Happy Holidays to you and yours from warm and sunny Kauai.

The year 2014 was an interesting one. We had hurricane warnings which did not materialize, legal battles over pesticide regulation which have not been resolved, much anticipated retail stores opening in the Kukui Grove area, new plans for renovation of the Cocoa Palms (after part of it was razed by fire), Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg’s purchase of 100 acres for his new home, and the BIG news regarding plans for The Prince golf course and surrounding land.

Many of the latter changes will take place over the next decade. Princeville Development’s Jeff Stone’s newest partner, Reignwood International, owned by a Thai/Chinese billionaire plans to build a five hundred million dollar resort on the North Shore including 350 homes and a new clubhouse. The Prince Course will close on December 31 for extensive renovation and be reopened as a private course. Improvements will be made to surrounding areas such as the Princeville Airport with longer runways to accommodate larger planes.

Pier 1 Imports, Sports Authority and Ross opened at Kukui Grove giving Kauai shopper’s new choices and a variety of merchandise. Jean-Marie Josselin opened a small, intimate restaurant, Jo 2’s, in Kapaa. He had previously owned the popular Pacific Cafe in Kapaa, and currently owns his tapas place in Poipu. The restaurant at Pali Ke Kua is now Hideaways specializing in pizza and Italian favorites.

Real estate activity was remarkable in some areas but island wide much the same as last year. Kauai had a small increase in both units sold and price per unit. However, the North Shore experienced a significant price increase mostly in very high end estate homes. The average home in the Hanalei district sold for just under a million. North Shore condo sales activity was much the same in 2014 as the year prior. However, condos on the North Shore and in resort areas are pricier than elsewhere on Kauai.

What does all of this mean for the consumer? As the economy rebounds and demand increases among baby boomers, prices will go up. Moreover, the infusion of funds among investors to build luxury estate homes should have a positive effect on existing properties. Finally, rentals both long term and vacation are in high demand. Several of my clients have purchased second and third properties as long term investments.

So those of you sitting out there dreaming about enjoying the good life here on the Garden Island, should log onto my website www.joewilliamshawaii.com  and see what life might be!

Here is to a hopeful, happy and wonderful 2015.

Mahalo,