A 2026 Vacation Rental of the Year honoree’s secret to success

Premier Host Greg Pronko is an inventor and industrial designer by trade. He’s also been a host in Hanalei for the last 19 years. For Greg, his Kauai retreat isn't just a property: it's a home with a soul. 

Recognized as a 2026 Vacation Rental of the Year honoree, the Tiki Home represents a masterclass in how a combination of heartfelt hospitality and strategic promotions can ensure a listing stays visible and its calendar stays full. 

Greg co-owns the Tiki Home with his longtime business partner, Mike O’Reilly. The two have worked side by side as industrial designers for more than 30 years, starting out in ski and snowboard design before taking on Fortune 500 clients — including over two decades with Apple. They also helped build the famous Plastiki, a 60-foot catamaran made from 16,000 recycled plastic bottles. 

Their shared eye for design and problem-solving is evident everywhere in the Tiki Home. Greg describes it as an "art home" because it’s funky, strange, and reminiscent of the retro spirit of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. He says it’s “eccentric on purpose,” but paired with elegance guests actually feel: high-end linens, quality towels, and a chef-worthy kitchen. It’s that specific mix that entices families to experience the luxury of the Tiki Home in Hanalei. And the strategic use of Vrbo promotions seals the deal with pricing that fits their budgets. 

Greg’s philosophy is simple: If a guest can "let it all go" and truly relax, he has done his job. The Tiki Home is intentionally "funky," built by an eclectic builder after Hurricane Iniki. It’s designed to attract guests who appreciate character but are still looking for modern essentials like super-fast Wi-Fi, high-end linens, and an outdoor shower perfect for post-surf rinses.

Greg owes his Premier Host status in large part to his deep commitment to the guest experience. To reach this level, he maintains a near-perfect acceptance rate and consistently high review scores. It’s a high bar, but it’s the foundation for the visibility that leads to recognition and success.

• 5+ bookings or 60 booked nights 

• 4.6 or higher guest review score 

• 99% or higher accepted booking rate 

• 0% partner-initiated cancellation rate

An inventor knows that a great product only works if people find it. In the competitive Kauai market, Greg uses the Vrbo Promotions Suite to ensure his home stays visible and his calendar stays booked. 

The data is clear: Properties that use promotions see over 1.4x higher conversions on average.¹ For Greg, Vrbo promotions act as a catalyst, helping him fill gaps in the calendar and attract guests who respect the unique nature of his home. 

Note: For property managers using software, you may be able to access promotion tools in your software as part of the Promotions API. Check our Connectivity Provider Guide to confirm your access.

Success as a Vrbo Vacation Rental of the Year requires pulling the right levers at the right time. Greg’s strategy focuses on capturing demand exactly when it surfaces. 

• Members Only Deals: These target Expedia Group rewards program members — valuable guests who spend 40% more on average and book earlier than non-members.²

• Early booking promotions: Securing revenue early is vital for seasonal peaks and a great way to fill your calendar (and secure cashflow) well in advance. In 2025, Greg earned over $15K in revenue from early booking promotions alone.³

• Last minute promotions: With many travelers looking for quick escapes, these deals help fill open slots within a 30-day window, often resulting in a 10% higher uplift in bookings.⁴

• Mobile promotions: With nearly 50% of Vrbo nights coming from mobile,⁵ standing out on a small screen is vital. Mobile-exclusive deals give you the edge with on-the-go guests, including families and friends eager to book their next adventures. 

Adopting these tools doesn't just increase bookings — it increases value. Hosts have reported significant gains in revenue by simply making their listings more attractive to rewards-driven travelers.

Greg's journey, spanning three decades of design work, has taught him that success is about constant evolution. His advice for other hosts? Invest in the "unexpected" features that delight guests — but use the tools at your disposal to ensure those guests find you in the first place.