Now Is the Moment: Your Best Opportunity to Experience Hawai‘i This Summer
For many travelers, planning a Hawai‘i vacation has become more cautious in recent years. Guests are waiting longer to book, watching pricing closely, and looking for the right combination of value, availability, and quality before committing.
This year, that patience is being rewarded.
As we move into the early summer months of May, June, and July, an exceptional window has opened—one that rarely appears in our market. Across the Big Island Stays portfolio, we are seeing strong availability in some of our most sought-after oceanfront, oceanview, and resort-style residences.
Homes that are often reserved months in advance are now accessible.
For families, couples, and empty nesters planning a summer escape, this creates a unique opportunity: the ability to secure a premium property at a more favorable rate—or finally experience a home that previously felt out of reach.
Today’s travelers are booking closer to arrival than ever before. Many are waiting until 30 days out, responding to pricing shifts and broader economic uncertainty. While this approach may feel cautious, it also means that those who act decisively now are positioned to benefit the most.
At Big Island Stays, we are uniquely prepared for this moment.
Our portfolio is carefully curated, featuring higher-quality homes in prime locations. Each property is maintained to exacting standards, professionally cleaned, and supported by a
dedicated local team. Our personalized concierge services ensure that every stay is seamless—from arrival to departure.
This combination of quality, care, and local expertise is what allows our guests to relax fully and return year after year.
Summer on the Big Island offers some of the most rewarding experiences of the year: calm ocean conditions, warm evenings, vibrant sunsets, and a pace of life that invites true restoration. It is a season ideally suited for family gatherings, romantic retreats, and extended stays.
And this year, it is more accessible than usual.
To encourage early planning and reward decisive travelers, Big Island Stays is offering 15% off select May, June, and July reservations when you book using the code GETAWAY15. This is your opportunity to secure the right home, at the right time, at exceptional value. Availability will narrow as summer approaches. The most desirable residences will be reserved first. Guests who act now will enjoy both selection and savings.
If you have been considering a Hawai‘i getaway, this is the moment to move forward with confidence. Explore our collection, connect with our local team, and take advantage of this limited opportunity.
Choosing the right property manager in Kona or anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi is one of the most important decisions a rental property owner will make. Long-term property management directly impacts tenant quality, vacancy rates, maintenance costs, regulatory compliance, and ultimately your return on investment. If you are searching for “Kona property manager,” “Big Island long-term property management,” or “how to choose a property manager in Hawaiʻi,” the real question is not who can collect rent — it is who can protect and grow your asset.
Many property management companies in Kona advertise similar services: marketing, leasing, maintenance coordination, and rent collection. On the surface, it may seem that most long-term property management services are interchangeable. In reality, the difference between average management and professional, performance-driven management lies in systems, transparency, and discipline.
One of the most common frustrations owners experience with property management on the Big Island is a lack of transparency. Clear financial reporting should be standard, not optional. Owners should have real-time access to transactions, invoices, lease documents, inspection reports, and monthly financial statements. If you cannot easily see how funds are being handled or what work has been completed at your property, you are operating without clarity. Strong long-term property management in Kona should provide structured reporting, digital document storage, and consistent communication so that you always understand your property’s financial performance.
Maintenance is another critical factor when evaluating Big Island property management companies. Hawaiʻi’s climate — including salt air, humidity, and intense sun exposure — accelerates wear on roofing, HVAC systems, plumbing, and exterior finishes. A reactive maintenance approach leads to costly repairs and declining property value. Professional long-term property management should include preventative maintenance scheduling, regular property inspections with documentation, and access to licensed and insured local vendors. Preventative care protects both the physical asset and long-term rental income.
Tenant screening is equally important. When searching for “tenant screening Kona” or “rental management Big Island,” owners should prioritize companies that conduct thorough employment verification, income validation, rental history checks, credit screening, and background reviews. Filling a vacancy quickly is not the goal — placing a qualified, stable tenant who renews and respects the property is what drives predictable returns. Strong screening reduces turnover costs, vacancy downtime, and potential legal disputes.
