Lahaina Travel Forum

My wife and I have been searching the internet for weeks looking for a house to rent in Lahaina. The more we search the more confusing it gets.

There are a ton of people brokering other peoples homes and that makes it a little scary. I've read too many stories of people ending up in places much different than they appear on the web.
I would prefer to rent directly from the owner if possible.

Can anybody recommend a central web site for such listings or perhaps even a house in or near Lahaina?

Thanks in advance!

http://www.ownerdirect.com/accommodations/lahaina.htm

Thank you, that was quick!!

I checked out the site and they only have 2 condos available.
I was really looking for a house. We are looking for a little more seclusion than a condo or hotel room could provide. Trying to avoid crowds, kids and having to work-out before the trip :)

I would then look at Pinapple Hill or somewhere other than Lahina. Don't be afraid of agents. They are quite responsible in Hawaii as most people don't have the time to handle rental bookings

Aloha. The country and western singer, Randy Travis, has two homes in Maui for rent. One is fabulous and expensive, right in Lahaina. The home above Kaanapali is less expensive but a great home. If you are looking for just your wife and you, then these may be too much. If interested, check out the website:http://www.maui.net/~kmlp

There are dozens listed here at Vacation Rentals By Owner:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/hawaii/maui/kaanapali#3037

Availability, however, is unknown.

I'll second the vote for vrbo.com, however, IMHO, there are a few things you MUST do in order to insure you are renting what is being represented. One, ask for pictures. Lots of them. More than the owner has posted on the website. Two, talk to the owner by phone. It's hard to carry on a conversation via email. Three, ask for references. If the owner balks, walk.

Dennis

Thanks Dengay. I think you have just confirmed my suspicions about the whole renting over the internet thing.
Some of the homes we've looked at on the web are extremely low resolution and the angles of the pictures look like stuff is being intentionally omitted.
I wish there was someone local I could ask.

That is why I would recommend a business rental company. They have a reputation that must be up held and not just an internet site.

There are honest owners out there, you just have to be willing to spend the time to find one. If you don't have that kind of time or would just rather not, then a property mgmt company may be the way to go.

Dennis

Try searching on www.A1rentals.com. After you complete the required info you can scan the listings. Some of them will say "contact owner" and you will fill out an e-mail form and the owner should reply within a reasonable length of time.