August 8th was a big day for weddings

We had been together for three years and finally tied the knot on 8/8/08!  My then-girlfriend got the idea for this date in 2007, when we heard on the news that there were a lot of weddings on 7/7/07.

We're not the types to do everything based on lucky hunches.  On the other hand many asians believe "8" is a lucky number and we have a lot of asians living in Hawaii.  The date was determined.  Like every couple, we had our usual daily lives to take care of and financial obligations.  As the middle of the year grew closer, we said to each other that we'd better decide if we're going to do this!

In early July, we went out to dinner, talked over our concerns and agreed to go for it.  We started making calls and…

Hawaii triathlon shop celebrates its first year in business

Momentum celebrated its first year in business during the month of August, 2008.  Despite slow economic times, Momentum has succeeded in bringing quality triathlon products to Hawaii at affordable prices.  Knowledgeable sales staff and bike mechanics make this a great store to shop.

The shop recently had a barbecue as part of its anniversary celebration.  Shop employees, customers and athletes stopped by for some good food, talking story and watching the Olympics on the big screen tv.  Buddy, the shop's black-lab mix mascot was available for petting too.

Michael Bisig "Biz", first person to the left in the staff photo above, recently departed from Momentum with his girlfriend Maribel.  They…

In Hawaii we encourage our buyers to use local lending institutions.  Buyers wonder why and sometimes think we're trying to help a relative or somebody else make some money.  Here's a great example of things going wrong with a mainland lender doing loans in Hawaii. 

A customer decided to make an offer on a townhome at Makaha Valley Plantation listed for $150,000.  We had previously made an offer on another listing in the same complex and obtained a loan prequalification letter.  The offer on that first property was not accepted and we moved onto another.  Since Quicken Loans had the buyer's information available, they issued a loan approval letter on the same day that we made our new offer.  We were feeling good about things and proceeded through the…

The Fat Greek

The Fat Greek has been at 3040 Waialae Avenue since December 2007.  We'd heard good things about their food.  One customer who lives nearby in St. Louis Heights told me he eats lunch at the Fat Greek nearly every day!  There must be something to this place.

We visited the Fat Greek and checked it out.  At this restaurant, customers order and pay for their food at the cash register.  They're given a small fob and take a seat.   When the fob lights up customers pickup their food.  The Fat Greek is BYOB, too.  Parking is the biggest challenge here.  There are approximately six restaurants packed into a small area with perhaps 15 parking spaces total.  If we can't find a space, we park a block or two away in a residential area and walk.  City…

Cute old house near downtown and UH Campus

This house was built in 1935 and has seen some renovations along the way.  I really like houses such as this one, with its older doors, single wall construction and classic architecture.

Located on Bingham Street in Moiliili, the home is situated on a 4,652 square foot lot and has 1,056 square feet of interior area.  Three bedrooms, one bath, a large living room and 10 foot ceilings.  There's lots of parking.  The driveway curves around the back of the house.  A carport is adjacent to the house and another carport is behind the house.

In June 2008, a similar, smaller house sold on Francis Street in Kapahulu for $665,000.   This home was originally priced at…

Hawaii Superferry gains popularity

The Hawaii Superferry sails past Diamond Head at 6:30 a.m.

The Hawaii Superferry was introduced to our state in 2007.  Oahu residents were generally excited about the new mode of transportation for the islands.  Residents of the outer islands (Kauai, Maui and the Big Island) were not all so enthusiastic.  It's not that every outer island resident disliked the Superferry, but when a new cause came around and gave residents an opportunity to band together, they went for it.

History of the Hawaii Superferry

The Superferry idea was conceived around the year 2001 by a group of investors with Hawaii roots.  The plan was to offer affordable interisland transit that allowed residents to take their personal vehicles between…

Panya Bistro

This restaurant is on the second floor at Ala Moana Shopping Center.  Panya Bistro is a trendy restaurant with fancy, modern decor and great food.

Walk into Panya and the first thing you'll see is their bakery.  Many Ala Moana customers and employees stop by Panya for a pastry, bread or cake.  Just beyond the bakery is the restaurant seating area and the bar.  A waiter will seat you, then take a look at their interesting menu.

On ths particular evening we started off with a spinach salad, caesar salads with salmon, gyoza and spaghetti.  The salads are delicious and I loved the dressing on the spinach salad.

Panya's spaghetti is not the standard italian style meal.  The meat sauce is a little meatier and less saucy.  It's very good, just…

Buying a vacation rental in Hawaii

Vacation rentals are a popular topic for mainland investors buying in Hawaii.  Buyers often think about owning a property here, renting it out like a hotel room for a tidy sum and living in it when they vacation in the islands.  It's a great idea!  There are some considerations that buyers should be aware of.
 

The difference between a vacation rental and a normal rental

In Hawaii, a transient rental is defined as being for a  period up to 180 days.  Residential (non-transient) rentals can be for periods of 30 days and more (yes, it's a bit confusing).   In general we consider 30 days and longer as non-transient rentals for residential properties.

Applicable taxes for Hawaii rentals

Hawaii has two taxes that may…