When my husband and I first concocted the idea of an addition to The Dolphin Hale, little did we realize what we were actually getting ourselves into. No strangers to “Island Time” and the costs associated with getting anything done on Kauai, we thought we were prepared both financially and emotionally to see it through. However, we quickly came to realize that while we were well braced for a tropical storm or two (literally and figuratively), we were not prepared for the construction hurricane that hit us.
Instead of completing our project by Christmas 2015, we were forced to throw some of our ‘must haves’ into the abyss and compromise on others just to be able to wrap construction for an April 1st-no foolin-relaunch and open The Dolphin Hale to guests once again. Throughout this 12-month process I have collected a few pearls of wisdom to share with you. If you are thinking of purchasing an island home as a rental property or simply as a second home, write this down:
- Island homes are ALWAYS in a state of decay, it’s just a matter of which Stage of Decay;
- Everything must be shipped in across a vast ocean which will test the depths of your patience and pockets;
- US Currency is only worth a fraction of its face value in Hawaii. ; )
Now before you conclude that I am just jaded, let me also say that there are rewards for embarking upon such an adventure:
- They are not making more ocean front property, thus it could be a good investment;
- As the operator of a Vacation Rental, your island vacations will be tax deductible as well as all your home improvement projects;
- Moreover, you will become an Ambassador of Aloha–sharing it with all who become your guests.
Or, you can always do the smart thing and just rent The Dolphin Hale!
With Aloha ~ Aunty Tammy
From the Lanai of The Dolphin Hale - Kauai Insights 