HAWAIIAN BARBECUE FRANCHISE IN,

L&L Franchise, Inc. NOTICE: THE COMMUNICATIONS MADE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN OFFER TO SELL A L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE FRANCHISE IN, NOR THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTED TO, THE RESIDENTS OF ANY JURISDICTION REQUIRING REGISTRATION OF THE FRANCHISE BEFORE IT IS OFFERED AND SOLD IN THAT JURISDICTION. THIS OFFER IS NOT BEING DIRECTED TO ANY RESIDENT OF THE FOLLOWING STATES, OR ANY STATE, PROVINCE, COUNTRY OR JURISDICTION WHERE L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE IS NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED TO OFFER OR SELL, UNLESS OTHERWISE QUALIFIED OR EXEMPT. L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE FRANCHISES WILL NOT BE SOLD TO ANY RESIDENT OF ANY JURISDICTION UNTIL THE OFFERING HAS BEEN EXEMPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF, OR DULY REGISTERED IN AND DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY, SUCH JURISDICTION AND THE REQUIRED UNIFORM FRANCHISE OFFERING CIRCULAR (UFOC) HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO THE PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEE IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. UPON INQUIRY YOU WILL BE INFORMED IF A FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN YOUR STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. AN OFFER OF A FRANCHISE IS MADE ONLY BY THE MEANS OF THE L&L FRANCHISE, INC. UFOC. PROSPECTIVE FRANCHISEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO OBTAIN AND CAREFULLY READ THE L&L FRANCHISE, INC. UFOC AND THOROUGHLY EVALUATE ANY FRANCHISE OFFERING WITH A QUALIFIED FRANCHISE ATTORNEY BEFORE DECIDING TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT OR SPENDING ANY MONEY. 1. What is the initial franchise fee? $35,000 2. What is the monthly royalty fee? 3% of gross sales 3. What is the monthly advertising and promotion fee? 1% of gross sales 4. What is the estimated initial investment for a turnkey L& L Hawaiian Barbecue? The estimated initial investment for a turnkey L&L ranges from $225,150 to $470,400. It depends on the location, size, and existing facility. 5. What about selecting the site for L&L? A franchisee/operator is responsible to find and acquire a site. We will approve or disapprove the site after an analysis of the location, taking into consideration the proposed rental, population mixture, geographic area, including vehicular traffic, business hours, and any other facet of particular location that would affect the possibilities of success or failure. If you need help in finding a site, we can recommend a real estate broker in your area. 6. What is the typical size of an L&L? A typical L&L restaurant is approximately 1,200 to 1,500 square feet space. However, the store may vary from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet. 7. Do you provide financing? We do not offer direct or indirect financing nor will we guarantee your note, lease or other obligations. 8. How many L&L do you have? As of October 31, 2004, there are 52 L&L Drive-Inn restaurants in Hawaii, 46 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants in California, 4 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants in Nevada, 1 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurant in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Illinois. Soon, we will be opening up L&L Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants in Michigan and New York. 9. What do you provide to assist a franchisee before the opening? • We will provide guidance and suggestions for locating an approved location. • We will lend a copy of our operation manual that contains mandatory and suggested specifications, standards, and procedures. This manual is confidential and remains our property. • We will provide standard décor and layout plans to you to modify and to conform to our approved location by architect or contractor. You must pay the cost of the construction and remodeling. • We will train you and your manager. We do not charge for the training but you must pay for transportation, accommodation, and food costs for you or your manager. Training is held in Honolulu or location designated by us. • We are not obligated to provide any other supervision, assistance or service before the opening of your L & L restaurant. 10. What is the length of time before opening? The typical length of time after you signed the franchise agreement and opening an L & L ranges from 3 to 9 months. • Design: 1 to 2 months • Permits: 1 to 2 months • Construction: 2 to 3 months • Preparation: 1/2 to 1 month 11. Where do I get more information on L&L franchise? Please print and fill out the application form. Mail it to 931 University Avenue, Suite 202, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 along with a non-refundable processing fee of $100. Please make your check payable to: L & L Franchise, Inc. Upon receipt and review of your completed application, someone from our franchise department will contact you. Should you need further questions, please feel free to contact us at (808) 951-9888 or e-mail franchising@hawaiianbarbecue.com . • L&L Franchise Application (48.7 kb)

Hawaii Travel

