Honokaa, HawaiiHonokaa, Hawaii

Vacation Rental Management in Honokaa, Hawaii

Discover the best vacation rental management companies in Honokaa, Hawaii to maximize your revenue and create incredible guest experiences

TechCrunch Logo
Yahoo Logo
AIRDNA Logo
Skift Logo
MarketWatch Logo

Honokaa, Hawaii Airbnb Management Overview

Honokaa, Hawaii, is a unique Airbnb market, characterized by its rich history, tropical climate, and stunning natural beauty. As a small town on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist hotspots, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a more authentic Hawaiian experience. The market here is diverse, with a mix of traditional homes, beachfront properties, and unique accommodations like treehouses and eco-cabins. The demand is consistent throughout the year, but there's a noticeable surge during the winter months when snowbirds flock to the island. The guests are typically nature lovers, drawn by the nearby Waipio Valley, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Therefore, listings that highlight eco-friendly features or proximity to outdoor activities tend to perform well. Despite its small size, Honokaa's Airbnb market is competitive, requiring hosts to maintain high standards and offer exceptional experiences to stand out.

In Honokaa, Hawaii, the Airbnb market experiences a significant influx of guests during the peak tourist seasons, which typically align with the winter months of December through March, and the summer months of June through August. During these periods, travelers from around the world flock to the area to escape colder climates and enjoy the tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural experiences that Honokaa offers. However, during the off-peak seasons, particularly in the fall and late spring, there is a noticeable decrease in bookings. This seasonality should be taken into account when setting rental rates and planning for occupancy levels. Despite the off-peak periods, Honokaa's temperate climate and year-round attractions still draw a steady stream of visitors, ensuring a relatively stable market for Airbnb hosts.

In Honokaa, Hawaii, Airbnb hosts must be aware of the stringent regulations that govern short-term rentals. The state of Hawaii requires all hosts to register for a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license, which must be visibly displayed in all listings. Additionally, Hawaii County has specific zoning laws that dictate where vacation rentals can operate. Most notably, Bill 108, now Ordinance 2018-114, mandates that all existing and prospective hosts must register their property as a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR), and properties outside of the designated zoning areas may not be eligible. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines, making it crucial for hosts to stay informed and compliant.

Managing Airbnb properties in Honokaa, Hawaii presents unique challenges due to the town's remote location and fluctuating tourist seasons. It's crucial to maintain a flexible booking policy to accommodate last-minute changes, often caused by unpredictable weather or travel disruptions. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the property is essential, considering the tropical climate's impact on infrastructure. Engaging local cleaning and maintenance services can ensure quick turnaround times between bookings. Additionally, fostering good relationships with the local community can help in navigating any unforeseen issues and enhancing the guest experience with insider tips and recommendations.

In Honokaa, Hawaii, the Airbnb market thrives on the unique blend of natural beauty and local culture that the area offers. Properties that highlight these features, such as those with ocean views, access to hiking trails, or proximity to the historic downtown area, tend to be the most successful. Amenities that cater to the adventurous spirit of visitors, such as surfboards or snorkeling gear, can also be a major draw. Additionally, given the town's reputation for its local food scene, properties that offer fully equipped kitchens or outdoor grilling areas are highly sought after. It's also worth noting that guests appreciate the inclusion of modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs, allowing them to unwind after a day of exploring the island.

Market Overview

Honokaa, Hawaii, is a unique Airbnb market, characterized by its rich history, tropical climate, and stunning natural beauty. As a small town on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist hotspots, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a more authentic Hawaiian experience. The market here is diverse, with a mix of traditional homes, beachfront properties, and unique accommodations like treehouses and eco-cabins. The demand is consistent throughout the year, but there's a noticeable surge during the winter months when snowbirds flock to the island. The guests are typically nature lovers, drawn by the nearby Waipio Valley, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Therefore, listings that highlight eco-friendly features or proximity to outdoor activities tend to perform well. Despite its small size, Honokaa's Airbnb market is competitive, requiring hosts to maintain high standards and offer exceptional experiences to stand out.

