If you've got to make it your last day in Hawaii, I figure one may as well make one more snorkeling adventure, and who better to share it with than the spirit of James Arness? To walk on the boat that he had custom built. To sit where he sat. To touch the rails his hands once graced. But can you picture James Arness snorkeling?The problem with snorkeling is it grabs you and won't let you go. On Christmas Day we leave for Cuba, and there is even more snorkeling in Cuba. One of the rules is you have to meet with professionals and learn / share, because Cuba is not yet open to tourists. There are still restrictions, but it is coming and probably next year will be the breakthrough. We have a trip planned to the south side for snorkeling.I never tire of snorkeling. One of the guys on our boa... 12/19/2015

It's very different to be on the other side of the showing end as a buyer. It pretty much makes me forget about the fact that I am a licensed California real estate broker who sells about 2 homes a week in Sacramento. All my 40 years of experience tends to go out the window when I am on the other side of the transaction, and I'm certain the words that come out of my mouth echo the sentiment of millions of other buyers. Just because we are licensed doesn't mean we don't behave just like a buyer.My agent Hella Rothwell and I actually engaged in a conversation yesterday about how we could take the home in Waikoloa and move it to the location of the home in Kealakekua. It made me laugh because it's ridiculous. But it's also means something's gotta give. You can read more in my personal blog... 12/10/2015

Search all homes for sale in the Waikoloa Village by Clicking This Link.Find out the value of your Waikoloa Village home by Clicking This Link. Waikoloa Village is a community located 6 miles inland from the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This lovely community covers over 19 square miles and is a mixture of condominiums and single family homes.  Waikoloa Village offers its residents wonderful amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, a community swimming pool and tennis courts. Also, within Waikoloa Village is the Waikoloa Highlands Shopping Center, which contains many shops and restaurants, including the Waikoloa Village Market, Island Lava Java and Pueo’s Osteria Italian restaurant. With its proximity to the world famous resorts and world class beaches, Waikoloa Village makes... 12/10/2015

One of the really cool things about traveling is the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life and foreign places. To glimpse a small snapshot of another person's life, to peer into a tiny klaidoscope and pick up interesting tidbits you might not otherwise ever get to encounter. I ask good questions, and being in real estate for all these decades has refined and honed my skill to ask plenty of open-ended questions. If you're doing a really good job of it, you hardly talk at all, and then the other person thinks you, too, are the most interesting person they have ever met. You can read about my recent adventure in Hawaii in my personal blog and see all the photos at this link: Fun Facts About Finland that you may not know. 12/08/2015

I hate it when I do klutzy things like knock over a glass of water on the table at a restaurant. Of course that's better than, say, pouring an entire glass of cabernet sauvignon into your lap and on top of your lobster, like I did last night. The glass of water incident was the night before. I had discovered that I could cleverly prop up my iPhone between my plate and glass of water when I FaceTimed with my sister for lunch. It was just like going to lunch with her, except I am in Hawaii, of course, and she is in Minnesota.If it worked that well with my iPhone, I reasoned, it would also work equally as well with my iPad, and I could read a book during dinner. Except, well, it didn't. And soon enough, the water glass crashed across the table. You can read more about my adventures in Hawa... 12/08/2015

I felt really sorry that my last trip to the Big Island over Labor Day did not offer any ability to buy gifts for my team. The Prince Hapuna was a vast moldy wasteland with nothing but a beach. I am a big believer in surprising my team members with presents that I personally have selected for them; it shows my gratitude and appreciation, plus it's immense fun to shop for them. I always think of them when I travel because, let's face it, if it wasn't for them I probably could not get away. I manage an enormous amount business in Sacramento real estate; it always needs a personal touch and attention.These people are my support system 365 days a year. I talk with them more than I talk to my own sister. And believe me, it is a lot of fun to purchase gifts for other people, even more fun tha... 12/07/2015

The main way I could tell I was leaving resort grounds and wandering into a public beach area at Anaeho'omala Bay is when I lost my WiFi connection. Yup there I was, standing right next to an uncaptured portal and I could not hack nor capture it. I know what you're thinking, if that is the worst thing that could happen to a Sacramento Realtor on her wor-cation in Hawaii, how bad can it be? And you would be correct, LOL. I am not complaining, although for that itsy bitsy moment there . . .And then I realized there were more portals ahead, and I could switch to cell coverage because unlike my funky mobile carrier, AT&T on my iPad is almost everywhere. Searching for Ingress portals leads me to very interesting places, like Mike Carroll's art gallery in Lanai City on the island of Lanai. I ... 12/06/2015

