2 guest rooms / $530,000 FS
Begin your lifestyle change now in paradise. This is a unique opportunity to own a vacation rental turnkey business. Make your move to Hawaii now. A great time to get into an established business with plenty of room to grow. Unlimited potential.
E mail Michael or call 808-870-0116 for more information. B&B is located in Volcano.
By Special To West Hawaii Today
Sunday, June 1, 2008 7:29 AM HST
Since March 12, when a billowing cloud of fume erupted from the east wall of Halemaumau, thousands of Hawaii residents and visitors have gazed out across Kilauea caldera to the site of the new vent. Its mesmerizing presence in the day and warm glow at night have captured the imagination of numerous photographers.
The spectacular discharge of volcanic gases and, to a lesser extent, ash and other tiny particles has also commanded the rapt attention of county, state and federal officials concerned for the health and safety of island residents living downwind. Still, others are visiting the eruption virtually; the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Web site recorded 1.3 million hits in May on the new vent webcam alone.
For the observatory staff and other volcanophiles, much of the fascination is in trying to unravel this new mystery. While Kilauea is arguably one of the best studied volcanoes on the planet, there is much about it that we still do not know. With the current eruptive situation, we are perched on Pele’s roof, trying to understand what is going on inside by watching the chimney and listening very carefully to the sounds coming from within the house.
One of the most elusive puzzles right now can be summarized in a single straightforward question: What specific volcanic processes are responsible for the remarkable glow and copious gas release that we are all witnessing at the new vent?
The answers have been emerging on the surface, so to speak. In late December, gas emissions started to increase. By late January, gas emissions switched from a deep, degassing chemical fingerprint to a shallow, eruptive one. Kilauea’s eruptive gases characteristically have a high sulfur dioxide and water content and are comparatively low in carbon dioxide. Last fall, summit tremor, the constant, low-level shaking of the ground beneath Halemaumau, started increasing in mid-November.
On March 12, 1-1/2 months later, the new vent emerged. And a week beyond that, the first of three small explosions occurred. Ejected material initially contained ash and older reworked lithic material. More recently, fresh Pele’s tears and hair have shown that molten material is not far from the surface.
The composition of gases being emitted from the new vent also shows the presence of halogens — in particular, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride. These two gases are very soluble in basaltic magma and tend to stay dissolved until the melt approaches the surface.
The halogen emission rate from Kilauea, including the new vent, is low compared to other erupting volcanoes around the world — for example, Kilauea’s hydrogen fluoride emission rate is less than one one-hundredth the hydrogen fluoride emission rate of Masaya or Mount Etna. The appearance of hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride, however, further reinforces the conclusion that shallow magmatic processes are occurring. So, eruptively speaking, it seems clear enough that magma rose within the summit storage complex above the level it had held since 1982, the year of Kilauea’s last summit eruption. The magma’s upward migration caused the measured increase of tremor and gas release. What is less apparent is why this magma movement is occurring after more than 25 years of quiescence and why it happened during a time when Kilauea was steadily deflating. We usually associate upward movement of magma with inflation (swelling) near the eruptive site.
One working hypothesis is that an inferred increase in magma supply to the volcano that occurred between 2003 and 2006 disrupted the previously steady flow of material into and out of the summit storage complex. This factor of 2-3 supply rate pulse might have strained the summit and rift system, resulting in emplacement of an upper east rift dike and causing the small eruption on the flank of Kane Nui o Hamo shield in June 2007.
Further release of built-up magmatic system stresses is suggested from the ensuing eruptive sites downrift of Puu Oo, the developed lava channel, and the Thanksgiving Eve breakout and associated shields that are now producing a stable and strong ocean entry.
The current summit activity, including formation of the new vent and a near doubling of total SO2 emissions from Kilauea, therefore, might be Pele’s latest expression of pressure-driven stress-relief. As we wait for further answers to emerge, we volcano watchers can ponder the processes while we simultaneously engage the stress relief provided by Halemaumau’s stunning roof-top view.
Activity update
Kilauea Volcano continued to be active at two locations: a vent in Halemaumau Crater is erupting elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide gas and very small amounts of ash. The resulting high concentrations of sulfur dioxide in downwind air have closed the south part of Kilauea caldera and produced occasional air quality alerts in more distant areas, such as Pahala, during trade wind cycles and communities adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during kona wind periods.
