Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Hawaii Life

Hawaii Life Company Year-End Party at Camp Naue, Kauai

Hawaii Life — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:39:14 +0000

This past Saturday, December 17, 2011, Hawaii Life hosted our “Y-Not” at Y-Camp, the year-end bash for the whole family at the YMCA’s Camp Naue in Haena, Kauai. Words do not begin to describe the fun we all had!

Beginning at noon, this beautiful oceanfront arena hosted us usually ‘serious’ Realtors and allowed us to bond as friends through fun and games. To be able to live in paradise and work for a company who is ohana (family) is a dream come true. This is Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers.

Beginning with lawn darts and volleyball, the day and fun began. Decked out in our Hawaii Life logo camouflaged hats, the highly competitive sport of Bocce Ball commenced. As we separated into teams, our Bocce warriors (Matt, Justin, Winston, and Ben) dominated our course of miniature mountains and valleys, complete with mud pond hazard and squalls of rain. We were all too busy having fun to take pictures!

Around sunset, we all gathered for the grand unveiling of the imu, an underground traditional Hawaiian oven in which fresh, wild caught boar had been cooked all night and day under banana leaves, thanks to Winston, his wife Larissa, and their family. I know everyone agrees with me that this kalua pig was so incredibly ono (delicious) that it was no ka oi (the best)!

Accompanied by a delightful buffet of island delectables, hardly anyone spoke during dinner, it was that good. As night fell in the magical land of Haena, I was surrounded by such nice people and felt so grateful to be a part of such a truly wonderful company.

Whether you are a client, a Hawaii Life agent, or a new friend, know that Hawaii Life cares about people, and that is what real estate is truly about.

Happy Holidays and a successful 2012 to all!

Mahana Dunn, R(A)
808.280.3327
mahana@hawaiilife.com

Why Should You Spend Christmas on Kauai?

Hawaii Life — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:46 +0000

My clients from the mainland ask me frequently this time of year, “What is winter like in Hawaii?” and “Do you all celebrate Christmas there?” I tell them, “Where do you think Santa vacations before his big run?”

Here in Hawaii we say, “Mele Kalikimaka,” which means “Merry Christmas,” an endearing phrase you will hear the entire month of December. We even get Christmas trees sent all the way from Oregon! The only thing we lack on Kauai is snow, however, you can go skiing and snowboarding on the Big Island of Hawaii where the volcanic peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are frequently covered with fresh powder.

A home on Kauai is the ultimate Christmas present. Honestly, there is no other place I would rather spend the winter than on the golden shores of the north shore of Kauai. Our year-round temperate climate is the ideal choice for escaping the snow and harsh winds of the mainland. Even though we do get rain, the days are warm, the sun still shines, and you can always go to the beach on Christmas day.

Yes, the holidays in Hawaii are quite festive with plenty of holiday cheer to last the whole year through. Many visitors to Hawaii think they are in a foreign country because it is so naturally beautiful, but of course, Hawaii is the 50th state and we have just about everything you could want or need in the islands of aloha.

Make this a “Mele Kalikimaka” and treat your family to your dream home in paradise. For all your real estate needs, please contact me for information on homes, land, and Kauai living.

Mahana Dunn
808.280.3327
mahana@hawaiilife.com

The Land of Everyday Rainbows – Kauai, HI

Hawaii Life — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 03:45:39 +0000

I took this rainbow photo (below) from my lanai off my house in Kalihiwai Ridge in Kilauea yesterday morning, and I wanted to share with you how everyday magic happens here in the Land of Rainbows. Throughout the world, and especially Hawaii, rainbows have been seen as a lucky sign, a beautiful bridge between Earth and the heavens.

Since we have such a perfect balance of sun and rain here on Kauai’s north shore, the rainbow has come to symbolize harmony and dreams come true. Kauai is known as The Garden Island, but to those of us who live here, it is known as “The Garden of Eden.”

(“Somewhere Under the Rainbow” photo by Mahana Dunn)

When I was little, I loved the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and I always wished and dreamed that I could live in that magical land. “Why, oh why can’t I?”

Well, I stopped wishing and now live in the most beautiful area that hosts rainbows on an almost daily basis, each one more spectacular than the one before. You actually begin to know exactly when one of these “sky paintings” are about to appear…when the sun and clouds are just right. You begin to think the word rainbow—and voila!—the rainbow appears.

This is one of the very special things about Kauai that makes me smile. If you too would like to live in the land of everyday rainbows, please ask me how!

Mahana Dunn, (RA)
mahana@hawaiilife.com
(808)-280-3327

Joys of Living on the Most Beautiful Island in the World – Kauai’s North Shore

Hawaii Life — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:50:33 +0000

Beginning to feel the winter blues? It’s a beautiful day on Kauai!

