Owning a second home in South Maui (Kihei, Wailea, and Makena) —whether at Wailea Beach Villas, Makena Surf, Wailea Ekahi Village, Wailea Elua Village, Wailea Ekolu Village, Wailea Grand Champions, or Polo Beach Club—means enjoying paradise on your own terms. But between mortgage payments, HOA dues, utilities, insurance, and upkeep, it can add up fast. The good news? By renting your home out when you’re not using it, you can substantially offset your ownership costs. Here’s how to make owning a vacation rental on Maui work for you.
1. South Maui’s Unique Appeal for Second Homes
- Village-Style Variety: From the resort-style comforts of Wailea to the oceanfront tranquility of Makena Surf, South Maui offers neighborhoods that suit both lifestyle and rental demand.
- Seasonal Demand: Even in shoulder seasons, visitors flock here for whale-watching, golf tournaments, and local festivals—keeping your calendar filled.
- Premium Nightly Rates: Well-appointed homes at Makena Surf or Polo Beach Club routinely command $600–$800+ per night during peak periods, helping you recoup more of your costs.
2. Key Costs & How Rental Revenue Helps Cover Them
Owning a property on Maui isn’t cheap—but a smart vacation rental strategy can turn expenses into income:
Mortgage & Insurance
Maintenance Fees
Utilities & Internet
Maintenance & Tropical Wear
Taxes (GET & TAT)
Varies by unit size and lender
$900-$2,000+/month
$300-$500+/month
~$300/month
GET/TAT Total of 19.6%
50-70% of costs (at 60-70% occupancy)
Offset via nightly rates
Offset via nightly rates
Offset via nightly rates
Collected from guests; transparent pass-through
3.Choosing CoralTree as Your Management Partner
Not all managers are built for South Maui’s pace. You need a team that:
- Lives Here: Our in-house staff is based on Maui—no off-island call centers.
- Understands Your Home: We manage homes exactly like yours at Ekahi and Elua, so we know how to position them for maximum bookings.
- Maximizes Revenue: Our revenue management team blends dynamic pricing with local market knowledge to keep your home booked at the best rates.
- Handles Everything: From guest concierge and housekeeping to maintenance and tax filings, we cover the details so your home feels brand-new every stay.
- Keeps You Informed: Monthly statements show gross revenue, expenses, and your net income—so you always know exactly how much your home is earning.
4. What to Consider Before You Rent Out Your Second Home
- HOA & Zoning Rules: Verify short-term rental allowances in your association.
- Insurance Requirements: Vacation-rental policies often differ from primary-home insurance—make sure you’re fully covered.
- Owner Stays: Block out personal use dates well in advance (we recommend minimum 120-day notice) so your calendars never clash.
- Local Regulations: Stay current on Maui County’s STR permit rules to avoid fines or interruptions.
5. Getting Started: Subsidize Your Ownership with Confidence
- Run the Numbers: Calculate your projected contribution margin (revenue less variable costs) to determine the rental rate you need.
- Book a Consultation: Let our South Maui experts review your home’s potential and outline a customized plan.
- Prepare Your Home: From professional photography to staging advice, we’ll ensure your home shines online.
- Launch & Optimize: We’ll go live with your listing, monitor performance, and adjust pricing dynamically to maximize your net income.
Ready to see how much you can earn?
Contact Brandon Sacks on our Business Development Team today to benchmark your South Maui home—whether it’s at Wailea Ekolu Village, Wailea Ekahi Village, Makena Surf, or any of our managed communities—and start turning those empty weeks into paid stays.