Hawaii Costs and Rental Companies
Two factors control the costs of condos right now: the recession and the ocean.
Because of the bankruptcy of two airlines, and cutbacks by the remaining ones, hundreds fewer people a week are visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Add to this a mortgage crisis that has put the squeeze on private condo owners, many of whom have seen their monthly nut go up, and you have a situation where people are desperate to keep their condos filled with paying customers. Condo owners are willing to haggle, they're throwing in extras like entrance to local golf clubs and free wifi, to attract visitors and in some cases, they're discounting deeply. I've seen two-bedroom, beachfront units going for as little as $59 a night on Maui.
When bargaining, do take into consideration the one big factor that determines much of the pricing on rentals: the ocean. Condos right on the sands generally cost a good 25% more than those not, even if competing condos are just across the street from the beach. Views will also impact the price, with those units that face makai (towards the ocean) going for far more than those with views mauka (of the hills). A final price changer: location. Stay near to the luxury malls and less crowded sands, say in Napili in Maui or the Kohala Coast on the Big Island, and you'll pay less than you will to stay in overdeveloped areas like Kihei (Maui) or Kona (the Big Island).
Beyond the direct-to-owner sites (See
"Websites to Visit"), the following local agencies offer expert advice and high quality properties:
Image courtesy Rosewood Kauai
