Hawaii Ocean Cable to Tahiti

The first submarine cable to link Tahiti to Hawaii  has just reached its destination on the Big Island. It's also the first such cable between the U.S. and Tahiti and marks a great improvement in communication services throughout Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, Moorea and Tahiti including more affordable international broadband Internet services for those lucky islands.

The cable which lies between French Polynesia and the Big Island is 3,107 miles long with a depth of 19,500 feet in some areas. It runs to Ohaiula (Spencer Beach) in Kawaihae on the Big Island.

This is a fiber optic cable which will allow high speed Internet connectivity between the U.S. and French Polynesia. Vice president of the government of French Polynesia Edouard Fritch has expressed high expectations for what the cable will bring, including advances in distance learning, scientific research, cultural exchange, etc.

Considering the significant investment of $108.4 million that was required of the project, it's fair to expect significant returns. It has taken about five years to reach completion.

To some, Hawaii may just seem isolated. Our island chain is located in the middle of the Pacific after all, and far from any other island chains. But this has made it an invaluable strategic spot for so many purposes that its location and great beauty have made it a subject of envy for many, both on a national and personal level. Those of us who live here should be reminded of how lucky we are, and those who don't live here should consider it!

To find the perfect Maui property for you, feel free to use our online real estate search tool. Also, we recommend you take a look at our featured Maui properties and  If you need any help with our website or your pursuit of great Maui real estate, please send an email to Mark mark@realestatemauihawaii.com or Lisa lisa@realestatemauihawaii.com. You can also call (866) 874-1942 toll free or Lisa's cell at (808) 283-7426. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend!

Alice in Wonderland Benefit for Maui Food Bank

In light of the economic struggles that some members of the Maui community are dealing with, the timing has never been better for doing your part to help.

Molly Jacobson, a local food writer and blogger is hosting a fundraiser at Whole Foods in Kahului on March 6, her birthday. Between the hours of 3-4:30p.m. she hopes to raise at least $5000 for the Maui Food Bank. The plan is ambitious, but that's why the theme is Alice in Wonderland. Jacobson quotes, "It might sound impossible, but as they say in Wonderland, I like to believe at least six impossible things before breakfast."

The benefit will involve red velvet cake and hot tea that will be provided by Whole Foods in honor of the theme. Many local chefs will be donating to the cause, including Chef James McDonald of I'o, Chef Brian Etheredge of Capische? and Dana Pastula of Café O'Lei.

As professionals in the food industry, living out their passion, it seems that many cooks, chefs and those with related careers are acutely aware of the hunger problem. Jacobson feels that while she obsesses about food as it relates to her job, there are those on Maui that obsess about food because they don't have any. This is a situation that she finds understandably "unacceptable."

The Maui Food Bank has recently reported a 20% increase in the need for their services, including children, seniors, the working poor and the homeless. Many have to forgo food in order to pay for medical expenses, rent or gas for transportation.

If you would like to participate in giving back to the community (while enjoying delicious cake and hot tea), you can help by making a financial donation or dropping off canned meat and tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals and soups with protein, cereal, rice and pasta.

Jacobson has also extended an invitation to contributors, stating, "If you want to be playful, come dressed as your favorite Alice in Wonderland character and go to the movies with us after the party.”

Looking for Maui real estate? Check out Wailea Golf Estates. We also recommend that you take a look at our Maui real estate listings, or you can always use our online Maui real estate search tool. If you need any help with our website or your pursuit of great Maui real estate, please send an email to Mark mark@realestatemauihawaii.com or Lisa lisa@realestatemauihawaii.com. You can also call (866) 874-1942 toll free or Lisa's cell at (808) 283-7426. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful weekend!

The Great Maui Whale Count

The Great Maui Whale Count, which is an annual event hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, will take place on February 27th. Researchers and Staff work with volunteers every year to count sightings of humpback whales from many Maui shores.

Last year, there were over two hundred volunteers. Like last year, this count will take place over a span of a few hours, from 8a.m. to 12 noon. Last year's sightings tallied up at 1,010. This was less than the record 1,726 sightings from the year before, but the weather was more difficult last year, which may have been responsible for some of the difference. There were still lower counts from areas where the weather was fairer, however.

Based on previous whale counts over the past several years, it seems the numbers have been cyclical. Years ending in an odd number have been lower while those ending in an even number have been higher. If that holds true, we should expect a higher whale count this year than the 1,010 last year. Researchers from the Pacific Whale Foundation have suggested that it may be a breeding cycle among females of these populations.

Last year, there were thirteen counting sites in South and West Maui areas from Makena to Kapalua. Another site was located on the North Shore at Hookipa.

The Pacific Whale Foundation is eager to get volunteers on board with this count, so if you are interested, call Foundation's Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Vough at (808) 856-8320 or email kelly@pacificwhale.org.

We recommend a look at new Maui property listings as well as our Maui real estate listings. Wailea golf vistas also include some great buys. If you have any questions or would like to contact us, you can call (866) 874-1942 toll free or Lisa's cell at (808) 283-7426. You can also email mark@realestatemauihawaii.com or lisa@realestatemauihawaii.com.