Maui is everything you have imagined Hawaii to be, from lush rainforests to “local” small towns and world-famous beaches. Whether looking for exclusive, world-class resorts or secluded honeymoon cottages, it’s all here.
Finding the perfect place to stay on Maui can be a daunting task for newcomers and for repeat visitors alike; however, it pays to do your research! 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 an incredible amount of short-term rental establishments in the beginning of 2007; and not just the million-dollar properties, but also small family-run B&Bs! Hundreds of rentals collapsed, with only a lucky few still fully operational, while the remainder have scrambled to apply for the necessary papers.
Maui Villa 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 get a new opinion on something you thought you’d settled, or an entirely new idea altogether. Experiences of people you know will usually tell you much more than any other informational source.
Bargain hunting on expensive Maui
Though Maui rentals are generally fairly more expensive than other islands, the present little recession has kept occupation lower on Maui, and indeed the same case occurs for most Maui hotels—even 5-Star resorts like the Grand Wailea and Four Season. This means possible savings for you, especially when looking for accommodations for extended stays of two weeks or more. Be sure to ask your agent about bargains and even vacation rental homes that may not be presently listed.
Maui activities
You may save some cash when booking with an agency that handles more than just vacation rentals, as they usually have special offers like promotions or even completely free activities, tours, and the like (if you book with them, naturally). Again, it never hurts to ask!
Here are some accommodation tips:
- Remote village of Hana
Of all of Hawaii, Maui exemplifies the richest and greatest range of climates and environments. If you’re looking for the lushest rainforests and the most waterfalls, you’ll want to visit Hana, a remote village on the Eastern side of Maui. From the star-swarmed luxury Hotel Hana Maui to basic campgrounds to comfy bungalows, there is also a vast diversity of available housing!
- 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 maui luxury oceanfront 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. Nearby, beautiful maui luxury villas such as vacation villas, private estates and beachfront condos to fit any budget are available.
- 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 usually 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, ask your travel or vacation property agency if there is a travel insurance policy available, which will cost you a fraction. As an alternative, ask to have a hold placed on your credit card, rather than a charge.
Holds on your card cost nothing and will be released within 2 weeks of your departure—if that there hasn’t been any destruction of property of course (but you’d never do that).
- Security deposit
Security deposits are deducted from your final balance due, usually 30-90 days prior to arrival on the island.
Of course, you are more likely to get the ideal Maui vacation rental by making the effort to find out about and contrast a larger range of options. It’s pretty easy to do and can be quite fun too.
You can find most everything you need by checking out travel websites. Most provide photographs, full descriptions, guest reviews and rate information. Of course, if you need any more information you can typically contact the site or an agent by email or telephone. You may well even end up with the vacation home of your dreams!
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