Aloha, It was a relatively quiet week with what seemed to be an absence of buyers. To some degree, it can be attributed to the beautiful weather, as most people prefer to enjoy the sun and beach as opposed to looking at real estate. I'm not saying that a hard core buyer wouldn't be out on a sunny day but I do have to admit that most buyers these days seem to be of a more casual type, feeling that time is on their side, so there's no need to hurry. Thus, the escape to the beach when the weather is beautiful. Can't really blame them; I'd be there too except for all the other stuff that needs to get done. On to your update: Copyright 6/6/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS235440 MTF,RES SA CF A 5 4-5-3-6-22-61 $875,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #61 18.00 ac 1,738 #61 2/2.01235472... 06/06/2010

Aloha, Happy Memorial Day weekend. Judging from the bright blue skies and our wonderful tradewinds, it seems like it will be a holiday weekend enjoyed by all. Here is your update for this week: Copyright 5/30/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS234452 RES LR,SA CF A 3 4-5-4-5-23-22 $497,500 Plantation At Princeville #612 1,153 #612 2/2.00 BACK ON THE MARKET234032 RES SD CF A 39 4-5-4-12-3-23 $649,000 Hanalei Bay Villas #23 1,244 #23 2/2.01 SALES232998 RES CD CF S 11 4-5-3-6-22-17 $1,495,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #17 2,864 #17 3/3.01SOLD 5/27/2010 for $1,300,000 (CASH) DOM 11 218639 RES FC FR S 4-5-4-5-23-30 $99,000 Plantation At Princeville #812 1,153 #812 2/2.00SOLD 5/28/2010 for $94,000 (CASH) 224237 RES CD CF S 645 4-5-4-5-13-28 $266,000 Kamahana #28 1,145 #28 2/2.00SOLD... 05/30/2010

Aloha, I guess I better quit saying that we are hoping the market will pick up once we "get into summer" because in another week we'll be out of May and officially into what is typically the "hot summer months." Sales have been tenuous, with plenty of good buys but not enough good buyers, or so it seems. Every now and again we see a spurt of activity and overall it seems to be on the upswing as sellers either come to terms with pricing or are forced into a short sale or foreclosure situation. Take a look at what went on this past week: Copyright 5/23/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS235162 RES LR,SA CF A 1 4-5-3-6-22-25 $1,295,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #25 2,864 #25 3/3.01234870 RES LR CF A 4 4-5-4-11-3-29 $480,000 Hanalei Bay Resort #H23 1,324 #5207-8 2/2.00234973 RES G... 05/23/2010

Aloha, While there doesn't appear to be a lot of activity in Princeville condos this past week, the rest of the Island managed to put 15 properties into escrow. Of these 15, one was a business, 5 were land, 2 were condos (in Poipu) and 6 were homes. Overall, things are starting to pick up and many of the realtors I've talked with are looking forward to a busy summer especially since there are so many good buys across the board. Now, on to your update for this week: Copyright 5/16/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS234836 RES LR,SD CF A 4 4-5-4-5-3-15 $475,000 Princeville Paniolo #115 1,058 #115 1/2234913 RES GA,LR CF A 2 4-5-4-5-12-13 $529,000 Sealodge Ii #G4 567 #G4 1/1 BACK ON THE MARKET222635 RES CD CF A 373 4-5-4-5-12-19 $349,999 Sealodge Ii #H1 826 #H1 1/1226521 RES SA ... 05/18/2010

Aloha, It's been a mixed bag again this week, as far as the weather goes with some sun (we had one really nice day) coupled with several other days where it vacillated between sunshine and downpours. I know of at least one showing that was cancelled due to the weather - so I'm hoping for lots of sunshine in the coming weeks. Let's get right to the update: Copyright 5/8/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS234601 RES LR CF A 3 4-5-4-6-1-50 $280,000 Villas Of Kamalii #50 1,825 #50 3/3234283 RES OT CF A 5 4-5-4-5-18-1 $310,000 Puamana #1A 1,312 #1A 2/2234523 RES OT CF A 5 4-5-4-11-3-84 $359,000 Hanalei Bay Resort #N22 867 #N22 1/2234637 RES LR CF A 3 4-5-4-5-24-21 $539,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #7C 1,972 #7C 3/3234634 RES LR CF A 3 4-5-4-5-24-6 $549,000 Nihilani At Princ... 05/09/2010