Puu Oo continued to produce sulfur dioxide at even higher rates than the vent in Halemaumau Crater. Trade winds tend to pool these emissions along the West Hawaii coast. Kona winds blow these emissions into communities to the north, such as Mountain View, Volcano and Hilo.
A new gas vent, about 6 meters in width, was observed this past week inside Puu Oo. The vent is perched on the east wall, approximately 20 meters below the rim, and has been producing a hot, jetting plume. Lava from the 2007 Thanksgiving Eve breakout flow, erupting from fissure D of the July 21 eruption, continues to flow through what remains of the Royal Gardens subdivision and across the coastal plain to the ocean within well-established lava tubes. Over the past week, the Waikupanaha ocean entry has remained active, with small explosions and a vigorous plume on the east end of the new delta.
The public should be aware that lava deltas could collapse at any time, potentially generating large explosions in the process. This may be especially true during times of rapidly changing lava supply conditions, as have been seen lately. Do not venture onto the lava deltas. Even the intervening beaches are susceptible to large waves that are suddenly generated during delta collapse; these beaches should be avoided. In addition, the steam plumes rising from the ocean entries are highly acidic and laced with glass particles.
Check the County of Hawaii Civil Defense Web site, http://www.lavainfo.us, or call 961-8903 for information on public access to the coastal plain and ocean entry.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Six earthquakes were located beneath the summit. Continuing extension between locations spanning the summit indicates slow inflation of the volcano.
Three earthquakes beneath Hawaii Island were reported felt within the past week; all of them occurred on May 22. A magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred at 8:44 a.m. and was located 4 miles southeast of Kilauea summit at a depth of 1 mile. A magnitude 1.8 earthquake occurred at 5:22 p.m. and was located 1 mile northeast of Hakalau at a depth of 6 miles. A magnitude 3.6 earthquake occurred at 10:26 p.m. and was located 4 miles southeast of Volcano Village at a depth of 1 mile.
Visit our Web site, hvo.wr.usgs.gov, for daily Kilauea eruption updates and nearly real-time Hawaii earthquake information. Kilauea daily update summaries are also available by phone at (808) 967-8862. Questions can be emailed to askHVO@usgs.gov.
This article was written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
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It’s almost impossible to describe the typical person who operates a bed and breakfast.
They come from all walks of life, from professionals to laborers. Artists, craftsman, farmers, insurance agents, teachers and anyone else you can think of have opened and run successful B&Bs. Singles, couples and families have all been involved.
Their reasons for opening a bed and breakfast? Just as varied.
Perhaps children have grown and moved away and there are empty rooms in a large home. Some people just have more rooms than they need. Widowed or divorced people have opened B&Bs.
While they are run for a source of income, most people do not depend on them solely for their livelihood. People retired from other professions — such as professionals or farmers — who have a separate primary source of income often operate bed and breakfasts.
All successful bed and breakfasts have one thing in common: owners who like people!
They also like to entertain people in their homes.
Many of these owners also have skills they want to use, such as cooking, to please their guests. Others may have historically significant homes they want to share with others.
Anyone seriously thinking about opening a bed and breakfast must like people and be able to deal with all types of people. This is a people business! You must also be willing to sacrifice a big part of your personal life since guests will be living with you.
Many skills are needed to run a successful bed and breakfast. Do you have what it takes?
Before spending a lot of time and money, use this personal assessment survey to help determine if you and your partner (if you have one) have the skills needed.
Answer honestly by writing yes or no to each statement below. (Remember, this survey is for you — if you’re not completely honest with your answers, it won’t do you any good!)
Complete the survey for both yourself and for your partner. Have your partner do the same. (So you both fill out the survey twice.)
Personal Assessment Survey
I enjoy getting up early and preparing meals.
I’m highly organized and manage my time well.
I’m self-motivated and a self-starter.
I can do several tasks at one time.
I enjoy entertaining.
I find it easy to get along with most people.
I’m tolerant and patient.
I can handle conflict without alienation.
I work well under pressure.
I can work long hours and face a variety of interruptions.
I learn from mistakes and make changes as needed.
I keep my home neat and clean at all times.
I enjoy performing home maintenance.
I’m cheerful.
I enjoy interior decorating and remodeling.
I enjoy gardening and landscaping.
I have a regular income.
