Where to Stay in Hawaii: Hotels vs Vacation Rentals (What is best in Hawaii?)

Part of why I love your channel is because I love that you compare so many things in regards to visiting Hawaii. I've learned that people have so many different preferences, but Hawaii has something for everyone. I was shocked when I was trying to help a friend pick a hotel location on Oahu...she WANTED the crowds and big city life! So, she got a place just past Honolulu over by Diamond Head. We love staying over in Ko Olina as it's so quiet over there! We've stayed at the Ko Online Beach Resort 3 times now and love it there! Very family friendly. Friends of mine are always shocked when I tell them we pay between $300-$400/night, but if you try to find a hotel big enough for the 6 of us, we'd have to book two rooms! That'll cost you WAY more that just $400, and you don't have the space or kitchen that a family unit will give you. We are all about renting from VRBO and finding family units. On Kauai, our favorite resort is the Koloa Landing, but now that it's all been remodeled we can't afford it! :( Just so that others watching your videos know, andreading the comments, we stayed at the Waipouli Beach Resort over in Kapaa and LOVED it! Perfect for families! The units are very spacious, and the pools are amazing. Our kids were spoiled with their first pool slide, and now we can't go back. We've rented a unit at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui for August (HOPEFULLY!!!) and can't wait to explore that island. Ok, as you can see, I LOVE talking all things Hawaii, but I do have a few questions. Have you heard anything about car rentals once Hawaii is officially opened up for tourists in August (aka getting a negative covid test)? I've heard that car rental agencies still can't rent cars to visitors, and that worries me. Wouldn't they want to be able to start renting them out? Ok, another question, I've seen some live footage (from another fellow YouTuber!) of the Honua Kai, but only one hot tub was open. I'm also assuming that they'll reopen the pools once tourists can come? You've said before that pools are allowed to be (and are) open in Maui. I'm assuming that the Honua Kai just doesn't have theirs open as no one is staying there? Anyhoo, sorry for the long comment. Thanks for the fun comparison video. We're all about family friendly resorts with family units, so we're also on the VRBO side of the debate. I'd love to be able to rent a hotel for all 6 of us, but it's just too expensive. Maybe for our 20 year wedding anniversary next year, my husband and I can come alone! Take care and thanks again for all the updates.

Great points. We visited Maui in January and stayed in a condo in Kihei. One thing to add is that if you have a large family, a condo makes a lot more sense. We have four kids and it was difficult, if not impossible, to find a hotel that could fit us all.

You both have been so helpful for me and my husband to book our Hawaiian honeymoon! I feel like I have my own experts in my corner, thank you for all your videos!

we ended up choosing a rental bcuz it had TWO BATHROOMS!!! so nice to come home at the end of the day and not have to wait long for the shower

I have watched a couple of your videos and they are very informative so I subscribed. Bless you both.

You both are saving my sanity! Not sure I have a trip in my future BUT is cold and gross in Ohio and I’ve loved watching your videos!

Big fan of your videos (except this one). I've been going to Maui for years. Used to stay at the Hyatt. Vacation rentals are a huge savings there. As you'll see below, the savings is significantly more than 10%. Here are the actual numbers... Please note that you don't go to Hawaii for the great food or drinks. Most food (including fish) is previously frozen. It's overpriced, not fresh and can account for a majority of your costs. Example, the Hyatt in Maui charges $20 for a previously frozen burger patty. Oh, you want fries? Add $5. With tax and tip = $30+ for a cheeseburger. Want a steak anywhere in West Maui? $60 to $80 per meal. So, for the average couple on vacation who eats 3 sit down meals per day and has 5 cocktails each, your "minimum" food and beverage costs per day will be $350 ($30 time 3 meals per day each. Drinks are $10 TO $20 EACH). Weekly "minimum" food / drink costs = $2450. Significantly more if you eat anything above a cheeseburger. Breakfast and lunch are just as expensive unless you're eating at McDonalds. But who goes to Maui and eats there? Here's my actual itinerary... Check in 8/20/22 - Check out 8/27/22 1 bedroom condo, 4-star resort property with ocean view, balcony, full kitchen, separate living and dining area, BBQ's - Beachfront, 1 mile from Hyatt on same beach. Better / larger beach, awesome pool and amenities. $2400 for the week / $342 per night including all fees. No, I don't own a timeshare. BTW, Hyatt - $780 per night, plus taxes, plus resort fees and no kitchen, standard size room. $5800 for the week I'm saving $3400 on lodging and have a larger room, same quality (4 stars) and amenities. I'll stop at Costco and buy food, coffee, creamer, lunchmeat and liquor and spend the equivalent of $8 per meal at most per person for steak, chicken or shrimp, bacon, eggs, etc and $2 per drink for top shelf including mixer or $1.50 per beer. Total weekly food costs = $335 for 2 people Total weekly drink costs = $150 at the most Total food and drink costs = $485 An almost $2000 savings So, spend your money on things you can't get at home (whale watching, snorkel, fishing charter, etc) and feed yourself. Close your eyes and imagine BBQing a steak while sipping a drink and looking at the sunset. Trust me, the food and drinks are the big trap in Hawaii. That, as well as rental cars ($700 for the week for a Camry). Yes, you need a rental car, and they know it. So, as you can see, by making some smart choices, you can shave more than $5400 off of your 1-week vacation at a 4-star resort in Maui. Yes, you can save money and get better quality in today's crazy world. You just have to want it.

Thank you! This was a helpful video as I just learned about Vrbo for rentals. Planning a trip currently. Will check out your article.

Very helpful, thank you guys. Planning a trip in April and watching your videos is helping decide where to stay. It’s pretty overwhelming!

Thank you so much for posting! We are a family of 5 headed to Hawaii (the big island) in the summer of 2022 for 1 week and found a beautiful beach front house for $4200 for thhe week. 2 bedroom suites to hold all of our children where so expensive. We found a rad little company called Hawaii Beach front vacation rentals. Awesome properties without all the additional fees.

Normally hotels but we will be there in a few days (Oahu) and are doing a vacation rental and keeping to ourselves a bit more during the pandemic. We just need some warm sunshine. 🥰

I appreciate your positivity, candor, and great insights. Having each person’s perspective is very helpful. You clearly know Hawaii and have insider’s knowledge.

Thanks for all the info!! Nice and short but very informative !!

Staying 10 days in June. Current idea is to stay in a resort with all the fun amenities for the first 2 days to decompress, hang out at the pool/beach. Move to a vacation rental for the last 8 days!

You guys rock. Your videos are very helpful and I appreciate all your input. I would suggest that if you mention another video that you’ve made, you link it in the description box, not just the pop up links.

Love your videos and tips!!! Hope to be back in Hawaii soon!!!

Goodness gracious what a good looking family! Henry is SO cute!! Thanks for all the tips, super helpful!

I have to say, the hostels in Hawaii have been pretty nice as well if you're traveling solo!

I'm on my fourth video in a row from you guys. I love you guys good information.

Such a lovely family ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️