Big Island Bed and Breakfasts

Generally speaking, the bed and breakfast industry caters to more sophisticated travelers than do chain hotels and motels. One way to stand out from the competition is to give your guests an experience they’ll never forget.
Start the pampering with the first impression. Your web site, emails, brochures and phone manners should all reflect a warm, inviting spirit.
Don’t be shy about advertising your amenities. If you put fresh flowers in the rooms every day, leave chocolates on guest pillows, fresh flower lei or provide plush robes for your guests, say so.
Start with the simple things. A piece of chocolate on the pillow goes a long way.
Leave extra pillows in every room.
Leave extra towels in every room.
Be available, but not intrusive. Make sure guests know how they can reach you if they have questions.
Provide plenty of information about the local area in each room. Restaurant menus, maps and brochures of local attractions are especially helpful.
If you can get a nice local restaurant to agree (which shouldn’t be difficult), provide a 10 percent off coupon for dinner on the first night.
Offer to help plan a local itinerary. Again, be available but not pushy.
Be as flexible as possible, especially in terms of when breakfast is served. Some guests want to be up at the crack of dawn; others want to sleep in.
Ask in advance about dietary restrictions. Don’t assume your guests will remember to tell you that they break out in hives whenever they eat nuts.
Tips:
When you send a reservation confirmation, include your offer to help plan a local itinerary.
Consider sending ‘thank you’ notes to guests after they leave — especially those you’d like to come back
Some of the items on this page can rightfully be considered a guest’s responsibility. But if you take the initiative to ensure a nice stay, you’ll see more repeat visitors.
What You Need: A great attitude
Knowledge of all local attractions
Lots of pillows and towels
Patience & Aloha

Aloha Airlines said Sunday it will halt all passenger service after Monday, signaling the end of an airline that has served Hawaii for more than 60 years.
Aloha, which filed for bankruptcy for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 21, was a casualty of fierce competition and rising fuel prices. The airline said it will stop taking reservations for flights after Monday.
“We simply ran out of time to find a qualified buyer or secure continued financing for our passenger business,” said Aloha President David Banmiller in a statement. “We had no choice but to take this action.”
Aloha has suffered since Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc. launched a new interisland carrier called go! airlines in 2006, triggering a local airfare war.
Banmiller didn’t mentioned go! by name in his statement, but did blame the company’s demise on rival companies.
“Unfortunately, unfair competition has succeeded in driving us out of business,” he said.
Rising fuel prices, which have forced other airlines to raise fares and look for ways to cut expenses, also made it difficult for Aloha to operate.
Aloha said tickets for flights after Monday will not be honored. It said it is working to have United Airlines accommodate passengers with tickets for Aloha’s mainland to Hawaii flights. It hopes to seat those with interisland tickets on Hawaiian Airlines.
Aloha has canceled Monday flights from Hawaii to the West Coast and between several cities in California and Nevada. It’s last day for interisland travel will be Monday.
Aloha advised passengers who don’t want to fly another airline and who want a refund to contact their travel agents or credit card companies. Those who paid by cash or check may file a claim in bankruptcy court.
The shutdown will affect about 1,900 employees. The company said air cargo services are to continue.
A Seattle company on Thursday offered to buy Aloha’s cargo operations for an undisclosed amount. But Saltchuk Resources Inc. said it wasn’t interested in taking over Aloha’s passenger business.
Aloha Airlines was founded in 1946.

HAWAI’I VOLCANO ERUPTION UPDATE

Pele puts on dramatic show for visitors

Volcano, Hawai’i’s Big Island (March 28, 2008) - The exciting volcanic activity continues to evolve in Halema’uma’u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano on Hawai’i Island. Meanwhile, miles away, molten lava is flowing into the sea, providing stunning panoramas for lucky visitors.
At the summit, the dramatic plume of gas and steam that has been gushing from a vent in the crater wall since March 11 has turned from fluffy white to dusky brown. That’s because the mile-high plume now contains ash.

