How to Advertise Your Rental Property in Hawaii

Hawaii’s rental market is unlike anywhere else in the U.S. With limited inventory, high demand from both locals and newcomers, and strict short-term rental laws, landlords must be strategic when advertising properties. Whether you're renting a Honolulu condo, a Hilo ʻohana unit, or a long-term house in Kihei, how you list your property can make a big difference.

Success starts with a clear, well-prepared listing tailored to your island’s unique pace of life. This guide walks through how to prep your property, where to post your rental, and how to attract the right tenants while staying compliant with Hawaii’s ever-evolving regulations.

Preparing Your Rental Property for Advertising

Before you list your property, take time to prep both the space and your listing materials. A polished presentation helps you attract reliable tenants and reduce vacancy.

Step 1: Deep clean and declutter

• Sweep lanais and entryways
• Wipe salt spray from windows
• Freshen up with tropical plants or neutral decor

Step 2: Highlight Hawaii-specific lifestyle features

Renters in Hawaii care about:

• Ventilation: Ceiling fans, trade wind flow, or AC units
• Outdoor space: Lanais, patios, or garden areas
• Location: Walking distance to beaches, surf spots, or farmer’s markets
• Furnishings: Many mid- or long-term rentals include furniture—call that out clearly
• Utilities: Let tenants know what’s included (water, internet, electricity)

Step 3: Take great photos in natural light

Capture:

• Each major room
• The view (ocean, mountain, garden)
• The lanai or outdoor space
• Exterior and parking

For furnished or short-term units, show how the space is laid out and lived in—people want to envision themselves there.

Where to Advertise Your Hawaii Rental

Hawaii renters come from all over—so listing your property across multiple channels is important. Locals may look on Craigslist or Facebook, while mainland transplants might rely on Zillow or Apartments.com.

Best platforms for Hawaii landlords:

• Zillow Rental Manager: Strong for long-term rentals and mainland visibility
• Apartments.com: Good for professional, long-term units with amenities
• Craigslist Hawaii: Still very popular with local renters and seasonal workers
• Facebook Marketplace: Quick traction in local buy/sell/rent groups
• Island-specific housing groups: Like “Oʻahu Rentals” or “Big Island Housing”
• Hemlane: Centralizes your listings across platforms and helps track leads, applications, and more

Rental Listing Platform Comparison

How to Write an Effective Rental Listing

In Hawaii’s competitive (and often high-priced) rental market, your listing needs to stand out—not just with great photos, but with clear, compelling, and legally sound language.

Start with a strong headline

 Include the island, number of bedrooms, and one standout feature.

Examples:

• 1BR ʻOhana in Hilo – Furnished with Mountain Views + Utilities Included
• Studio in Waikīkī – Walk to Beach + Covered Parking
• 2BR in Lahaina – Lanai + Split AC + Pet Friendly

Use short paragraphs or bullet points to include key info:

• Monthly rent and deposit
• Lease type (12-month, short-term, mid-term)
• Move-in availability
• Bedrooms/bathrooms and square footage
• Furnished vs. unfurnished
• Cooling: AC, ceiling fans, or breezes
• Laundry setup (in-unit, on-site, none)
• Parking situation
• Included utilities (electric, water, trash, internet)
• Pet policy (if allowed)

Island-specific tips to include:

• Highlight trade winds, ocean breezes, or shaded lanais
• Show proximity to beaches, surf spots, or town centers
• Emphasize lifestyle benefits: walking to the farmer’s market, sunset views, eco-living

Photos should include:

• Daylight shots of every room
• Outdoor views from the lanai or yard
• Parking, storage areas, or shared amenities
• Any unique local touches (plumeria trees, outdoor showers, etc.)

Legal Requirements When Advertising Rentals in Hawaii

Advertising rental property in Hawaii requires more than just writing a good description—you also need to follow state and local rules, especially if you’re renting short-term or remotely.

