Once you’ve decided upon a certain area of Maui in which to stay and decided that a condominium is the right choice for your vacation accommodations, you’ll still have a number of decisions to make.
How big of a unit do I need?
Most Maui condos come in studio, one bedroom and two bedroom configurations. There are some three bedroom units, but these are few and far between; should you decide you need a three bedroom unit, be prepared to pay dearly for it, especially at Christmas, during February and in the summer!
Studios generally work best for 2 people, one bedrooms accommodate four and two bedrooms, six. Check with the rental agent or the owner of the property you are interested in to determine the property’s maximum number of guests per unit.
What kind of atmosphere do I want?
While a few condo properties are “party central”, most are very quiet and laid back. In fact, if you’re looking for action and nightlife, condos generally are not the place to be; a hotel will be a better option.
Also, the type of building or property layout may help to determine the property’s atmosphere. A high-rise (that’s up to 12 stories on Maui) may feel busy as all guests are channeled through a central lobby. Conversely, many Maui condo properties consist of numerous low-rise buildings of generally one to four stories. These properties may have a more relaxed feeling as guests come and go from their own separate front door. Most condo properties on Maui have exposed corridors; most hotels have interior corridors but of course there are exceptions in both cases.
Do I need air conditioning?
Of course every rental accommodation has a/c, right? On Maui, that’s not necessarily true. Some properties have central a/c. Some have window or through-the-wall a/c. And some are “breeze conditioned’, meaning unit cooling comes from open windows (many times jalousies) and our usually present trade winds. If air conditioning is critical to you, ask the property as to what kind they have prior to making your reservation.
Do I need an elevator?
Every property on Maui with buildings of three stories or more has an elevator. Two story properties may but they also may not. If you have a mobility impairment and cannot utilize stairs, either be sure the property has an elevator or ask whether they can guarantee you a first floor unit.
How much help do I need?
Most condo properties do not have bellmen, although a few do. Some have carts you can use to help move your luggage and groceries from your car to your unit. If there is no assistance, are you capable of transporting your luggage and groceries on your own?
Since condos are not specifically included in the ADA laws, some condo units and/or properties many not be accessible to wheelchair-bound or mobility impaired guests. If you have special needs, call the property’s manager prior to booking to find out about doorway widths and walkway transitions; most managers are very happy to be of service. Likewise, it is critical to let condo properties know prior to your arrival should you be traveling with a service animal.
I want a brand new property.
Good luck with that one – there has been only one new condo property built in West Maui in the last 20 years! Most properties here were built between 1965 and 1985. The rule of thumb usually is that the older the property, the larger the units. I know some properties with studios of about 700 square feet; I also know of some properties with 2 bedroom units that are 700 square feet. So, if unit size matters to you, do your homework prior to booking.
Most condos in an organized rental program are required to meet a set of minimum standards. The good thing about renting from an organized program is that, if you are unhappy with the unit to which you are assigned, they may be able to move you elsewhere.
When you rent directly from an owner, insist on seeing photos of the actual unit you’ll be renting. If you are unhappy with the décor or location of a unit that you’ve rented from the owner, most likely you will not have any additional options regarding alternate accommodations.
What about housekeeping?
Most organized rental programs offer some type of daily housekeeping. Most likely, the housekeeper will remove your trash and replace your towels and may make your bed each day. Usually, most housekeeping performs a complete service and bed linen changes is on the third or fifth day. Most organized rental programs do not offer round-the-clock housekeeping; the housekeepers go home at a certain time. If you need something after hours, you may have to ask the front desk or wait until the next day.
If you are renting a condo directly from the owner, most likely you will receive no housekeeping service during your stay. Prior to your departure, most owners require you to launder the sheets and towels that you used during your stay and they may also charge an additional housekeeping fee for cleaning of the unit. If you need more towels or linens, you’ll have to call the owner or the on-island management company, either of which may or may not respond in a timely manner.
How do I get the best rate?
Vacation rental condos are like airline seats; the price goes up based on demand. The only way to get the best rate is to shop, shop, shop! The best way to pay the highest rate is to come at Christmas, February/March or July/August. If those are the only times you can come to Maui, that’s when the rates are highest. April through June and September through the first three weeks of December are generally considered low season, with rates to match.
It used to be that renting directly from owners was always less expensive; with the current economy, that rule no longer holds true. You’ll need to do some research to ferret out the best bargains. Renting through an owner or a third-party manager always requires payment in advance while booking through an organized rental program means that, while you guarantee your reservation with a credit card, you actually pay when you check out.
Renting a condominium for your Maui vacation can be a great way to save some money and to have a more authentic local experience. As I’ve pointed out, however, condos are not hotels. The services available at a vacation rental condo may be much more limited than what would be available to you at a comparable hotel. If your satisfaction and the success of your vacation hinge upon some of these details, you owe it to yourself to ask the appropriate questions and do your homework (like checking third-party property reviews) prior to making your vacation reservations.
Bill Rees is the General Manager of the Outrigger Maui Eldorado Resort. He has been in the hotel business for longer than he cares to admit and he has the anecdotes and nervous tics to prove it! When not at work or exploring Maui, Bill, who is a Honoapiilani Highway road warrior, spends time working on his historic Wailuku home. Bill can be reached at bill.rees@outrigger.com
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Tags: Condos, Condos for Rent, Hotels, Lahaina, Maui, Resorts