Each and every day, I feel so blessed to live on Kauai. My clients and friends often tell me how lucky I am to live on the most beautiful island in the world, where summer is a year-round occurrence. I believe, that more than lucky, I was wise enough to have made the big jump across “the pond” and landed in paradise.

When my clients ask me, “what is the weather like today?” there is only one answer…perfect. Even if it’s rainy and stormy…it is still a beautiful day on the north shore of Kauai. Although we don’t have a “change of seasons” in some people’s opinion, we actually do have quite a few subtle changes that those of us who have lived here for a while notice.

You can hear the big waves echo off the mountains far away once the first of October begins; the smell of the air changes with different flowers and fruits in bloom…and there are many kinds of elements that accompany each month. In ancient Hawaii, the Hawaiians had many different names for the various types of rain, winds, and waves. To them, there are many different seasons with their special gifts to share.

Here on Kauai, we love the many ways the island expresses herself. When the big waves swell in the winter, all the surfers head to the sea, and in the spring and summer, the north shore is calm and serene, perfect for bringing the entire family to enjoy a day at the beach. The ancient Hawaiians had many festivals to celebrate the various seasons and these traditions are still celebrated today. As the chill of fall creeps in to much of the country today as winter approaches…it’s a beautiful, sunny day here in Kilauea.

You too can celebrate the beauty of Kauai on a daily basis. Please contact me today for information on Kauai living and homes in your price range. May your day be as beautiful as Kauai!

Mahana Dunn, (RA)
mahana@hawaiilife.com
(808)-280-3327

Historic Time to Buy on Kauai, HI – Lowest Interest Rates in 50 Years

Hawaii Life — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:30:59 +0000

When discussing real estate on Kauai, many buyers I speak with are interested in buying the nicest, lowest priced home for the lowest interest rate possible. Many people are waiting for the “bottom to hit” to insure that they pay the best price and best rate for their piece of paradise, but what if the bottom has already hit?

Historical mortgage graph courtesy of Old Republic Title Company (www.ortc.com)

According to the loan officers that I work with and BankRate.com, these are historic times we are living in, and the national mortgage rate is at an all time low. This is excellent news for people who have been waiting for the “right time” to buy their piece of paradise and finally own a home or land on the idyllic island of Kauai, Hi.

According to a recent article from www.BankRate.com, “This might be the low…another reason to act now, instead of waiting, is that lenders keep tightening their standards—and, at the same time, house prices are falling. The combination of more stringent lending and falling prices can push homeowners out of the category of people who are eligible for loans and into the category of people who are ineligible.”

This is excellent news for those of you who are waiting for the “green light” to go ahead and make a move on the home or land you have dreamed about. As I have posted previously, it is my professional and personal opinion that purchasing a home and land on Kauai is one of the most sustainable, long-term investments.

With interest rates being as low as they are, there are ways to make your investment work for you and even make a healthy yearly profit, like owning an active vacation rental on Kauai that already has year-round bookings. So, if the experts are saying this is an excellent time to buy…what are you waiting for?

Please contact me today for more information about current homes and land on Kauai that are in your price range.

Mahana Dunn, (RA)
mahana@hawaiilife.com
(808)-280-3327

Kauai Homes and Land – An Investment More Valuable Than Gold

Hawaii Life — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 03:30:49 +0000

There has been a plethora of discussions lately, both in the media and on investor’s minds… “Where is the safest place to invest my money now?”

For those of us who have lived in Hawaii for more than a decade, owning a home and land here is much more valuable than gold. For those who live where I am, we believe that the north shore of Kauai truly is the “Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow.”

(“More precious than gold”—Kauai sunset photo by Mahana Dunn)

As I continue to watch the money markets go up and down, and the price of gold soar and then fall again, I am reminded how fickle our economy is. For years, people have said that gold is the safest place to invest, yet as I have said all my life, “You can’t eat gold!” As the price of gold falls again in today’s market…it is simply another beautiful day here in paradise.

Kauai is the ideal place to live year-round, where there is an abundance of clean, fresh air, fresh island fruits and vegetables, and lots of healthy mana (“life force” in Hawaiian). The lack of stress here is palatable, especially compared to the mainland.

The clean and clear eyes of the young children who were born here says it all. Everything flourishes here on Kauai in great abundance and it truly is very difficult to have a bad day. No matter how hard you work, or the amount of responsibilities you have, you have many moments throughout your day to simply take a moment and a deep breath, and feel how good it is to live here and how healthy Kauai is for the mind, body, and spirit.

