Short Term Rental
Management

Surge offers local full service vacation rental management for busy vacation rental owners and Airbnb hosts in Paauilo, Hawaii

Schedule a Call

Paauilo, Hawaii Short Term Rental Overview

Airbnb Market
Paauilo, Hawaii presents an exceptional short-term rental investment opportunity driven by its strategic location on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, where limited accommodation supply meets consistently high tourist demand. Property owners in this area can capitalize on average daily rates ranging from $150-$300 per night, with occupancy rates typically exceeding 70% during peak seasons, translating to potential annual revenues of $40,000-$80,000 for well-positioned properties. The town's proximity to popular attractions like Akaka Falls, Waipio Valley, and the scenic Hamakua Heritage Corridor creates sustained booking demand from travelers seeking authentic Hawaiian experiences away from crowded resort areas. Market data indicates that Paauilo's vacation rental inventory remains significantly undersupplied relative to visitor interest, with properties often achieving booking rates 15-20% higher than comparable Big Island locations due to limited competition and the area's reputation as a gateway to the island's most pristine natural attractions. Additionally, the recent infrastructure improvements along Highway 19 and growing recognition of the Hamakua Coast as a premium eco-tourism destination position early investors to benefit from appreciating property values while generating substantial rental income in an increasingly sought-after market segment.
Short Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Paauilo, Hawaii, are governed by a complex web of county ordinances, state tax requirements, and zoning restrictions that can change without warning, leaving property owners vulnerable to substantial fines, legal action, and forced closure of their rental operations if they fail to maintain proper permits, collect and remit the required transient accommodation taxes, or inadvertently violate evolving land use regulations. The intricate permitting process involves multiple agencies, ongoing compliance monitoring, and detailed record-keeping requirements that can overwhelm even the most diligent property owner, with violations potentially resulting in penalties of thousands of dollars per day and permanent loss of rental privileges. However, by partnering with a professional short-term rental management service, property owners can rest assured that all licensing requirements, tax obligations, permit renewals, and regulatory compliance matters are handled by experienced professionals who stay current with changing laws and maintain the necessary relationships with local authorities to ensure your property remains fully compliant and profitable.
Occupancy Rates
Paauilo, Hawaii experiences distinct seasonal patterns with peak occupancy rates typically occurring during winter months (December through March) when mainland visitors escape cold weather, and summer months (June through August) coinciding with family vacation periods, often achieving 80-90% occupancy during these high-demand windows. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November generally see occupancy rates drop to 60-70% as tourist volume decreases and competition intensifies among vacation rental properties. Professional revenue management becomes crucial during these fluctuations, requiring sophisticated dynamic pricing strategies that adjust rates based on local events, weather patterns, and competitor analysis to maximize revenue per available night. Effective revenue management in Paauilo must account for the area's unique position on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast, where demand can be influenced by factors such as Mauna Kea snow conditions, local festivals, and agricultural tourism, necessitating real-time pricing adjustments that can increase rates by 40-60% during peak periods while strategically lowering prices during slower months to maintain competitive occupancy levels and prevent extended vacancy periods that could significantly impact annual revenue performance.
Vacation Rental Management
Managing a vacation rental in Paauilo, Hawaii presents unique operational challenges that can quickly overwhelm property owners attempting self-management in this remote Big Island location. Guest turnover becomes particularly complex due to Paauilo's distance from major airports and limited local service providers, making same-day cleaning and maintenance coordination extremely difficult when guests check out at 11 AM and new arrivals expect immediate access. The 24/7 communication demands are intensified by Hawaii's time zone differences with mainland guests, requiring owners to respond to emergencies, booking inquiries, and guest concerns at all hours while potentially being thousands of miles away. Maintenance issues in Paauilo are especially problematic due to the area's isolation, humid tropical climate that accelerates wear and tear, limited pool of qualified contractors, and the high costs associated with emergency repairs when systems fail during peak occupancy periods. Without professional property management handling these critical touchpoints, owners frequently experience guest complaints about delayed responses, inadequate cleaning between stays, and unresolved maintenance issues that quickly damage online reviews and revenue potential. In Paauilo's competitive vacation rental market where guests expect luxury amenities and flawless service, full-service property management becomes essential for maintaining the consistent 5-star experience necessary to command premium rates and achieve true passive income, as even minor operational failures can result in negative reviews that take months to overcome and significantly impact booking conversion rates.
Attractions and Amenities
Paauilo, Hawaii attracts visitors primarily to the nearby Waipi'o Valley Lookout offering breathtaking views of the "Valley of the Kings," the historic Paauilo Country Store and Cafe serving as a charming local gathering spot, the scenic Hamakua Coast's dramatic cliffs and waterfalls accessible via Highway 19, and the area's working cattle ranches that provide authentic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) experiences. To effectively serve guests visiting these attractions, properties must offer early morning coffee service and grab-and-go breakfast options for sunrise valley viewing, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi for uploading scenic photos and staying connected during rural stays, covered parking or gear storage for hiking equipment and rain protection given the area's frequent precipitation, comfortable outdoor seating areas where guests can relax after long days of exploration, and detailed local information including trail maps, weather updates, and recommendations for navigating the winding coastal roads safely. Additionally, properties should provide basic first aid supplies and emergency contact information since many attractions are in remote locations with limited cell service, while offering flexible check-in/check-out times to accommodate guests participating in guided ranch tours or extended valley hikes that may run longer than anticipated.