Hawaii Vacation Planner and South Pacific Vacation Planner - Hawaii Travel You are here: About > Travel > Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors Travel Go Hawaii Essentials Which Hawaiian Island Suits You Best? Clickable Map of the Hawaiian Islands Beach Guide Hawaii Pictures Clickable Map of Maui, Hawaii Topics A Hawaii Vacation Planner Big Island of Hawaii Kauai Maui / Molokai / Lanai Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki South Pacific Culture, History & Language Hawaii Lodging Hula Luau Maps and Weather Pearl Harbor Photos, Video & Cams Recipes Shopping and Gifts Buyer's Guide Tastes of Paradise from Hilo Hattie HilHilo Hattie Dresses and Sarongs Multi-Day Guided Tours Top Hawaii Guidebooks Top Maui / Molokai / Lanai Guidebooks Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors From John Fischer , Your Guide to Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Plumeria Photos from Hawaii Plumeria is the most common flower that you'll find in Hawaii since it is used in most leis that are given to visitors. It is, however, not native to Hawaii. It is native to tropical and subtropical America. The flowers are found in colors of white, yellow, pink, red, and multiple pastels. In Hawaii one of the best places to view plumeria is at the Koko Crater Botanical Garden - a 60-acre basin inside Koko Crater on the eastern end of the island of Oahu. These plumeria photos are made available by Dr. Kent Bridges, Associate Professor of Botany, at the University of Hawaii. View the photos... Friday January 20, 2006 | permalink You Won't See This Sign at Home! This certainly isn't a sign that you've ever seen near your home or, in fact, anywhere else in the world. As reported in Monday's Maui News, state and federal agencies are posting new warning signs at harbors and boat ramps in Hawaii. They are doing this out of fear that more boating traffic increases the potential for collisions with humpback whales during the winter whale season. View a larger version of the sign and read the entire article in the Maui News. Read more... Wednesday January 18, 2006 | permalink Atlantis Submarine Tour Maui Since I had just experienced the Atlantis Submarine Tour on Oahu in May of 2005, I was excited when I received an invitation to experience their Maui Submarine Tour when we were on Maui in November 2005. Having thoroughly enjoyed the tour on Oahu, I was expecting that I would also enjoy the Maui tour, but I didn't expect that I'd really enjoy it as much, if not more than the tour on Oahu. Find out why... Monday January 16, 2006 | permalink Maui Swap Meet Photos Held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon is the Maui Swap Meet. The Maui Swap meet is held on South Puunene Ave. next to the Kahului Post Office. If you driving north on the Kuihelani Highway/Dairy Road (380) from either West or South Maui make a left on South Puuene Avenue. After you cross Wakea Avenue, parking for the swap meet will be on your left. Admission is 50 cents. We hope you enjoy our photos of the Maui Swap Meet. View the photos... Thursday January 12, 2006 | permalink Top 10 Things to Pack for an Extended Trip to Hawaii One of the hardest parts of preparing for any trip is deciding what to pack. You want to make sure you have everything that you'll need and still leave room for all of those souvenirs that you'll bring home. We offer our thoughts on packing for Hawaii, or for any long vacation. Read more... Wednesday January 11, 2006 | permalink Ameniti Luxury Travel Club - No Thanks Once again, United Airlines is sending Mileage Plus members an invitation to join its Ameniti Travel Club. The solicitation looks attractive, even at the $295 cost, but we've dug deeper and will show you why this club may not be for you. Read more... Tuesday January 10, 2006 | permalink Sheraton Maui Resort Special Packages for 2006 The Sheraton Maui Resort has announced their special packages for 2006. The Sheraton Maui is my personal favorite of the many fine Kaanapali Beach hotels and resorts. It's a top notch resort with a great staff and is certainly not hurt by its prime location at at the north end of Kaanapali Beach near Pu'u Keka'a, the famous Black Rock where the beach is the widest and the swimming and snorkeling are superb. This location gives Sheraton guests a unique sense of privacy. You never feel that you are nestled into an area with many other condominiums, hotels and resorts. Take a look at these specials for 2006. Sunday January 08, 2006 | permalink Star of Honolulu Announces Five-Star Winter Menu Hawaii's premier cruise ship, the Star of Honolulu, offers an all-new seven-course Winter-inspired menu from January through March on its Five Star Sunset Dining Cruise. My wife and I have dined on the Star of Honolulu and enjoyed their five-star sunset dinner cruise. It's definitely something I'd recommend for anyone in Honolulu or Waikiki this winter. Read more... Friday January 06, 2006 | permalink Oahu is Home to More Than 125 Beaches Beaches on Oahu offer more than sunbathing and people watching on powder white sand in the embrace of warm Hawaiian sun rays. With more than 125 beaches on Oahu from which to choose, from the powerful, pounding winter waves of the North Shore to the gentle shore break of Waikiki, there is a beach on Oahu that fits every taste from a sunbathing visitor to the more athletic windsurfer. Read more... Tuesday January 03, 2006 | permalink Exploring Oahu's Manoa Valley Oahu's Manoa Valley, although located within minutes of Waikiki by bus or car, is often totally overlooked by visitors. While the lack of heavy visitor traffic is surely appreciated by local residents, there is much to be appreciated in this secluded corner of Hawaii which makes a visit worthwhile. Check out our feature on Exploring Oahu's Manoa Valley , and be sure to check our our extensive Manoa Valley Photo Collection . Tuesday January 03, 2006 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Nudist Beaches in Hawaii Hawaii Photos Hawaii Pictures Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Our collection of photos of peopl... Hawaiian Island Scorecard What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Related Topics Air Travel Cruises Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Surfing / Bodyboarding Travel with Kids Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Headlines Plumeria Photos from Hawaii Plumeria is the most common flower that you'll find in... You Won't See This Sign at Home! This certainly isn't a sign that you've ever seen near... Atlantis Submarine Tour Maui Since I had just experienced the Atlantis Submarine Tour on... Maui Swap Meet Photos Held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon is the...

