Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. We strongly recommend that guests purchase Vacation Rental Insurance for their stay to protect them financially. Please contact CSA Travel Protection at 800-661-6860 and use code LUXURYHI to inquire about your coverage before making your final payment on a home! Overview - Renting Private Homes & Villas in Hawaii AIR CONDITIONING: Many beach homes in Hawaii do not have air-conditioning, or may have only window units in some of the bedrooms, and rely on ceiling fans and natural tradewinds for cooling. If air-conditioning is one of your "must-have" criteria, please check the fact sheets for the individual properties you may be considering for rental to be sure it is included. BEACHES: All beaches in Hawaii are public property up to the watermark of high tide. The term "private" may sometimes be used to denote beaches that are more secluded, less trafficked or less accessible to the public and does not imply the rights of ownership or of exclusive use. CAR RENTALS: Since most rental homes are in locations that do not have frequent or convenient public transportation, you will likely need to make arrangements for a rental car. We can assist you with a car rental with Avis or Hertz at a special rate. We can also arrange for luxury and exotic car rentals. CLEANING: All vacation rental properties represented by Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. are cleaned and prepared prior to each guest arrival. Post-departure cleaning is included in the rates for some properties while others have a set fee that is charged to guests in addition to the base rental rates. CREDIT CARD ACCEPTANCE: Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. accepts American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard and Visa for deposits and payments with a convenience fee of 2.5%. However, for bookings and/or payments made within 60 days of arrival, we reserve the right to limit payments to checks, cashier's checks, money orders or wire transfers. CONTRACTS/RENTAL AGREEMENTS: A signed rental contract is required for most of the private homes and villas we represent. DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS: Confirming a reservation at one of our vacation homes will require a deposit of 30% - 50%, depending on the selected property and the time period requested. All rentals are on a pre-paid basis with balances due 60 - 90 days prior to arrival. Most deposits and payments are non-refundable unless your reserved time period can be re-rented. Please see the "Terms & Conditions" under "Document Samples" for further details. We highly suggest travel insurance and can assist you with purchasing it if you wish. HOUSE RULES: Many property owners have printed house rules that typically include any owner-imposed restrictions on the use of the property and that take into account the neighbors and neighborhood within which the property is located. Please inquire for details. INSPECTIONS/PROPERTY PREVIEWS: You are invited personally, or via a third party representative, to inspect any property prior to committing to a rental. Property inspections can be arranged by appointment at a time when the property is not occupied by guests. LIABILITY & INSURANCE: Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. requires a signed waiver of liability that extends to the company, its employees, its contracted service personnel and to the individual property owners and managers indemnifying the named parties against claims for bodily injury or death, or for losses due to negligence or theft incurred as a result of renting a particular property. You are advised to investigate the provisions and coverage provided by your personal insurances, including homeowners insurance, and to carefully consider purchasing travel and/or trip cancellation insurance. Please let us know if you are interested in purchasing insurance. You may also call CSA Travel Protection directly at 800-661-6860 and use code LUXURYHI to inquiring about vacation rental insurance. LINENS/TOWELS/DISHES: All properties we represent come fully equipped with linens, towels, dishes, flatware, small appliances and a starter supply of soap, laundry detergent and paper goods. Other features and inclusions vary with each property - please check individual property description sheets or contact us about any of your "must-have" criteria. MINIMUM STAY REQUIREMENTS: Most homes have a 5-7 night minimum stay except for the Christmas/New Year holiday season when a 10-14 night minimum is common. There are a few properties which have a one month minimum. Minimum stay requirements are on the fact sheets for each home. OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS: Unless otherwise noted on the fact sheet for an individual property, occupancy (including children) is limited to no more than two persons per bedroom. PARTIES/WEDDINGS/EVENTS: Most of the homes we represent specifically prohibit using the property for parties, events, wedding, receptions, etc. The private homes are not equipped or provisioned to handle additional guests and most properties and neighborhoods do not have parking facilities to accommodate extra vehicles. POOLS AND SPAS: Many of the homes we represent have swimming pools and/or spas or hot tubs. Most of the pools are not heated. Please be advised that Hawaii state law does not require that a separate, child-proof fence be erected around pool or spa areas and that most properties do not have such fences or any other restraints or barriers which prevent access by small children. Parents are advised to consider this factor in making the selection of a rental property. SECURITY DEPOSITS: Guests are required to pay a refundable security/damage deposit in addition to the base rental rates. This deposit is assessed to cover any items damaged or missing from the rented property, extra cleaning costs or long distance telephone charges. The deposit, less any documented charges, is typically refunded 45-60 days after guest departure date. Many properties also require that guests provide a major credit card guarantee. STAFF: Most rental homes in Hawaii do not come with resident staff. Maids, nannies and cook/chef services can be contracted through companies and/or individuals on your island of choice, subject to availability. Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. can assist you with obtaining quotes for services or by providing you with a listing of vendors. TAXES: Vacation rental homes and villas in Hawaii are subject to the same accommodations and excise taxes as are hotels and resorts. The current combined tax rate on Oahu is 11.96% and is 11.42% on other island and is added to the net rental amount. THEFTS & BURGLARIES: While Hawaii's crime rate is lower than that of many other locations, thefts and/or burglaries can occur. Many of the vacation homes we represent are equipped with security systems - and, some are not. There is also a wide variety of system types and levels of sophistication. Please exercise proper precautions to help protect yourself and your property. Some recommendations include: do not travel with expensive jewelry or other such valuables; keep property entry gates and doors locked when not in use; and, do not leave valuables or personal items unattended in rental cars or at the pool or on the beach. Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. and/or the property owners are not responsible for losses due to thefts or burglaries. Please read the "Liability & Insurance" section above and inquire about any specific concerns. TROPICAL PESTS: Although the vacation homes we represent have regularly scheduled pest control treatment, in a tropical environment there will always be a modicum of ants, roaches or other insects that defy even the most diligent efforts. After opening, food should be placed in the refrigerator or in sealed containers to avoid attracting insects. Geckos, our small island lizards, are harmless and are not treated as pests since they help reduce the insect population. WEATHER/NATURAL HAZARDS: On a year-round basis Hawaii has one on the most ideal and benign climates found anywhere on planet Earth. However, there are some facts, advisories and precautions that may assist your planning and may help avoid certain circumstances and/or conditions that could affect your safety and enjoyment of your trip to the islands. These include: Hurricanes - June through November is considered to be hurricane season. Although not a frequent occurrence, hurricanes have previously caused significant damage in Hawaii. The most hazardous component of a passing hurricane is the ocean storm surge that can be generated causing flooding and/or wave inundation of oceanfront property. See also "Tsunamis", below. Ocean "critters" - Hawaii's warm and wonderful waters are also home to a number of creatures, such as stinging jellyfish and sharks, which can pose hazards which vary by season and location. Rain - Due to the prevailing tradewinds the north and east shores of the islands tend to have more rain than do the south and west shores. Rainfall is more plentiful in the winter season. Seasons - Hawaii does not experience a great deal of seasonal weather variance. In the November through March "winter season" daytime highs are typically in the low-mid 80s and night time lows are in the mid-high 60s. August and September are the two warmest months when temperature highs can reach the low 90s and lows are typically in the mid 70s. Sun - Direct sunshine in Hawaii can be quite intense and it is possible to get serious sunburn even when there is an overcast sky. Visitors are advised to limit their exposure to the sun and to apply a sunscreen of an SPF factor suited to local weather conditions and your skin type. Surf and Ocean Currents - Surf and ocean swimming conditions vary widely by location and time of year. Some beaches have offshore reefs that protect them from high surf; others are directly exposed to incoming waves. In the winter season the north shores of the islands often experience large ocean swells generated by storms in the north Pacific. Visitors are advised to check surf and weather conditions with local authorities before swimming in the ocean. Tsunamis (tidal waves) - Tsunamis are ocean waves that are generated by undersea earthquakes or landslides and can originate hundreds, or even thousands, of miles from Hawaii but travel through the water at great speeds. Tsunamis may be barely noticeable in the open ocean but when they encounter shallow coastal waters they can cause waves capable of inundating oceanfront properties and other flood plain and low-lying locations. Almost all oceanfront homes in Hawaii are in tsunami danger zones. Warning sirens are positioned throughout each of the islands. Visitors are advised to consult the tsunami danger zone maps that are published as a part of the island telephone directories and that provide maps for evacuation routes and shelters. Volcanoes - Scientists divide volcanoes into three categories - extinct (considered as no threat to erupt again), dormant (inactive, but subject to possible future eruptions) and active (currently or recently erupting). The volcanoes that formed the islands of Kauai and Oahu are classified as extinct; Haleakala on Maui is classified as dormant; and, Mauna Kea on the Big Island has been in a constant state of eruption since the early 1980s. Wind - Due to direction of the prevailing tradewinds, the east and northeast shores of each of the islands typically experience more windy conditions than do the south and west shores. ZONING RESTRICTIONS: Many vacation rental properties in Hawaii are located in areas that have state or local zoning restrictions and/or homeowner/neighborhood association covenants that govern items such as the minimum rental term (e.g. 30 days) or frequency of rentals (e.g. one per calendar month). Now that we have covered some of the tedious, but necessary, advisements, disclosures and precautions, we would also like to reassure you that Hawaii is one of the greatest destinations in the world to consider for your family vacation. With warmest aloha, we invite you to explore the private homes, estates and villa rentals throughout the islands that are available to you on this site. DOCUMENT SAMPLES: -------------------------------------------------------------------- I. GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------- Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. General Terms, Conditions & Disclosures General Disclosures: Many properties are not air-conditioned. Most home swimming pools and spas do not have a separate child-proof security fence surrounding the immediate pool/spa area. Virtually all beaches are public; there are no privately owned beaches. Ocean swimming has inherent risks; take proper precautions, never swim alone and always consult local authorities before swimming. June through October is hurricane season. Most oceanfront and near-ocean homes are in storm surge and/or tsunami inundation zones. Even with diligent pest control, properties in the tropics may still experience a modicum of ants, roaches or other pests. Minimum Stay Requirements: Most properties have a standard 5-7 