Compliance is another area where experience matters. Hawaiʻi landlord-tenant law requires careful lease drafting, proper security deposit handling, and accurate legal notice procedures. A knowledgeable Kona property manager should be able to clearly explain their compliance process and demonstrate familiarity with state regulations. Errors in this area can expose owners to unnecessary financial and legal risk.
Finally, alignment matters. Owners should understand how a property management company handles vendor billing, fee structures, and decision-making authority. Clear pricing, no hidden fees, and transparent vendor invoices ensure that the manager’s incentives are aligned with the owner’s long-term success. A management relationship should feel like a partnership built on accountability and performance.
If you are currently searching for long-term property management in Kona, Kohala, Waimea, or anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, take the time to evaluate more than marketing promises. Examine the systems, the reporting structure, the preventative maintenance process, and the tenant screening standards. The right property manager should make ownership feel organized, predictable, and professionally overseen.
If you would like a clear assessment of how your current rental is being managed — or how it could perform under a more structured, transparent system — schedule a confidential property management consultation today. A focused review of your rental strategy, compliance position, maintenance planning, and income performance can reveal immediate opportunities to strengthen returns and reduce risk. Professional long-term property management in Kona is not simply about oversight — it is about protecting and maximizing your investment for the long term.
Owning rental property in Kailua-Kona or along the West Hawaiʻi coast should generate steady income and long-term appreciation, not constant oversight and uncertainty. Professional long-term property management requires more than collecting rent. It demands disciplined tenant screening, regulatory compliance, preventative maintenance planning, and transparent financial reporting. That is the standard Big Island Stays delivers for rental owners throughout Kona, Kohala, Waimea, and surrounding West Hawaiʻi communities.
Big Island Stays specializes in full-service long-term property management designed to protect assets and create predictable performance. While much of the Hawaiʻi market focuses on short-term vacation rentals, long-term rental management is a distinct discipline. It requires consistent occupancy strategy, careful lease administration, and ongoing property oversight. Our approach is centered on building long-term value rather than chasing seasonal tourism cycles.
Local presence is critical in the Kona rental market. Being based in West Hawaiʻi allows for in-person inspections, established vendor relationships, and neighborhood-level rental pricing expertise. At the same time, owners benefit from professional, technology-driven systems that provide real-time access to financial statements, lease documentation, inspection reports, and vendor invoices. This combination of local oversight and structured management systems creates accountability and clarity for property owners.
Long-term rental success begins with tenant placement. Properties are professionally marketed across major rental platforms to ensure maximum exposure within the Kona and Big Island rental market. Every applicant undergoes thorough employment and income verification, rental history validation, credit review, and background screening before approval. The objective is durable tenancy, reduced turnover, and stable income for owners.
Compliance is another essential component of property management on the Big Island. Hawaiʻi landlord-tenant laws require precision and proper documentation. Big Island Stays administers Hawaiʻi-compliant lease agreements, manages security deposits in accordance with state regulations, oversees rent collection and accounting, and handles renewals, terminations, and required notices. Owners are supported through every phase of the lease lifecycle.
Asset protection extends beyond paperwork. Semi-annual inspections with photo documentation, preventative maintenance scheduling for systems such as air conditioning, plumbing, and pest control, and 24/7 emergency response protect both the condition and long-term value of the property. Through the Owner Assurance Program, there is no markup on vendor invoices, reinforcing transparency and alignment with owner interests.
Financial reporting is structured and consistent. Owners receive detailed monthly statements, annual tax summaries, and quarterly income and expense forecasts. Secure digital document storage ensures that leases, inspection reports, and work orders are accessible at any time. For investors searching for Kona long-term property management or Big Island rental management services, financial clarity is often the deciding factor.
Big Island Stays serves long-term rental owners across Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Waikoloa, the Kohala Coast, Waimea, and neighboring West Hawaiʻi communities. Rental pricing is guided by local market data to maintain competitive positioning while minimizing vacancy periods.
Owning property in paradise should feel structured and secure. With professional long-term property management in Kona and throughout the Big Island, ownership becomes predictable and performance-driven. Big Island Stays remains focused on stability, protection, and measurable results for West Hawaiʻi rental owners.