Hawaiian City Garden

Vacation condo rental in the United States Vacation Properties for rent in the United States: CondoRentHelp is a site dedicated to helping renters locate a property (condo, house, etc.) to rent and helping property owners rent their condos, etc. CondoRentHelp is focused on the vacation rental market. Therefore, the condos and other property listing will be primarily located in vacation resort areas. For example, in South Carolina there will be many condo listings for the Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach areas but limited (if any) for Columbia, South Carolina. Alabama cities of Gulf Shores Gulf Shores is uncrowded, inspirational, and unimaginably defined resort area. Gulf Shores is part of Alabama's Gulf Coast which extends over 32 miles of sugar-white sand. Gulf Shores has public beach entrances, undulating sand dunes, nature bike trails and paths. Gulf Shores with year-round water temperatures averaging 70°, spring, summer, winter and fall are perfect times to bike, hike, and sight-see the Gulf Shores breathtaking sights. Comprised of 95% quartz, Gulf Shores is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Orange Beach Orange Beach is uncrowded, inspirational, and unimaginably defined resort area. Orange Beach is part of Alabama's Gulf Coast which extends over 32 miles of sugar-white sand. Orange Beach has public beach entrances, undulating sand dunes, nature bike trails and paths. Orange Beach with year-round water temperatures averaging 70°, spring, summer, winter and fall are perfect times to bike, hike, and sight-see the Orange Beach breathtaking sights. Comprised of 95% quartz, Orange Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Arizona cities of Alpine Alpine is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near the headwaters of the San Francisco River. Hunting, fishing, lakes, streams and camping are a few of the Alpine area attractions. Alpine's high meadows are surrounded by majestic peaks, including Escudilla Mountain (10,877 ft.) which is covered with tall pines and aspen. Alpine is at an elevation of 8,050 feet, just 6 miles from the New Mexico border. The Apache-Sitgreaves Forest contains wilderness and primitive areas. Within a 30-mile radius of Alpine there are more than 200 miles of trout streams and 11 lakes. California cities of San Diego San Diego is where to be. With 70 miles of beaches, SeaWorld Adventure Park, The World-Famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and more, San Diego is the ultimate playground. Colorado cities of Aspen It's one of Mother Nature's most lush playgrounds-- offering national forest lands, state parks, wilderness areas, rivers and lakes for fun filled outdoor activities. Skiing has become an integral part of 's lifestyle. Today, summer vacations and winter skiing are enjoyed with equal enthusiasm, while thriving downtown and mountain commerce areas make Aspen an active year-round community. Steamboat Springs It's one of Mother Nature's most lush playgrounds-- offering national forest lands, state parks, wilderness areas, rivers and lakes for fun filled outdoor activities. Skiing became an integral part of Steamboat's lifestyle just after the turn of the century. Known officially as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Springs has produced more winter sport Olympians than any other town in the United States. To date 35 residents have participated in the winter Olympic games. Today, summer vacations and winter "champagne powder" skiing are enjoyed with equal enthusiasm, while thriving downtown and mountain commerce areas make Steamboat Springs an active year-round community. A local legend says that the Yampa Valley holds a curse: "Once you visit the valley your heart will be forever captivated, and be compelled to return again and again." Florida cities of Captiva Island Captiva Island resort area offers nature-lover's paradise with wildlife sanctuaries. However, it's the white-sand beaches that have the foremost appeal for visitors and residents alike. From end to end of Captiva Island, the beaches present spectacular sunrises and sunsets. But most of all, the beaches offer world-renowned shelling. Daytona Beach The "World's Most Famous Beach" is Daytona Beach. Its 23 miles of beautiful white sand beaches are famous the world over dating back from the very early 1900's when automobiles were first raced on the beach. Destin Destin is home to some of the worlds most beautiful beaches. The crystal clear water and the sugar white sands have given the Destin part of the Emerald Coast area a reputation as one of America's premier vacation destinations. The beautiful waters of the Emerald Coast beaches provide sunbathers, snorkelers and fisherman with a paradise beyond words. Fishing off of the Destin beach and jetties yields catches of Whiting, Pompano and Mackerel, while snorkeling in the same locations yields views of beautiful tropical fish and great shell collecting. Disney Area/Orlando Disney Area/Orlando serves up central Florida's greatest value and variety - affordable accommodations in the heart of world-famous attractions, bountiful leisure activities, entertaining dinner shows, and assorted shopping outlets. In Disney Area/Orlando, families, groups and individuals may discover the excitement which has made central Florida the world's leading vacation destination. Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Beach invites you to visit our family island. Over 1.8 million annual visitors enjoy the beaches, fishing, shopping, dinning, golf, tennis and entertainment on the sandy shores of Fort Myers Beach. The Beach gained a reputation as the World's Safest Beach because of no undertow and shallow water. People can walk the entire 7-mile length of the island along its sandy shores. Juno Beach Juno Beach area is rich in history this area has grown into a wonderful small community that encourages outdoor activities throughout its parks, sports activities, residential areas along the waterways, and the many miles of water that meander through the communities. Juno Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches, the Loxahatchee River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Juno Beach area towns enjoy a vibrant cultural life as the home of the Florida History Center & Museum and several arts and entertainment festivals. Town and County parks provide recreational facilities for team sports, an aquatic center, and access ramps into the Intracoastal Waterway. Kissimmee Kissimmee serves up central Florida's greatest value and variety - affordable accommodations in the heart of world-famous attractions, bountiful leisure activities, entertaining dinner shows, and assorted shopping outlets. In Kissimmee, families, groups and individuals may discover the excitement which has made central Florida the world's leading vacation destination. Marco Island Marco Island is the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. Marco Island has been described as Magical, Mystical and Alluring. The attraction is Marco Island's tropical sun-washed white beaches and a casual easy paced life style. Sunshine, frolicking dolphins, and all of the water and sun sports that go with the beaches are available for your pleasure at Marco Island. Naples Welcome to Naples, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, a paradise of sun, shore and nature harmoniously blended with the cosmopolitan and cultural center this city has become. Despite its metropolitan population and myriad housing developments, Naples remembers its Indian and early pioneering heritage. This diversity combined with its host of attractions, amenities and activities make Naples a great place to live and visit. Panama City Beach Panama City Beach, Florida! Imagine yourself surrounded by emerald green and sapphire blue waters and having sugary white sand scrunch between your toes. No, this is not the French Riviera or the Caribbean, it is Panama City Beach, one of Florida's best hidden vacation destinations. Panama City Beach is one of the world's most beautiful beaches, with over twenty-seven miles of breathtaking, unrivaled beauty along the Gulf of Mexico. In 1995, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, coastal geologist at University of Maryland ranked St. Andrews State Recreation Area in Panama City Beach #1 Beach in America. Sanibel Island Sanibel Island resort area offers nature-lover's paradise with more than 40 percent of the island preserved as wildlife sanctuaries. However, it's the white-sand beaches that have the foremost appeal for visitors and residents alike. From the east end by the Sanibel Lighthouse to the residential west end, the beaches present spectacular sunrises and sunsets. But most of all, the beaches offer world-renowned shelling. St. Augustine Beach St. Augustine Beach is a unique and welcoming community. St. Augustine is comprised of 4.905 square kilometers bordered on the west by the Intracoastal waterway, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean. The weather is sunny and breezy. Highway A1A runs the entire length of St. Augustine Beach. If you've dreamed of driving a convertible along a palm-tree lined boulevard, having shrimp on the deck of an ocean-front restaurant, walking along miles of beaches and diving into the waves, then St. Augustine Beach is the destination for you. Hawaii cities of Island of Kauai Kapaa Kapaa is on Kauai's east side, which is sometimes referred to as the Coconut Coast for the groves of coconut palms that grow in resort areas. The river, which dumps into the ocean below the bridge, is flanked on both sides, from the mountains to the sea, with sacred Hawaiian sites. Kauai is Hawaii's Garden Island renown for the enchanting beauty of its cascading emerald mountains, its flower bedecked streams, and its swaying palm fringed shores. Kauai is the most pristine of the major Hawaiian islands where the feeling and pace of old Hawaii still lives. Abundant in beaches and where no building is allowed higher than a coco palm, Kauai offers a unique for new adventure and a relaxing respite from the bustle found elsewhere. Discover the magic and wonder of Hawaii