While researching our trip to Maui, I've discovered one of the most mind-boggling things is how you can rent a condo/resort unit. I've seen the rentals by private owners verses property management companies verses tourist package companies,etc. The same piece of property can have numerous units to rent and places/people to rent them through. What are the advantages and disadvantages of renting through any of these? I've noticed that you can generally get lower prices going through the private condo owner, but are there risks going this route? Thank you. Lee

Have rented several times through vrbo.com, including Maui, Grand Cayman and FL. Results were fantastic at $100 to $250/nt. off renting through an agency. Unit was as described or better. Always only go with units which post pictures. Never had a problem although did discover problems with potential properties. My advice is that you call initially just to talk to the owner for a "feel". Then look at the website to see how long the property has been listed on that site. If it's been a while with no problems that is a plus. Then, I always contact the property itself, first with email and then, if that doesn't work, by phone to make sure that the person claiming to be the owner actually is. Wouldn't do it any other way. Good luck.

How can you tell if a property "has been listed for a while with no problems" by looking at the web site ?

I have rented directly with no problems and I highly recommend renting directly. There is always some risk no mattter what route you take - properties may be misrepresented, tour companies and travel agencies may go bankrupt, weather may prevent you from getting to your destination, etc.

I have rented through agencies and through small operators. Never an individual that just had one unite. What I like best is a standing free house. I have found affordable options.

What I look for is close but not on beach (night traffic sometimes), good curtains, no nearby parking lot and I like the place to have homey touches. A lot of places sparsely furnish a place I think this gives a place a cold feel. I like a manager to be somewhat nearby in the event that there is a problem.

I don't think you have guarantees one way or another. My worst experience came with a large agency on Oahu. Private operators do make me nervous but I should think they have a bigger incentive to take care of you as they more dependent on repeat or word of mouth business. Best thing to do is check out anyone with the better business bureau of Hawaii.

If you are cooking in make sure there is access to a grill.

Just a bit scary at first Lee but most of the places I have been in Hawaii are a great bargain by east coast standards.

We've rented condos 3 times, all 3 times were on ebay.com. I think this is the best way to get a good price, especially if you can travel with only about 1 month's notice. Sometimes owners plan to go and use their own timeshare but something comes up and they can't go. Also, there are companies on ebay.com that sell the "unsold" weeks on ebay.

I had a great experience renting directly from the owner on Maui (I was a little leary at first too). The main advantage is you get pictures/description of the actual unit you will be renting (in our case the condo turned out to be even better than the pictures). I would go this route again.