Part of why I love your channel is because I love that you compare so many things in regards to visiting Hawaii. I've learned that people have so many different preferences, but Hawaii has something for everyone. I was shocked when I was trying to help a friend pick a hotel location on Oahu...she WANTED the crowds and big city life! So, she got a place just past Honolulu over by Diamond Head. We love staying over in Ko Olina as it's so quiet over there! We've stayed at the Ko Online Beach Resort 3 times now and love it there! Very family friendly. Friends of mine are always shocked when I tell them we pay between $300-$400/night, but if you try to find a hotel big enough for the 6 of us, we'd have to book two rooms! That'll cost you WAY more that just $400, and you don't have the space or kitchen that a family unit will give you. We are all about renting from VRBO and finding family units. On Kauai, our favorite resort is the Koloa Landing, but now that it's all been remodeled we can't afford it! :( Just so that others watching your videos know, andreading the comments, we stayed at the Waipouli Beach Resort over in Kapaa and LOVED it! Perfect for families! The units are very spacious, and the pools are amazing. Our kids were spoiled with their first pool slide, and now we can't go back. We've rented a unit at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui for August (HOPEFULLY!!!) and can't wait to explore that island. Ok, as you can see, I LOVE talking all things Hawaii, but I do have a few questions. Have you heard anything about car rentals once Hawaii is officially opened up for tourists in August (aka getting a negative covid test)? I've heard that car rental agencies still can't rent cars to visitors, and that worries me. Wouldn't they want to be able to start renting them out? Ok, another question, I've seen some live footage (from another fellow TH-camr!) of the Honua Kai, but only one hot tub was open. I'm also assuming that they'll reopen the pools once tourists can come? You've said before that pools are allowed to be (and are) open in Maui. I'm assuming that the Honua Kai just doesn't have theirs open as no one is staying there? Anyhoo, sorry for the long comment. Thanks for the fun comparison video. We're all about family friendly resorts with family units, so we're also on the VRBO side of the debate. I'd love to be able to rent a hotel for all 6 of us, but it's just too expensive. Maybe for our 20 year wedding anniversary next year, my husband and I can come alone! Take care and thanks again for all the updates.
Hi Dayna! Thank you for sharing all of the places you've stayed! That's really helpful. There are so many spots and yes, there is no one perfect place for everyone (or for every trip for that matter). We haven't heard anything official about car rentals. What we've read is that car rentals are prohibited for anyone who is under the 14 day quarantine. So that would hopefully mean that anyone coming in August with a negative test would be able to get one. We're actually heading to Kauai in July and were able to book a car, so that's good news! I was just up by the Honua Kai yesterday! I wish I would've looked for you. I have seen a mix of pool openings here. I'm surprised it's not open even though inter-island travel opened nearly 2 weeks ago. I'd guess it'll be open by August (otherwise property owners would be very angry) but it might be a good idea to call or message them soon to get the status. We're planning a stay cation over on that side soon, so if we can are nearby I'll take a look for you.
My hubby and I love the city life also,we want to stay right in the middle of the action,or close to it.. last year we rented a two bedroom condo in Waikiki ,we cooked most of our own meals,but we did have family visit the whole time but last 5 days.we would like to try another island but afraid we will get bored.. we have been to Oahu 8 times
@@Skittles-wvr you’d like Maui then if you stayed right near Lahaina on Kaanapali Beach. So much to do right in town, as well as adventures around the island.
Great points. We visited Maui in January and stayed in a condo in Kihei. One thing to add is that if you have a large family, a condo makes a lot more sense. We have four kids and it was difficult, if not impossible, to find a hotel that could fit us all.
Staying 10 days in June. Current idea is to stay in a resort with all the fun amenities for the first 2 days to decompress, hang out at the pool/beach. Move to a vacation rental for the last 8 days!
I agree with 100% of your advice. After a few trips to the islands, we prefer rentals. I think it was an evolution. We started with Waikiki in hotels then migrated to rentals farther away from other tourists. Maui is my favorite island. It feels like what you imagine the islands to be. You have great tips, keep up the great job!
Well said, it is an evolution as one gets more comfortable and more knowledgable about the islands. Eventually, one finds their favorite island and condo community to stay in. Thanks for watching and the positive encouragement.
I am planning a three month stay Jan to March 2022 and looking for airb&b situation. Also, the best part of the island (town) for the extended stay? Hope to stay somewhere to get a local feel and not that of a vacation. Best part of the island for this?
Thank you so much for posting! We are a family of 5 headed to Hawaii (the big island) in the summer of 2022 for 1 week and found a beautiful beach front house for $4200 for thhe week. 2 bedroom suites to hold all of our children where so expensive. We found a rad little company called Hawaii Beach front vacation rentals. Awesome properties without all the additional fees.
In the end, both are the right choice regardless of their differences. People just have different taste and preferences when it comes to spending their money and time during vacations. I personally would go with a resort/hotel because I prefer all the points you mentioned in the video. Yes in the end is more expensive but my mind is at ease when enjoying my vacation. Great video, I enjoyed it very much.
Normally hotels but we will be there in a few days (Oahu) and are doing a vacation rental and keeping to ourselves a bit more during the pandemic. We just need some warm sunshine. 🥰
You both have been so helpful for me and my husband to book our Hawaiian honeymoon! I feel like I have my own experts in my corner, thank you for all your videos!
For me I would suggest not just Hawaii if you want to bring your pet to the trip I would suggest to go to vacation rental. And if I don't have pet just family we can stay in the hotel it all depends how many people are you bringing.
Love your channel! We do vacation rentals when we visit mainly to keep costs down, plus we love barbecuing fish that we can only get in Hawaii (butterfish! YUM) one comment about the cost difference in Kauai, hotels might be $10 cheaper but you’ll spend that much on meals as opposed to cooking in. I have a lot of fun looking for rentals on VRBO so we’ll probably stick with rentals. 😊
Erica loves looking at Vrbo rentals too. It can still be hard to spot the bad ones as they get so good with the pictures. Find the good vaca rental communities and then you know where to stay.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Really enjoying your videos as we plan our first family vacation to HI. Any tips on how to find the good vaca rental communities?
One thing i dont think i hear you say was space. Not space around the hotel / condo/beach but within your accomodation. At approximately similar prices or cheaper for a condo you get much more space in a typical condo. Bedroom, kitchen, living room )even if the latter two might be open plan) . In a hotel you generally just have the one room unless you are staying at a top dollar hotel. I just came back from a month in Maui , one week in a hotel and 3 in two different condos (one of which was the first condo you showed here, Maui Kamaole). So much more space (and if you area 2+2 family then still plenty of space witha pull out couch for the kids compared to all four in one hotel room. Plus the freedom to have your own food (which makes it cheaper also of course compared to eating out all the time in a hotel)
I appreciate your positivity, candor, and great insights. Having each person’s perspective is very helpful. You clearly know Hawaii and have insider’s knowledge.