If you are evaluating long-term property management in Kailua-Kona or anywhere on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, contact Big Island Stays today to schedule a confidential consultation and rental performance review. Discover how professional, locally grounded property management can strengthen your asset, stabilize income, and simplify ownership.
Want to know more about the history of Kona’s iconic industry? Then you definitely need to make some time to take Kona Historical Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour. Located in Captain Cook (82-6199 Mamalahoa Hwy.), this award-winning, historic farm tells the story of Kona’s coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you’re free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a “Kona Nightingale”, or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit an original 1920’s farmhouse where you may find a homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for lunch. Living history gives visitors an opportunity to experience history “brought to life” by costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional crafts, agricultural activities, and the everyday tasks of people from the past. “Talk story” along the way with the farm’s living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona’s gourmet crop. The farm is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. No reservations are required. For more information, visit their website.
Planning a Hawaii getaway in 2026 looks a little different—and for discerning travelers, a little better. With evolving travel trends, new visitor fees, and a renewed emphasis on quality over quantity, today’s guests are seeking more than just a place to stay. They want space, privacy, authenticity, and a seamless experience from arrival to departure. Along the Kona Coast, Big Island Stays continues to meet that demand with a curated collection of 45 premium short-term vacation rentals designed for travelers who expect more from their Hawaiian escape.
One of the most talked-about changes for 2026 is Hawaii’s increased transient accommodations tax, often referred to as the “green fee.” While this modest increase supports environmental preservation and island infrastructure, it also makes smart planning more important than ever. Travelers who book early and choose professionally managed homes gain not only better value, but peace of mind. At Big Island Stays, our guests benefit from transparent pricing, meticulous property care, and concierge-level service—ensuring every stay feels effortless and refined.
Luxury and longer stays are also shaping the vacation rental landscape. Guests are prioritizing high-end residences, resort-style amenities, and thoughtfully designed interiors over traditional hotel rooms. From ocean-view villas and golf-course retreats to resort
communities like Waikoloa Beach, Mauna Lani, and Keauhou, Big Island Stays offers an exceptional range of homes that reflect the very best of West Hawai‘i living. Each property is hand-selected and professionally managed to deliver a consistent, five-star experience for couples, families, and multi-generational travelers alike.
Finally, today’s travelers want more than accommodations—they want insider access. Our team goes beyond the keys, offering local insight into dining, golf, ocean adventures, cultural events, and seasonal experiences that elevate every visit. Whether you’re planning a winter escape, a spring retreat, or a longer stay in paradise, Big Island Stays is your trusted local partner for an elevated Hawaii experience in 2026.
Plan Your Stay or Partner With Us
Book your next Big Island escape at BigIslandStays.com and experience the finest vacation rentals along the Kona Coast. Interested in maximizing the performance of your luxury property? Contact our team to learn how Big Island Stays delivers premium management, exceptional guest experiences, and superior returns for discerning owners.
The holiday season on Hawai‘i Island is one of the most magical times of year—filled with festive lights, joyful parades, community gatherings, and the rich traditions that make life here so special. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting paradise for the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the island.
ANNUAL KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL
November 7-16 | Various Locations
A beloved Big Island tradition celebrating Kona’s world-famous coffee heritage. Enjoy coffee tastings, parades, farm tours, live music, and art.
From coffee festivals and parades to concerts and cultural celebrations, the holidays on Hawai‘i Island are full of aloha and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or dreaming of a longer stay, Big Island Stays has the perfect vacation rental to make your time in paradise truly special. We still have limited availability for the holidays — book your stay now and experience the magic of the Big Island this season!
Love what you see? Share this newsletter with friends or post your favorite property on Facebook or Instagram—we’d love to welcome more travelers to the Big Island ‘ohana!
Imagine celebrating the holidays with ocean breezes instead of icy winds. Instead of shoveling snow, you’re walking barefoot along the sand. Instead of bundling up, you’re teeing off under warm Hawaiian sunshine.