If you are fortunate enough to own land here, you can be as healthy as you want by planting your own garden, having animals like horses, dogs, or goats, and living a life where each day you are putting your energy into your future of health and happiness. And if you have children, you will watch how happy they are playing, growing, and learning in such a nurturing atmosphere.

If you and your family are interested in living the “Golden Life” on Kauai, please contact me today for more details on island life, real estate, and the sunset report!

Mahana Dunn, (RA)
mahana@hawaiilife.com
(808) 280-3327

Makawao Elementary School Fun Run

Hawaii Life — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:29:02 +0000

It’s Fun Run time again! This is the Makawao Elementary School PTA’s largest fundraiser of the year and it’s set to take place on Friday, September 30, 2011 at our school campus.

The mission of our PTA is to provide funding for art, music, creative movement, and to pay for buses for our students to attend field trips. Due to drastic budget cuts from our state over the past few years, most public schools in Maui are not able to provide these programs to our school children.

Through fund raising, we have been able to save these programs and make them available to our children. It is our belief as parents, teachers, and those who support us, that these programs are essential in the development of well-rounded individuals.

Right now, our over 500 students are doing their best to collect pledges from family, friends, and the community. The students who collect the most are eligible for some great prizes, thanks to donations from our amazing community…two-night stays at The Fairmont Kea Lani and the Sheraton, Atlantis Submarine Adventures, Maui Ocean Center passes, and much more. We appreciate all of you!

So, if one of our keiki approaches you in their Makawao School uniform, please think about making a donation. Every dollar they collect goes a long way in providing them with these much needed programs. Together we can all make a difference!

Realtors Wishing Well for Maui Students – Realtors and Public Schools Work Together

Hawaii Life — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:16:37 +0000

In 2007, the Realtors Association of Maui started a new project called Wishing Well for Maui Students. The mission is simple…”To improve the educational experiences and opportunities of students of Maui County’s public schools by identifying specific needs and coordinating resources of potential donors with individual schools in the receipt of goods, services, and monetary funds.”

Approximately 45% of children attending our public schools need some sort of assistance to meet basic needs. In order to try and meet some of these needs, Realtors across Maui are working with principals of the public schools to try and fulfill requests of the most needed supplies.

To check out wish lists and make donations, please visit www.ilovemauischools.com, or call me directly to make a donation to Makawao Elementary School…

Kristine, RS
(808)-870-0553

Historical Oceanfront Charmer From 1915 – The Faye House For Sale on Kauai

Hawaii Life — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:15:21 +0000

The Faye House (MLS# 242763) is an amazing opportunity to own the very first estate home built on majestic Hanalei Bay.

This very rare 2-acre estate is directly on the ocean where you can play all day on the beach, have a catamaran in your backyard, and a sailboat in the bay.

Skillfully selected by Hans Peter Faye in 1915, this incredible estate has the antique charm of a bygone era, made ideal with the consistent offshore winds, sandbars, and incredible views.

Just like the Faye family did for generations, you will love this hospitable home that is ideal for entertaining, family, parties, weddings, and enjoying all the gifts Hanalei has to offer.

On this 2-acre estate sits the original Faye home, which has a 6 bedroom main hale (house), a beautiful private guest hale, and a garage. There is great additional potential with this estate, for you can also build your dream home.

Along with this estate are building concepts to be able to create your dream home with permits for a much larger structure than other Hanalei lands allow. The future building can consist of a main hale of 9,000 sq. ft., a garage hale of 2,800 sq. ft., and a 1,400 sq. ft. pool on this stunning lot of 213 linear feet of prime beach frontage.

With current vacation rental permits and full occupancy, The Faye Estate is your key to living your dream and having the best of Hanalei Bay living. Offered at $18M.

For more information about this rare historical piece of Kauai and to schedule a showing, please contact me today.

Mahana Dunn, (RA)
mahana@hawaiilife.com
(808)-280-3327

Hawaii Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program Tryouts on Maui – August 27th & 28th

Hawaii Life — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:30:55 +0000

Aloha soccer families! Welcome to the 2nd installment from your Maui “Soccer Mom.”

The Hawaii Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) is coming to Upcountry Maui August 27th and 28th. Tryouts will be held at the fields at Eddie Tam Community Center. They are open to all players born between 1995 and 2000.

The ODP program allows those kids with a passion for the sport to tryout to represent Hawaii on a state team. The goal is to eventually represent our country on a national team. Not all kids can make it that far, but the opportunities they are exposed to throughout the process are priceless. My husband and I have been very blessed that our daughter has been apart of this and she will continue as long as she can.

If you are interested, please check out the website www.hawaiisoccer.com for more information.

While you’re upcountry waiting for your player, why not take some time to visit some of the great deals available in Makawao, Kula, or anywhere Upcountry? I’d be happy to show you around!