Fifty years ago while filming the musical South Pacific, Mitzi Gaynor. “washed that man right outta’ her hair and sent him on his way”.  Fifty years later she returned to Kauai, not to sing and dance on Lumahai beach, but to add to the local excitement and, hopefully, to boost tourism as the Princeville St. Regis had its grand re-opening. Mitzi’s appearance also promoted the 50 year anniversary of Hawaii statehood. At Mitzi’s show at the Marriott, she reminisced about the movie, and the people of  Kauai remembering their warmth and generosity “who give and receive love with a grace of spirit unlike any other”. Those of us who live here and many who visit share her sentiment.

The Princeville St.Regis which has stunning views of Hanalei Bay and whose beach is the nation’s top-rated, is one of only eight Starwood resorts worthy of the St. Regis brand worldwide.  The hotel employees received weeks of “brand training”. Since opening weekend, the restaurants and room reservations exceeded expectations.

The Makai golf courses are green once more.  All seed has been planted, the traps are filled with bright white sand and fairway and green renovations are complete. We are hopeful of a re-opening by the end of this year.  

Owners at Hanalei Bay Resort were successful in appointing new management directly accountable to the HOAO’s.   Happy Talk and the Bali Hai restaurant are open and plans are to add an exercise center and spa.

Around the island, projects are once more progressing.  The new shopping center at Poipu has new stores opening each week.

While trends point to a slow end to the recession, the past year has been difficult for Hawaii as so much of the local economy is driven by tourism. Those who do plan on a visit to the Aloha state will find bargains in travel, hotel and condo rentals.

The same is true for buyers of real estate. Prices of property have fallen around 25% on average. Bargain hunters and those looking for value have done quite well in the current market. Moreover, interest rates are near an all time low. Several lenders are advertising 30 year fixed rates at less than 4.5%. An economist recently noted that every 1 point increase in mortgage rates effectively increases the price of property by 10%.

Those with some expectation of a purchase within the next year should come out and see for themselves. Remember to surf my website, www.joewilliamshawaii.com, for some advance preparation.

I hope to see many of you here this winter.  Kauai continues to be an exciting and relaxing place to be with a warmth and grace of spirit.

Mahalo,