When I got off the plane and met my limo driver, he seemed taken aback that I was here in Hawaii by myself. My husband doesn't much care for Hawaii, I told him. I guess he's not used to meeting passengers in baggage claim on Big Island who talk about people who don't like to visit Hawaii. Why not, he asked incredulously. To him, that type of attitude is most likely inconceivable. Well, probably because my husband likes adversity. It's what he's used to and he doesn't like situations that are different. Then, I added: He grew up in Chicago.Well, that explained everything to the guy. Made perfect sense, he said. But I know it didn't make any sense whatsoever to him. You can read more in my personal blog today at this link: Mauna Loa and the Limo Driver on the Big Island. 12/02/2015

  Search all homes for sale in the Waikoloa Beach Resort by Clicking This Link.Waikoloa Beach Resort is a beautiful resort located on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This world famous Kohala Coast resort contains everything to make your Hawaiian experience complete. Waikoloa Beach Resort is home to the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. There is great shopping at the Queen’s Marketplace or the King’s Shops, and great restaurants like Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, the Macaroni Grill and the Lava Lava Beach Club. Waikoloa Beach Resort also contains two world class golf courses, the Beach Course and the King’s Course, and of course, the spectacular white sand beaches are also close by.At the time of this writing, there was 1 single famil... 11/28/2015

Find homes for sale in Waikoloa Beach ResortYou will love owning a Vacation Home or Vacation Rental in the quiet and upscale Kolea community of Waikoloa Beach Resort, with its tropical villas and luxury private residences. A world class beachfront community just steps away from the sands of Anaeho’omalu Bay, the residents and guests of Kolea also have access to the Kolea Beach Club, with its infinity pool and workout center. Kolea would be a great place for you and your family to own a vacation Home or Vacation Rental.Request a free custom evaluation for your Home in the Kolea Community of Waikola Beach Resort today. Vacation Villas and Luxury Homes in KoleaThe Kolea community was built in 2005 and consists of 2 or 3 bedroom condos as well as 5 bedroom private residences. The condos ran... 09/15/2015

Find  homes for sale in Hali’i Kai of Waikoloa Beach Resort You will love owning a Vacation Home or Vacation Rental in the Hali’i Kai community of Waikoloa Beach Resort. A gated oceanfront neighborhood with magnificent golf course, ocean and mountain views, the Hali’i Kai community also contains an oceanfront amenity center with the Ocean Club Bar & Grill, a lagoon style pool, and tennis courts. Hali’i Kai is true resort living at its finest and would be a great place for you to own a Vacation Home, or Vacation Rental.Request a free custom evaluation for your Home in Hali’I Kai of Waikoloa Beach Resort today.Tropical and Luxurious Resort Villas in Hali’i Kai        The one and two story, 2 and 3 bedroom tropical luxury villas found in Hali’i Kai, range in size from 1000 to 1700 square f... 09/02/2015

Find  homes for sale in the Waikoloa Colony Villas Community of Waikoloa Beach Resort Waikoloa Colony Villas is a private, gated community located along the 15th Fairway of the Waikoloa Golf Course, in the beautiful Waikoloa Beach Resort. A neighborhood established in 2003 that consists of 28 buildings spread out among lush tropical surroundings, the Waikoloa Colony Villas community contains two swimming pools, an exercise room, and tennis courts. Waikoloa Colony Villas would be a great place for you and your family to own a vacation home, to invest in a vacation rental, or to live full time.Request a free custom evaluation for your Home in the Waikoloa Colony Villas Community of Waikoloa Beach Resort today.Stylish and Comfortable Homes in Waikoloa Colony VillasThe two story, 2 or 3 bed... 07/28/2015

Waikoloa Beach Resort is a beautiful resort located on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This Kohala Coast resort contains 7 separate neighborhoods, 2 hotels and 2 golf courses. The two golf courses, the Beach Course and the Kings’ Course, are carved out of the ancient lava flows and come complete with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The different communities within Waikoloa Beach Resort offer everything from private oceanfront homes to secluded condos, so there is something for every discerning buyer. Many of the homeowners in Waikoloa Beach Resort have turned their vacation home into an investment by converting into a vacation rental property. Owning a luxury vacation home in a Hawaiian beach resort is no longer just for the rich and famous. With the home prices rang... 07/04/2015

Waikoloa Village is an appealing community located approximately seven miles east of the Waikoloa Beach and Mauna Lani Resorts. It is home to the Robert Trent Jones Jr Golf Course, where golfers can enjoy views of five different volcanoes and the Kohala coastline. Home owners in Waikoloa Village enjoy discounts at the golf course, as well as use of the pool and tennis facilities.Waikoloa Village has all the conveniences, including a grocery store, bank, gas station, restaurants, and an elementary and middle school. Many of the homes in Waikoloa Village feature sweeping ocean or panoramic volcano views. If accessibility to the world class resorts on the coast combined with the affordability that many Hawaiian home buyers are looking for sounds enticing to you, then Waikoloa Village is an... 07/03/2015

