How we got started...:
My brother and his wife decided to move to the Big Island in 2005 and started looking for a place to buy. He called me in Los Angeles late one day and said he found a great one acre undeveloped piece of land that they were going to buy and that the acre next to it was for sale. He asked me if I wanted to buy it and I only had 8 hours to decide - sight unseen!! Well, my wife, other bros, and financial adviser all said you're crazy. But how can you go wrong with land in Hawaii?? So I bought. As I started to think what to do with the land, I got the idea of designing a house based on all the five star hotels I've stayed in the US, Europe and Asia. After six months of working on my 'hobby', as my wife called it, I was satisfied that I captured key design elements - open floor plan, large bathroom, and calming decor. This was going to be a place my family, friends and myself could come and enjoy the island in style and comfort.
Once we got all the permits approved, we started building May 22, 2006. Still living in LA, I took a year off from work and started to spend two weeks a month on the building project. It was a real education for me on the massive effort that goes into building a house. The best part was all the great people we had working with us from the get go. My brother's house is completed and he and his wife are the on-site caretakers.
Where to Eat:
The locals know the best places to 'grind'. Here's some of our favorites: Paulo's Italian in Pahoa - Some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. It is a small funky place where you need reservations on most nights. Bring your own wine. Verna's in Keaau - you got to try the Korean fried chicken or for big eaters the Pastele Special. 'If No Can - No Can. If Can - Verna's'. Charley's Thai Cuisine - Waimea Center, Mamlahoa Hwy 9, must try the Tum Yum soup and mango salad!! The Big Island Candy Company was established in 1977 to manufacture and market fine quality macadamia nut candies and cookies using 100 percent Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts and Kona coffee, island eggs, real butter and high-grade chocolate. Try to go when a big tour bus is there and you will get lots of free samples.
Golf:
Golf - while the Kona side has some of Hawaii's finest golf resorts - Mani Lani, Waikoloa, Mauna Kea - there are many other to enjoy. There are 20 golf courses on the island. You can tee off in the 'Playground of Pele' at The Volcano Golf Club for around $70. (Cheaper if you go with a local) Volcano Golf & Country Club Public - 18 Holes - Par 72 - 5800 Yds P.O. Box 46, Volcanoes National Park, HI Check out more at: GoHawaii Golf
Other Activities:
See the Volcano and botanical gardens
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