I communicate well on the phone.
I write well and regularly.
I’m persistent.
I consider myself a risk-taker.
I have a high energy level.
I enjoy serving others.
I consider myself flexible.
I have a good business sense.
I can handle the business end of a B&B.
I handle emergencies well.
Compare your answers with your partner’s. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Did any of your answers — or your partner’s answers — surprise you?
Now identify, in writing, your strengths and weaknesses. If you plan to become an innkeeper, your strengths should outweigh your weaknesses and you need to determine ways to compensate for the weak areas.
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.
We could spend hours and hours discussing marketing and its strategies. However, the main purpose of this brief article is to get you thinking in terms of what you’ll need to do to market your bed and breakfast.
Just because you think you want to open a bed and breakfast, or may already have done so, doesn’t mean it will be successful. You should give much thought and do a lot of research before you decide whether or not to open a bed and breakfast. It should not be a decision you take lightly.
What is Marketing?
If you were to be asked, “What is marketing?” what would you say? (Take some time to jot down a few of your ideas.)
Marketing is probably all the things you listed. But if we get right down to the very basics of marketing hospitality and tourism…
Marketing is satisfying your customers’ (guests’) needs and wants.
Needs: Gaps between what your customers (guests) have and what they would like to have.
Wants: Needs of which your customers (guests) are aware.
The inability to understand your customers’ (guests’) needs and wants can be a serious threat to your business. As B&B operators, we are here to serve the customer (guest). Their needs are priority #1!
Now, none of us was born with a marketing degree, so this is something we need to learn and then polish through practice. Remember also, the marketing of hospitality and tourism is viewed a little differently than the marketing of a specific product. Let’s take a brief look at the differences.
Product vs. Services
Differences between Product Marketing and Services Marketing Product: Tangible
Service: Intangible
Product: Able to store
Service: Perishable
Product: Made ahead
Service: Immediately available
Product: Sold once
Service: Repeatedly sold
Product: Easier to cost
Service: Depends on demand
Product: Wide channel distribution
Service: Short channel (me to you)
Keep this in mind: An empty room is like water down the drain, it cannot be saved. If it’s not sold, that sale can never be regained.
Why Market a B&B?
Change occurs rapidly in the hospitality and tourism industry and marketing plays a key role in a business’s ability to cope with the changes. The “build it and they will come” philosophy just doesn’t apply here. You have to have a reason and a plan in order for guests to buy your service (a stay at your bed and breakfast.)
Competition is greater, although this can depend on your location and the number of other lodging choices available in the area. But competition is not all bad — many B&B owners form associations and work very cooperatively together locally, at a state level, and nationally. Pooling certain resources, such as advertising, can make economic sense for everyone involved. Referrals are also shared.
Consider to whom you will target your marketing efforts. The economy, social, cultural and lifestyle issues all play roles in market segmentation. You cannot cater to everyone. You must aim for a specific group for the majority of your marketing efforts.
Modern travelers are sophisticated and expect much more than in years gone bye. A lot more than a room with a bed is expected. To get these kinds of guests requires you to do more planning of your marketing effots.
Seven Principles of Marketing
Marketing Concept: The means you are acting on the belief that customer (guest) satisfaction is your top priority. You continually want to put your resources and efforts towards satisfying your customers (guests).
Customer Orientation: You accept and act according to the marketing concept. The customer (guest) is always #1! (For example: Mr. Marriott took time to read evaluations from all of his hotel guests daily and personally took interest in them.)
Satisfy the Customer: Is the only way to ensure your long-term survival. Success comes from knowing what your customer (guests) want and giving it to them. Never just make assumptions.
Target Market: All customers (guests) are not alike. You need to pick out and focus on those you want to attract. This is sometimes known as the “rifle vs. shotgun” approach. A single bullet hits target rather than shot spreading all over.
Value/Exchange: Customers (guests) want value for their money. This is often hard for many to actually define. Some people equate value with the price of something while others do not. We must provide the experiences which guests find valuable in return for that they pay us money, make reservations and hopefully will return again.
Product Life Cycle: All products and services go through a life cycle: introduction, growth, maturity and decline. If we deal in services, we don’t want to end up in decline, but do whatever it takes to continue to grow.
Marketing Mix: Will be discussed in more detail next, but this is the controllable factors which are used to satisfy customer needs.