Airbnb Seasonality

In Honokaa, Hawaii, the Airbnb market experiences a significant influx of guests during the peak tourist seasons, which typically align with the winter months of December through March, and the summer months of June through August. During these periods, travelers from around the world flock to the area to escape colder climates and enjoy the tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural experiences that Honokaa offers. However, during the off-peak seasons, particularly in the fall and late spring, there is a noticeable decrease in bookings. This seasonality should be taken into account when setting rental rates and planning for occupancy levels. Despite the off-peak periods, Honokaa's temperate climate and year-round attractions still draw a steady stream of visitors, ensuring a relatively stable market for Airbnb hosts.

Short Term Rental Regulations

In Honokaa, Hawaii, Airbnb hosts must be aware of the stringent regulations that govern short-term rentals. The state of Hawaii requires all hosts to register for a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) license, which must be visibly displayed in all listings. Additionally, Hawaii County has specific zoning laws that dictate where vacation rentals can operate. Most notably, Bill 108, now Ordinance 2018-114, mandates that all existing and prospective hosts must register their property as a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR), and properties outside of the designated zoning areas may not be eligible. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines, making it crucial for hosts to stay informed and compliant.

Best Practices for Management

Managing Airbnb properties in Honokaa, Hawaii presents unique challenges due to the town's remote location and fluctuating tourist seasons. It's crucial to maintain a flexible booking policy to accommodate last-minute changes, often caused by unpredictable weather or travel disruptions. Regular maintenance and upkeep of the property is essential, considering the tropical climate's impact on infrastructure. Engaging local cleaning and maintenance services can ensure quick turnaround times between bookings. Additionally, fostering good relationships with the local community can help in navigating any unforeseen issues and enhancing the guest experience with insider tips and recommendations.

Locations and Amenities

In Honokaa, Hawaii, the Airbnb market thrives on the unique blend of natural beauty and local culture that the area offers. Properties that highlight these features, such as those with ocean views, access to hiking trails, or proximity to the historic downtown area, tend to be the most successful. Amenities that cater to the adventurous spirit of visitors, such as surfboards or snorkeling gear, can also be a major draw. Additionally, given the town's reputation for its local food scene, properties that offer fully equipped kitchens or outdoor grilling areas are highly sought after. It's also worth noting that guests appreciate the inclusion of modern comforts like high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs, allowing them to unwind after a day of exploring the island.

How It Works

Meet with membership

Connect With Local Pros

Summer matches you with top vacation rental managers who know the Honokaa, Hawaii market and can help you maximize your revenue and improve guest experiences. 

We'll make sure to introduce you to Airbnb managers who offer the right services for your needs.

Get Onboarded

Seamless Onboarding

Your manager can handle everything—from listing setup and pricing optimization to guest communication and maintenance.

They’ll take care of professional photography, lockbox installation, profile setup, and everything you need to get your Honokaa, Hawaii property guest-ready.

Collect Revenue

Sit Back And Earn

With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.

They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.

Who We Trust

What makes our partners stand out from other short-term rental property managers in Honokaa, Hawaii

Access to the Summer Network

Personalized Support

Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.

Best in class revenue Optimization

Demonstrated Earnings

Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.

Accuracy with our technology

Tech-Forward Focus

The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.

Trusted brand reputation

Trusted Brand Reputation

We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.

Sticker badge that says "The gist"

Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?

You think your short-term rental can make more money

Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.

You want a partner where you are valued

Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.

You want hassle-free hosting

Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.

Ready To Get Started Form

Get connected

We'd love to hear about what you're looking for, and we’ll connect you with top vacation property managers in your area!

FAQ

Answers to common questions

What is vacation rental property management?

Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.

What services does a vacation rental manager offer?

Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.

Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?

Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.

How long does the onboarding process take?

The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.

Will I get a smart lock?

Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.

Will they take updated photos of the property?

In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.

How do I know my property will be safe with guests?

Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.