Aloha, Happy Belated May Day to everyone. Yesterday we had the wonderful opportunity to support "Leadership Kauai" by attending their "Let Me Lead" benefit luncheon aboard the Golden Princess Cruise ship in Nawiliwili Harbor. This $40 p/p extravaganza was extremely well priced as it included a silent auction, Hawaiian music by Doric Yaris, and an ono gourmet lunch in the opulent dining room with a choice of salmon or chateaubriand. Afterwards, Dorin Kaauwai (a dancer extraordinaire) gave a cha cha lesson then we danced several more dances to big band sounds from the Starlighters. This sold old event started at 11 and proceeded through to 3:30 and even then it ended too soon. This is my first "Leadership Kauai" event but I hope not the last. I understand they do fundraisers every year an... 05/02/2010

Aloha, You'd probably find it hard to believe that although I live a mere 10 minute drive from breathtaking Hanalei Bay, I can't remember the last time I was there. Like so many other people who live in resort areas (which is pretty much all of Kauai) I find that I end up working far too much and neglect taking time to enjoy the surrounding beauty. So today I made it a point to go to the Beach. I have to say, it's been so long since I've been there that I'd forgotten how mesmerizing it is. Not intellectually, mind you. I can easily tell you that Hanalei Bay has some of the most magnificent beaches in the US if not in the world but to step out onto the sand and take in the myriad of colors in the water pressed against the richness of the intensely blue sky left me speachless. "You forgot... 04/27/2010

Aloha, It's been a pretty cold week, with temps getting down into the 60's at night and staying in the 70's by day. Add in a cool breeze and some showers here and there, and once again, you can easily tell visitors from locals by their clothing. Tank tops for some and sweats and jeans for the others. Your blood really does get thinner in the warmer climates - at least, that's how it seems. Real estate showings have been brisk but sales have keep their slow pace. Take a look: Copyright 4/18/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS233890 T A 6 4-5-4-5-23-66 FS $550,000 Plantation At Princeville #1712 1,153 #1712 2/2233200 T A 6 4-5-4-11-3-45 FS $949,000 Hanalei Bay Resort #K25 1,324 #6221-2 (K25) 2/2233815 T A 2 4-5-4-5-39-149 FS $990,000 Cliffs At Princeville #6301 1,186 #6301 2/2... 04/18/2010

Aloha, I recently read about a new restaurant in Kapaa - the Oasis at the Waipouli Beach Resort and last night I had the opportunity to try it. Let me tell you, it was one of the nicest dining experiences I've had on this Island. Yes, there are many good restaurants on Kauai with excellent food, but very few have the ocean front viewing like the Oasis. I plan to do a blog on this restaurant this week, but if you have time, drop in and check it out. You won't be disappointed. As for real estate, based on this past week's market activity - I'd say spring has sprung! You'll see two units went into escrow while four closed escrow. Of these units, one was a short sale, three were foreclosures, one was a developer's close out and the last is a fractional. Take a look for yourself: Copyright 4... 04/11/2010

Aloha, Happy Easter to everyone! We're having a rather blustery day here on the North Shore with intermittant showers while the sun is trying (mostly unsucessfully) to peek through the clouds. Nevertheless, it's still paradise! Visitors are here and there, easily spotted in their shorts and tank tops while locals are wrapped up in jeans and long sleeve shirts. Even through Spring is here, it's feeling a bit like left over winter. Here is your update: Copyright 4/4/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS233422 T A 6 4-5-4-5-13-7 FS $311,500 Kamahana #7 1,732 #7 2/2233444 T A 3 4-5-4-5-18-10 FS $350,000 Puamana #3B 1,532 #3B 2/2233533 T A 4 4-5-4-5-24-21 FS $539,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #7C 1,972 #7C 2/3 CONTINGENT SALES227584 T C 198 4-5-4-15-21-28 FS $290,000 Sandpiper... 04/04/2010

