Hawaii Vacation Rental questions

[Matt A.]

Hello all,

Looking for feedback from Hawaii vacation rental owners.

I am looking to buy a VR on Kauai. The market seems easiest to enter in HI, and I personally like the island. Will plan on personal use of the rental as well. This will be our first investment property.

Questions:

I learned about HB 2078, requiring an on-island contact for off-island owners. I live on the mainland. I couldn’t find any recent info about this legislation- is it still in place? If I am using professional property management, wouldn’t this suffice?

Is there any way to estimate hazard insurance or does it vary a lot property to property? I am looking at oceanview/front condos.

And of course any tips/info on pitfalls unique to remote investing in HI is appreciated.

Thanks

Matt