Fair Housing laws apply

As with all U.S. states, Hawaii landlords must not include discriminatory or exclusionary language. That means no references to:

• Age, race, religion, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation
• Phrases like “ideal for single person” or “no kids” are considered violations

Short-term rentals (STRs) are highly regulated

If you're renting for fewer than 180 days:

• You may need a Non-Conforming Use Certificate or short-term rental license
• In some counties (like Maui or Oʻahu), STRs are banned in many residential zones
• You must include your TAT license number in your ad if applicable

Long-term leases (180+ days)

Most landlords in Hawaii should focus on advertising long-term rentals unless properly licensed otherwise. These have fewer restrictions and a larger renter pool.

Be clear and honest in your listing

• Don’t exaggerate proximity to the beach or misrepresent lease terms
• Clearly state all fees, deposits, and what’s included in rent
• Avoid language that could be interpreted as deceptive or non-compliant

Bonus tip: If you’re not on-island, make sure someone local is available for showings, inspections, or tenant support. Platforms like Hemlane can help coordinate remote management.

Island-Specific Advertising Tips

Every island has a unique housing vibe—and renters have different expectations depending on where they’re searching.

Oʻahu (Honolulu, Kailua, North Shore):

• Proximity to town, Ala Moana, or UH Mānoa is a major draw
• Parking and AC are big selling points in Honolulu
• In Kailua or the North Shore, emphasize walkability to the beach or outdoor lifestyle

Maui (Kihei, Lahaina, Upcountry):

• Be very clear about legal lease length—many areas ban short-term rentals
• Highlight breezy layouts, energy efficiency, and views
• In Upcountry, emphasize quiet, cooler temps, and nature access

Big Island (Hilo, Kona, Waimea):

• Mention if you’re off-grid or have special systems (solar, rain catchment)
• Reliable Wi-Fi is important, especially for remote workers
• Highlight covered parking and storm-safe construction

Kauaʻi (Līhuʻe, Princeville, Poʻipū):

• Advertise peace, scenery, and outdoor space
• Furnished units are common; call it out if yours is
• Be transparent about any flood zone or coastal access limitations

Advanced Advertising Strategies

Looking to fill your unit quickly with qualified tenants? These advanced strategies can help set your Hawaii listing apart—especially in high-demand areas or for off-island owners.

Use virtual tours

Many prospective renters live on the mainland or on a different island. A short video walkthrough or virtual tour builds trust and increases engagement.

Focus on lease length and legality

Especially in Maui and Oʻahu, where short-term rentals are restricted:

• Emphasize that your lease meets legal minimums (usually 180+ days)
• Include your license number if advertising a permitted short-term rental

Highlight utilities and climate control

Energy bills can be a concern in Hawaii. Mention:

• What’s included (water, trash, internet, electricity)
• Whether the unit has AC, solar, fans, or good airflow
• Any eco-friendly upgrades, like PV panels or rainwater systems

Use strategic keywords for visibility

Renters often filter by:

• “Furnished”
• “Utilities included”
• “AC”
• “Walk to beach”
• “Washer/dryer in unit”

Automate lead management

Using Hemlane, you can:

• Syndicate your listing
• Track inquiries and screen tenants
• Automate follow-ups and schedule showings remotely

Perfect for landlords who don’t live on-island or who manage multiple units.

Sample Rental Listing Template

Here’s a sample listing tailored to Hawaii’s market:

Furnished 1BR ʻOhana in Hilo – Mountain Views + Utilities Included

Available October 1 – $1,800/month – Hilo, HI

Peaceful 1-bedroom ʻohana unit with beautiful views of Mauna Kea. Located in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from downtown Hilo and the university.

Highlights:

• 500 sq. ft.
• Fully furnished
• Queen bed, sofa, dining set, kitchen essentials
• Private lanai with garden and mountain views
• Ceiling fans and trade wind breezes
• Off-street parking
• Wi-Fi, water, trash, and electricity included
• Shared laundry on site

Lease Terms:12-month lease preferred (6-month minimum)Rent: $1,800/monthSecurity Deposit: $1,800No pets, no smokingAvailable: October 1Contact: hiloohana@email.com | (808) 555-1234

How to Handle Inquiries After Advertising

Once your listing is live, it’s crucial to stay on top of responses—especially in Hawaii, where time zone differences and off-island applicants are common.

