From the world-famous sunny beaches to the lush, vibrant rainforests and the small local towns in between, Maui really is everything you’ve imagined Hawaii to be[and more]. Whether looking for exclusive, world-class resorts or secluded honeymoon cottages, it’s all here.

It can be a scary task to find the ideal place to stay for first-timers to Maui, and this is why it’s very important 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 a stunning amount of short-term rental homes in the beginning of 2007; and not just the million-dollar properties, but also small B&Bs! 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.

Maui Cottage 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. The best advice usually comes from those who have been here before. 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
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 accommodation or discounts that may not be currently listed, just about end, or just about to begin.

Maui activities
You may save some of your budget when booking with an agency that handles more than just vacation housing, as they often have special offers like discounts 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
  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 great variety of vacation places to stay!

• 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 luxury condos maui 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
  You might save of your budget by paying by check. You might be surprised, but you can often 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 two weeks of the end of your stay—provided that you haven’t obliterated/taken any property of course (but we know 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.

Remember, by properly researching and examining a variety of options, you are more likely to choose the Maui vacation rental that is best for you. You should know that it is fairly easy to do and can actually be fun.

You can find most everything you need by checking out 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!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 11:14 am and is filed under Timeshare, Vacation Rentals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.