Why choose Surge?

Surge is local Airbnb management that’s reliable, affordable and the best for your property.
Cost
Guest communications
Host Communications
Insurance
Contract
Cost
Starting at 15% fee
Guest communications
Guest response within 10 minutes, 24 hours a day
Host Communications
Designated host call in phone line
Insurance
Full damage protection for every reservation
Contract
No annual agreements
Other Property Mangers
Cost
25-40% fee
Guest communications
Sporadic guest communications
Host Communications
Bot response assistants
Insurance
Unreliable insurance coverage
Contract
Contract lock-ins

Understand Your STR Income

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Surge is geared towards maximizing potential

Be at ease with the knowledge that your vacation rental is being optimized to its fullest potential.
30%
In gross revenue
150 M
Potential guests
4.9
Superhost status
7+
Booking platforms
1
Property manager
The house was great. It accommodated our large group nicely. The owner was responsive and checked in on us throughout the trip. The gate around the home added privacy and security. The beds were comfortable as well. Extra linen, towels and washcloths. We are looking to book this home in the future!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
We really appreciated Surge. He was responsive, attentive, and went above to make sure our stay was seamless. You can tell he takes pride in providing a clean/organized place. Everyone loved the pool table and shuffleboard. This place is also very close to great restaurants. The place we went to had the best catfish. Would definitely rent from Surge again!!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
Our group really enjoyed our long weekend stay here! The property was very clean and spacious but also provided some privacy to accommodate our large family. Surge was responsive when we reached out to them and also accommodated an early check-in. We felt secure given that the property was gated and had smart locks on both entry doors. We strongly recommend this property and would love to stay here again!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
My family and I were here for my daughter’s graduation from UofH. Surge was very upfront, kept us informed and accommodating. The place was clean and fit my entire family comfortably. We have already made plans to come back. Great location, private and safe environment. Would highly recommend! Thank you Surge for making this stay memorable and stress free for our family!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
Great stay that accommodated all our needs for a successful for trip to Houston, i hope to Book in the coming future.
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
The host was great, he responded quickly when needed and checked in on us from time to time throughout the whole day. He was awesome and the place was great for my family of 16. Definitely will book with him in the future.
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Does Surge Property Management allow pets in its short term rentals?
Surge Property Management leaves that decision to the property owner. While allowing pets can be a big perk for some guests, Surge does not have any requirements for the property owner to allow it. Service animals are a different case. Surge is prohibited to refuse a reservation, charge pet fees, hold guests to different rules, apply differential treatment or use discriminatory language if a guest is accompanied by a service animal. A guests service animal must not be out of control, un-housebroken, left alone at the listing without prior approval, allowed into areas that are considered unauthorized by the guest and allowed in a public space without being harnessed, leashed, or tethered and not under the guests control.
Do I get access to an owner portal?
Surge Property Management has a tech leading owner portal to keep its property owners in the loop, instead of on the outside looking in. In the owner portal you can reserve days for personal use, see pending reservations, nightly pricing rates, owner statements, expense receipts, guest messaging and more!
Do you screen the guests that are staying in my property?
Our intelligent Guest Screening technology allows us to screen vacation rental guests before they enter your property, making it easier to keep bad guests out. We proactively assess the risk posed by each guest, through legal, non-discriminatory checks. Guests will be asked to submit some personal details including their name, date of birth, physical home address and contact details. We then verify by having the guest take a live selfie and submit a photo of their ID(either a drivers license or passport). This information will then be processed to determine the true identity of your guest, including whether the ID is fraudulent and if the provided details match those on the ID. This process will generate a risk report for us to review before the guest arrives.
Do you provide insurance for guest damages?
We partner with the premier provider of short term rental protection also offering guest screening and comprehensive insurance coverage. Our partner brings confidence and peace of mind to both Surge Property Management and its clients(homeowners). Our third party partner has protected over 60 billion in homeowner liability coverage and 1 million guest nights. Ask your Surge sales representative for more details.
What happens if there is guest damage to my property?
Each guest is required to make a $500 security deposit. Any damage above $500 we are able to document, submit, and follow a claim through on your behalf with our short term rental insurance partner covering up to $5,000,000.
How does Surge compare to a national provider like Vacasa?
While both Surge and Vacasa both have a full service model designed to be hands off from the property owner, Surge stands out above the rest by being more intentional and selective with the properties we decide to accept into our management portfolio. This allows us to give the required attention to the properties we manage instead of just "setting it and forgetting it" like the other property managers do. Once you go onboard with them you just become another number.
Does Surge handle the maintenance of the vacation rental?
Yes, Surge is able to handle any property maintenance(including hot tub & pool) for your property. We have a large network of service providers, additionally, if you have a preferred vendor we can assign and coordinate maintenance with them as well.
What services does Surge Property Management offer?