You two do great guide videos. My husband and I travel to the islands a lot with our 4 year old daughter and people constantly ask us for advice--much of what I've learned form experience, but also from your videos as well. We've only done hotels twice while on our honeymoon--one on Maui (which was not great) and one on Big Island (which was amazing). But we definitely prefer vacation rentals: price, no resort fees, kitchens, BBQ grills, laundry, less people, etc. We've only had one negative experience with a vacation rental. We also tell people who are looking at condo vacation rentals to check and see if there is a direct website to book instead of just going through VRBO--sometimes it is cheaper to go direct, as we found out on Kauai last year :)
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! Good tip on trying the direct booking. Finding property managers’ websites is the best to avoid extra fees.
Aloha you two! So glad you did a video on the condo rentals. We have done that for the last seven years and wouldn’t dream of doing it any other way. Only ever stayed on Maui and the Big Island but having the room and flexibility beats any hotel hands down. We were very fortunate this year as this blasted virus forced us to cancel, but the company we rented through were honourable in refunding every cent. We will have no qualms about using them again, I would like to mention their name but I’m sure that’s not possible, however their initials are MPP. Looking forward to next year when we will try again.
See you out here in 2021 Paul! That is a fair management company. We booked a vacation rental to Kauai yesterday, it will be our first time in a rental there. We love new experiences. We have more condo rental videos in the works as there is a lot to cover and types of places.
You guys rock. Your videos are very helpful and I appreciate all your input. I would suggest that if you mention another video that you’ve made, you link it in the description box, not just the pop up links.
Glad it was helpful! It really is figuring out what you want in your vacation. Some are passionate about cooking their own meals while I don't want to play roulette with the quality of the lodgings.
Big fan of your videos (except this one). I've been going to Maui for years. Used to stay at the Hyatt. Vacation rentals are a huge savings there. As you'll see below, the savings is significantly more than 10%. Here are the actual numbers... Please note that you don't go to Hawaii for the great food or drinks. Most food (including fish) is previously frozen. It's overpriced, not fresh and can account for a majority of your costs. Example, the Hyatt in Maui charges $20 for a previously frozen burger patty. Oh, you want fries? Add $5. With tax and tip = $30+ for a cheeseburger. Want a steak anywhere in West Maui? $60 to $80 per meal. So, for the average couple on vacation who eats 3 sit down meals per day and has 5 cocktails each, your "minimum" food and beverage costs per day will be $350 ($30 time 3 meals per day each. Drinks are $10 TO $20 EACH). Weekly "minimum" food / drink costs = $2450. Significantly more if you eat anything above a cheeseburger. Breakfast and lunch are just as expensive unless you're eating at McDonalds. But who goes to Maui and eats there? Here's my actual itinerary... Check in 8/20/22 - Check out 8/27/22 1 bedroom condo, 4-star resort property with ocean view, balcony, full kitchen, separate living and dining area, BBQ's - Beachfront, 1 mile from Hyatt on same beach. Better / larger beach, awesome pool and amenities. $2400 for the week / $342 per night including all fees. No, I don't own a timeshare. BTW, Hyatt - $780 per night, plus taxes, plus resort fees and no kitchen, standard size room. $5800 for the week I'm saving $3400 on lodging and have a larger room, same quality (4 stars) and amenities. I'll stop at Costco and buy food, coffee, creamer, lunchmeat and liquor and spend the equivalent of $8 per meal at most per person for steak, chicken or shrimp, bacon, eggs, etc and $2 per drink for top shelf including mixer or $1.50 per beer. Total weekly food costs = $335 for 2 people Total weekly drink costs = $150 at the most Total food and drink costs = $485 An almost $2000 savings So, spend your money on things you can't get at home (whale watching, snorkel, fishing charter, etc) and feed yourself. Close your eyes and imagine BBQing a steak while sipping a drink and looking at the sunset. Trust me, the food and drinks are the big trap in Hawaii. That, as well as rental cars ($700 for the week for a Camry). Yes, you need a rental car, and they know it. So, as you can see, by making some smart choices, you can shave more than $5400 off of your 1-week vacation at a 4-star resort in Maui. Yes, you can save money and get better quality in today's crazy world. You just have to want it.
@@JessieJellybeans What Island you rent car for 250? What month? Thanks! I'm browsing for late April vacation on Oahu and rentals are going from 400-600 for 5 days
You are stating nothing but the true and facts, spend money on stuff that you can't do back at home. Thanks for the info Mark! Planing to stay in Oahu away from Waikiki to explore the beaches up north and east side of the Island. Family of 5 with 3 kids any other tips? Anyone??
I'm surprised that condos and other forms of vacation rentals work out to a only a 10% savings. I think the stats may be averaging in "hotels" most people would not want to rent from. Rental savings are huge compared to midrange and luxury resorts. Ive rented several oceanfront 2 bedroom condos for half the price of the cheapest rooms of a midrange like the Sheraton. More savings=more trips to Hawaii. One night at the 4 seasons could buy you 2 weeks at an incredible condo on the beach.
Please do a video about hostels in Hawaii! I'm planning a trip with my daughter in March 2025 and we want to stay at the Aloha Surf Hostel in Paia. I cannot wait! 136 bucks for 2 people a night!
Yeah, we here that a lot and understand. Lots of options and a big expense. We are working on a guide with hotel tours but won’t be done till early March. Probably too late for an April trip. You’ll do fine, so many great options.
I'm planning a trip for the very first time to Oahu for me and my wife either in August or October. I'm on the roll binge watching all your videos 😀. Not bad while teleworking.
Hello and Aloha we are planning a trip to your islands for our 50th wedding anniversary in September or October of 2023 (depending on when we can get booked) . We are members of the Disney Vacation Club and will be spending at least a week on Oahu at their resort. we are pretty sure we are going to spend at least three nights in Maui and add another island to our itinerary. I hope I can pick, with your help, some great spots. It will be our first time in Hawaii and want to see as much of the important and cool sites while we are there. Do you have anything longer than TH-cam videos we can watch.
We love the Marriott beach club in ko olina. Full kitchen, soaking tub, lagoon and beach. We did vacation rentals in Kailua for years, but the experience was very uneven. The beach club is also spacious and pretty quiet compared to the Disney resort.
Definitely condo. My wife and I love the chill, quiet atmosphere of condo life. We are 40ish and after seeing your videos of the resorts, we now know we'll never stay in a hotel. Seven trips between Kauai and Maui and they are our happy place.
Condos work better for us as we can spend less money on the room and we don't have to go out for every meal. This allows us to stay a lot longer. Typically we prefer Kaanapali over Wailea area due to cost, and the condos down south aren't usually on the water.
Curious, How do you bring your dog in Hawaii? Did dog have to be in quarantine? How long? We're going in December this year and we still don't know what to do about our 5-year-old lab.
I’ve done Hawaii twice, once with just 2 people, then years later on a bigger (10 person) trip. The first time we did hotel, the 2nd we got two 2-bedroom vacation rentals While I LOVED the hotel experience, I would only do it on a 2 person or small family trip (4 person) at the max. With that being said, I hate a great experience at the vacation rental (Kihei). We were beach side and we did everything for a fraction of what the hotel woulda been. And we had a kitchen, and that helps with a family as well.