night minimum stay requirement and a 10 - 14 night minimum for Christmas/New Year holiday bookings. A few villas do accept shorter bookings and some will accept shorter stays during low season only. Standard Property Amenities: Unless otherwise noted in an individual Property Description, all homes and villas offered for rental are fully equipped with linens, towels, dishes, flatware, kitchen utensils, telephone, TV, VCR, stereo, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, washer and dryer, iron and ironing board, BBQ and ceiling fans. Be sure to check individual Property Descriptions for other specifics and to ask about any amenities or any potential hazards which are important to you. Rates: Some properties have a varied seasonal rate structure while others have only standard and holiday rates. Low season rates (if available) generally apply after Easter until 06/01 and after Labor Day until 12/15. Higher Xmas/New Year holiday rates generally apply from 12/15 - 01/15 and, in some instances, also to Thanksgiving and/or Easter weeks. Standard rates as shown in our listings usually apply to all other times. Rates are subject to change without notice before a Rental Agreement is issued. Please re-verify applicable rates, inclusions and terms when submitting a request for reservations. Included in Rates: Rates include home or villa rental for the number of occupants stated on the individual description sheets and check-in orientation at the property. Other inclusions such as maid service and cleaning fees vary per property. Not Included in Rates: Unless otherwise noted in the individual description sheet provided for each property, rates do not include local taxes, airport greeting, transfers, food, beverages, maid service, personal laundry service, departure cleaning charges or any other items or services that are not specified as included. Restrictions on Occupancy & Property Use: Properties are rented for the occupancy and use of the number of persons as specified on the Rental Agreement. Extra occupants can result in extra charges or in rental termination. Parties, weddings, receptions, or other such activities which involve more than 6 - 8 non-occupant guests are not permitted at most properties. Rental Agreements: Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. will issue a Rental Agreement for each booking that indicates the name and address of the property rented and the calendar dates reserved, what is included in the rate quoted, any charges additional to the rental rate and any terms or disclosures specific to that rental. The Rental Agreement supersedes all prior communications, whether written or oral; stated or implied, and it must be executed by the person(s) assuming financial and legal responsibility for the booking and for all other occupants and invited guests who will be using the rented property. Deposits & Payments: A reservation deposit, which varies from 30% to 50% of the total rental, a signed copy of the individual Property Description and a signed Rental Agreement must be received within 5 days of placing a reservation or the booking may be canceled without further notice. All rental charges, taxes, security/damage deposit and any additional charges on the Rental Agreement must be fully pre-paid 60-90 days prior to arrival date. Reservations made within 60 days of arrival will require full payment. Reservations made within 30 days of arrival will require full payment by cashier's check or wire transfer. Failure to remit deposits and payments by the due dates shown on the Rental Agreement will make the reservation subject to cancellation and will result in forfeiture of deposits or funds previously paid. Credit cards (AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, VISA) are accepted for deposits and payments with an added service charge, however, in some cases, credit card payments may not be accepted for bookings made within 60 days of arrival. Security/Damage Deposits: In addition to rental charges, most private villas and estates also require a refundable security/damage deposit. This deposit, less long distance phone charges, damages or excessive cleaning, will normally be refunded within 45-60 days after check-out. Some properties also require a major credit card guarantee. Cancellation & Refund Policies: At many rental properties deposits and payments are non-refundable; at others, they are non-refundable unless written cancellation is received 61-91 days prior to the scheduled arrival date shown on the Rental Agreement. Cancellations received after the specified number of days prior to arrival will forfeit any deposits and funds previously paid. Pro-rata refunds (less a cancellation fee of 15-20% of the total rental) will be given by many properties if the canceled dates can be re-rented at an equivalent rate and length of stay. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. In the event a property should be sold or become unfit for habitation, and no equivalent substitute property is available, a full refund will be given for any unused rental time. The Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. Rental Agreement will contain complete details about payment and cancellation policies pertaining to a specific property rented and to a specific individual booking. Liability Limits and Waivers: Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. acts only as an agent for the various owners, managers, properties and service providers and DOES NOT own or manage any property nor does it have direct supervision of, or control over, property owners, local managers, and/or service vendors and accepts liability only as prevailing Hawaii law may deem consistent with its role as an agent and as specified in and limited by the terms of the Rental Agreement. Renter assumes responsibility for, and holds Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. harmless from claims for loss or damage resulting from, or in consequence of, any and all "renter-accepted risk factors" disclosed herein and/or in the Rental Agreement. This General Terms, Conditions & Disclosures document is incorporated by reference into all Rental Agreements. II. SAMPLE RENTAL AGREEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------- A sample Rental Agreement document can be requested and sent via email or fax once a specific property or resort of interest as terms vary per location. ------------------------------------------------------------------- III. PRIVACY POLICY ------------------------------------------------------------------- Luxury Vacation Homes, Inc. Privacy Policy Effective Jan. 2006 |