A generally positive mixture of news has created speculation that the Kauai real estate market and the Garden Isle economy may finally be recovering strongly from the recession. According to a May 8, 2010 article in the Garden Island, “Foreclosures are on the rise and buyers are scooping up properties across the island, recent statistics show, but the two may not be correlated, said University of Hawaii-Manoa Associate Professor Economics Dr. Carl Bonham Friday.” The article by Coco Zickos went on to say that “While another wave of foreclosures descended upon the island, rising from around 600 in January to almost 1,000 in April, according to data from RealtyTrac, many of the foreclosures ‘probably haven’t gotten into the market yet,’ he said. ‘Very low home prices and incredibly low interest rates’ are likely reasons for the rise in residential sales, neither of which will ‘last forever,’ Bonham said.”

Kauai home prices may also begin to stabilize of the economy continues to recover, a possibility that may be moving towards reality, according to a May 15, 2010 article in the Garden Island. This piece noted that “Slipping back into a recession is unlikely, according to a recent report from First Hawaiian Bank. Apparently the recession is over, some economists say. ‘The prospects of a double-dip recession for us have diminished a lot,’ said University of Hawaii Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Carl Bonham. But ‘obviously there are still risks.’” The piece, also written by Coco Zickos, continued to say “Though no official date was announced in terms of when it was considered to be over, ‘Hawaii probably left the recession’ during the fall of 2009, Bonham said…During the first quarter of 2010, a net loss of 300 jobs was recorded on island, even though the ‘job count has been trending positively’ since January, Costa said.”

The rate of foreclosures in the Kauai real estate market mirrored the jump in foreclosures across the state of Hawaii, according to a May 13, 2010 article from the Honolulu Star Bulletin. This piece, composed by Gene Park, found that “There were 1,474 Hawaii properties that received foreclosure notices last month, according to RealtyTrac, an online foreclosure marketplace.”

Known for its one hundred percent fresh juices, organic ingredients, fresh non-fat yogurts, and locally grown fruits, the local juice company Lanikai Juice has been blending smoothies and making delicious island creations for years.  Located on some of the most traveled Kailua real estate, Lanikai Juice has become an instant phenomenon because of the burst of flavors and wondrous combinations that have become staples of many local people’s diets.

The Acai berry has gained popularity in Hawaii and the United States as a powerful dietary supplement that increases energy levels, improves digestion, assists in detoxification, and betters sleep, among a slew of other benefits.  The local company Jewel or Juice has used the berry to start a successful business.  Jewel or Juice, like Lanikai Juice, uses a number of local flavors and local produce to blend together some of the best dishes.  The acai bowls and smoothies are the most popular and include a number of ingredients, including fresh bananas, organic honey, granola, and other fruit toppings.  Located in Kaimuki, the store allows customers to sit down and enjoy a refreshing treat, especially on hot Hawaiian days.  Besides the delicious food it creates, the store also features a lot of handmade jewelry.

Diamond Head a cone shaped formation located on the dormant volcano that formed Oahu. It overlooks Waikiki Beach on the southern shores of the island, and is one of the first things that come to mind when people think about the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, this volcanic formation is a designated United States State Monument.

One of the things that Diamond Head is known for is its hiking trail. This hiking trail can last between one to two hours. While on this trail, you should wear comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and flashlights. While you will most likely be hiking during the day, you will need them as you travel through a tunnel that goes through Diamond Head.

The hike is of moderate difficulty as some sections of the hike require you to walk over unpaved paths. You will also have to climb a few flights of stairs. While here, you will also walk through a coastal artillery observation platform before reaching the peak. Once you’ve reached the peak, you will have a complete panoramic view of Oahu’s southern shore, which includes views of Waikiki all the way to Koko Head in the east.

Diamond Head is a great place for people to visit, regardless of if they like physical activity or not. The view at the top is worth the hike, and you won’t regret it once you’re there.

Waikiki was once a swampy marshland, but has developed into a hot destination for tourists all over the world. Waikiki Beach was made famous by countless movies and television shows, can be found on Oahu. With Diamond Head in the background and endless blue waves extending out into the horizon, the shores and sand of Waikiki invite you to join in on all land and sea activities found here.

There are a number of things you can access from Waikiki Beach. You can easily visit Diamond Head, or head to Ala Moana Shopping Center, the largest open-air shopping center. In Waikiki, you can visit the newly renovated Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center for luxury shopping. At night, you will also have access to a variety of clubs and fine dining.

During the day, Waikiki is a water wonderland. You’ll feel safe as every inch of Waikiki’s shores has lifeguards, and there is a police station near the shore. As for activities, you can of course swim and tan in the warm Hawaiian sun. Waikiki is also known for great surfing. Those who don’t know how to surf can find lessons offered along the shore.

Waikiki is the center of all tourist activity on Oahu, and you’ll always find something to do as you walk up and down the streets of this very famous strip.

Waikiki Beach
Polynesian Cultural Center
Diamond Head
Hanauma Bay
Pearl Harbor
USS Missouri
Dole Pineapple Plantation
Bvodo-In Temple
Honolulu Zoo
Sea Life Park
Shark Cage Diving
Historic Honolulu
Kualoa Ranch
Windsurfing
Bodysurfing
Chinaman’s Hat
Catamaran Cruises
Kitesurfing
Waterfall Tour
Plantation Village
Bishop Museum
Hili Hatties
Dolphin Excursions
Waikiki Aquarium
Chinatown
Waikiki Trolley
Iolani Palace
Biplane ride
Active Volcanos
Bike Oahu
Sky Diving
Surf Camp
Hanauma Bay
Manoa Falls
Maunawili Trail
Honolulu Sailing
Paradise Cove
Whale Watching
Snorkeling
Wave Runners
Kahana State Park
Atlantis Cruise
Surf School
Mountain bike tour