What type business,service needed in Hilo? (Kilauea, Pahoa: transplants, oceanfront)

[bamasandman]

For those of us out here on the mainland that want to one day make the dream fulfilling move to Hawaii we need some insight as to what the locals need. I have seen on another thread the idea of auto spa type business. What else do you need? I have always felt that if you give superior service that the business will come. I have operated an antiques business here, didn't know if there was a need on the Islands. What about Handyman Service or the Rent A Husband Service to do all those little chores around the house that never seem to get done. Give us some ideas. Aloha

[cynmkolohe]

Another business that I think would do well here is an education supply store. As far as I know, there is not one--teachers shop at Office Max. There would probably have to be an arrangement to take purchase orders from the state. But there is a similiar business on Oahu (called Education Station) and it does well.

We could also use a few nice options for entertainment, such as a jazz club or martini bar. The last two nicer restaurants to try to make a go of it had really bad business plans and lack of experienced management. The over-21 crowd looking for a relaxed evening out has very few choices. My advice to anyone considering it: stay small, at least at first, check your zoning carefully and work with neighbors, hire experienced security if you have late night hours, and hire trained bartenders who have worked in a variety of settings.

In regard to handyman services...there are many people offering such services (if you check the classifieds and see "under $1,000" included in the ad, you basically know it is an unlicensed handyman who will not pull permits for you). But as other posters have pointed out, those with good work ethics and reliabilty can still come and do well.

One of the things I miss from Oahu/mainland is a really nice health club facility. Modern and with flexible weekend hours. Updated sauna, classes and equipment. And a pool. We heard several months ago that 24-Hr Fitness was considering a location at Prince Kuhio Mall, but I've seen no concrete evidence of it.

We have do several antique shops in downtown. I would recommend coming to shop your competition. Different shops focus on different specialty areas.

This is a start...look forward to hearing what others think!

[Paniolo Cowgirl]

Hilo could really use a Bed, Bath and Beyond. And plumbers. If you're a plumber and don't mind doing household repairs you'll be raking it in.

[cynmkolohe]

Originally Posted by Paniolo Cowgirl

Hilo could really use a Bed, Bath and Beyond. And plumbers. If you're a plumber and don't mind doing household repairs you'll be raking it in.

Are you somehow reading my mind?? I was just saying that we need a Bed, Bath and Beyond yesterday. I'm shopping for bedding and matching widow treatments and would love the ease of a one-stop shopping location. Maybe put it beside the Home Depot! More practical than the Panda Express going in on the corner, IMO.

[Genxor]

Wow. Where do I begin.

The auto spa is great. There is , 1 ? car wash in Hilo, at the gas station in front of Walmart ? This was amazing to us.
Chain, sit down restaurants are not here ( except IHOP ). The only store for any type of household items ( like Bed Bath and Beyond ) is Walmart.
This is a hugely underserved area, in regards to what many "transplants" are accustomed to.
I assume your more interested in a family type business, not a franchise of some sort ?

[cynmkolohe]

Originally Posted by Genxor

Wow. Where do I begin.

The auto spa is great. There is , 1 ? car wash in Hilo, at the gas station in front of Walmart ? This was amazing to us.

There is another drive through-car wash behind a gas station on Kilauea, on your left just after you go through the intersection past Hilo Shopping Center (as you head toward town.) I tried stopping there today, but the whole thing had been pulled apart and was sitting in pieces behind the car wash....hopefully they are upgrading.

I had called the place Jonah K recommended, but had a chaotic day in the office and couldn't get over there to drop off my car. They were very nice on the phone, though.

So, in the end (I am showing an oceanfront HPP house tomorrow and would like to make a decent impression!), I bumped into my neighbor at KTA while buying groceries and her son agreed to wash my Jeep before dark so I could make dinner and get some work done before calling it a day! Sometimes life in a small town has its benefits!!

[Paniolo Cowgirl]

Hilo could also use a Whole Foods. And I wish the Costco was in Hilo.

Hilo could also use a great hospital....hey, I can dream, can't I?

[IntoTheMystic]

There's only one pet store and it's so crappy and the help sucks. I know one opened up near Pahoa. It seems like there would be a great market for a nice pet store. If I had the money.....

[bamasandman]

Thank you to all of you for the wonderful insight, I have visited Oahu on occasion but have never been to the big island. From what I have read it seems to fit my personality better than the hustle and bustle of Oahu. I am from the rural state of Alabama, currently working as a purchasing manager but have always enjoyed different business' that I have had. Keep throwing those ideas out, if I can not make it happen maybe it will be of help to someone else. Aloha

[Paniolo Cowgirl]

Hilo could use a great French restaurant. Something to replace what Kaikodo should have been.