Hawaii is currently experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom. If you don’t believe it, just try booking a late summer getaway or a fall vacation. Or maybe you have Christmas and New Year’s on the islands in mind? Good luck.
“Demand is through the roof,” says John Di Rienzo, Director of Marketing for Exotic Estates, which offers luxury homes and villas throughout the Hawaiian Islands, as well as in Mexico and the Caribbean. “I think that vacation rentals are at the highest occupancy level ever in Hawaii.”
This despite the fact that the pandemic has not gone away. The current state of Covid-19 regulations in the state is that as of July 8, 2021, individuals fully vaccinated in the United States or its Territories may enter Hawaii on domestic flights without pre-travel testing/quarantine starting the 15th day after the completion of their vaccination. All other travelers must have their negative test results from a Trusted Testing and Travel Partner prior to departing as an alternative to Hawaii’s mandatory 10-day quarantine.
The smart strategy, says Di Rienzo, is that “people need to book out pretty far to get the homes they want. Even spring break, 2022, is filling up.”
Far out, in this case, really means looking to the summer of 2022 for the best availability at the premier villas on the islands. That means spacious luxury properties with dramatic oceans views, proximity to beaches, and true privacy. These homes are essentially compounds that are perfect for small families or small groups of friends. Here are three homes to consider for that ultimate island trip next year.
Anini Vista Drive, Kauai
Priced for six guests, Anini Vista Drive on the garden island of Kauai gives new meaning to the term, “over the top.” Set near the North Shore of the island, this 7,000 square foot villa has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. It also has a home theater and a professional chef's kitchen. The ocean views and proximity to Anini Beach are incredible perks. But what makes it spectacular is that is has a sculpted 84 foot salt-water-lagoon-style pool and spa, in essence a hotel-style water park with a waterfall. Priced from $3,600 to $6,500 per night.
Pauoa Ocean Front Villa, Hawaii
Pauoa Ocean Front Villa is set at Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawaii. The four bedroom, four bath villa can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5,000 square feet of living space. The house’s indoor spaces connect to a large covered lanai, with an infinity-edge pool. The lanai also has an alfresco kitchen, fridge, and grill, for dining by the pool. The Mauna Lani community has long been the gold standard here and as guests of the villa, you have access to the exclusive member-only Pauoa Beach Club, with its workout rooms, saunas, pools, and massage spaces. The Fairmont Orchid beach is a short walk away. Rates from $3,500 to $9,000 per night.
Hale Makena, Maui
On the southwestern shore of Maui, Makena is an area known for its unspoiled beaches and for a handful of estates that are among the most exclusive on the island. Among them is Hale Makena, which overlooks Makena Bay and the island of Kaho’olawe. Makena’s classic beaches are five-minutes by car or 20-minute walk. Assuming you want to leave the 5,000 square foot property, that is. There are four-bedrooms, three of them en-suite, and the two upper level guest suites have private lanais. The home features a chef’s kitchen, pool and hot tub. The lanai has a covered tiki bar and BBQ grill. Not to mention some of the most dramatic island and ocean views on Maui. Rates from $4,700 to $12,000 per night.