I got to stay at Halii Kai condos on the Big Island for my first trip. It was ✨🌺🌴😍🌴🌺✨ (Translation: 😱😱😱😱😱) Favorite part of the trip (aside from hugging the stuffing out of family of course) was Swimming with the Manta Rays with the Ocean Encounters crew. Loved the name of the shop they had. Bite Me Sportfishing🤣
Hi Erica, I was listening and watching one of your videos and then jumped into your website. You reminded me about the Go Pass( I used it in San Francisco a couple years ago, a good experience). After reading your guide and making numbers, I decided to get the 5 days, which works for my family and me. I started calling places to make reservations, but to my surprise, they are asking me to pay again. Is this normal? I would appreciate a response to my question. Thank you very much for your time.
I guess it really depends at what stage you are at in your life right? I have been to hawaii a few times and definitely would love to do the rental instead of the hotel thing but i get why you would love the hotel thing especially if you have a young one. Thank you for this video it sure sheds light on some wonderful experiences.
It does depend on the stage of life. After visiting the islands once or twice, I'd hope visitors would try for a new experience at a vacation rental. Thanks for watching! Aloha, Jordan
On our April 2022 trip we stayed at Aston Waikiki Beach & Aston Ka’anapali Shores. We are active and didn’t stay at hotel during the day. We never even went in the pool! Yet they each charge a “resort fee” of $30-40 a DAY for pool, tennis, beach towels. Plus parking of $10/day. Won’t stay in a hotel next time. No option to avoid the hidden resort fee.
yes, the resort fees are not nice. Some hotels don't have them but hard to find and some do promos were they waive the fee, mostly in Waikiki. Beware, vacation rentals also have a lot of fees making them not a great deal.
Thank you both for taking the time to create these videos!!!! This has been so helpful as my fiance and I plan our honeymoon to Maui this June (2021) :) I appreciate you guys! I am #teamvacationrental too btw, but once we have a kiddo maybe that will change!
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found us. Pets must be free of rabies to come to Hawaii, it can take 6 months, watch this if interested: th-cam.com/video/PGMyaLgN31I/w-d-xo.html
Cute dog. I wish I were in Hawaii now, I could use some tropical weather. I've always stayed in hotels, I will consider vacation rentals on my next trip.
Thank you so much for this information! I am coming to Hawaii for the first time with my 3 college age children and we are so excited! I def think Waikiki is for us since I know the kids will like the night life. My question is I am So torn on which hotel, I have a few reservations made and I have to pick one and I want to make the best decision. Please tell me your opinion between the Westin Moana Surfer - I am a Marriott employee so I got a really good rate there but the room does not have an ocean view and the kids are sort of disappointed about that. Or I can spend 1,100 more and get a room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village -(ocean view) Based on pools and location and beach access which would you recommend?
We prefer the Moana Surfrider for the cental location and the beach there. We also like the charm of the place. Hilton Hawaiian Village is a large compound but has better pools. I'd like to think college age kids would appreciate the Surfrider more.
Oahu has just passed a law requiring a minimum stay of 3 months for short term rentals like air bnb or vrbo. That is not a typo: three month minimum. Other islands are expected to follow.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Very helpful. Thanks very much. Also helpful was your response to viewers' questions about the motivation for this change. The statistic you reported about recent real estate purchases was eye-opening, with an astounding 70% of purchases by out-of-state buyers, most presumably using their property only part of the time or intending to rent it out to visitors. In either case, the effect on local residents is to decrease the housing supply and drive up prices, in a place where housing prices are already far higher than in most of the US. I appreciate the perspective. Mahalo.
Looking for suggestions where our family of 4 can stay in Maui in the winter for under $200/night. Even on Airbnb/Vrbo, small condos are $300/ night once you throw in taxes/fees.
Looking for a vacation rental beach access near more local versus resorts. We are thinking more south Maui/ Kihei. Planning on mostly surfing/snorkeling/paddleboard/hiking. Any you guys like? Thanks !!
Hey guys! Im planning a trip to Oahu next year, and I’m looking for inexpensive (or less expensive) rentals for days that we’ll have activities planned and won’t have a need for a resort. But I’m running across an issue. The vast majority are 30 day rentals. Any help or feedback? I’m looking into somewhere near the north shore so I’m closer to the dole plantation, Polynesian center, etc…
Starting in October, short term vacation rentals are illegal except in certain zones on Oahu. Waikiki and Turtle Bay area allow vacation rentals so look in those spots. You won't find legal ones near the Dole Plantation or the PCC.
America please I'm setting a sola trip to maui on May 17 to.24 my first time I got your guide but have no idea what is the best option to stay, my budget?, ohh little tight please help
We prefer Maui beaches during the winter months as West and South Maui have great beaches and less high surf. But you can check out our favorite O'ahu beaches here: th-cam.com/video/B6QXz2iHy08/w-d-xo.html
I’m traveling to Oahu with my child. A cottage for rent in Hauula caught my attention. What are your opinion about Hauula area regarding Safety for single mom and a little girl ?
I am planning a three month stay Jan to March 2022 and looking for airb&b situation. Also, the best part of the island (town) for the extended stay? Hope to stay somewhere to get a local feel and not that of a vacation. Best part of the island for this?
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Maui. looking for good area to stay for three months in rental. Want to close to shopping and places to eat and can walk to a lot of places. Plan to do nothing for three months, play golf and just hang out.
I see it as who must cook... thus go out for dinner is better. Who feels need to clean up? It's not a vacation when you are living in just another house. If not hire a chef/maid. Hotels have security and guaranteed rooms. Some vacation condos are scams. It is safer at hotels with security and privacy... such as hidden cameras built in homes and condos.
Generally highs in the low 80's with a bit more rain than you'll find in the summer. This video has all of the weather data you'll need! th-cam.com/video/cNDHNoAacoc/w-d-xo.html
thank you for your videos. i have a trip planned in April 21, fingers crossed. Your videos are really helping me plan my vacation. Went with a condo in Napili.
Alli Resort Condos... I can't find the specific one that you show in this video on the ocean. It's the scene that pans from right to left... It looks like two story condos with palm trees between the condos and the ocean...What is the link for this?
That caption was a typo, I can't fix once a video is published. The condos you are referring to are Puamana Community Association in Lahaina. Rentals are usually listed on Airbnb or Vrbo.
We were gifted with a week's stay at the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui last year. Since we can rarely afford to travel or take vacations, this was quite the experience for us. We went in Oct. so it wasn't very crowded. We really enjoyed our stay there, but then again, we have nothing to compare it to. We enjoyed having the pools and restaurants and the beach all right there. But we also enjoyed getting out and driving around and seeing all the different things there are to see. We would love to come back, but will not be able to afford to stay at the Westin on our own, so if we do make it back, it will probably be at a vacation rental to keep costs down. We have no small children so I guess we can make do without the pools and maid service, etc. Can't wait to come back someday!
Wow, what an amazing gift! That's truly a special week long trip and I agree, having everything right there is super helpful. I hope you make it back again! We do have some lovely vacation rentals out here too :)
@Silvia Hoard The weather was just great. 80's every day. We are from CA so the humidity took a bit of getting used to but it was just wonderful the whole time we were there.