is alive and flourishing on Kauai. Princeville Princeville is located on the northern coast of the island of Kauai between Hanalei and Kilauea on the banks of the Hanalei River near the Halelea Forest Reserve and Kaweonui Point. Kauai is Hawaii's Garden Island renown for the enchanting beauty of its cascading emerald mountains, its flower bedecked streams, and its swaying palm fringed shores. Kauai is the most pristine of the major Hawaiian islands where the feeling and pace of old Hawaii still lives. Abundant in beaches and where no building is allowed higher than a coco palm, Kauai offers a unique for new adventure and a relaxing respite from the bustle found elsewhere. Discover the magic and wonder of Hawaii is alive and flourishing on Kauai. Island of Maui Kihei Kihei is on the southwest coast onf the island of Maui. Maui is an adventurer's delight. Here you can immerse yourself in activities that accommodate visitors with all levels of experience and physical ability. Whether it's a vigorous hike through Haleakala Crater, an exciting afternoon of whale watching, snorkeling over an incredible tropical reef, or gliding through the air in a state-of-the-art helicopter, Maui's activity providers have everything you need to fully enjoy our Islands' unique natural environment. Kihei town is made up of low-rise shopping areas, restaurants of every variety, scenic beach parks, and beachfront condominium developments. Island of Oahu Honolulu Honolulu and Waikiki beach are linked together. Perhaps the world's most famous beach, Waikiki has been the backdrop for Hollywood movies and the starting place for many a romance. While the beach is a suntanner's paradise, the warm waters are perfect for snorkeling, surfing or just floating on an inflatable mat. Honolulu also means Pearl Harbor. North Carolina cities of Bead Head Island Bald Head is at the southern most point of North Carolina's magnificent chain of barrier islands and capes lies an island of singular beauty and extraordinary character. From its enviable position at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean to the legendary Cape Fear itself, Bald Head Island is like nowhere else on earth. Because there is no bridge connecting Bald Head Island to the mainland, visitors and residents must arrive by boat-either passenger ferry or private yacht. The separation of Bald Head Island from the mainland is as psychological as it is geographical. With cars left on the mainland, the pace of life on Bald Head slows to that of an electric cart, a leisurely bike ride or a relaxed vacationer's own easy gait. Swansboro Swansboro is on North Carolina's Central Coast, popularly known as the Crystal Coast, is a diverse and dynamic place eager to offer visitors full days of recreation and leisure. Whether you're looking for active days of family fun or a weekend of rest and relaxation. The Swansboro area, which is quickly becoming one of North Carolina's most popular vacation destinations, will suit your needs. The Swansboro area coastline consists of many small cities and narrow islands and includes some favorite beach-vacation spots. Swansboro has its own distinct character. Topsail Island Topsail Island, North Carolina is a well-kept secret among East Coast beaches. The Topsail area offers many attractions to match the interests of everybody. There are surf casting, pier fishing, and offshore charter boats. Yes, Topsail Island has excellent sandy beaches and swimming, but there is also boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing, and surfing. Golf and other attractions await you. Topsail Island is home to the loggerhead turtle and brown sea pelican. Egrets and water fowl abound in the marshes, inlets and other natural areas surrounding Topsail Island. South Carolina cities of Fripp Island Fripp Island is a small private resort island, approximately 3 1/2 miles long & 1 1/2 miles wide, therefore everything is close by. On Fripp Island, It is possible to be as active or as "laid back" as you like. Fripp Island offers jogging, bike and roller blade paths, several pools including the beautiful Cabana Club with three pools (one heated) and a jacuzzi. The island has two beautiful golf courses, eight soft and two hard surface tennis courts and a climbing wall. Golf cart rentals available. Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Island is a resort area on the second largest barrier island on the east coast and is protected by an offshore sandbar. This protection makes for a small gently rolling surf. Additionally, there is a tidal difference of eight feet which at low tide gives Hilton Head Island more than 12 miles of beach a width greater than 600 feet. With such a broad beach there is plenty of room for sunning, sculpturing, shelling, strolling, running, fishing, biking, and swimming on Hilton Head Island. From mid April through October the Ocean temperature is above 70 degrees and is ideal for many water activities. Myrtle Beach Area What more than BEAUTIFUL can we saw about the beach. The over 60 miles of beach resort area is what made Myrtle Beach