Equally as dramatic, but visible only to intrepid geologists who venture to the crater rim just above the vent (off-limits to the public), were deposits of “Pele’s hair” (thin strands of solidified lava), and “Pele’s tears” (droplets of lava rock) above the crater rim. These artifacts of the eruption indicate that molten lava has ejected from the vent. However, no flowing lava has been seen on the crater floor - yet.
This activity follows on the heels of the small March 19 gas explosion in the crater wall that threw rock over the top of the rim onto a parking lot, which was already closed because it was downwind of the sulfuric plume. This marked the first explosive eruption at Kīlauea’s summit since 1924, and the first eruption in the crater since 1982.

The elevated sulfur dioxide levels near the plume aren’t dangerous to anyone upwind, but exposure to high levels of SO2 can be of concern, especially to anyone with respiratory conditions. As long as the customary tradewinds keep blowing, park visitors are safe.

There’s also good news for the Kona and Kohala coasts. Though the air may look hazy in West Hawai’i, there is very little SO2 left in it by then.

“Visitors should know that if they follow precautions, come prepared, and listen to officials, the volcanic activity on Hawai’i Island is not only fascinating to witness, it’s also safe,” said George Applegate, Executive Director of the Big Island Visitors Bureau. “A contingent of scientists, local and federal officials are keeping close tabs on the situation, and keeping the public well informed,” he said.

So Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is still very much open for business. Though the downwind stretch of Crater Rim Drive is closed off for now from just past Kīlauea Military Camp, as is Jaggar Museum and its overlook, visitors can get stunning views of the plume from the trail along Volcano House hotel.
Meanwhile, down on the coastal part of the Puna District, flows of molten lava from Kīlauea are still oozing overland and into the ocean. The county has set up a viewing area at the end of Highway 130. It’s currently open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the last car permitted into the parking area at 8 p.m.

At press time, able-bodied visitors can expect a walk of 40 minutes, or possibly more, from their car to the viewing site. The route crosses some pavement, and meanders across a plain of smooth yet uneven hardened pāhoehoe lava. It all depends on where the flows are going that day. Sturdy walking shoes are a must, as are long pants, sunscreen, a flashlight and at least two quarts of water per person. It’s a bit of an effort, but if the lava is flowing, the sight will be worth every step.

The Big Island Visitors Bureau has launched a new user-friendly volcano eruption update page on its www.bigisland.org website, www.bigisland.org/volcanoupdate. Visitors are able to download a PDF file from the site, a safe lava-viewing information card.

For the latest eruption updates and Hawai’i volcanoes information, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory site, http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov

For additional eruption updates, call Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park at (808) 985-6000 or visit www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm.

For additional information on conditions at the Kalapana lava view area, call the Hawai’i County Civil Defense lava hotline at (808) 961-8093, or visit www.lavainfo.us

NOTE: BIVB recognizes the use of diacritical markings, i.e., glottal stop (’), macron (ā), in place names of Hawai’i, such as Kīlauea. However, BIVB respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.

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As a B&B owner and a person who likes to share the very best of Hawai’i with all our visitors, it is always exciting when you have people from far away places. We would say that our client base is mainly from California, Pacific North West and Europe. It is no doubt that a weak American dollar and the beauty of Hawai’i - makes for increased revenue and exposure. Here are some statistics.

A record 56.7 million international travelers visited the United States in 2007, up 11 percent over prior-year levels, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. Arrivals surpassed the previous record of 51.2 million set in 2000. Spending by international visitors to the U.S. also broke a record, registering $122.7 billion, up 14 percent over the previous high set in 2006. With this spending record, the U.S. attained its largest travel and tourism trade surplus in nearly a decade, with international visitors outspending U.S. international travelers by $17.8 billion in 2007 (+113% over 2006). International Arrivals to the U.S.2000 -2007p Millions of Arrivals51.249.251.156.746.141.243.646.925.030.035.040.045.050.055.060.065.020002001200220032004200520062007pp = Preliminary estimate subject to revisionSource: Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, U.S. Departmentof Commerce

