by Bob Abbott

Planning a Hawaii condo stay? You’ll find both advantages and disadvantages to condo rentals, when compared with hotel or resort stays. Generally, though, you’ll find Hawaii condos cost less and give you more flexibility. The downside is that you’ll have to do extra research at home, and extra housework once you get to Hawaii.

Assuming you’ve decided on Hawaii condos, the following lists will help you think through the options, to find the one that’s right for you:

Hawaii Condos: Discovery List

  • do you need a studio, or, one or more bedrooms?
  • do you want a kitchen, or kitchenette?
  • how close to the beach (closer equals more expensive)?
  • how many square feet (you’ll need just a general idea to start)?

Hawaii Condos: Quality List

  • is the unit new, or recently renovated/refurnished?
  • are dishes and pans supplied, if you rent with a kitchen?
  • are there laundry facilities in the unit, in the building, is there a charge?
  • is the air conditioning central or window-unit (central is quieter)?
  • how much noise from the street?

Hawaii Condos: Cost List

  • what is the total cost, after fees and taxes are added?
  • is there an extra charge for credit card payments, late fees, etc?
  • if no kitchen, are there inexpensive restaurants or cafes nearby?

Hawaii Condos: Safety Checklist

  • what is the area like after dark?
  • is there an in-room safe to store valuables?
  • what kinds of locks on the doors and windows?

Hawaii Condos: Where to Find Listings

  • Craigslist (housing/vacation rentals);
  • vacation rental agencies
  • use the list of search phrases below

Hawaii Condos Search Phrases

Go to your favorite search engine and enter any of the following phrases; then follow up by replacing the word Hawaii with a city name. You`ll also find it helpful to try variations on these phrases:

  • hawaii vacation condo
  • hawaii vacation homes
  • hawaii vacation rentals
  • condos in hawaii
  • hawaii accommodations
  • hawaii beach rentals
  • hawaii condo
  • hawaii condo rental
  • hawaii condo rentals
  • hawaii condos
  • hawaii condos for rent
  • hawaii home rentals
  • hawaii rental
  • hawaii timeshare
  • hawaii villas
  • hawaiian vacation rentals
  • vacation rental hawaii

Finding the Hawaii condo rental that meets your wants and needs may take some time, and require several sources.

If you’re not too familiar with the area of Hawaii you plan to visit, go to your library and read guide books. Read web pages thoroughly and look for what is not there, as well as what is. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and ask questions of the rental agencies.

A few hours worth of research is a small price to pay to ensure you’re getting many pleasant days of Hawaii condos.

Aloha!