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26 May 2023
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Travel Tips

Must-Have Board Games for Your Vacation Rental 

Most guests visiting Hawai’i on vacation will spend the majority of their time out and about, exploring paradise. But every once in a while, they’ll opt to stay in. Whether they need to relax after a morning spent in the waves or head inside because of rain, your guests are likely to spend an afternoon or two at the vacation rental. 

Having board games available makes it easier for your guests to stay entertained and even make some amazing memories if they’re stuck inside. Here are a few of the reasons you should consider adding board games to your vacation rental: 

  • Board games are a great way for families to bond with small children. 

  • Games are a fun evening/overnight activity for guests of all ages. 

  • Board games are budget-friendly and don't take up too much space, so you can offer them as a perk without having to spend a ton of money or reducing the functional space in your rental. 

  • Games can help you earn more positive reviews, which means more clients and more bookings in the future. 

  • Some guests might be looking to detach from electronics while on vacation, which makes board games a particularly appealing alternative. 

If you’re wondering what board games to invest in, keep reading for Hawai’i Life’s top picks for vacation rentals!

Top 10 Board Games For Your Hawai’i Vacation Rental

1. Monopoly

It’s hard to deny that this game is a classic for family fun. Perfect for families with pre-teen or younger children, almost everyone knows the rules of the game. Just make sure there is plenty of Monopoly money and that the tokens don’t get lost!

2. The Game Of Life

The Game of Life is another family-friendly option that younger kids will especially enjoy. With a wholesome story that changes just a little every time you play, it’s sure to be a favorite among guests. 

3. Chutes and Ladders (or Variants) 

Chutes and Ladders might be the perfect vacation home game to include for parents who want to take a trip down memory lane with their own children. Kids will create beloved memories of their time at your vacation rental while learning math, game rules, and more. And it’s endlessly replayable for those particularly rainy days in Hawai’i. 

4. Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens is a game that’s adorably simple, but deviously difficult to actually master. This game made our list because it’s cute enough for even little kids, but engaging enough that adults will still find themselves in fits of laughter while playing. Winning Exploding Kittens is simple… Don’t explode! 

5. A Deck of Cards

While not technically a board game, a deck of playing cards is a must-have for adult guests. There are so many different games that can be played with a simple set of playing cards. And since cards take up almost no space, are inexpensive, and are incredibly versatile, we’d recommend having several sets on hand, just in case. 

6. Poker Set

Speaking of card games, why not make your playing cards a little more valuable by adding a poker set to go with them? Poker can be a fun game for adults of all ages and even families can play penny poker with their kids. You’ve got nothing to lose by including these sets, and they can offer your guests hours of enjoyment!

7. Chess and Checkers Sets

Chess and checkers sets are appropriate for guests of all ages and most people know how to play these classic games of strategy. For families, these games can also be a serene way to spend a few hours with older kids while their younger siblings nap. 

8. The Settlers of Catan

The Settlers of Catan is one of the most popular board games ever among teens and adults. For those who’ve never played before, it’s easy to learn. Some Catan fans get so captivated with building roads and settlements that they’ll play the whole day away. 

9. Betrayal at the House on the Hill

More oriented to teens, young adults, and adults, Betrayal is the perfect large-group board game. This game comes with 50+ scenarios, so it’s never quite the same game twice. That’s good news for guests who prefer to unwind in your vacation rental after the sun goes down.

10. Coup

Coup is a bluffing game set in a dystopian future that relies on the logic and skill of the players. While the rules are simple and individual rounds are incredibly fast, players can spend hours arguing and roleplaying as their characters try to decide the next best move. A bit like rock paper scissors in concept, this is the perfect board game to kill time between excursions. 

Connect with Us 

There are thousands of different board games available and the best one’s for your vacation rental will depend on the type of visitors you typically host. At Hawai’i Life, we know how important it is to help your guests enjoy the best that Hawai’i has to offer. From offering fun board games to displaying appealing books, it’s the little touches that will impress guests the moment they arrive. 

For more ideas on how to get your home rental-ready, contact our local property management team today by email or phone at Vacations@HawaiiLife.com or 855.447.3685.