 Waikoloa Beach Resort is a beautiful resort located on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This Kohala Coast resort contains 7 separate neighborhoods, 2 hotels and 2 golf courses. From private oceanfront homes to secluded condos, there are many homes on the market for every type of discerning buyer. The home prices range from $250,000 to over $2,000,000. Here are the five most expensive homes that sold in the Waikola Beach Resort in 2014: 5) 69-1033 Nawahine Place #11F. Located in the Halii Kai community.          Sold on 12/1/2014 for $1.075,000       4) 69-1033 Nawahine Place #12F. Located in the Halii Kai community.          Sold on 6/2/2014 for $1,175,000 3) 69-1033 Nawahine Place #12D. Located in the Halii Kai community.          Sold on 3/28/2014 for $1,300,000 2) 69-1000... 06/25/2015

Recently we had the opportunity to add a few more private homes to our vacation rental program at Waikoloa Beach Resort.  With the recent additions we feel we have something for everyone looking for a luxury home. Our 3 bedroom house we just got is known to be one of the nicest homes at Kolea and was Maryl built.  Along with a great design, it also has an excellent location in relation to the beach.  Just off of the backyard is a gate, which leads you to a trail to the beach.  The interior was custom designed with vaulted ceilings with wood accents.  The design of the home is excellent for three couples each wanting a spacious bedroom. The Pacific Sunset Villa is a 4 bedroom house at Naupaka Place and one of the nicer homes on the entire Kohala Coast. Nothing was spared in the design an... 09/07/2013

We just recently had the opportunity to add the  most luxurious private home at Waikoloa Beach Resort to our vacation rental program.  This 4 bedroom smart home is not only spectacular on the interior, but also offers magnificent ocean views on an oceanfront setting. The interior offers over 4500 square feet of living space.  The great room is spacious and offers a large living area, dining area, and a small entertainment area with a wall mounted LCD television.  The gourmet kitchen is spacious and has stainless steel appliances with granite counters. With a click of a button, open the pocket doors to the ourdoor space that has a nice dining as well and lounging area overlooking the infinity pool and a private koi pond on an oceanfront setting. Each of the bedrooms offer an LCD televisi... 03/14/2013

Golf Course Gated Communities - Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, Hawaii for sale, Contingient, under contract and Sold LUVA LLC    Listing 38 out of 78Next Listing $258,00069-200 Pohakulana Pl Waikoloa, HI 96738 Residential ,2 Beds , 2 Baths , 1033 sq. ft. , MLS# ? Sold Date: Mar 28, 2011 Sold Price: $268,000 Notes:   2/19     Description Short Sale - Fairway Villas at Waikoloa Beach Resort J2 Golf Course Frontage - Gated - Vacation Rental Approved ! Pre Foreclosure - this is your chance to put in an offer before it comes out on the MLS. Fairway Villas at Waikoloa Beach Resort Waikoloa Beach Resort, world class beaches, fine dining, shopping galore, and some of the best weather on the planet. This 2/2 sits on the golf course, ground floor, just walk off your lanai and "presto' your on the Waikoloa... 03/02/2013

Luxury Condos, homes, in Mauna Lani, Lance Owens LUVA LLC  ack to Closed Listings Previous ListingListing 28 out of 78Next Listing $875,00068-1025 NORTH KANIKU DR KAMUELA, HI 96743 Residential ,3 Beds , 4 Baths , 2174 sq. ft. , MLS# Short Sale  Sold Price: $800,000 Notes: Call Lance Owens, LUVA LLC 808-936-8383    2/9     Description in Foreclosure - Villages at Mauna Lani Approved Short Sale - FULL OWNERSHIP Short Sale has been approved by Countrywide - this can close in weeks. NO WAITING. Most people that are looking here, know more about the Villages at Mauna Lani - than I do. But I will try to describe luxury living at its finest. This is the Lehua Model, 2,174 sqft of living area, 3/3.5 centrally located - with access to world class golfing, dining, and shopping. Complex includes a... 03/02/2013

Over the course of the last few months I have been reading articles about how the "social network" affects rankings throughout the search engines.  While google seems to be giving more weight to their own network, Google+, they are beginning to give weight to Facebook.  I believe over time they may start to give more weight.  I have a few pages of Facebook, a personal one and a couple of business ones.  Just recently I started to get spammed on my Kolea facebook page.  I have gotten Likes from dozens of people from foreign countries that post irrelevant posts that I have to delete daily.  So my question is.....currently are these likes beneficial in any way?  I would believe they are, but I am guessing that over time the search engines will learn how to decifer a genuine like from those... 08/06/2012