famous. Long before golf became popular at Myrtle Beach, it was the beach. Long before Myrtle Beach had all its attractions, it was the beach. Long before the Myrtle Beach nightlife and theaters, it was the beach. So if you haven't seen the BEACH, come now. Utah cities of Park City Park City became known world-wide as a winter playground because it hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. But during the summer the venues are transformed from world-class, winter playgrounds to summer recreation hot spots. The spirit of the games continues. Whether you enjoy winter skiing, summer activities or just the beauty, the Park City will be liked. Vermont cities of Mount Snow If nothing else, Mount Snow Valley, Vermont is famous for its Great Outdoors. The country roads built ages ago. The pastoral farm lands with their age old silos and red barns. The 100 mile views across mountain after green mountain. The covered bridges of yesteryear. Today's version of Mount Snow is replete with the activities that a young, energetic and healthy America searches for and, more importantly, deserves. Mount Snow in the winter includes Downhill Skiing, Snow Boarding, Cross Country Skiing, Snowmobiling or Sleigh Rides Summer in Mount Snow offers golf on scenic mountain courses. Tennis in cool alpine climates. Private freshwater lakes for fishing, waterskiing, sailing, canoeing or jet skiing. Horseback riding down tree lined country roads. And mountain biking on single track isolated trails. Today's Mount Snow, Vermont combines the attractions of yesteryear with the energies of the new day, bringing outdoor treasures for everyone of all ages to discover and enjoy. Virginia cities of Virginia Beach Virginia Beach is a resort area on the rise. After letting the oceanfront acquire a sort of tackiness, the city of Virginia Beach decided that to protect its tourist business, it was going to have to shape up. For several years money has been poured into the area, and the efforts are showing. The beach is clean, wide, and regularly groomed. Bordering the sand is a wide concrete boardwalk with regular public accesses and separate bike lanes. Off of the oceanfront Virginia Beach is a large city of suburban development and countryside. Stretching all the way from the Chesapeake Bay to the North Carolina border, Virginia Beach claims to be the largest resort city in the world. Washington cities of Mt. Baker / Glacier The Mount Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest is huge - it stretches across the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, from the Canadian border and North Cascades National Park to the northern boundary of Mount Ranier National Park. Surprisingly near Seattle, the landscape is harsh, dramatic, and rugged. Mt. Baker area was cut out by the ancestors of the vast 10,000 acre glaciers that sprawl in the northern part of the forest. Mountain peaks over 10,000 feet plunge quickly into valleys at sea level. On top of all this, there is Mount Baker itself, which is still an active volcano; Sherman Crater emits steam and sulphur gases.

Hawaiian City Garden

Hawaiian Clothes

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Business — ADVERTISEMENT — Sunday, October 17, 2004 DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Yoshi Takahashi amuses his friends Kimi Toi and Michi Ogino with a wetsuit that's a little too small at the Xcel store in the Ward Village Shops. Hey! Big spenders New research shows just where tourists drop their money during stays in Hawaii By Allison Schaefers aschaefers@starbulletin.com ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRYANT FUKUTOMI / BFUKUTOMI@STARBULLETIN.COM China / South Korea travelers » More than 50 percent of these Asian visitors are first-timers and about a quarter of them come as part of a package tour. » Most come to visit friends or family (more than 28 percent), on business, or as part of a stopover, as stringent Visa requirements and a lack of flights has made Hawaii a difficult vacation destination. » In terms of activities, they are statistically similar to Americans, but plan to spend more money. » Most plan to attend a luau and 30 percent intend to play golf, the most of any other group surveyed. United States travelers » American travelers plan to stay longer and spend the least amount of money on retail and souvenirs. » They are most likely to engage in sports like running, scuba or going to the gym, but have the smallest percentage of people who planned to swim or sunbathe. » Americans are more likely to attend a luau, go to a Hawaiian history or cultural event and buy Hawaiian clothing and souvenirs than Japan or other Asian travelers. » They enjoy shopping at convenience stores, malls or hotel stores. They are also the most likely to go to a museum or art gallery or eat in high-end restaurants. Japan travelers » More than 60 percent of Japan travelers come to Hawaii as part of a package group. » These visitors plan to stay the least amount of time and spend the most money. » They are most likely to come to Hawaii to celebrate a wedding or honeymoon