Aloha, Welcome to your Princeville condo and house update. Just when it seemed it was picking up, things feel flat again. Thinking back to years past, the period of time between snowbirds and summer is always slow, it's just that we didn't notice it so acutely back then when Princeville market activity was at a much faster pace. Now that everyone is groping for straws seeking evidence of "the turnaround," every slight fluctuation of the market is scrutinized, dissected and placed under a magnifying glass. All in all, I think it's just the usual slow down common for this time of the year - on to your Princeville update: Copyright 3/28/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS231734 T A 3 4-5-3-6-22-52 FS $1,749,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #52 2,479 #52 3/3231735 T A 3 4-5-3-6-22-11... 03/28/2010

Aloha, This past week I've been enjoying the close proximity (to everything) offered by living in Puhi. As we've done in the past, we're down in Villas of Puali ‘cat sitting' while friends are on the mainland. I love the location, and the ease of getting around, the fact that Costco, Home Depot, Kukui Grove, the theatre, WalMart and so much more are minutes away - but have to admit, I am a North Shore girl at heart. While here, we've walked to the movie theatre, gone to restaurants we don't normally get to and really enjoyed the space. I live in a condo but the Villas of Puali, although technically a condo complex, looks more like a single family residentail subdivision, as it has only two units per building, (like a duplex,) most of which are two story, three bedroom, two and a half ba... 03/21/2010

Aloha, The news this week is Nihilani. With only 3 units left, (11A, 15B and 2C) the developer announced plans Friday to complete the project by building the last 3 units. Nihilani was originally planned as a 102 unit community but to date, consisted of only 99 units with the location of the last building, building 12, functioning as a parking lot. Pricing on these last three "pre-construction" units are $480K for a Moana (12A) $570K for the Makani floor plan (12B) and $580K for the upstairs Mahina (12C). I never thought I'd see this happen given the difficulty they've had selling the inventory they have now but that just goes to show, you never know. Still, I'll wait until I see the construction to believe it. Here is your update for this week: Copyright 3/14/2010 by Hawaii Information... 03/14/2010

Aloha, Beautiful Kauai has been dishing out some of her famous changeable weather this past week going from sunny to rainy with windy conditions to cloudy back to sunny and then raining with a rainbow in the blink of an eye. It's always been a source of amazement to me how quickly the weather changes but also how much it can change within a short distance. When I sat down to work on this it was sunny - now I can hardly detect the ocean from the sky due to the rain....but just wait a few minutes and it'll be back to sunny in short order. Here is your update for this week: Copyright 3/7/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS232326 T A 7 4-5-3-6-22-74 FS $879,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #74 1,892 #74 2/2.5232647 T A 1 4-5-3-6-22-64 FS $949,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #64 1,892 #64... 03/07/2010

According to Realtytrac, a company that tracks foreclosures by accessing county information, currently there are currently 21 properties in pre-foreclosure in and around Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii. Pre-foreclosures are properties that have fallen behind with their mortgage payments by more than 90 days.  According to statistics, more than 50% of these properties will move to auction, depending on the area.  Here is some more detailed information on Princeville REO Properties: These are the Pre-Foreclosure Properties  Recorded Date  Amount  Address      Square feet   Beds  Baths 5/26/2009     $380,000 3880 Wyllie Rd # 25B Princeville HI 96722 1532 2 25/28/2009     $3,150,000 4931 Kapaka St # A Princeville HI 96722 3525 4 55/26/2009     $1,144,513 3880 Wyllie Rd Princeville HI 96722 1312 ... 03/04/2010

