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Welcome Home: The beach at Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation is ideal for families. //© Outrigger’s Condominium Collection

Owning a house in Hawaii may be a pipe dream for most families, but they can still find their tropical home-away-from-home by booking a condominium resort. Set up like an apartment with living areas, complete kitchens and separate bedrooms, a condo lets kin of all kinds stay together comfortably and save money in the process.

Better yet, with Hawaii’s tourism counts trending downward these days, condo resorts are pulling out all the stops to attract business, said Joseph Toy, president of Hospitality Advisors, a Hawaii-based hospitality consulting firm.

“Currently there is an oversupply of condominiums, which means that there are great deals at newly developed or renovated resorts,” said Toy. “Condos have incorporated more guest amenities than in the past. There’s also a greater range of condo products than ever, from budget off-beach to luxury beachfront. So it’s no wonder that condominiums are increasingly popular for extended family travel.”

What makes the Hawaii condominium resort different from those in other vacation destinations? For starters, Hawaii’s product features hotel amenities such as daily maid service, according to Shari Chang, senior vice president of sales, marketing and revenue management for Aston Hotels & Resorts, which manages 16 condominiums throughout the islands.

“The all-suite condominium resort — blending two concepts, hotel services and spacious condo accommodations — was introduced in Hawaii in 1969,” said Chang. “It’s a model that has taken root throughout Hawaii, so there’s a legacy of proven experience that is unequaled by other destinations. This assures quality experiences and services that visitors have come to expect.”

Additionally, Hawaii’s condominium products stand apart, thanks to an infusion of aloha spirit, said Tim Alex, sales and marketing director for Outrigger’s Condominium Collection, comprised of 14 properties around the state.

“Hawaii’s greatest attribute is its island-style hospitality, which allows guests to experience the unique and warm island culture firsthand,” Alex said.

One of the major advantages of booking a condo is its affordability. Often, condos can provide a much better value than multiple hotel rooms, especially when there are no charges for additional guests. When space is an issue, condos offer the flexibility of choosing one-, two-, three and even four-bedroom, apartment-style suites with living rooms, multiple bathrooms and complete kitchens — perfect for families with children or large groups of friends traveling together. When adults want to stay up to relax or enjoy drinks on the outdoor lanai or balcony, children can sleep in their own room with the door closed.

“Families can spread out in the comfort of living/dining room areas to enjoy games, movies and meals, while flexible sleeping arrangements with individual bedrooms and multiple bathrooms allow for comfort and privacy,” Chang added.

For Hawaii family reunions or weddings, a condominium once again solves the accommodation quandary. The large space provided by condos eliminates the need to book other hotel rooms for loved ones and their guests. On-site recreational amenities — such as a swimming pool, jet spa, sauna, tennis court, exercise facility or putting green — cater to the tastes of young and old alike.

Traveling with the gang means there’s always someone who’s hungry. Fully equipped kitchens let clients take a break from expensive restaurant meals, an often overlooked travel cost. Cooking allows families to experience Hawaii’s native tastes in a more personal way, too, as they sample fresh produce and fish from local markets. Kitchens make it possible to keep snacks and drinks on hand, store leftovers and satisfy late-night cravings. Most condo resorts also provide grounds for outdoor cooking and entertaining. The poolside pavilions and barbecue areas create an idyllic setting for family and friends to bond over meals and cocktails. The money saved by eating some meals in the condo can go toward more sightseeing and island explorations.

Given Hawaii’s emphasis on the great outdoors, laundry can stack up quickly during a vacation on the islands. Score another point for booking condominiums, which generally come with washers and dryers or laundry facilities. Families can pack lightly and handle laundry needs during their stay. What’s more, they don’t have to pay airline fees for extra baggage.

This year, more than ever before, Hawaii’s condos are luring families with extra perks, promotions and packages, whether it’s a gift certificate to a local grocery store, free nights or free kids’ gifts. Aston, for instance, is giving its guests a booklet with $2,000 worth of discounts on dining, shopping and attractions and activities. Outrigger is encouraging family outings by providing them with an Island Explorer Kit.

Travel agents, as well as families making their own bookings, will want to do their homework when determining the best condominium for their clan. There’s a wide range of companies to choose from, such as Condominium Rentals Hawaii — specializing in properties on Maui and Kauai — and Classic Resorts, which can set up visitors in a vacation rental (a house with complete privacy).

“The diversity of guests staying in condos covers all markets, and the diversity of Hawaii’s condo resorts, from moderate to luxury, is so great that it’d be hard to identify a single group who wouldn’t enjoy the condo experience,” Chang said. “Working with a reputable company ensures that all their expectations are met.”

When picking a Hawaii condo, decision-makers should keep these additional details in mind. They must think about which island they want to visit and which part of that island appeals to them most. They need
to decide between a unit in a high-rise tower or in a cluster of low-rise condos. Finally, they might want to check online for testimonials and comments from past guests.

All of this research pays off in a big way when it’s time to enjoy the end product. In the long run, a condo’s unique balance of value and amenities makes a family vacation to Hawaii easy and affordable for any lifestyle, taste and budget.

Hawaii Condo Etiquette

Hawaii condominiums can be so relaxing that guests of all ages might forget that there are other people vacationing around them. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

The number-one rule in anyone’s Hawaii residence — including a condominium unit — is to remove your shoes before walking inside. That simple act can reduce wear, tear and dirt on floors and rugs. It’s also incredibly comfortable. In fact, you may just find yourself instilling the practice in your own home after the vacation.

Keep your lanai looking tidy. Instead of draping wet beach towels on the outdoor furniture, throw them in the dryer.

Hawaii has a very strict no-smoking law. Be sure to check with the condominium beforehand so that you understand its rules.

Be respectful of your neighbors. Limit your cell-phone conversations to the privacy of your condo rather than next to the pool or outside on your lanai.

Since each unit is individually owned, remember to treat your condominium accommodations as if you were a guest in someone else’s home.