This year, you can make that dream a reality. At Big Island Stays, we still have a selection of beautiful vacation properties available for Thanksgiving, and only a handful left for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. From luxury condos with private lanais to resort villas steps from the beach, these homes are the perfect backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving dinner al fresco on your lanai, a Christmas morning walk on the beach, or toasting the New Year under a sky full of stars, your holidays could look a little different this year—warmer, brighter, and more extraordinary.
Availability is limited, and these homes won’t last. Reserve your holiday getaway today by exploring the featured properties in this newsletter or contacting us directly. Call Big Island Stays at 866-212-5574 or visit our website to secure your holiday escape.
Located along the historic Onomea Bay, the Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden showcases more than 2,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants across 17 acres of lush rainforest. Visitors can wander scenic trails with streams, waterfalls, and ocean views. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Love what you see? Share this newsletter with friends or post your favorite property on Facebook or Instagram—we’d love to welcome more travelers to the Big Island ‘ohana!
Hawai‘i is known as a paradise — but even paradise can present unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a lost passport, an accident, illness, or worse, traveling far from home can leave you vulnerable. That’s where VASH comes in.
What is VASH?
VASH stands for the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to support visitors who experience adversity during their stay in Hawai‘i.
They help with a wide variety of difficulties — from lost documents, theft, hospital emergencies, medical crises, or the death of a loved one while on vacation.
How Does VASH Help?
Referrals & Coordination: VASH receives referrals from Hawai‘i County Police, hospitals, airport security, hotel staff, and other organizations.
Emotional Support & Guidance: They evaluate each individual’s situation and provide customized support — whether it’s emotional comfort, helping coordinate medical follow-ups, or guiding visitors through unfamiliar systems.
Practical Help: While they can’t pay for airfare, medical bills, or funeral costs, VASH can help connect you with local services, provide information, translation help, or referrals to resources.
VASH Big Island
On Hawai‘i Island (the “Big Island”), VASH is active and ready to serve. They are funded in part by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, County of Hawai‘i, community donations, and the generosity of volunteers.
VASH Hawai‘i Island distinguishes itself by how they assist visitors who are away from home and need support in moments of crisis. Every call is handled personally, and they tailor assistance to what each visitor needs most.
Why This Matters
Imagine being hundreds or thousands of miles from home, in a hospital, unable to contact family easily, or without local knowledge of how to navigate medical or legal systems. VASH steps into that gap. They are a safety net.
In many cases, visitors report that the help they receive from VASH is emotional and logistical lifeline. In addition to helping on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and Maui, VASH Hawai‘i Island plays a critical role in local emergency response.
When You Should Call VASH
If any of the following happens while you’re here, VASH may be able to help:
You are the victim of a crime (theft, assault, vandalism, etc.).
Your documents (passport, ID, etc.) are lost, stolen, or delayed.
You have a medical emergency or are hospitalized.
There is a death or loss of a loved one while you are on the island.
You feel overwhelmed and need help navigating local resources.
How to Reach VASH Hawai‘i Island
For assistance on Hawai‘i Island, you can contact:
East Hawai‘i: (808) 756-1472
West Hawai‘i: (808) 756-0785
Or visit vashbigisland.org for more info, to donate, or to access other helpful resources.
How You Can Help
VASH relies on volunteers and community support. Whether you’re local or visiting, there are ways to contribute:
Donate: Monetary donations and in-kind gifts help VASH continue their mission.
Volunteer: They welcome compassionate individuals to join as volunteers at various levels. Even offering a listening ear can make a huge difference.
Spread Awareness: Share VASH’s mission with others who may not know they exist — especially visitors who might benefit from their services.
All of us here at Big Island Stays believe knowing about organizations like VASH is crucial. Vacationers may not plan for emergencies — but having support networks can make all the difference in how well someone weathers unexpected adversity. If you or someone you know is traveling to Hawai‘i, please share VASH’s information. And if you’re interested in learning more about how communities here support both visitors and residents, We are always happy to help guide you.