Surge is a full-service property manager and provides the following service to property owners:

  • Listing creating and management across multiple channels
  • Calendar management
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Restocking
  • Maintenance
  • Dynamic Pricing
  • Lock automation
  • Guest Portal
  • Owners Portal
  • Listing optimization
  • Photography
  • 24/7 guest communication
  • Check-in/out support
  • and more!
Is Surge Property Management a Superhost on Airbnb?
Yes, Surge Property Management is a Superhost on AirBNB. Airbnb defines a Superhost as a Host who goes above and beyond to provide excellent hospitality. Guests can easily identify a Superhost from the badge that appears on their Airbnb listing and profile. Superhosts have more visibility and earning potential.
How and when do I get paid?
Surge Property Management initiates ACH payment to its property owners once a month by the 10th day of the next month. Along with the ACH deposit sent to you, you also receive a highly detailed statement for review.
Are there any hidden fees?
Surge Property Management has the most transparent pricing in the industry. Our property owners are our Partners in business which is why we hold transparency at a very high standard. With your monthly statements you will be able to trace every dollar from when the guest paid for their reservation to when it was deposited into your bank account. Contact your Surge sales rep for a personal walk through of our statement structure.
Can I still use my property?
Yes of course. The biggest perk of a vacation rental is still retaining personal use of the property for your personal use. Inside of our Owner’s Portal you can reserve days for personal use.
How do you market my property?

We list your property on the major platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Google Vacation rentals and more! We also allow direct bookings very popular among returning guests. Our integration technology is second to none and was awarded the following:

  • Airbnb Preferred + Software Partner
  • VRBO Elite Partner
  • Booking.com Premier Connectivity Partner
How do you handle complaints or disputes?
We aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly, protecting both the guests and the property owner’s interests. We mediate disputes and ensure a smooth resolution process.
How do I get started with your service?
Contact us to schedule a consultation. We'll discuss your property, our services, and how we can help you achieve your rental goals.
How do you handle waste management?
We coordinate with local services to ensure proper waste disposal and recycling, maintaining cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
What safety measures do you implement?
We ensure the property has functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and complies with all local safety regulations.
What does Surge’s full service property management mean?
Surge's comprehensive property management service allows property owners to be completely hands-off with the daily operations of their Airbnb properties. Surge takes care of all the daily tasks, including listings, guest interactions, cleanings, restocking, and maintenance, ensuring a stress-free experience for the property owner.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touch
(713) 853-9573