I want IN on the BIG ISLAND!

I want IN on the BIG ISLAND!

Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 67 posts · 29 votes

I've been to Hawaii four times in the last 5 years. I love the Big Island. I am devising a plan to purchase something. What I want to know, is it really worth it to own a STR on the Big Island? Prices are rather steep, and I can't see how people are making money vs. the obligations associated with STR...and the high mortgage. Lease hold, HOA, etc... seem steep to me.

All comments are welcome!

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Lender · New York, NY · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y

Laura,

Check out my BP post about the best markets to invest in STRs for 2023, where I devoted a section to Wakiki, Hawaii. 

Here you go: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    There are more than a few people on the forum that do STRs in Hawaii. I am sure they will chime in.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y

    Be careful doing a STR in an HOA. You never know when they will change their minds about STRs....I wouldn't mess with them....

  • Real Estate Broker · Wailea, HI · Member since 2016 · 134 posts · 77 votes
    3y

    @Lauren Ruppert Great question. Can you make money? Maybe, but its tough. You need to find the right property in the right location and at a price that makes the numbers work. Challenge with the big island is you can only do STR's in specific visitor designated zones. And you also have to consider the fact that there are a decent number of resorts you have to compete with.

    Again, it can be done but patience and running numbers will make all the difference here.

  • Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

    Be careful doing a STR in an HOA. You never know when they will change their minds about STRs....I wouldn't mess with them....


    In HI it's the other way around Bruce, in practical tem, it's only possible to do Airbnb in HOA.

  • Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Lauren Ruppert:

    I've been to Hawaii four times in the last 5 years. I love the Big Island. I am devising a plan to purchase something. What I want to know, is it really worth it to own a STR on the Big Island? Prices are rather steep, and I can't see how people are making money vs. the obligations associated with STR...and the high mortgage. Lease hold, HOA, etc... seem steep to me.

    All comments are welcome!


     It's not just worth, I can exchange 5 bay area homes to one small condo in Kona and that's me :)

    It's just incomparable.

  • Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Mark Waite:

    @Lauren Ruppert Great question. Can you make money? Maybe, but its tough. You need to find the right property in the right location and at a price that makes the numbers work. Challenge with the big island is you can only do STR's in specific visitor designated zones. And you also have to consider the fact that there are a decent number of resorts you have to compete with.

    Again, it can be done but patience and running numbers will make all the difference here.


    the key thing is one need to put 37% down to get DSCR 1.1 after all expenses (including PM and utilities).

  • Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    I see this not as challenge but as competitive advantage. My Kona STR has been booked 100% all year all season. And it's on heaven.

  • Lender · New York, NY · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Laura,

    Check out my BP post about the best markets to invest in STRs for 2023, where I devoted a section to Wakiki, Hawaii. 

    Here you go: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

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