In Hawaii’s competitive vacation rental market—especially along the Kohala Coast—guest expectations are rising faster than trade winds before a storm. But the good news? You don’t need to gut your unit or splurge on luxury furniture to stay ahead. Sometimes, a few well-placed tech upgrades are all it takes to elevate your property’s appeal, improve reviews, and increase returns.

Here are seven small but mighty tech improvements that pay for themselves in both happy guests and higher occupancy.

Do Small Technology Upgrades Really Matter?

Yes! Modern travelers—especially families and remote workers—expect comfort, convenience, and connectivity. These expectations show up in your reviews, your rebooking rate, and ultimately, your bottom line. Smart home tech doesn’t just create a smoother stay for guests—it creates efficiencies for you (or your property manager), reducing wear and tear, operational headaches, and even utility bills.

7 Smart Tech Upgrades for Big Results

1. Smart Locks: A Seamless Arrival Every Time

Say goodbye to lost keys and awkward lockbox instructions. Smart locks allow for smooth, contactless check-ins and generate time-specific codes for each guest—boosting both security and satisfaction. Smart locks also allow vacation rentals owners and property manager to have an accurate time stamp of when anyone entered or left the condo. It also allows you to grant cleaning crews access without needing to drive to the unit.

2. Smart Thermostats: Cool Comfort That Saves

With Hawaii’s electricity costs among the highest in the nation, smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) learn guest behavior and optimize energy use. Pair this device with occupancy sensors to automatically adjust settings when no one’s home or if doors are left open—a must in humid, mold-prone climates like the Kohala Coast.

3. High-Speed Mesh Wi-Fi: Strong Signal = Happy Guests

Streaming movies, Zoom calls, remote work—guests expect it all. A mesh Wi-Fi system ensures stable internet coverage across every corner of your vacation rental, lanai included. More and more travelers that opt to vacation in a home rental over a more traditional hotel room are favoring larger floorplans that allow for the ability to comfortably and privately complete some business while also on vacation. Be sure to list your Wi-Fi speed in your rental description. It’s a growing filter on Airbnb and Vrbo.

4. Noise Monitoring Devices: Prevent Party Problems

Discreet tools like Minut or NoiseAware alert your manager when noise exceeds a set threshold—without recording any audio. It protects your unit, your neighbors, and your peace of mind.

5. Occupancy & Door Sensors: Lower Bills, Longer Lifespan

These small sensors automatically shut off A/C when sliding doors are left open (a common issue in Hawaii rentals) or if the unit is vacant for long periods. You would be surprised how many guests in Hawaii want the leave the lanai doors open all day to hear the tropical sounds while also running the AC. This automatic sensor can help reduce humidity, lead to fewer mold issues, and reduced electricity costs.

6. Provide Digital Guidebooks: A Local Touch at Scale

Printed binders are out. Digital guidebooks (like Hostfully or TouchStay) offer guests restaurant tips, beach directions, and check-out instructions right on their phone—branded with your personal recommendations. Include Kohala Coast favorites like Lava Lava Beach Club or hidden snorkeling spots near Puako to truly wow your guests.

7. Automated Messaging & Review Requests

A smart messaging tool (integrated via your property management software) can assure that communication with your guests is clear and precise. Set up text messages or emails that are sent to every guest seven days prior to arrival. Check in with guests mid-stay to see if there are any questions. Send thank you messaging upon departure and kindly ask guests for reviews. You stay in touch with your guests without lifting a finger. The more touchpoints you have, the higher likelihood of earning 5-star reviews for your vacation rental.

The ROI of Tech-Forward Rentals

These upgrades aren’t just for guest comfort—they drive real results, such as:

• Higher average nightly rates (since you provide a premium expereince and service)
• Lower opeartional costs (especially energy and staff time)
• Increased 5-star reviews (leading to higher placement on booking platforms and more repeat bookings)

Most of the above technology upgrades cost less than the revenue you will earn with one night booked! They can also be implemented fairly quickly.

Partner with a Team Who Knows What Works on the Kohala Coast

At CoralTree Residence Collection, we manage vacation homes in Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Puako, and Mauna Kea. We know what today’s guests want—and we help owners implement upgrades that drive both guest satisfaction and ROI. Want to explore tech upgrades that make sense for your property? Talk to our Kohala Coast property expert: Matty Gaskill.