I recently read an article in the NY Times that was talking about the economy and recession. Apparently, Whole Foods has a new ad campaign that uses the above logo “Sticker Shock…but in a good Way”. I thought this to be very interesting and applicable to my condos on Maui, as well. Normally, sticker shock means that something is incredibly expensive. Now, in this recession, it can mean the opposite.
I have lowered the prices of my gorgeous ocean front condos so significantly, that people are asking me, “What is wrong with them?” My answer is that nothing is wrong and that everything is right about them. As an owner of two condos in Maui, I speak to guests on a daily basis and listen to the stories of their lives. Many people out of work or retired, find themselves with their stock portfolios down 40% or more. There are others who are unfortunate victims of Bernie-Madoff-like-schemes. Suddenly, people find themselves in positions they never believed they would be in. You may ask, “What does this have to do with your condos in Hawaii?” My answer is that, because of the state of the economy and the troubling stories I hear every day, I have so significantly lowered the prices of our oceanfront condos, that they are often far less expensive than staying in a Howard Johnsons! I realize what is going on around us and have adjusted my prices so that people can still go on an affordable vacation or celebration. Because my condos have well stocked kitchens, many visitors are beginning to use them to bring down the cost of eating. In addition, there are great airfares from the West coast that make these trips possible. Many guests are also using their frequent flier miles to get to Maui. There are now direct flights into Maui, which also makes the trip less taxing. So, in reality, “Sticker Shock”, as it applies to my condos means that you are getting MORE FOR LESS! I think that may be part of the GOOD that has come out of this mess. So, if you can manage to cash in that big jar of coins you’ve been throwing nickels and quarters into every night, you may be surprised, as I was, that I had $421. This was like getting free money, as I didn’t really realize I had it! So, if you REALLY need a break or are STRESSED out to the max, you may want to think about visiting one of my oceanfront condos at a time when our prices have NEVER been lower. Get creative. Cash in your miles. If you are from the East coast, fly to the West coast and then take advantage of one of the many special airfares that are being offered. Use that loose change to do some grocery shopping and eat breakfast and lunch on our sunny lanai overlooking the shimmering turquoise blue South Pacific.If you don’t feel like cooking your own dinner, there are many places on Maui where you can get a great deal and don’t have to break the bank while doing it.The chain restaurant, Maui Tacos, offers delicious quality tacos that are incredibly inexpensive. Both of my condos have outdoor grills in the common areas where you can grill up a great piece of fish and meet some interesting people at the same time. Another idea, that I have used in the past to save money, is to have drinks and appetizers on the lanai, while watching the fiery orange sun set into the water. Then, we can go out for dinner and share a main course, because most restaurants offer way too much food to begin with. If you are still hungry, split a desert or go out to Cold Stone Creamery and share an ice cream cone. In some ways, it becomes a challenge to see how LITTLE you can spend and still have a wonderful vacation.
So, I’ve given you all my hints to maximize your fun and minimize the cost. The silver lining in all this doom and gloom is that instead of looking at the glass as half empty, you may want to think of the glass as being half full. There has truly never been a better time to go to Hawaii. I like Target’s ad campaign that says, “Expect more, pay less”! It says it all. We really like getting those emails from returning guests who tell us how much they loved their accommodations and what a bargain our condo was, as it sits right on the edge of the beautiful South Pacific!
So, what are you waiting for?. Call us at 203-783-9094 with any questions or book online, right NOW. It has never been a better time. As the Walmart ad says, “Save money. Live better”!
Susan Kimmelman, owner of Nohonani 204 and The Whaler 661