than any other group. » They are most interested in going to the beach and shopping while in Hawaii, but few plan to do any activities or eat in high-end restaurants. » They enjoy shopping across the board from outlet and discount stores to designer boutiques. While tourists from Japan and the mainland still pump plenty of money into Hawaii's retail stores, a more global mix of visitors is at the heart of Hawaii's improved tourism outlook, and their preferences are worlds apart. A new cross-cultural study from the University of Hawaii is available to help retailers take stock of what tourists buy, so local stores can match merchandise with spending habits. University of Hawaii marketing professor Mark Rosenbaum and travel industry management professor Dan Spears randomly surveyed more than 1,000 Waikiki tourists to determine cultural differences regarding their reasons for coming to Hawaii, their desire to shop and what purchases they planned to make during their stay. "Not all tourists are alike," Rosenbaum said. "Your target market should greatly impact how you merchandise and what products you stock." Hawaii's retail history gives businesses strong reasons to diversify their customer base, said retail analyst Stephany Sofos. "In the 1980s, the Japanese people came fast and furious and those who didn't cater to them were left out. Now it's changing, and as visitor groups change, retailers are having to figure out what their market is from one day to the next," Sofos said. The University of Hawaii study can help tourist-dependent businesses identify how to best keep their customers happy and how to increase spending from other visitor groups, Spears said. Their research showed that Japanese tourists plan to spend $1,400 on gifts and souvenirs during their stay in Hawaii, which is substantially more than all other visitor groups. According to the study, Chinese and Koreans spend about $750 on retail items and Americans spend around $600. They also found differences when it came to purchasing local foods, clothing and engaging in outdoor activities as well as differences in why these tourists groups were coming to Hawaii. For example, Americans and Japanese came to Hawaii primarily to vacation, while the Chinese and South Korean visitors were in Hawaii primarily to visit family members. Chinese visitors can only travel for leisure to a few designations, which does not include Hawaii. "Most Japanese will spend their vacation shopping at both high-end and discount retailers," Rosenbaum said, adding that data also confirmed the love-affair Japanese have with designer items. Nearly 60 percent of the Japanese visitors surveyed planned to visit Hawaii's designer boutiques; in contrast, only 35 percent of Americans planned to do so. However, the number of Japan travelers who plan to purchase products made in Hawaii, such as coffee, food and clothing, is lower than other groups. "The Japanese are the answer to our luxury business - not our economy," Rosenbaum said, adding that purchases of locally made products create more jobs and ultimately bring more benefit to the state. Visitors, who spend about $3 billion annually on retail goods in Hawaii, make up about 15 percent of the state's $19 billion retail market, said Carol Pregill, president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii. The islands drew 6.4 million visitors last year, about two-thirds of them from the mainland. "Shopping is the third largest expenditure, next to food and lodging, for visitors," Pregill said, adding that about 20 percent of visitor expenditures can be attributed to shopping. "That's huge when you consider that shopping is a discretionary expense," Pregill said, and is an important part of a visitor's experience. But to make Hawaii shopping attractive to visitors it has to be distinctive, said Frank Haas, marketing director for the Hawaii Tourism Authority. "You can shop in Hong Kong and Las Vegas; what we need to know is what's distinctive about shopping in Hawaii," Haas said. As Oahu's visitor market stays strong, many retailers are going to take advantage of more visitor-based opportunities, said Jeffrey Hall, senior director of research at CB Richard Ellis. "There's huge amount of interest in redoing resort retail, especially in Waikiki," Hall said. According to market reports, Waikiki has a high number of retail vacancies, but in three to four years the sector will be more bullish as Waikiki renovation projects come to fruition, Hall forecasts. "The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is rapidly changing. The Beach Walk and the International Market Place projects are just getting under way," Hall said. "Expect that in a few years Waikiki will be an entirely different place." Any shift in visitor demographics changes the way businesses advertise their products. "It's important to know who is coming and what you need for inventory," Pregill said. "Inventory is a huge expense and no one wants to be stuck with goods that no one want to buy." That's where the Rosenbaum and Spears study comes in, said Anne Murata, marketing