@Silvia Hoard The resort has 3 pools I believe, but I don't know if they are heated or not. I wouldn't think they need to be as it is so warm there year round. The ocean is very warm as well and much cleaner than here in CA. No seaweed etc. We spent most of our time at the beach and out and about doing things and didn't go into the pools. You can see how clear the ocean is in this video. th-cam.com/video/TRat7C8F6T8/w-d-xo.html
When you say vacation rental, do you mean Airbnbs? I've been doing some research after watching several videos from you and others about where to stay and I think I'm going to go with an Airbnb. Also, Airbnbs don't charge the crazy resort/hotel fees from what I've seen.
Erica did a review on Costco packages, read this: thehawaiivacationguide.com/costco-hawaii-vacation-review/ July will be busier than normal but great weather.
It’s in front of the ocean but there’s no beach directly in front of the hotel (but they have an amazing infinity pool). It’s a 1 min walk to the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel right next door.
What about ambiance, aesthetic, feel? Which hotel/rental is the best. Which place/ hotel/island engulfs you or transports you to a unique destination or experience?
explore our where to stay videos for each island, resort tours/stays, and best hotel videos for more details. thanks for watching. we also have a where to stay directory: thehawaiivacationguide.com/stay/
Thank for making this video. So far we decided to go to Maui at beginning of May and we're staying on vacation rental. All because your videos... Next stop... Rent a car.. maybe
Great vlog- many thanks. We’re in the uk and looking to travel to Hawaii in early august 2022 via LA. Any condos/ beach resorts you particularly recommend - on or as close to the beach on the dry side?
Honestly, the half the reason I hate to stay in a resort is sheerly because of my pride lol. I'd hate looking like people in the "Hawaiian vacation" episode of every old sitcom.
Thank you for your videos - love it! Question: can you pls recommend a vacation rental place in Maui that has 5 bedrooms and in the range of $250/night/room? Thank you in advanced!
One thing I didn't see is also peace of mind; in hotels, if there is an AC issue or an issue with the shower, the hotel can move you or have onsite maintenance come take a look immediately. If you use vacation rentals, you're taking a risk that everything is working and if there are any onsite issues, you have to roll with them more.
That is a good point and thanks for sharing. We've had good luck with calling the property manager to get issues fixed but yes, not as efficient or as high of reliability as a nice hotel.
A Costco, fruit stands, and good local grocery stores on Kauai make cooking in the condo affordable and delicious. Check out Hoku Foods in Kapa'a on your next stop, we loved it!
Honestly, I think I would prefer a hotel. Why? This may sound crazy but staying in a house would make me feel less like I was on vacation….unless it was a mansion on the ocean lol.
I disagree with your advise to shop at Costco! You buy in bulk and you never use it all. Go to target, Walmart or even Safeway is comparable for booze! I’ve lived here for 35 years and only go to Costco for butter, paper plates, crab legs and Maui Gold pineapple 🍍.
We completely agree with you! Our first year here we shopped at Costco because everyone gave us that advice. But now we love going to Target or hitting up farmer's markets. There are a few things we'll go to Costco for (Macnut milk!), but we generally only go once a quarter.
I am planning a three month stay Jan to March 2022 and looking for airb&b situation. Also, the best part of the island (town) for the extended stay? Hope to stay somewhere to get a local feel and not that of a vacation. Best part of the island for this?
Thanks for watching! Knowing where to stay is half the battle. Finish your Hawaii vacation planning with one download. Our Hawaiian island itineraries have everything you need for a dream vacation: thehawaiivacationguide.com/itineraries/
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Part of why I love your channel is because I love that you compare so many things in regards to visiting Hawaii. I've learned that people have so many different preferences, but Hawaii has something for everyone. I was shocked when I was trying to help a friend pick a hotel location on Oahu...she WANTED the crowds and big city life! So, she got a place just past Honolulu over by Diamond Head. We love staying over in Ko Olina as it's so quiet over there! We've stayed at the Ko Online Beach Resort 3 times now and love it there! Very family friendly. Friends of mine are always shocked when I tell them we pay between $300-$400/night, but if you try to find a hotel big enough for the 6 of us, we'd have to book two rooms! That'll cost you WAY more that just $400, and you don't have the space or kitchen that a family unit will give you. We are all about renting from VRBO and finding family units. On Kauai, our favorite resort is the Koloa Landing, but now that it's all been remodeled we can't afford it! :( Just so that others watching your videos know, andreading the comments, we stayed at the Waipouli Beach Resort over in Kapaa and LOVED it! Perfect for families! The units are very spacious, and the pools are amazing. Our kids were spoiled with their first pool slide, and now we can't go back. We've rented a unit at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui for August (HOPEFULLY!!!) and can't wait to explore that island.
Ok, as you can see, I LOVE talking all things Hawaii, but I do have a few questions. Have you heard anything about car rentals once Hawaii is officially opened up for tourists in August (aka getting a negative covid test)? I've heard that car rental agencies still can't rent cars to visitors, and that worries me. Wouldn't they want to be able to start renting them out? Ok, another question, I've seen some live footage (from another fellow TH-camr!) of the Honua Kai, but only one hot tub was open. I'm also assuming that they'll reopen the pools once tourists can come? You've said before that pools are allowed to be (and are) open in Maui. I'm assuming that the Honua Kai just doesn't have theirs open as no one is staying there? Anyhoo, sorry for the long comment. Thanks for the fun comparison video. We're all about family friendly resorts with family units, so we're also on the VRBO side of the debate. I'd love to be able to rent a hotel for all 6 of us, but it's just too expensive. Maybe for our 20 year wedding anniversary next year, my husband and I can come alone! Take care and thanks again for all the updates.
Hi Dayna! Thank you for sharing all of the places you've stayed! That's really helpful. There are so many spots and yes, there is no one perfect place for everyone (or for every trip for that matter).
We haven't heard anything official about car rentals. What we've read is that car rentals are prohibited for anyone who is under the 14 day quarantine. So that would hopefully mean that anyone coming in August with a negative test would be able to get one. We're actually heading to Kauai in July and were able to book a car, so that's good news!
I was just up by the Honua Kai yesterday! I wish I would've looked for you. I have seen a mix of pool openings here. I'm surprised it's not open even though inter-island travel opened nearly 2 weeks ago. I'd guess it'll be open by August (otherwise property owners would be very angry) but it might be a good idea to call or message them soon to get the status. We're planning a stay cation over on that side soon, so if we can are nearby I'll take a look for you.
The Hawaii Vacation Guide thanks for all your help. I’ll stay in touch. August can’t come soon enough!
My hubby and I love the city life also,we want to stay right in the middle of the action,or close to it.. last year we rented a two bedroom condo in Waikiki ,we cooked most of our own meals,but we did have family visit the whole time but last 5 days.we would like to try another island but afraid we will get bored.. we have been to Oahu 8 times
@@Skittles-wvr you’d like Maui then if you stayed right near Lahaina on Kaanapali Beach. So much to do right in town, as well as adventures around the island.
@Odin Hayden go find something better to do.
Great points. We visited Maui in January and stayed in a condo in Kihei. One thing to add is that if you have a large family, a condo makes a lot more sense. We have four kids and it was difficult, if not impossible, to find a hotel that could fit us all.
