Oahu Holiday Beach Rental Guide: How to Grab Your Dream Place
{Snatching the best vacation rental accommodation on Oahu is an ideal way to fulfill your desire for something unique, and often offers a more “local” experience}. It’s definitely worth the effort to get a better look at the large range of offerings on this popular island, regardless of whether you’re travelling for your family vacation, an escape with friends, a wedding, or even on business. First time and repeat visitors alike highly recommend alternatives to the usual accommodations, such as hotels and resorts, so keep that in mind when weighing up your options.
Discounted Rental Rates and Activity Combinations
When you think of rental properties on Oahu, you might get the idea that they are big on both price and style. In terms of style, this can be true; however, with the present economy, prices are usually negotiable and most homes are discounted, especially in low season.
{There are many agencies that offer the extra option of combining your ideal rental accommodations with activities, travel guides, insider tips, tours, and even car rental}. Most of these choices offer sizeable savings when booking everything together as a package. You should never hesitate to ask; you just might be pleasantly surprised!
Additional Oahu Travel Tips
It’s strongly advised that you are sure you are dealing with a Hawaiian company when selecting your agent. {This ensures you are sourcing info from locals who truly know the island and all it has to offer}. Some larger corporations around the globe have vaster resources, but you might be surprised (or perhaps not?) to discover that many of their agents likely haven’t even seen the island. {Each different area of the island offers its own individual charm, and they can differ vastly}!
* HONOLULU
Housing abundant Historic landmarks, museums, Chinatown, the financial district, and a mix of dining options and art galleries unparalleled in the rest of Hawaii, it is unsurprising that Honolulu is the state capital, and a rich arena of arts and culture to inspire and stimulate the senses. If you’re looking to be a part of it all, come join the scene!
* WAIKIKI
Welcome to the Manhattan of Hawaii, known for a combination world-class hotels, vibrant nightlife, top-of-the-line shopping, acclaimed Pacific Rim cuisine in ocean front fine dining establishments, and of course, local culture; live entertainment, surf lessons, “Aloha wear”, luaus and the famous sands of Waikiki Beach. {Immerse yourself in the fun, history and wonder that is Waikiki}!
* WINDWARD OAHU
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, this is where you want to go. Oahu’s Windward coast is home to some of Hawaii’s finest beaches and Diamond Head and Kailua, the luxury estates of the island. The area offers everything for the outdoor enthusiast: kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, surfing (of course!), and much more. Come explore the lush gardens, tropical valleys, white soft sand and crystalline blue waters!
* LEEWARD & CENTRAL OAHU
Central and Leeward Oahu contain some of the island’s most renowned locations. Here you will find the battleships, aviation museums and memorials of Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation’s pineapple fields and the resort area of Ko’Olina with superb golfing, a marina and beautiful lagoons.
* NORTH SHORE
The island’s North Shore is most well known for the surfing at Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach, home of monster winter swells and many world-famous surf competitions. Both electrifying and laid-back, here you will find rustic surf villages and wide-open spaces with a laid-back country feel.
Finding the best deals when it comes time to pay
You might save some of your budget by paying by check. In general you can save an additional 5% if you simply ask for it! It’s a win-win deal as your travel agent also saves up to 4% in credit card fees.
Damage deposit for exclusive rentals
{Ranging from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars, both security and damage deposits are required by the majority of exclusive coastline vacation accommodations. Avoiding damage deposit charges is possible in two different ways}. First, ask your travel or vacation property agency if there is a travel insurance policy available, which will cost you a fraction. As an alternative, ask to have a hold placed on your credit card, rather than a charge.
Holds on your card cost nothing and will be released within 2 weeks of the end of your stay—if that there hasn’t been any damage to property of course (but you’d never do that).
Security Deposit
Security deposits are deducted from your final balance due, usually 30-90 days prior to arrival on the island.
Remember, by properly researching and examining a variety of options, you are more likely to choose the Maui vacation rental that is best for you. It’s pretty easy to do and can be quite fun too.
You can find most everything you need by checking out travel websites. Most provide photographs, full descriptions, guest reviews and rate information. Naturally, if you need any more information you can mostly contact the site or an agent by email or telephone. You may well even end up with the vacation home of your dreams!