director of the Festival Cos., which manages the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Murata said she purchased the study because it's the first retail survey in Hawaii that breaks data into small categories such as visitors' reasons for traveling to Hawaii, ability to spend and where they spend their money. Retailers are especially interested on the data about Chinese and South Korean visitors, she said. While Chinese and Korean visitors have more in common with Americans in terms of overall spending, their spending habits are very similar to the Japanese visitor market when it was new, Murata said. In the 1990s, when the Japanese tourism boom to Hawaii was growing, the state's largest industry went to great lengths to cater to their needs. Japanese signs ruled Waikiki marketing; but then the bubble burst and retailers had to regroup to stay in business. "We've been trained to think only in terms of U.S. westbound and Japan travelers," she said. "But our retail market is becoming increasingly global and we're starting to see more travelers from China, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the U.S. East." Japanese visitor arrivals to Hawaii, which peaked at 2.2 million in 1997, fell to 1.3 million last year in response to a weakened Japanese economy and geopolitical troubles. Retailers say the market has rebounded, but it's time for those eyeing Hawaii's improved market to use the isles' changing tourist patterns to help determine what's in store. Although the China travel market to Hawaii is small, representing less than 1 percent of Hawaii's total visitors in 2002, state officials have identified it as a market with enormous potential. New research shows that Chinese tourists are now the biggest spenders in the Asia-Pacific region by average credit card transaction size, according to a study released by Visa. The report, published last week in the Financial Times, said Chinese cardholders on average spent $253 per transaction while traveling. The World Tourism Organization has also estimated that China will produce 100 million outbound tourists by 2020 and members of Hawaii's public and private sector want their share. "Just like we geared retail to the Japan market in its heyday, someday I expect we'll see retail signs in Chinese and Korean, too," Murata said. According to the Rosenbaum and Spears survey, the Chinese, enjoy participating in new activities, but look for familiarity in restaurants - characteristics similar to Japanese visitors before Hawaii became a common destination, "They only want to eat in Chinese restaurants," Rosenbaum said. But, more important for retailers is that the Chinese also appear to have a taste for luxury goods. "The Chinese, like the Japanese, also want to purchase luxury goods as gifts to take home," Spears said. While retailers need accurate data to capture their audience, there is one sure plan that works across cultures, Murata said. "One thing you can always sell them is the aloha spirit - that's an approach that works with visitors from China to Lithuania," Murata said. BACK TO TOP | The Hawaii experience A new University of Hawaii study of tourist spending habits raised some interesting questions. For instance, do Japan travelers, who planned to spend $1,400 on gifts and souvenirs during their stay in Hawaii, really contribute the most money to Hawaii's economy? While Americans, who planned to spend about $600 on retail, and Chinese/ Koreans, who planned to spend about $750, lagged behind in overall spending, the data showed that these groups spent significantly more on made-in-Hawaii products. The percentage of visitors planning to buy each product: Items USA / Canada Japan China / South Korea Hawaiian coffee 53.1 38.4 70.8 Macadamia nuts 66.8 52.2 75.5 Pineapples 37.4 7.3 30.2 Hawaiian candies 35.7 12.3 35.8 Hawaiian clothing 47.3 21.7 43.4 Hawaiian souvenirs 60.9 41.1 58.5 Source: University of Hawaii marketing professor Mark Rosenbaum and travel industry management professor Dan Spears Where it all goes Percentage of visitors doing the following activities: Activities U.S. Japan China/Korea Honeymoon/wedding 6.8 18.2 4.7 Visit family/friends 13.4 3.8 28.3 Part of Packaged tour 15.8 61.3 25.5 Buying designer clothes 29.2 34.9 37.7 Golf 16.0 5.6 30.2 Tour bus 30.9 25.2 37.7 Beach 77.4 78.3 84.0 Fine dining 58.2 8.5 49.1 Culture/History 64.2 27.3 43.4 Luau 59.7 16.1 62.3 Designer boutiques 35.1 59.2 41.5 Mall 65.4 74.5 75.5 Characteristics of visitors' stays: Visit U.S. Japan China/Korea Planned Expenditures $644 $1,416 $745 Length of Stay in Hawaii 12 days 7 days 11 days Source: University of Hawaii marketing professor Mark Rosenbaum and travel industry management professor Dan Spears — ADVERTISEMENTS — — ADVERTISEMENTS — | | | PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION E-mail to Business Editor BACK TO TOP Text Site Directory: [News] [Business] [Features] [Sports] [Editorial] [Do It Electric!] [Classified Ads] [Search] [Subscribe] [Info] [Letter to Editor] [Feedback] © 2004 Honolulu Star-Bulletin -- http://starbulletin.com -Advertisement-