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 you’re looking for a remote honeymooncottage, exclusive world-class luxury resorts, or anything in between, 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
Beginning in 2007, the county closed a stunning number of short-term rental homes on Maui, from small Bed and Breakfasts to million dollar vacation homes! Hundreds of accommodation locations went out of business, with only a lucky few still permitted, while the rest have scrambled to apply for the necessary papers.

Maui Villas 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 will probably hear a wide variety of thoughts and ideas that had possibly never occurred to you. Typically, you will glean a lot more from the personal experiences of people who have been in Hawaii.

Bargain hunting on expensive Maui
Although Maui rentals are often noticeably more expensive than other islands, the present economic downturn has kept occupation reasonable on the island, 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 might be able to save money when booking with an agency that handles not only just vacation accommodation, as they usually have special offers like reductions 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 vast range of available 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 rentals maui in the nearby neighborhood of Spreckelsville!

• Central Maui
  Central Maui is really primarily an industrial and shopping area with only a few, albeit, budget-friendly hotels and rooms for rent.

• 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 luxury rentals maui 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 be able to save some money by paying by check. In general you can save an additional 5% if you simply ask for it! They can save up to 4% in credit card fees, so it’s often a win-win situation.

• 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 credit card are free of charge and will be released within two weeks of your departure—provided that you haven’t harmed/eaten 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.

By visiting travel websites, you should find everything that you need. 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!