Pick it from the Tree- Plantation Breakfast and Tour’

Ka’awa Loa Plantation Guesthouse and Retreat is offering their guests a new breakfast experience, an early morning farm tour focusing on the fresh fruit in season. Guests stroll the plantation discussing agritoursim, living on the land, tropical fruit growing cycles and products that can be made from the variety of fresh fruit as well as establishing farm business. Harvesting the fruit from the orchards for their breakfast and when combines with commanding South Kona vistas and 100% Kona Coffee - we what can we say - it is perfect way to stay the day.

www.kaawaloaplantation.com

Call Michael F. Martinage R(S) for all your Real Estate Needs

Before you make a costly mistake and buy the wrong property - make sure to check zoning and license restrictions on the house before considering the house’s potential as a B&B. When we were looking for a property in Hawaii, you will be amazed at how often properties are marketed as being “perfect for a B&B” with no regard for the fact that it would be nearly impossible based on CCR’s or zoning restrictions to open a legal B&B at that location. If a buyer is really serious about buying a home and turning it into a B&B, they should examine all avenues, applications and work with a consultant. Would predicating the offer on the ability to obtain a license be out of the question?

Call a specialist-
Michael F. Martinage R(S)
Livingston Realty, Inc.
808-870-0116

Island of Hawai`i Lava-flow Hazard Zones

Maps showing volcanic hazard zones on the island of Hawai`i were first prepared in 1974 by Donal Mullineaux and Donald Peterson of the U.S. Geological Survey and were revised in 1987. The current map (simplified version appears below) divides the island into zones that are ranked from 1 through 9 (table of hazard-zone descriptions) based on the probability of coverage by lava flows. Other direct hazards from eruptions, such as tephra fallout and ground cracking and settling, are not specifically considered on this map; however, these hazards also tend to be greatest in the areas of highest hazard from lava flows.

Hazard zones from lava flows are based chiefly on the location and frequency of both historic and prehistoric eruptions. Historic eruptions” include those for which there are written records, beginning in the early 1800’s, and those that are known from the oral traditions of the Hawaiians. Our knowledge of prehistoric eruptions is based on geologic mapping and dating of the old flows of each volcano. The hazard zones also take into account the larger topographic features of the volcanoes that will affect the distribution of lava flows. Finally, any hazard assessment is based on the assumption that future eruptions will be similar to those in the past.

More detailed information about lava flow hazard zones can be found in Volcanic and Seismic Hazards on the Island of Hawai`i and the map reference below.

Using Google Earth to determine Lava Flow Hazard Zones for Hawai`i County. This Volcano Watch Article announces the release of the first Google Earth mapping file made available by HVO: one that displays Lava Flow Hazard Zones for the County of Hawai`i on the Google Earth base. If you can find your house or even your neighborhood on Google Earth, you’ll be able to use this overlay to see what Lava Flow Hazard Zone you are in. Install if you haven’t already done so and click on http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/lavazones/HVO_LavaFlowHazardZones.kmz to view the Lava Flow Hazard Zones for Hawai`i County.

Reference

Wright, T.L., Chu, J.Y., Esposo, J., Heliker, C., Hodge, J., Lockwood, J.P., and Vogt, S.M., 1992, Map showing lava-flow hazard zones, island of Hawaii: U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Field Studies Map MF-2193, text 1 p., scale 1:250,000.

As a B&B owner, our guests are always interested in the Volcano. A great day trip from Captain Cook. Here is the West Hawai’i Today report:

Lava reaches ocean Viewing site to open at 2 p.m. Saturday Hilo - A white steam plume is rising from the ocean today, and red-hot lava is entering the sea on a remote stretch of coastline between Kalapana and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. County, state and federal officials are preparing for the crush of visitors expected when an access road is opened, toll-free, at 2 p.m. Saturday, and every day thereafter for the foreseeable future. For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/2008/03/07/local/local01.txt

Please let me know how I can help. Call Michael today for all your real estate needs
808-870-0116 or e mail MMartinagehawaii@msn.com

People operating a bed and breakfast should enjoy their guests. It’s not uncommon for lasting friendships to form between hosts and guests, and this type of guest usually becomes a frequent repeat visitor and serves as a major source of referrals for other guests. People who stay at bed and breakfasts aren’t ordinary travelers. They’re looking for quality lodging and service, as well as the uniqueness of each B&B and each innkeeper.