Staying 10 days in June. Current idea is to stay in a resort with all the fun amenities for the first 2 days to decompress, hang out at the pool/beach. Move to a vacation rental for the last 8 days!
sounds like a solid plan, the best of both worlds.
I have to say, the hostels in Hawaii have been pretty nice as well if you're traveling solo!
we ended up choosing a rental bcuz it had TWO BATHROOMS!!! so nice to come home at the end of the day and not have to wait long for the shower
I agree with 100% of your advice. After a few trips to the islands, we prefer rentals. I think it was an evolution. We started with Waikiki in hotels then migrated to rentals farther away from other tourists. Maui is my favorite island. It feels like what you imagine the islands to be. You have great tips, keep up the great job!
Well said, it is an evolution as one gets more comfortable and more knowledgable about the islands. Eventually, one finds their favorite island and condo community to stay in. Thanks for watching and the positive encouragement.
I am planning a three month stay Jan to March 2022 and looking for airb&b situation. Also, the best part of the island (town) for the extended stay? Hope to stay somewhere to get a local feel and not that of a vacation. Best part of the island for this?
Thank you so much for posting! We are a family of 5 headed to Hawaii (the big island) in the summer of 2022 for 1 week and found a beautiful beach front house for $4200 for thhe week. 2 bedroom suites to hold all of our children where so expensive. We found a rad little company called Hawaii Beach front vacation rentals. Awesome properties without all the additional fees.
Hawaii is one of the best places to visit for sure!
In the end, both are the right choice regardless of their differences. People just have different taste and preferences when it comes to spending their money and time during vacations.
I personally would go with a resort/hotel because I prefer all the points you mentioned in the video. Yes in the end is more expensive but my mind is at ease when enjoying my vacation.
Great video, I enjoyed it very much.
That is the same main reason Erica loves hotels, peace of mind on having a lovely place to stay. Thanks for watching @RobWilli
Normally hotels but we will be there in a few days (Oahu) and are doing a vacation rental and keeping to ourselves a bit more during the pandemic. We just need some warm sunshine. 🥰
You both have been so helpful for me and my husband to book our Hawaiian honeymoon! I feel like I have my own experts in my corner, thank you for all your videos!
For me I would suggest not just Hawaii if you want to bring your pet to the trip I would suggest to go to vacation rental. And if I don't have pet just family we can stay in the hotel it all depends how many people are you bringing.
You both are saving my sanity! Not sure I have a trip in my future BUT is cold and gross in Ohio and I’ve loved watching your videos!
I'm on my fourth video in a row from you guys. I love you guys good information.
Thanks for watching! We are having fun making them
Thanks. Am looking for a condo rental in Waikiki area (or around there) for 6 , can you recommend a reputable and reliable rental. Many thanks
Love your channel! We do vacation rentals when we visit mainly to keep costs down, plus we love barbecuing fish that we can only get in Hawaii (butterfish! YUM) one comment about the cost difference in Kauai, hotels might be $10 cheaper but you’ll spend that much on meals as opposed to cooking in. I have a lot of fun looking for rentals on VRBO so we’ll probably stick with rentals. 😊
Erica loves looking at Vrbo rentals too. It can still be hard to spot the bad ones as they get so good with the pictures. Find the good vaca rental communities and then you know where to stay.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Really enjoying your videos as we plan our first family vacation to HI. Any tips on how to find the good vaca rental communities?
One thing i dont think i hear you say was space. Not space around the hotel / condo/beach but within your accomodation. At approximately similar prices or cheaper for a condo you get much more space in a typical condo. Bedroom, kitchen, living room )even if the latter two might be open plan) . In a hotel you generally just have the one room unless you are staying at a top dollar hotel. I just came back from a month in Maui , one week in a hotel and 3 in two different condos (one of which was the first condo you showed here, Maui Kamaole). So much more space (and if you area 2+2 family then still plenty of space witha pull out couch for the kids compared to all four in one hotel room. Plus the freedom to have your own food (which makes it cheaper also of course compared to eating out all the time in a hotel)
I appreciate your positivity, candor, and great insights. Having each person’s perspective is very helpful. You clearly know Hawaii and have insider’s knowledge.
Thanks so much for the comment! We are looking forward to remaking this video as our experience and opinions have changed slightly.
Thank you so much for giving your source (Hawaii Tourism Authority.) Great video!
Love your videos and tips!!! Hope to be back in Hawaii soon!!!
You two do great guide videos. My husband and I travel to the islands a lot with our 4 year old daughter and people constantly ask us for advice--much of what I've learned form experience, but also from your videos as well.
We've only done hotels twice while on our honeymoon--one on Maui (which was not great) and one on Big Island (which was amazing). But we definitely prefer vacation rentals: price, no resort fees, kitchens, BBQ grills, laundry, less people, etc. We've only had one negative experience with a vacation rental. We also tell people who are looking at condo vacation rentals to check and see if there is a direct website to book instead of just going through VRBO--sometimes it is cheaper to go direct, as we found out on Kauai last year :)
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! Good tip on trying the direct booking. Finding property managers’ websites is the best to avoid extra fees.
Aloha you two! So glad you did a video on the condo rentals. We have done that for the last seven years and wouldn’t dream of doing it any other way. Only ever stayed on Maui and the Big Island but having the room and flexibility beats any hotel hands down. We were very fortunate this year as this blasted virus forced us to cancel, but the company we rented through were honourable in refunding every cent. We will have no qualms about using them again, I would like to mention their name but I’m sure that’s not possible, however their initials are MPP. Looking forward to next year when we will try again.
See you out here in 2021 Paul! That is a fair management company. We booked a vacation rental to Kauai yesterday, it will be our first time in a rental there. We love new experiences. We have more condo rental videos in the works as there is a lot to cover and types of places.
You guys rock. Your videos are very helpful and I appreciate all your input. I would suggest that if you mention another video that you’ve made, you link it in the description box, not just the pop up links.
thanks, i updated the description for the video as it was an old description without all our links.
Thank you, this was very helpful! Hearing this helped me realize I prefer hotels with kids.
Glad it was helpful! It really is figuring out what you want in your vacation. Some are passionate about cooking their own meals while I don't want to play roulette with the quality of the lodgings.
Big fan of your videos (except this one). I've been going to Maui for years. Used to stay at the Hyatt. Vacation rentals are a huge savings there. As you'll see below, the savings is significantly more than 10%.
Here are the actual numbers...
Please note that you don't go to Hawaii for the great food or drinks. Most food (including fish) is previously frozen. It's overpriced, not fresh and can account for a majority of your costs. Example, the Hyatt in Maui charges $20 for a previously frozen burger patty. Oh, you want fries? Add $5. With tax and tip = $30+ for a cheeseburger. Want a steak anywhere in West Maui? $60 to $80 per meal.
So, for the average couple on vacation who eats 3 sit down meals per day and has 5 cocktails each, your "minimum" food and beverage costs per day will be $350 ($30 time 3 meals per day each. Drinks are $10 TO $20 EACH). Weekly "minimum" food / drink costs = $2450. Significantly more if you eat anything above a cheeseburger. Breakfast and lunch are just as expensive unless you're eating at McDonalds. But who goes to Maui and eats there?
