Owning a Vacation Rental Home in Kauai, Is It Right For You?

A vacation rental home can be the perfect place to bring your family and friends where you can have “Your” things just the way you want them, but choose carefully and understand the costs involved.

First and foremost be sure that the property you are considering is either located in a VDA (visitors destination area) or is permitted with the County of Kauai as a vacation rental outside the VDA.  If you are considering a property that is already functioning as a vacation rental be sure to ask for the permit numbers and be sure they are current.

Second, you will need to decide who is going to “manage” the property for you.  Kauai County Laws require that you have an “on island contact” that is available 24/7, in the event of an emergency.  When choosing your Management Company some of the things you will want to consider will be their commission rates and other fees involved. There are many great companies here on Kauai to provide these services.  These management companies can help you determine what the appropriate nightly rental rates might be and when your “high” and “low” seasons might be.  They will handle all the Bookings, schedule all the check-ins, check-outs, cleanings, routine repairs and even pay your taxes for you, then send your check on to you at the end of each month.

Your Management company will also furnish you with a list of household items that your guests would expect to find in your home. Having owned vacation rentals for the last 10 years, I have found the entries in the guest book also give you clues to things that might be missing, or an appreciated addition.  Sometimes just the addition of a simple $10 item can make a guest feel like you really care about their experience.

Check out this new listing on the exclusive Kiahuna Golf Course in Poipu (MLS#229451).  This house is located within a VDA and has been operating as a vacation rental for nearly 10 years.  I am the listing agent and the owner and it has been my pleasure to share this home with many guests that return year after year to enjoy thier stay at the Waterfall House, in Sunny Poipu.