No matter what time of year travelers find themselves in need of an amazing adventure, or a relaxing retreat from the hustle of life, a trip to Waikoloa on Hawaii’s Big Island is a solution that’s sure to satisfy. Year-round beautiful weather, tropical appeal, a rich history, and easy access to fun of all types make this vacation destination one-of-a-kind. From sensational surfing and hiking along hidden away trails to time admiring ancient petroglyphs and evenings attending traditional luaus, creating a Waikoloa stay that’s unforgettable isn’t a difficult thing to do. The many appealing features that make Waikoloa such an amazing place for travelers also make it an exciting place for vacation rental owners to invest in island properties. While the profit potential can certainly get your heart racing, partnering with a trusted Waikoloa property management team can help you avoid some common pitfalls along the way when you finally make the move to step into this dynamic industry. The following are 10 to keep in mind when you’re looking to rent out your Waikoloa vacation rental in the future.
1. Thinking Only Some of the Rules and Regulations Apply…or Overlooking Them Entirely
For many first-time vacation rental property owners in Waikoloa, the excitement of setting up an amazing stay for guests and getting everything ready can lead to them overlooking the fact that there are a lot of rules and regulations in place in Hawaii that have to be adhered to in order to be successful. Sometimes, those same rules and regulations simply go overlooked altogether when new owners aren’t aware they exist in the first place. Both scenarios can lead to some seriously hefty fines and financial costs that might put you behind before you even get started. Many of the vacation rental laws in Waikoloa went into effect across the Big Island back in 2018. They have a tendency to change frequently but they’re ultimately put in place to protect property owners, their guests, and the island alike.
As a general rule, properties that are going to be rented out need to be situated within resort nodes on the Big Island. If you’re looking to rent out a property outside of these parameters, you’ll need to acquire a nonconforming use permit, and regulations around that document are specific to each situation. This law keeps vacation rentals within a comfortable distance from residential properties, giving guests the freedom to enjoy the stay and residents the freedom to feel at home undisturbed year-round. There are also local laws in place regarding how big a vacation rental can be, with the county of Hawaii at one time limiting the size of a rental to 5 bedrooms max. It’s also required that each rental home has an on-island contact in place for guests to handle anything from questions to emergencies in real time.
2. Assuming Every Location Is Created Equal for Your Vacation Rental
It may be tempting to purchase a vacation rental somewhere with lower visitor demand due to initial budget restraints when you’re looking to invest in a property, but it’s a choice that can ultimately lead to profit disaster in the long run. The Big Island alone hosts 11 of 13 noted climate zones. That means you might be able to find a cheaper rental to invest in outside of Waikoloa, but your guests could be treated to a stay that includes rain every day when they thought they were signing up for a sunny tropical vacation. Property options near Waikoloa Beach are what travelers come this way to enjoy, and while it might cost more upfront to invest in, your property will surely attract more guests over time when you make the location a priority.
3. Excluding a Themed Approach to Rental Aesthetics
In some cases, outfitting your vacation rental in themed décor could be a no-no when it comes to attracting a wider audience of prospective guests year-round. That’s simply not the case when you rent out a vacation rental in Waikoloa. This vacation destination is one that’s truly defined by its culture, heritage, natural beauty, and access to outdoor recreation. Taking time to set up your vacation rental as an homage to those features that bring travelers to Waikoloa in droves is a must! It’s a sure way to show your guests you have a passion for the place you serve, and it’s endlessly appealing when it comes to catching the eye of those who are looking for a unique place to stay online. Don’t hesitate to include palm-themed fabrics, rattan furnishings, and wall art that speak to island traditions. This is a good way to integrate your vacation rental into its natural surroundings and bring the beauty of the outdoors right inside for guests at all times.
4. Keeping Property Listings Too General, Thinking It Will Reach More Prospective Guests
Those who are traveling to Waikoloa in the name of a great vacation often have a certain idea in mind of what their picture-perfect island getaway will entail. That said, vacation rental homeowners often have one-of-a-kind insight into local events, festivities, and fun that vacationers might simply be overlooking. That’s where creating a customized and super-specific property listing comes in. When you want your vacation rental to stand out in a crowd, you want to show your guests that you know the area best, and your rental is the one that keeps them closest to the fun they’re looking forward to. Use your multiple listing platforms to highlight just how close your rental is to unique festivals, annual events, and activities you know they’re going to be excited about but might have never heard about. A listing that’s too general is easy to pass by but one that showcases a unique feature, amenity, or proximity to area fun that’s truly fascinating will stand out and lead to a booking much more quickly.
