Special to KPUA.net by H.I.E.D.B
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board is a private non-profit organization whose mission is, "To provide and promote private-sector support and expertise for balanced economic growth in Hawaii County, in partnership with federal, state, county and private resources."

.

You've heard the term of course; "buy local." And perhaps from time to time you intentionally or accidentally actually end up with local purchases. But today you are being asked to make a concerted effort to buy local. Learn where the locally owned businesses are and what they offer. Know where your friends and neighbors work to support their families and support those businesses. Think twice before ordering gifts or clothing from catalogs or online from mainland businesses. Is the same thing available locally? You might pay a little more, in fact you just might pay less, but the meaning and reach within our communities of every dollar spent locally is far greater here than if it is "sent" elsewhere.

Do you live in East Hawaii? Spend a weekend at one of the many fine hotels or luxury resorts in West Hawaii. You'll feel like you have really gotten away. And with the value-added kama'aina packages offered at nearly every hostelry, it will be a lot less expensive than a trip to Las Vegas. There are great swimming pools and beaches at many of the hotels that kids just love. Nearby sites to visit can be fun and interesting for the whole family. And let's not forget the world-class golf and tennis available on this island. Have you been thinking about taking a lesson? Well, now is the time. Perhaps you're not into physical exertion during your leisure time. Then book an appointment at a local spa and learn what people have been raving about for years; the bliss of massage, the enjoyment of body treatments, the pleasure of facials and manicures. There are excellent spas all around the island, perhaps one nearer to you than you thought. Pick up the phone and book an appointment today. Live in Kona? When was the last time you stayed at one of our island's many fine bed & breakfasts and took the family to Volcanoes National Park? Or to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo? Spend a weekend in Hilo and visit the incredible Hilo Farmer's Market. Check out the market in Keaau. You'll go home with fresh locally grown fruits, flowers and even one-of-a-kind crafts. Have you stayed at the fabulous Shipman House? It is an impeccably preserved step back in time that everyone will enjoy. How about the luxurious Palm's Cliff House bed and breakfast on the Hamakua Coast with its stunning ocean backdrop. It is a great location to re-establish (or begin) a romance.

We often brag to visitors and even residents from other islands that the diversity of Hawaii Island is what makes it such a special place to live. Well, get out there and discover more of that diversity for yourself. Book an excursion to North Kohala's Pololu Valley or to the top of Mauna Kea with Hawaii Forest and Trail. Book a whale watch cruise with Ocean Sports or Red Sail Sports or Fair Wind Cruises or Body Glove and see the humpbacks before the last of them head back to Alaskan waters. You've heard so much about Hawaii Regional Cuisine but when was the last time you treated yourself to exquisitely prepared Keahole lobster from the Natural Energy Laboratory, Kahua Ranch lamb grass fed on the Kohala Mountain range or, Waimea greens grown in cool Kamuela. Of course every meal whether a Hilo Saloon Pilot cracker or fresh-caught opah with mango chutney should include a steaming cup of our own Kona Coffee. This would be an excellent time to remember friends and family on the mainland with a bouquet of Hawaii Island tropical flowers. There are no spring flowers on most of the mainland just yet but you could bring sunshine and spring in to someone¹s home early with Hawaii Island grown anthuriums and sprays of orchids in every hue. Easter is just around the corner. What a smile it would bring to anyone's face to receive a basket filled with Big Island Candies or chocolates from Kailua Candy Company.

Every decision you make along with the decisions of thousands of other residents of Hawaii Island could truly make the difference for hundreds of businesses that depend always and now, more than ever, on local clientele. Before you spend another dime for anything think, and then buy local.