Reply promptly

Respond to inquiries within 24 hours. A fast reply can make the difference in securing a qualified tenant.

Pre-screen before scheduling showings

Ask a few quick questions:

• Why are you moving to this island or area?
• Desired move-in date
• Number of tenants and pets
• Lease term flexibility
• Employment or income source

Offer flexible showing options

• Virtual tours: Ideal for mainland applicants
• In-person or self-guided tours: Use a lockbox if managing remotely (with proper vetting)

Keep track of leads

Use Hemlane or a spreadsheet to log:

• Contact info
• Screening responses
• Tour and follow-up status
• Notes on fit or red flags

Common Advertising Mistakes to Avoid

These are common missteps that can cost you time, delay leasing, or create legal headaches—especially in Hawaii’s regulated market.

• Not specifying lease length: Always make it clear whether you’re offering a long-term, mid-term, or short-term lease—and only offer STRs if you’re licensed.
• Leaving out climate details: Renters want to know about AC, fans, trade winds, and how the home stays cool.
• Unclear location or island: Always list the island and neighborhood clearly. “Ocean view rental” means nothing if they don’t know it’s on Maui.
• Skipping utilities info: Let tenants know what’s included. In Hawaii, even water or trash service can vary.
• Using restricted language: Avoid phrases like “ideal for professionals” or “no families,” which could violate Fair Housing laws.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Not all landlords in Hawaii live on the island—or want to handle everything themselves. Here are your options:

Property managers

Great if you want full-service support. They’ll handle:

• Advertising
• Showings
• Screening
• Maintenance
• Rent collection

Expect fees of 8–12% of monthly rent, plus leasing fees.

Leasing agents

 If you only need help finding a tenant, an agent can:

• Price the unit
• Advertise and show it
• Place a qualified tenant

You manage the lease and property afterward.

Use Hemlane if you’re a DIY landlord

Hemlane is ideal for:

• Landlords on another island or the mainland
• Those with 1–10 units
• Anyone who wants to stay hands-on without micromanaging

With Hemlane, you can list your rental, screen tenants, communicate securely, and even loop in local agents when needed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re listing a studio in Waikīkī or an ʻohana unit in Hilo, advertising your Hawaii rental property takes more than uploading a few photos. Renters in Hawaii have specific expectations—about climate control, lease length, utilities, and location—that can’t be overlooked.

By presenting your property clearly, staying compliant with local regulations, and using tools to stay organized, you’ll attract qualified tenants faster—and avoid common pitfalls.

Make It Easier with Hemlane

Hemlane helps Hawaii landlords:

• List across 30+ rental platforms
• Track inquiries and screen tenants
• Schedule showings and manage leases—remotely or on-island

Perfect for off-island owners or DIY managers.

Start your free 14-day trial!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to advertise rental property?

The best approach is to post your listing across multiple platforms—Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and island-specific housing groups—with professional photos and clear, detailed descriptions. Using Hemlane streamlines this process and helps manage leads in one place.

What is the 2% rule for rental properties?

The 2% rule is an investment metric that suggests your monthly rent should equal 2% of the property's purchase price. For example, a $200,000 home should rent for $4,000/month. In high-cost markets like Hawaii, this rule is rarely realistic—it’s more often used for quick screening than strict application.

Where do most people post their rentals?

In Hawaii, common platforms include Zillow Rental Manager, Craigslist Hawaii, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace. Many also use island-specific Facebook groups or tools like Hemlane that syndicate listings across multiple platforms.

What adds most value to rental property?

In Hawaii, top value-adding features include:

• Covered lanais or outdoor living space
• Air conditioning or good airflow
• In-unit laundry
• Utilities included in rent
• Proximity to beaches, transit, or schools
• Solar panels or energy-efficient upgrades

Does it cost to list on Zillow?

Yes. Zillow typically allows one free active rental listing per account. Additional listings or renewals may require a fee, usually around $9.99/week. Listings are also syndicated to Trulia and HotPads.