Here's my actual itinerary...
Check in 8/20/22 - Check out 8/27/22
1 bedroom condo, 4-star resort property with ocean view, balcony, full kitchen, separate living and dining area, BBQ's - Beachfront, 1 mile from Hyatt on same beach. Better / larger beach, awesome pool and amenities. $2400 for the week / $342 per night including all fees. No, I don't own a timeshare.
BTW, Hyatt - $780 per night, plus taxes, plus resort fees and no kitchen, standard size room. $5800 for the week
I'm saving $3400 on lodging and have a larger room, same quality (4 stars) and amenities.
I'll stop at Costco and buy food, coffee, creamer, lunchmeat and liquor and spend the equivalent of $8 per meal at most per person for steak, chicken or shrimp, bacon, eggs, etc and $2 per drink for top shelf including mixer or $1.50 per beer.
Total weekly food costs = $335 for 2 people
Total weekly drink costs = $150 at the most
Total food and drink costs = $485
An almost $2000 savings
So, spend your money on things you can't get at home (whale watching, snorkel, fishing charter, etc) and feed yourself. Close your eyes and imagine BBQing a steak while sipping a drink and looking at the sunset. Trust me, the food and drinks are the big trap in Hawaii. That, as well as rental cars ($700 for the week for a Camry). Yes, you need a rental car, and they know it.
So, as you can see, by making some smart choices, you can shave more than $5400 off of your 1-week vacation at a 4-star resort in Maui. Yes, you can save money and get better quality in today's crazy world. You just have to want it.
$700 is crazy my rental was barely $250
@@JessieJellybeans What Island you rent car for 250? What month? Thanks! I'm browsing for late April vacation on Oahu and rentals are going from 400-600 for 5 days
You are stating nothing but the true and facts, spend money on stuff that you can't do back at home. Thanks for the info Mark! Planing to stay in Oahu away from Waikiki to explore the beaches up north and east side of the Island. Family of 5 with 3 kids any other tips? Anyone??
@@JessieJellybeans impossible...details?
@@MiguelRodriguez-bb8vk you can't rent car for $250 unless you only need it for 2 days.
I'm surprised that condos and other forms of vacation rentals work out to a only a 10% savings. I think the stats may be averaging in "hotels" most people would not want to rent from. Rental savings are huge compared to midrange and luxury resorts. Ive rented several oceanfront 2 bedroom condos for half the price of the cheapest rooms of a midrange like the Sheraton. More savings=more trips to Hawaii. One night at the 4 seasons could buy you 2 weeks at an incredible condo on the beach.
Please do a video about hostels in Hawaii! I'm planning a trip with my daughter in March 2025 and we want to stay at the Aloha Surf Hostel in Paia. I cannot wait! 136 bucks for 2 people a night!
Would you mind putting together a vacation rentals you’ve stayed at on Oahu and give pros and cons of each?
Goodness gracious what a good looking family! Henry is SO cute!! Thanks for all the tips, super helpful!
I am leaning towards vacation rental... shopping at the local market and stocking up my fridge😍😁
Very helpful, thank you guys. Planning a trip in April and watching your videos is helping decide where to stay. It’s pretty overwhelming!
Yeah, we here that a lot and understand. Lots of options and a big expense. We are working on a guide with hotel tours but won’t be done till early March. Probably too late for an April trip. You’ll do fine, so many great options.
I'm planning a trip for the very first time to Oahu for me and my wife either in August or October. I'm on the roll binge watching all your videos 😀. Not bad while teleworking.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy the binge. Check out our website for more info
I prefer going through costco travel and getting a condo
Hello and Aloha we are planning a trip to your islands for our 50th wedding anniversary in September or October of 2023 (depending on when we can get booked) . We are members of the Disney Vacation Club and will be spending at least a week on Oahu at their resort. we are pretty sure we are going to spend at least three nights in Maui and add another island to our itinerary. I hope I can pick, with your help, some great spots. It will be our first time in Hawaii and want to see as much of the important and cool sites while we are there. Do you have anything longer than TH-cam videos we can watch.
Thanks for the comment George. I emailed you back tonight!
I have watched a couple of your videos and they are very informative so I subscribed. Bless you both.
Thanks for all the info!! Nice and short but very informative !!
Thanks for watching!
We love the Marriott beach club in ko olina. Full kitchen, soaking tub, lagoon and beach. We did vacation rentals in Kailua for years, but the experience was very uneven. The beach club is also spacious and pretty quiet compared to the Disney resort.
We stay at the Whaler condos on Kaanapali every time we visit. Full kitchen so you can eat in cheap.
Jordan's parents want to stay at The Whaler for their next visit. A perfect location and they look great.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Tell them to an odd number condo. They face south. The even number rooms are north facing and it's windy.
@@adventureescape1929 Great tip! Mahalo
Definitely condo. My wife and I love the chill, quiet atmosphere of condo life. We are 40ish and after seeing your videos of the resorts, we now know we'll never stay in a hotel. Seven trips between Kauai and Maui and they are our happy place.
Thank you! This was a helpful video as I just learned about Vrbo for rentals. Planning a trip currently. Will check out your article.
Thank you it's nice to have info on the V.R.s& H. However yall say. Est weather sunny sure ...yet rain too yes for rain lovers enjoy serenity?)
Condos work better for us as we can spend less money on the room and we don't have to go out for every meal. This allows us to stay a lot longer. Typically we prefer Kaanapali over Wailea area due to cost, and the condos down south aren't usually on the water.
thanks for sharing, great tips!
Curious, How do you bring your dog in Hawaii? Did dog have to be in quarantine? How long? We're going in December this year and we still don't know what to do about our 5-year-old lab.
I’ve done Hawaii twice, once with just 2 people, then years later on a bigger (10 person) trip. The first time we did hotel, the 2nd we got two 2-bedroom vacation rentals While I LOVED the hotel experience, I would only do it on a 2 person or small family trip (4 person) at the max. With that being said, I hate a great experience at the vacation rental (Kihei). We were beach side and we did everything for a fraction of what the hotel woulda been. And we had a kitchen, and that helps with a family as well.
I got to stay at Halii Kai condos on the Big Island for my first trip. It was ✨🌺🌴😍🌴🌺✨
(Translation: 😱😱😱😱😱)
Favorite part of the trip (aside from hugging the stuffing out of family of course) was Swimming with the Manta Rays with the Ocean Encounters crew. Loved the name of the shop they had. Bite Me Sportfishing🤣
Thanks for sharing! Manta ray night snorkeling is the best. We will have another video on night snorkeling coming out soon.
Great video!! Our family will be traveling to Maui in a couple weeks, can you recommend kid friendly places to go?
we have a lot of ideas on things to do with kids, check out this article: thehawaiivacationguide.com/things-to-do-in-maui-with-kids/
Hi Erica,
I was listening and watching one of your videos and then jumped into your website. You reminded me about the Go Pass( I used it in San Francisco a couple years ago, a good experience). After reading your guide and making numbers, I decided to get the 5 days, which works for my family and me. I started calling places to make reservations, but to my surprise, they are asking me to pay again. Is this normal? I would appreciate a response to my question. Thank you very much for your time.
