawaiian meaning as well as it’s difficultly to say made it hard to use it.

If your land (aina) has a special history, try to work that into the name.

Think about alternative meanings. “Harry” sounds like “hairy” and might not be particularly inviting.

Say the name out loud several times. Names that are hard to pronounce aren’t useful.

Make sure it’s fresh. Search for the name on the Internet — if dozens of hits come up, throw it away.

Think about how it will look in a logo. Long names can be hard to use on brochures and business cards.

Look up potential URLs. If you want to be “Smith’s Bed and Breakfast,” look up URLs like www.smiths.com and www.smithsbb.com to make sure a good one is available for you.

Don’t forget that someday you’ll want to sell the inn. Personal names (”Smith’s Bed and Breakfast”) generally don’t pass on as well as names like “Golden Eagle Bed and Breakfast.”

Think alphabetically. Many directories on the Internet list inns in alphabetical order. “Atomic Bed and Breakfast” scores better here than “Yellow Dog Inn.”

Remember that it’s a balance. “AAA Bed and Breakfast” might get you good placement in directories, but it sounds stale and institutional.

Make sure you like the name. After all, it’s your inn!

Tips:

If you’re really having trouble, contact local advertising agencies and ask for a consultation. Some can even set up a focus group to review your options.