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A close friend from Japan has a rental in Waikiki, and he was wondering about renovations. Timing, Styles, etc. I'm sure a lot of you may have some investment in Waikiki, so here's my thoughts on it! His questions were, is it a good time to renovate, and what styles work? Everyone has their opinion on this, but i do know that construction workers are at 50% unemployment in Hawaii, and the yen is strong. Most of the projects going on in town are to cater to the Japanese yen. new restaurants, and other japanese focused stores. the local shops who sell to Japanese are going gang-busters. so for now, the Japanese (and Koreans) rule waikiki, and everyone is hoping for the chinese visas and flights to open up. As an investment for a condo, it's probably best to update with lighter colors, and it is true that people love the nostalgia of "waikiki". I think the future trend will probably head more to that nostalgia from the early 20th century waikiki - with some touches of the 50's. Add in Polynesia, and here's why: the Bali style is living strong among designers for residential - mostly because they can get cheap goods from southeast asia, and it looks sort of tropical... but it clashes with the stereotype of "waikiki" that was branded years ago with the kodak hula show, and the like. it's still a powerful brand, and I don't think the state has any plans to influence or change that brand anytime soon, particularly since they are getting massive cuts this year and next over at the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the Hawaii Visitors Bureau. With the off-kalakaua ave hotels, the experimentation continues, but the best ideas i've seen or heard about are the moves toward a more miami, festive styling with a retro waikiki flavor. this will probably work because everyone wants to be out of this depression (so the trend will move to happier colors and flair), and it still fits the old "waikiki" brand. all the attention will shift to Disney in KoOlina, and when it reveals itself, waikiki will most likely follow suit. I expect designers will focus on "polynesia" after it's debut. Now Hawaii designers are getting a little more "akamai" about using southeast asian labor - so expect to see more decorative and carved "bali" styles, but using Hawaiian or Polynesian motifs. Same goes for fixtures, and accessories. Since we do very little manufacturing in the US, look to Asia, and Mexico for specialty products that are affordable. Also check into Vietnam - good quality at affordable pricing! Well, that's it for design in Waikiki, and I hope it starts to get your mind motors going!
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