Planning your escape to Hawaiʻi Island? Getting to Kona International Airport (KOA) is now more convenient than ever, thanks to a growing list of nonstop flights from key cities across the West Coast, Mountain West, and Texas. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an extended island stay, we’ve gathered the most current direct routes to help you get here with ease.
Christmas on the Big Island is pure magic — warm breezes, swaying palms, and unforgettable sunsets. Our properties are filling up fast for the holiday season, so now’s the time to book your tropical escape! Reserve your home away from home today and spend the holidays in paradise.
Love what you see? Share this newsletter with friends or post your favorite property on Facebook or Instagram—we’d love to welcome more travelers to the Big Island ‘ohana!
Quick summary: Sales are down, interest rates are easing, visitor numbers dipped over the summer, and short-term vacation rental regulation is moving forward.
Overview — the one word: Down
In this month’s market update with Dan Palamino (KW Big Island / The Hawaii Team) the recurring theme is “down.” Home sales and visitor counts were lower than last season, but interest rates have begun to ease and regulatory changes for short-term vacation rentals are progressing — not disappearing.
Sales: Buyers Have the Leverage
Overall real estate activity on the Big Island is slow. Both single-family homes and condos are seeing fewer transactions. Condos are an interesting exception: after a spike in inventory earlier this year, the condo inventory has dropped roughly 20% — partly because some units sold, but largely because sellers pulled listings and decided to wait for a better market.
Right now the leverage is squarely with buyers. Many potential buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for lower rates before they move forward.
Interest Rates — a different way to think about “6–7%”
At the start of September, 30-year fixed mortgage rates were averaging about 6.5%. That number may not sound low to everyone, but consider this thought exercise: would you personally lend $651,000 at 7% for 30 years? Most people wouldn’t — yet banks are doing exactly that. The takeaway: a 6–7% mortgage rate is better than it may feel on paper, and there’s growing expectation for Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Because of weak jobs reports and cooling economic indicators, a Fed meeting in mid-September is widely expected to announce a rate cut (markets were pricing in at least a quarter point at the time of this update). If mortgage rates drift below 6%, buyer activity is likely to accelerate quickly.
Visitor Traffic & Impact on Rentals
Visitor counts were down over the summer — roughly 4–6% islandwide in July — translating to about 8,000 fewer visitors for the Big Island that month. That drop feeds directly into the short-term rental market: current occupancy rates for STRs on the island are hovering around 37–41% (about 40%).
Seasonality still matters — Ironman in October and the winter months typically bring more bookings and guests — but the summer dip and fewer Canadian visitors (about 4% fewer Canadians at the time of the update) were notable contributors to the softer demand.
Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Regulation — progress, not prohibition
The Hawaii County Council considered three bills to regulate short-term vacation rentals. Only one has passed so far: the bill requiring hosted rentals (where the owner lives on the property and rents a portion) to be registered, to have TAT and GE licenses, and to hold a hosted rental permit.
The two other bills remain under consideration. A county study concluded STVRs generate about $700 million for the Big Island — compared with roughly $500 million from hotels — so broad elimination of STRs is not seen as feasible. The likely path is continued regulation rather than removal.
Key Takeaways
Buyers hold the leverage while rates sit above 6% — but that can change quickly if rates drop below 6%.
Condo supply dropped ~20% because some sellers pulled listings rather than sell into a slow market.
Visitor totals were down over the summer, and STR occupancy is currently low (~40%), affecting rental revenue short-term.
STVRs are here to stay in some form — regulation is progressing to bring hosted rentals into compliance and taxation, while other bills are still pending.
What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors
Buyers: If you’ve been waiting for rates under 6%, be aware that a meaningful drop would likely trigger a sudden uptick in competition. If your timeline is flexible, monitor rates — if they slip below 6%, expect more buyers to act fast.
Sellers: Inventory is tighter in some segments (notably condos that were pulled), so pricing and presentation still matter. If you need to sell now, work with an agent who understands how to market to buyers who currently hold the negotiating power.
Investors / STR owners: Keep an eye on permit and tax requirements for hosted rentals and be prepared for regulatory changes. With occupancy lower currently, focus on seasonality, targeted marketing, and managing operating costs.
