Maui is everything you have imagined Hawaii to be, from lush rainforests to “local” small towns and world-famous beaches. It’s all here, from isolated honeymooncottages to exclusive world-class luxury resorts, and anything in between.
It can be a challenging task to find the ideal place to stay for newcomers to Maui, and this is why it’s really important to do your homework! Here are some explanations and tips that might just make your search a little easier.
Maui county closed short-term rental homes
The county closed a large number of short-term rental establishments in the beginning of 2007; and not just the million-dollar properties, but also small family-run Bed and Breakfasts! Hundreds of such rentals went out of business, a few lucky ones are still permitted and others are in the arduous process of applying for the necessary permits.
Beautiful Vacation Rentals are still available
Most travel agencies are still offering such vacation homes, and we have high hopes that such a sad story will have a happy ending for this once vibrant alternative to the usual resort experience.
Ask any of your friends, relatives and co-workers who have visited Maui previously. Those who have been here before usually have the best advice, as they’ve had firsthand experience. You might just hear something you’d never thought of, or get a new opinion on something you thought you’d settled. As you would guess, you will find out a lot more from the experiences of people who’ve been at a place.
Bargain hunting on expensive Maui
Generally speaking, Maui rentals are usually quite a bit more expensive than other islands, however, due to the economic downturn, occupation is still low on Maui, and the same is true for most Maui hotels, even Five-Star resorts like the Four Season and Grand Wailea. This means possible savings for you, especially when looking for accommodations for extended stays of two weeks or more. Don’t forget to check with your agent about any vacation rental homes or bargains that may not presently listed, just about end, or just about to begin.
Maui activities
Agencies who handle more than just vacation rentals are able to offer discounted and even free activities, tours and tee times for golf courses when booking with them. Again, it never hurts to ask!
Here are some accommodation tips:
- Remote village of Hana
Maui offers the most diversity of rich environments and climates of all the islands. The remote village of Hana, on East Maui, is where you’ll find the most waterfalls and lush rainforests. From the star-swarmed luxury Hotel Hana Maui to basic campgrounds to comfy bungalows, there is also a vast range of available vacation accommodation!
- The North shore for the water sport enthusiasts
The North Shore is most famous for the Surf Town of Paia, and offers fantastic opportunities for water sports enthusiasts like windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing with well-known beaches like Baldwin, Ho’okipa or Kanaha all very nearby.
You will also find eclectic shops, wonderful eateries and accommodations ranging from small B & B’s and bungalows in Paia, Haiku and Upcountry in the island to lavish ocean front estates in the nearby neighborhood of Spreckelsville!
- Central Maui
Primarily a shopping and industrial area, there is little in the way of accommodation here—though it is cheap.
- The South and West shores
These shores of the island are primarily home to the exclusive and manicured areas of Wailea, Kapalua, Lahaina and Ka’anapali. The sugary sands of the beaches in these areas offer the perfect environment for sunbathing, relaxation and luxury at Makena (Big) Beach, Little Beach and Ka’anapali Beach, voted among the top ten beaches in Hawaii. All kinds of luxury condos maui are available to fit any budget: private estates, beachfront condos, and vacation villas.
- Get better deals by paying with a check
When the time comes to pay, you get better deals when paying with checks. You might be surprised, but you can typically save an extra 5% this way by simply asking! It’s a win-win deal as your travel agent also saves up to 4% in credit card fees.
- Damage deposit for exclusive rentals
For more exclusive beach and oceanfront vacation rentals, there are usually both security and damage deposits to pay, which can range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand.
There are two ways to avoid damage deposit charges. First and foremost, a decent travel insurance policy will pay for such charges and cost a fraction of the price, and if you need you can consult with your vacation rental or travel agent whether they offer any. As an alternative, ask to have a hold placed on your credit card, rather than a charge.
Holds on your credit card cost nothing and released within two weeks of the end of your stay—given that there hasn’t been any damage to property of course (but you’d never do that).
- Security deposit
You’ll often find that security deposits are subtracted from your final invoice thirty to ninety days prior to your landing on the island.
Keep in mind that you are more likely to choose the ideal Maui vacation rental by making the effort to look at and compare a larger selection of options. You should know that it is fairly easy to do and can actually be fun.
You can find most everything you need by looking at travel websites. Most provide photographs, full descriptions, guest reviews and rate information. If you still have any unanswered questions, you should be able to contact an agent via e-mail or telephone for assistance. You may well even end up with the vacation home of your dreams!