5. Forgetting the Family Factor
Waikoloa is a vacation destination that’s made for everyone, but it’s a particularly wonderful place for families to vacation together. That means that as a vacation rental owner in this area, you’re going to want to make sure your property is set up for families at all times. If you’re open to having your home rented out by families with small children, it’s a good idea to avoid fragile décor and high-end furnishings and opt for colorful, eye-catching, yet durable selections instead. The kitchen is a prime place where you can really show your guests your home is ideal for a family-friendly island getaway. Make sure to include kid’s cups, dishes, and utensils in the lineup, and if you can make time to invest in a high-chair or pack n’ play for your property as well, you’ll likely see parents booking a stay in droves.
6. Dismissing Any Structural Issues
The pursuit of increasing occupancy rates in your Waikoloa vacation rental should never take priority over taking take of any and all structural issues that need attending to. Your guests deserve a safe and healthy stay and making sure your property is in prime condition at every level is a must when you want to provide them with exactly that. If you don’t feel comfortable doing a thorough evaluation yourself, it’s worth your time to have a professional on the books to walk through the property regularly and point out anything that needs upgrading or fixing long before your reservation slots are full for the year.
7. Filling Your Property with Materials That Wear Instead of Considering Island Weather
In some places, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear due to weather in a vacation rental, but your property in Waikoloa isn’t one of them. Here, filling your rental with finishes like mahogany, hardwood, leather, or delicate tiling is typically a mistake. You’ll want to remember that your guests are bound to be spending their time out on tropical trails, attending luaus, and exploring the shorelines. When they come back to your vacation rental, they’ll be bringing sand, dust, and food with them in addition to those amazing memories they’ve made. It’s always a better choice to invest in finishes like laminate flooring, darker tiles that show less staining, and even linoleum when you want to avoid having to pay for frequent upgrades while keeping your property looking its best. Don’t overlook the value of stain-resistant paint in your rental as well!
8. Eliminating Outdoor Amenities
Sometimes, Waikoloa vacation rental owners are so busy making sure the interior of the property is just right for guests that they forget to spend time focusing on outdoor amenities too. Many of your guests are coming to the island specifically to enjoy time outdoors, which means putting an emphasis on the inclusion of a lanai to enjoy, outdoor furnishings to settle into, or even a grill for alfresco meals can make a huge difference in how guests enjoy their stay. You’ll also want to consider adding outdoor recreation gear to your property when you know you get a lot of guests who are looking forward to exploring. The inclusion of a simple bicycle, kayak, or paddleboard with every rental could lead to some exciting 5-star reviews faster than you might think.
9. Minimizing Communication with Guests
It’s fair to say that maintaining communication with guests can quickly get overwhelming, but minimizing access in any way is a huge no in the world of vacation rentals. Your guests need to know who to turn to in the event a question comes up, a maintenance issue takes place, or an emergency arises during their stay. If you’re the go-to for customer care, you need to be available 24/7 to answer the call. It’s also important to remember that on the Big Island, it’s the law to have an on-island contact in place. While this is an essential resource for your guests, it’s also important when it comes to making sure your property is one that’s always linked to world-class safety standards, authenticity, and transparency too.
10. Trying to Do It All on Your Own
The idea of tackling Waikoloa airbnb vacation rental management on your own might be tempting, but it’s a sure road to burn out for many property owners. When you want to make sure the details that matter most are in place, and your guests have the best experience possible too, working with a professional Waikoloa property management team is always the right choice. This allows you to focus on the aspects of the business you love while knowing your property is being meticulously cared for in good hands. 
Reach Out to our Waikoloa Property Management Team
Whether you’re looking to elevate the success of your current Waikoloa vacation rental, or you’re excited to be stepping into this dynamic industry for the first time, the property management professionals at iTravel Vacation Homes have everything you need to reach your full potential on the Big Island. Our team knows the vacation rental industry and the local market inside and out and is here to help you navigate fluently so you can reach your business goals with ease. We handle everything from the initial property walkthrough and long-term maintenance to housekeeping, guest care, making sure your property is up to code and meeting ever-changing local regulations too.
Reach out today to learn more about the properties we manage, our comprehensive homeowner services, and how we can help you reach new heights of business success in this ever-growing industry. We can’t wait to hear from you soon!