atalanta934

My husband and I have decided to turn our honeymoon into a longer adventure. We want to go to Hawaii (thinking three islands, perhaps the big Island, Oahu, and Kaui) for about 2.5 months. We are just in the early stages of planning even though we are trying to get our acts in gear to get there this summer.

We really want to learn how to surf, relax on not-too-touristy beaches, soak in some culture and eat good food, and explore. We aren't really into nightlife.

I know there is a ton of information on these forums so I will just start with my basic question and a plea for info. Where should we look for a long-term rental? I have been looking on vrbo but it seems all the places are for 6+ people. We would like to spend about $2000 per month (less if possible but we want a clean place with a kitchen).

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? I'd also love your thoughts on islands or locations on those islands if others feel like avoiding work (as I am doing right this second).

Thanks in advance,

mrkindallas

I think that many of the smaller vrbo properties will rent long term if requested, but it may be difficult to find any that are still completely open for this summer. You could try to google something like "long term rental Oahu" and come up with a different set of properties where owners prefer longer term rentals rather than "vacation rentals".

I think that there were some changes in the enforcement of laws around vacation rentals in the last few years that caused some owners to drop out of the vacation rental business, but are still legally able to rent for longer terms (not sure of the minimum night requirement...and it is likely different on each island).

I've been to Oahu and the Big Island. On Oahu, I would stay somewhere near Kailua or Kaneohe. I would NOT stay in Honolulu.

On the Big Island, you might try to find an affordable rental near Kona...and just plan on staying somewhere away from home a couple of nights here and there while you explore the parts of the island that are really too rushed in just one day.

I've also been to Maui, but it's not on your list. You could probably find long term rentals on Maui easily in the Kihei area.

I have not yet made it to Kauai, so I'm of no use there.

If you haven't been to Hawaii yet and have trouble deciding on islands, try this quiz: http://www.hawaiigaga.com/best-hawaiian-island.aspx

qwovadis

konaweb.com

verbo.com

alternative-hawaii.com

great info.

Personally would just spend MOST of my time

circumnavigating the Big Island biggest best least touristed.

North Shore Oahu for serious surf

but beginers are fine anywhere.

martym

Here's a website for a place my husband and I have stayed many times. Well located, nice view and very clean. Can't beat the price. http://www.konaweb.com/middle_keei/

And here's another website for a place we've stayed the last two years. Very private, the pool is nice, the view and landscaping is gorgeous. http://www.vrbo.com/141871

Placename

1. You will need a car rental on any island other than Oahu.

2. $2000 a month for accomodation is possible, but remember that legal places will also have a 11% accomodation tax.

sf7307

>>

Out of curiosity, does this apply only to short-term rentals? If so, what does that mean, under 30 days? Surely, not everyone who rents an apartment in Hawaii pays 11% tax?

razzledazzle

sf-we paid 13.25% tax for our rentals on Hawaii this past
Jan & Feb.

R5

sf7307

Were those short-term rentals, though?

razzledazzle

Yes, two VRBO properties, 8 days at one
5 days at the other, and 2 at a hotel.
Don't think it matters if it's 5 days or
50.

R5

sf7307

But if it doesn't matter whether its 5 days or 50, that would mean "regular people" renting "regular apartments" must also pay the tax. That's what I was curious about.

razzledazzle

OH ! Now I get what you are saying.
I understand the tax is paid if you rent out your property
for a period of less than 180 consecutive days.
So, that certainly hits the traveler-not someone on a year lease.
AND
it is going up to 14+% on July 1.

R5

sf7307

Got it - so a "short-term" lease is anything under 180 days!

Pakalana

Do check VRBO and Craigslist. Tax is now 13.25% here for less than 30 day rentals. Small inns and b&b's like ours will also make discounted weekly rates if you ask. Check out Hilo if you want to satay away from the tourist areas.

BillJ

Based on my recent experience renting through VRBO on Big Island, I would recommend spending time browsing through the VRBO pages. If you see something you like, give them a call to see if you can work a deal. But, as above, you may have trouble finding lengthy stays from an availability standpoint.

For the Big Island, you may wish to consider10 days to two weeks in Kona area, then another apt/house on the west side. That's a long drive over there, and with the volcano and other things to see, many folks recommend home basing in at least two places for longer stays on that island. Many hiking options on the west side

In addition to Oahu being some kind of surfing mecca, Kauai has really good surfing and wonderful beaches. Surfing on Big Island is kind of hit and miss, with some shallow lava and coral messing things up.

The most undeveloped (relatively speaking) is probably Kauai. Poipu Beach area is reknown. Tremendous hiking on Napili coast.

Congrats and have fun!