Timeshare Rental Platform RedWeek Grows as Hawaii Vacation Option
RedWeek’s verified timeshare rental marketplace is gaining popularity among travelers seeking safer online booking options, with Hawaii remaining one of their strongest destination categories including verified listings across all major islands. RedWeek operates as a trusted marketplace connecting timeshare owners with renters through verified listings and protected payments. The platform has A+ BBB accreditation and […]
Big Island Approves New Property Tax Structure Targeting High-Value Homes
The Hawaii County Council has approved new property tax rates for fiscal year 2026-27 that reduce taxes for primary residences while significantly increasing rates for luxury second homes. Multiple sources report the changes are designed to address a $15 million budget shortfall and rising wastewater infrastructure costs. Primary residences and affordable rental housing will see […]
Hawaii County Proposes Property Tax Increases for Second Homes, Investments
Hawaii County Council is considering raising property tax rates on non-resident and second homes to address a $15 million budget deficit, while reducing rates for local owner-occupied properties. Tax rates would increase most for properties over $2 million, rising from $13.60 to $15 per $1,000 of taxable value. A new ‘luxury’ tier tax rate of […]
Rising Restaurant Costs and Declining Quality May Impact Visitor Experience
Hawaii visitors report paying premium prices for disappointing restaurant meals, leading some to cook their own food instead of dining out during vacations. Visitors increasingly frustrated with expensive restaurant meals that don’t justify their high cost. Restaurant industry facing pressure from rising labor costs and expensive ingredients statewide. Some travelers now prepare their own meals […]
Hawaii County Eyes Property Tax Increases for Non-Resident and Second Homes
Hawaii County Council will hold a public hearing on proposed property tax rate increases for non-resident and second home properties to address a $15 million budget deficit. Owner-occupied homes would see slight tax rate reductions. Properties worth $2-4 million would see tax rates rise from $11.10-13.60 to $12.10-15.00 per $1,000 of taxable value. A new […]
March Storms Devastate Oahu Farms, Could Reduce Local Food Supply
Severe flooding in March caused an estimated $50 million in damage to nearly 2,000 Hawaii farms, destroying crops and equipment across Oahu’s North Shore agricultural areas. Back-to-back March storms brought Hawaii’s worst flooding in 20 years, wiping out entire farms just weeks before harvest. Nearly 2,000 farms sustained damage with losses estimated at $50 million […]
State Urges Property Owners to Check Insurance Before Hurricane Season
Hawaii’s Insurance Division recommends property owners review their coverage before June 1 hurricane season begins, as El Niño conditions may increase storm activity. Standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover hurricane or flood damage. Hurricane season begins June 1 with El Niño conditions potentially increasing Pacific storm activity. Standard homeowners and rental property insurance policies do […]
Tourist Entry Fees and Higher Taxes Roll Out Globally in 2026
Major destinations including Kyoto, Venice, and France are implementing new tourist taxes and entry fees in 2026, ranging from modest daily charges to significant accommodation surcharges. These fees aim to manage overtourism and generate revenue from visitors. Kyoto raised tourist taxes significantly with nightly charges from $1-66 depending on accommodation cost, hitting luxury properties hardest. […]
Survey Shows Property Maintenance Stress Affects Most Homeowners’ Mental Health
A new study finds 84% of homeowners experience anxiety from property maintenance and costs, though 97% still consider homeownership worthwhile. Many defer expensive repairs including plumbing, roofing, and electrical work. 84% of homeowners report that property-related stress impacts their quality of life, with some losing sleep or experiencing worsened mental health. 69% of homeowners are […]
MPD Expands Crisis Response Training to Include Resort and Business Staff
Maui Police trained 21 new Crisis Intervention Team members, including staff from Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott and other local businesses, to improve responses to mental health emergencies. The 40-hour certification program teaches de-escalation techniques for mental health and emotional crises. Training participants included police, county staff, and employees from Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott and Wailuku Federal Credit […]