Owning a short-term vacation rental on the Big Island can be incredibly rewarding—but only if it’s managed the right way. At Big Island Stays, we’re rolling out several exciting updates designed to increase occupancy, drive more bookings, and improve the overall guest experience. These changes reflect a smarter, more proactive approach to Hawaiʻi property management, benefiting both property owners and guests.
Passive vs. Active Vacation Rental Marketing
Most property management companies rely heavily on passive advertising—listing your property on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, or HomeAway and hoping the right guest finds it. While these platforms are important (and we absolutely use them), relying on hope alone isn’t a strategy.
Passive advertising often means hoping:
- A guest searches the right location
- Your property appears on page one
- Your listing stands out from similar options
That’s a lot of “hope.”
At Big Island Stays, we take a different approach by using active vacation rental marketing—putting your property directly in front of qualified travelers instead of waiting for them to stumble upon it.
Email Marketing That Drives Bookings
One of the most effective ways we’re increasing vacation rental occupancy on the Big Island is through email marketing. We maintain a large, engaged database of travelers actively interested in Hawaiʻi vacation rentals.
Each week, we send targeted emails featuring:
- Available vacation rental properties
- Monthly specials and promotions
- Limited-time booking opportunities
- Featured Big Island vacation homes
This approach consistently delivers higher visibility, more inquiries, and more confirmed bookings for our property owners.
Strategic Social Media Advertising
In addition to email marketing, we invest heavily in social media and digital advertising. Our campaigns run across:
Ads are strategically targeted to top feeder cities, including major West Coast markets, Colorado (including Denver), Arizona, and other regions where travelers frequently book trips to Hawaiʻi.
The result is increased website traffic, stronger booking intent, and more consistent rental income.
More Flexible Payment Options with Digital Wallets
Modern travelers expect convenience, especially when it comes to payments. We’ve upgraded our booking system with a digital wallet that provides guests with multiple secure ways to pay while protecting property owners.
Guests can now pay using:
- Credit cards
- Direct bank transfers (to avoid processing fees)
- Venmo
- PayPal
We also offer PayPal Pay Now or Pay Later, allowing guests to spread payments over time while property owners receive full payment upfront.
Guest Experience Matters (Yes, Even the Toilet Paper)
Details matter when it comes to guest satisfaction. That’s why every Big Island Stays property is now stocked with Costco three-ply toilet paper.
It may seem small, but comfort-focused upgrades lead to better reviews, repeat guests, and stronger overall performance for vacation rental owners.
Buying, Selling, or Investing in Big Island Real Estate?
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Big Island real estate, or if you’re searching for professional short-term vacation rental management in Hawaiʻi, we’re here to help.
Visit BigIslandStays.com to explore available properties or learn more about our vacation rental management services.
Until we talk again, aloha.