Aloha, The news this weekend was the tsunami warning we all woke up to Saturday morning. I've been here since 1991 and this one of the very few, rare times I've heard the civil defense sirens go off other than for the monthly test. After several hours of watching and waiting, it was determined by one of the scientists at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on Hilo that "we dodged a bullet." It was reported at that time that the distance between the trough of the wave and the crest was 6′, much less than expected. He cautioned that as waves continued to come in it was possible these waves could combine with the energy that was dissipated around the Islands from the prior waves to create an even larger wave. Pictures were broadcast of the marina in Hilo which went from extremely exposed re... 02/28/2010

Aloha, If you read last week's blog, you know I was hoping to provide a picture of Waimoku Falls which flows into the seven sacred pools more correctly known as Ohe'o Gulch in Hana on Maui. First of all, the last time I went to the "pools" you simply drove to the end of the paved road, got out of your car and there they were. That was obviously a long time ago, because the pools are now located within Haleakala National Park in the Kipahulu District, 11 miles from Hana. We rode past them on the bike (motorcycle) never realizing how much things have changed. We were directed back to the park at a small organic market/farm we stopped at just outside of the park where we also learned that there are no pools!!!! They are dry and the huge waterfall we hope to hike to is nothing more than a l... 02/20/2010

Aloha, Happy Valentine's day. Looks like Brookfield is getting closer to finally having Nihilani sold out. I haven't checked lately but it seems there are only about 5 developer condos left. The developer is really dealing on these last few units so if you've ever thought about buying into Nihilani, now is the time. Take a look at this past week's update: Copyright 2/14/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS231562 T A 3 4-5-4-5-4-2 FS $425,000 Princeville Mauna Kai #2A 1,503 #2A 2/2231959 T A 5 4-5-4-12-8-28 FS $459,900 Pali Ke Kua Ii #232 993 #232 2/1.5231316 T A 5 4-5-4-5-39-188 FS $750,000 Cliffs At Princeville #9102 917 #9102 1/2231926 T S 0 4-5-4-5-24-23 FS $370,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #8B 1,567 #8B 2/2.5SOLD 2/8/2010 for $370,000 (CASH) DOM 0231925 T S 0 4-5-4-... 02/14/2010

Aloha, It was another glorious week here in Paradise, so much so that we even went for a motorcycle ride Saturday down to Lihue to take in a movie. It was equally beautiful Sunday so we went down to the beach in Kapaa (for a change of venue) and soaked up some sun. January 2010 closed out the month well above January 2009 with 54 transactions compared to only 20 in ‘09. This is almost as much as December 2009 which ended up with 59 total. Let's hope February follows in January's footsteps. It won't be hard to outdo the number of sales in Feb 09 as there were only 26. Now on to your update:Copyright 2/7/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS231596 T A 4 4-5-4-12-2-35 FS $329,000 Hale Moi #215 1,033 #215 1/2231884 T A 1 4-5-4-6-1-29 FS $749,000 Villas Of Kamalii #29 1,825 #29 3/3... 02/08/2010

Aloha, January is starting the year out right with several new escrows this week. Nice to see some result from all of the showings that have been ongoing. Take a look for yourself: Copyright 1/31/2010 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS231629 T A 2 4-5-4-5-4-12 FS $575,000 Princeville Mauna Kai #2B 2,100 #2B 3/3231254 T A 3 4-5-4-5-13-11 FS $599,000 Kamahana #11 2,073 #11 3/2231471 T A 2 4-5-4-6-1-4 FS $895,000 Villas Of Kamalii #4 1,766 #4 3/3 CONTINGENT SALES226124 T C 188 4-5-4-5-3-3 FS $239,000 Princeville Paniolo #103 1,058 #103 1/2227584 T C 135 4-5-4-15-21-28 FS $325,000 Sandpiper Village I #128 1,042 #128 2/2229003 T C 87 4-5-4-5-24-8 FS $385,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #3B 1,567 #3B 2/2.5230507 T C 38 4-5-4-5-16-56 FS $426,800 Alii Kai At Hanalei #7201 886 #7201 2... 02/01/2010