Starting a biz on Kauai (appliances, day care, buying a house)

[cliphy]

My wife & I, both in our early 40's, are thinking about buying a house, moving to Kauai and starting a small business within a year. Currently, we both work online for media companies and luckily I can keep my job and work remotely from there. We've been to all the islands before, some more than once, and really like Kauai the most.

The plan would be that we buy a house (been looking a lot), move, I keep my remote job, and my wife will get the biz up and running.

We have a few different ideas about the types of businesses but wondering if anyone had opinions about what sorts of services locals and/or tourists would be useful on Kauai? What are some ideas you often think "Why don't we have THAT here?" or "this is really needed" type of thing.

Thanks for any & all feedback!!

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by cliphy

My wife & I, both in our early 40's, are thinking about buying a house, moving to Kauai and starting a small business within a year. Currently, we both work online for media companies and luckily I can keep my job and work remotely from there. We've been to all the islands before, some more than once, and really like Kauai the most.

The plan would be that we buy a house (been looking a lot), move, I keep my remote job, and my wife will get the biz up and running.

We have a few different ideas about the types of businesses but wondering if anyone had opinions about what sorts of services locals and/or tourists would be useful on Kauai? What are some ideas you often think "Why don't we have THAT here?" or "this is really needed" type of thing.

Thanks for any & all feedback!!

An interisland ferry service between Kaua'i and O'ahu would be useful.

[cliphy]

lol, i also thought so but many disagree

[hothulamaui]

a business not only depends on what the island might need but if you have the skill set/experience/financial backing to provide it over the long haul until you are established. even then it doesn't mean it will be a success. the islands really do have everything you need, someone is providing it. can someone provide it better, cheaper? maybe, maybe not.

some services/businesses have been around so long there is no way to compete with them even if you have the money to try. having a shave ice stand, a little dress shop, being a tax service, have a cleaning business, being a plumber or opening up a day care, the every day stuff is what people do. we need the same thing any area of the mainland would needs, if you can do it well there it should translate here unless it's a snow removal company

all you can do is hope the business you pick, will pay for itself, pay you a salary that isn't below minimum wage and you can enjoy life. all else is gravy

[fischi19]

I am missing a bookstore, actually

[hothulamaui]

Originally Posted by fischi19

I am missing a bookstore, actually

both our borders and borers express have just closed down. not enough business, guess too many people are reading on kindles these days

[Mar0]

You can open a Ross in the old Borders....

Open a preschool/daycare! My friend is having the worst time finding a place for her son...or train with the shoe repairman (cobbler?) i think he will retire soon enough and i dont know where ill take my shoes!

I think without being really familiar with Kauai and having the proper support on island, it would be hard to open a business. We see so many businesses come and go.

[PacificFlights]

Kauai needs lots of businesses. Kauai probably had all of them at one time. What is needed and what can survive with the customer base are two different things.

[Joliefille]

Appliance repair person. Focus on high end appliances, esp refrigeration.

[fischi19]

any method to produce cheap energy
cheap milk
good bread and pastry
clean, cheap (limited service) accommodation for tourists