B&B guests generally aren’t looking for a bargain. In fact, they’re often willing to pay more for something different and out of the ordinary. (Which doesn’t necessarily mean that discounts aren’t an effective way of marketing bed and breakfasts.)

As you plan for the startup of your bed and breakfast, you’ll need to make some decisions in order for the experience to be both profitable for you and enjoyable for your guests.

Do not take these decisions lightly. Taking care of these items before a situation occurs can save you money, worry and grief in the long run.
Guest Rooms / Beds

Try to look at your home objectively.

Are your furnishings in good condition?
What type of beds do your rooms have? Twin, double, queen, king, waterbed, etc.?
Is there enough closet space?
Before you open your home to guests, try spending a night in each room as if your were a guest. As a homeowner, one often becomes immune to street noises or that bright security light in the back yard. Perhaps the hourly chimes of the antique grandfather clock in the hallway will keep some guests awake at night.

Do the beds sag? It may be time to purchase a new mattress and box spring.
Are the pillows in good condition? What type of pillows do you have? Some guests are allergic to down filling.
Is there adequate light in the bedroom both for dressing and reading?
Is the floor cold when one gets out of the bed? If so, consider adding a small rug.
Do you need to get out the oil can for some of the squeaky doors?
You get the idea. All of these things can mean the difference between a satisfied and dissatisfied guest.
Sharing a Bath

The definite trend in B&Bs is to provide a private bath, most often en suite, with each room. (”En suite” means that the private bath is located in such a way that a guest doesn’t have to walk through any shared space to get to the bath. Some private baths are located outside the guest’s room or suite.)

Many guests now expect private baths, but you may not be able to provide a private bath for each room. In many cases a guest won’t object to this as long as you’ve made adequate arrangements for sharing of a bathroom. But remember that if you wind up sharing a bathroom with strangers, you’ll be losing some privacy in your own home and may even have to wait in line at some time. The best solution is to, at a minimum, make sure the innkeeper, family and any staff have a private bathroom not used by any guests.

Special care must be taken to assure that bathrooms are scrupulously clean before, during and after a guest’s stay. A small basket of cleaning supplies in a convenient location may help others realize that they need to keep the bathroom in good condition for others. Of course, be sure to include plenty of toilet paper in each bathroom. If you have one or more shared baths, a “clever” sign can be hung in the bathroom as a reminder to slowpokes. Keep any reading material in other rooms.

Security and Keys

How will you deal with security in your bed and breakfast? Many hosts give guests a key at no cost. Others charge a refundable “key fee” of up to $10 (refunded when the guest returns the key).

For your own security, you may give guests a key for their room and a regular front door lock but not to the deadbolt security lock. Other hosts give guests a key to their room and then set specific hours that the front door is kept open. Many innkeepers provide a combination lockbox to give guests access to the inn after hours.

Make Decisions Carefully

A bed and breakfast traditionally provides a comfortable night’s lodging and a good breakfast in a private home. Guests choose this type of accomodation because they enjoy the personal contact that a bed and breakfast host gives to their guests.

Hosting a B&B often brings many new friendships and guest who will return again and again. However, before you start your business, take a long hard look at yourself and your lifestyle. Innkeeping may seem like a glamorous and interesting opportunity, but it is also one which will require many long hours and lots of hard work.

This series of worksheets and information was originally written by Eleanor Ames, a Certified Family Consumer Sciences professional and a faculty member at Ohio State University for 28 years. With her husband, she runs the Bluemont Bed and Breakfast in Luray, Virginia. Many thanks to Eleanor for her gracious permission to reprint them here. Some content has been edited, and links to related features on this site have been added to Eleanor’s original text.