How we made $50,000 in 6 months with our Hawaii Airbnb

Earlier this year, I bought a condo in Hawaii. It was a total dream - our second home in paradise and my first real step into real estate. Fast forward six months, and hosting it on Airbnb has already brought in $50,000.

Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the thing - it hasn’t been all smooth sailing.

When I bought it, some people warned me:
❌ “Hawaii is banning Airbnbs!”
❌ “This will be the worst decision of your life.”
❌ “You’re throwing your money away!”

The reality? They weren’t entirely wrong.

Here’s what really happened:

Why Hawaii?

Before buying, I did my research. Florida, California, other popular rental spots - they were all on my list. But after talking to a property manager and checking out AirDNA data, I realized that Hawaii’s Big Island had some of the best occupancy rates in the U.S. Plus, they allow permitted Airbnbs, which totally sealed the deal for me.

What it really costs to get started

The condo cost $1.25 million, and we put down 30%. Down payment requirements can vary, and in our case, being new immigrants in the U.S. and entrepreneurs affected the terms. Here’s what else we covered:

• Upfront investments: Renovations, furniture, and supplies totaled $6,000.

• High taxes: Hawaii taxes short-term rentals at 17,25% of revenue.

• HOA fees: $1,400 every month for upkeep.

• The air conditioner disaster: Three months in, it broke. Fixing it cost me $16,000.

With a mortgage, most of our payments so far are going toward interest, not equity, which means we’re still in the red after six months.

What guests really want:

• We focus on hospitality, offering fruit plates, high-quality linens, and a well-stocked kitchen.

• Guests love the little touches, which earned us a “Rare Find” badge on Airbnb and boosted our bookings.

• Our nightly rate ranges from $400 to $600, and the condo stays fully booked for months in advance.

Hosting isn’t just about listing a property - it’s about creating an experience.

Why it’s worth it:

Sure, the first year looks rough financially, but it’s not all about the numbers:

• Emotional wins: This is our first property in the U.S., and it feels incredible to call it ours. We’ve even gifted stays to friends - one told me it was her “best birthday ever.”

• Future potential: By year three, I expect to be cash flow positive as more mortgage payments go toward equity and rental rates increase.

• Family retreat: For us, it’s not just a business - it’s a place we can escape to whenever we need a break.

If you’re ever dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, you’re welcome to stay at my condo:

Whether you're planning your own Airbnb journey or just dreaming of dolphins and sunsets, I hope this story inspires you to chase your goals - even if the path isn’t always smooth!