“Resilient tourism lifts economic outlook” headlined the Honolulu Star Advertiser last week. Statistics released this month show a continuation of positive growth in visitor traffic and spending for Kauai and all the other islands. Economists now are more hopeful that 2011 will bring sustained recovery. Not only were the numbers up for Kauai, but visitor spending increases here outpaced both Oahu and Maui. Owners with vacation rental properties had their best year since 2006. Many report that future bookings look good. Another optimistic note is that Southwest Airlines is deciding how and when to add its presence to the Isles.

The summer crowd came and went. Bargain hunters picked up mostly distressed and low end properties. Some came looking for the “deal of the century”. Economic forecasters predict that we have passed our nadir; however, there will likely be good buys well into 2011.

Roy’s Tavern opened at the Prince clubhouse. Since its opening, it has been THE place to go. One has to go through a gauntlet of workers since the lobby, offices, and other areas are under renovation. Several committees are working tirelessly to get a new exercise area since the spa closed. Some new alternatives are available and, hopefully we will have a temporary facility soon. Hanalei Bay Resort has a new buyer for the restaurants, Happy Talk and Bali Hai. The sale is nearing completion.

The Makai course has added a new swimming pool near the clubhouse. The renovated golf course and tennis courts are quite an improvement. The Prince course is in much better condition than in the last few years thanks to an effort to bring it back to its ranking of Hawaii’s #1 Golf Course.

In other areas of the island, building has resumed. Poipu construction is growing once more, The Poipu Bay golf course will re-open this fall. Safeway is building a new, bigger store in Lihue, and Walgreens has announced plans to expand to Kauai.

With the abundance of housing inventories and the availability of the lowest mortgage rates in decades, now is the time to plan a trip over. For real estate opportunities, check out my website at www.joewilliamshawaii.com. You might find the “bargain of the century”. Call or email for any help or just to “talk story” about our piece of paradise.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Joe