I guess it really depends at what stage you are at in your life right? I have been to hawaii a few times and definitely would love to do the rental instead of the hotel thing but i get why you would love the hotel thing especially if you have a young one. Thank you for this video it sure sheds light on some wonderful experiences.
It does depend on the stage of life. After visiting the islands once or twice, I'd hope visitors would try for a new experience at a vacation rental. Thanks for watching! Aloha, Jordan
Wow amazing video. What the name of the small home that you guys booked thru Vrbo at Kailua... it had amazing views!
On our April 2022 trip we stayed at Aston Waikiki Beach & Aston Ka’anapali Shores. We are active and didn’t stay at hotel during the day. We never even went in the pool! Yet they each charge a “resort fee” of $30-40 a DAY for pool, tennis, beach towels. Plus parking of $10/day. Won’t stay in a hotel next time. No option to avoid the hidden resort fee.
yes, the resort fees are not nice. Some hotels don't have them but hard to find and some do promos were they waive the fee, mostly in Waikiki. Beware, vacation rentals also have a lot of fees making them not a great deal.
I canceled my 2 night at Grand Wailea and decided to go with a vacation rental. Wish me luck with the vacation rental 🤞
I'm sure it will be great. I, Jordan, think that was a wise move. The Grand Wailea has an epic pool but the rooms are getting dated.
That makes me feel better. Lol I will be spending the money on snorkeling tour and food :) etc
Thank you both for taking the time to create these videos!!!! This has been so helpful as my fiance and I plan our honeymoon to Maui this June (2021) :) I appreciate you guys! I am #teamvacationrental too btw, but once we have a kiddo maybe that will change!
We stayed in hotels the first time we went to each island. It was great for all the island activities. Now, we always rent a condo.
Then you find a condo complex you love and settle in!
Recently discovered your channel and I'm loving your videos! Do you guys have something related to vacationing with pets in Hawaii? Coming from Cali 😊
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found us. Pets must be free of rabies to come to Hawaii, it can take 6 months, watch this if interested: th-cam.com/video/PGMyaLgN31I/w-d-xo.html
We love the Kuleana vacation rental. The have a cute private beach and great place to snorkel. Can't wait to go back.
We will go check it out! I like the sound of a private beach.
I'm staying there when I go in August. Seeing your comment makes me even more excited! ⛱️🩴👙
Local hotels are good?
Such a lovely family ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Cute dog. I wish I were in Hawaii now, I could use some tropical weather. I've always stayed in hotels, I will consider vacation rentals on my next trip.
Thank you so much for this information! I am coming to Hawaii for the first time with my 3 college age children and we are so excited! I def think Waikiki is for us since I know the kids will like the night life. My question is I am
So torn on which hotel, I have a few reservations made and I have to pick one and I want to make the best decision. Please tell me your opinion between the Westin Moana Surfer - I am a Marriott employee so I got a really good rate there but the room does not have an ocean view and the kids are sort of disappointed about that. Or I can spend 1,100 more and get a room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village -(ocean view) Based on pools and location and beach access which would you recommend?
We prefer the Moana Surfrider for the cental location and the beach there. We also like the charm of the place. Hilton Hawaiian Village is a large compound but has better pools. I'd like to think college age kids would appreciate the Surfrider more.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you so much!
Oahu has just passed a law requiring a minimum stay of 3 months for short term rentals like air bnb or vrbo. That is not a typo: three month minimum. Other islands are expected to follow.
we have a short video on the law. Vacation rentals are still allowed in Waikiki, Turtle Bay, Makaha, and Ko Olina resorts.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Very helpful. Thanks very much. Also helpful was your response to viewers' questions about the motivation for this change. The statistic you reported about recent real estate purchases was eye-opening, with an astounding 70% of purchases by out-of-state buyers, most presumably using their property only part of the time or intending to rent it out to visitors. In either case, the effect on local residents is to decrease the housing supply and drive up prices, in a place where housing prices are already far higher than in most of the US.
I appreciate the perspective. Mahalo.
Great video and I am loving this channel. Thank you for all this info and I'm hoping to visit Hawaii in the near future.
Looking for suggestions where our family of 4 can stay in Maui in the winter for under $200/night. Even on Airbnb/Vrbo, small condos are $300/ night once you throw in taxes/fees.
That’s a tough one. You can camp at Olowalu Camp grounds in their tentalows. See one of our first videos. Check Maalaea Harbor area for condos.
HI would you mind sharing some condos/rental properties you recommend in Kaanapali PLEASE? THANK YOU Is that the same location as Lahaina?
Kaanapali Ali'i and Whalers are good but each condo is different. Check reviews to see if it is a clean and quality place.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you
Looking for a vacation rental beach access near more local versus resorts. We are thinking more south Maui/ Kihei. Planning on mostly surfing/snorkeling/paddleboard/hiking. Any you guys like? Thanks !!
So many to choose from! We have always heard good things about Kihei Kai Nani and Kamaole Sands. They have Kam II and Kam III across the street.
Hey guys! Im planning a trip to Oahu next year, and I’m looking for inexpensive (or less expensive) rentals for days that we’ll have activities planned and won’t have a need for a resort. But I’m running across an issue. The vast majority are 30 day rentals. Any help or feedback? I’m looking into somewhere near the north shore so I’m closer to the dole plantation, Polynesian center, etc…
Starting in October, short term vacation rentals are illegal except in certain zones on Oahu. Waikiki and Turtle Bay area allow vacation rentals so look in those spots. You won't find legal ones near the Dole Plantation or the PCC.
what part of kauai do you recommend staying on? definitely for good weather
Poipu is the best bet for sunny weather with great restaurants and beaches
@@ny2hi2020 thank you!🥰
America please I'm setting a sola trip to maui on May 17 to.24 my first time I got your guide but have no idea what is the best option to stay, my budget?, ohh little tight please help
Check out Camp Olowalu for their camping or tentalows or try a hostel like Hakuna Matata Maui if you're looking to save!
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thaks so much!
Which island has the best beach? My wife and I are thinking about going to Hawaii for our anniversary next month.
We prefer Maui beaches during the winter months as West and South Maui have great beaches and less high surf. But you can check out our favorite O'ahu beaches here: th-cam.com/video/B6QXz2iHy08/w-d-xo.html
I’m traveling to Oahu with my child. A cottage for rent in Hauula caught my attention. What are your opinion about Hauula area regarding Safety for single mom and a little girl ?
I can't comment on safety there but make sure the vacation rental is legal. Look for a tax ID on the listing.
Are condos from Airbnbs legal in Ohahu?
Yes
what is the hotel with the lazy river
Love this, my fiance and I are planning our honeymoon and i was wondering what are some great vacation rentals at kaanapali?
So many to choose from, like the Ali'i and Whalers. We are coming out with a Where to Stay Guide in early April so stay tuned as we will give tours.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide awesome! Thank you!!
I am planning a three month stay Jan to March 2022 and looking for airb&b situation. Also, the best part of the island (town) for the extended stay? Hope to stay somewhere to get a local feel and not that of a vacation. Best part of the island for this?
Thanks for watching! What island are you visiting?
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Maui. looking for good area to stay for three months in rental. Want to close to shopping and places to eat and can walk to a lot of places. Plan to do nothing for three months, play golf and just hang out.
I see it as who must cook... thus go out for dinner is better. Who feels need to clean up? It's not a vacation when you are living in just another house. If not hire a chef/maid. Hotels have security and guaranteed rooms. Some vacation condos are scams. It is safer at hotels with security and privacy... such as hidden cameras built in homes and condos.
How's the weather in the end of march on maui? We are coming from warm, sunny California.
Generally highs in the low 80's with a bit more rain than you'll find in the summer. This video has all of the weather data you'll need! th-cam.com/video/cNDHNoAacoc/w-d-xo.html
thank you for your videos. i have a trip planned in April 21, fingers crossed. Your videos are really helping me plan my vacation. Went with a condo in Napili.
Good choice! You know we love Napili. The Gazebo will be open by then so head over there early.
Alli Resort Condos... I can't find the specific one that you show in this video on the ocean. It's the scene that pans from right to left... It looks like two story condos with palm trees between the condos and the ocean...What is the link for this?
That caption was a typo, I can't fix once a video is published. The condos you are referring to are Puamana Community Association in Lahaina. Rentals are usually listed on Airbnb or Vrbo.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thank you
We were gifted with a week's stay at the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui last year. Since we can rarely afford to travel or take vacations, this was quite the experience for us. We went in Oct. so it wasn't very crowded. We really enjoyed our stay there, but then again, we have nothing to compare it to. We enjoyed having the pools and restaurants and the beach all right there. But we also enjoyed getting out and driving around and seeing all the different things there are to see. We would love to come back, but will not be able to afford to stay at the Westin on our own, so if we do make it back, it will probably be at a vacation rental to keep costs down. We have no small children so I guess we can make do without the pools and maid service, etc. Can't wait to come back someday!
Wow, what an amazing gift! That's truly a special week long trip and I agree, having everything right there is super helpful. I hope you make it back again! We do have some lovely vacation rentals out here too :)
One of my favorite properties!
@@happymom8447 It was lovely. We really enjoyed staying there!
@Silvia Hoard The weather was just great. 80's every day. We are from CA so the humidity took a bit of getting used to but it was just wonderful the whole time we were there.
@Silvia Hoard The resort has 3 pools I believe, but I don't know if they are heated or not. I wouldn't think they need to be as it is so warm there year round. The ocean is very warm as well and much cleaner than here in CA. No seaweed etc. We spent most of our time at the beach and out and about doing things and didn't go into the pools. You can see how clear the ocean is in this video. th-cam.com/video/TRat7C8F6T8/w-d-xo.html
splitting 3 nights in air bnb and 2 nights in hotel in March!
a good way to do it! have a wonderful trip!
When you say vacation rental, do you mean Airbnbs? I've been doing some research after watching several videos from you and others about where to stay and I think I'm going to go with an Airbnb. Also, Airbnbs don't charge the crazy resort/hotel fees from what I've seen.
Yes, we mean Vrbo and Aribnb type properties. watch out as vacation rentals still have high fees for cleaning, tax, and service.
we plan to go oahu for the first time and spend 4th of july. would that good time to visit? Also what do you think of costco hawaii travel packages?
Erica did a review on Costco packages, read this: thehawaiivacationguide.com/costco-hawaii-vacation-review/ July will be busier than normal but great weather.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thanks for your reply
Thank you for this! Is Sheraton Waikiki beachfront?
It’s in front of the ocean but there’s no beach directly in front of the hotel (but they have an amazing infinity pool). It’s a 1 min walk to the beach in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel right next door.
What about ambiance, aesthetic, feel? Which hotel/rental is the best. Which place/ hotel/island engulfs you or transports you to a unique destination or experience?
explore our where to stay videos for each island, resort tours/stays, and best hotel videos for more details. thanks for watching. we also have a where to stay directory: thehawaiivacationguide.com/stay/
Thank for making this video. So far we decided to go to Maui at beginning of May and we're staying on vacation rental. All because your videos...
Next stop... Rent a car.. maybe
check out our video on renting a car on Maui! LOL th-cam.com/video/f0JuYwfNvhM/w-d-xo.html
You guys are doing a great job. Thanks for sharing all this information
Great vlog- many thanks. We’re in the uk and looking to travel to Hawaii in early august 2022 via LA. Any condos/ beach resorts you particularly recommend - on or as close to the beach on the dry side?
Feels like a vacation when u r not in a house!
How is it in December 2020???
Honestly, the half the reason I hate to stay in a resort is sheerly because of my pride lol. I'd hate looking like people in the "Hawaiian vacation" episode of every old sitcom.
Thank you for your videos - love it! Question: can you pls recommend a vacation rental place in Maui that has 5 bedrooms and in the range of $250/night/room? Thank you in advanced!
best of luck! look on Airbnb and Vrbo. 5 beds are usually in the range of $500+
One thing I didn't see is also peace of mind; in hotels, if there is an AC issue or an issue with the shower, the hotel can move you or have onsite maintenance come take a look immediately. If you use vacation rentals, you're taking a risk that everything is working and if there are any onsite issues, you have to roll with them more.
That is a good point and thanks for sharing. We've had good luck with calling the property manager to get issues fixed but yes, not as efficient or as high of reliability as a nice hotel.
Until the hotels start putting stoves and larger refrigerators in on Kauai, for me, BnB is still more cost efficient.
A Costco, fruit stands, and good local grocery stores on Kauai make cooking in the condo affordable and delicious. Check out Hoku Foods in Kapa'a on your next stop, we loved it!
Honestly, I think I would prefer a hotel. Why? This may sound crazy but staying in a house would make me feel less like I was on vacation….unless it was a mansion on the ocean lol.
I get you, some vacation rentals feel like someones home and not a getaway
I disagree with your advise to shop at Costco! You buy in bulk and you never use it all. Go to target, Walmart or even Safeway is comparable for booze! I’ve lived here for 35 years and only go to Costco for butter, paper plates, crab legs and Maui Gold pineapple 🍍.
We completely agree with you! Our first year here we shopped at Costco because everyone gave us that advice. But now we love going to Target or hitting up farmer's markets. There are a few things we'll go to Costco for (Macnut milk!), but we generally only go once a quarter.
I am planning a three month stay Jan to March 2022 and looking for airb&b situation. Also, the best part of the island (town) for the extended stay? Hope to stay somewhere to get a local feel and not that of a vacation. Best part of the island for this?
i brought a house keeper for my vacation rental
BIG BRAIN
god bless air bnb
You two are too cute!
o'ahu has more than 3 costcos...
Thanks for watching! Knowing where to stay is half the battle. Finish your Hawaii vacation planning with one download. Our Hawaiian island itineraries have everything you need for a dream vacation: thehawaiivacationguide.com/itineraries/
How about that $70+ vacation rental mandatory daily fee?
We have never received that fee? I’d question your vaca rental host. Perhaps it is the service fee, taxes, cleaning fee, etc
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you for your reply. We’ll check with property owner…My kids and I love your videos. Keep’em coming!
have a great trip! best of luck with the vaca rental. Those fees are nasty!