I signed a 6 month lease in Hawaii. I have been there for 3 months. I recently went to my landlord and stated that I could not afford to rent the place any longer... I did this at the beginning of November. They said that they understood and that just to let them know when they could post the place on Craigs list. About a week later the landlord said that I was putting them in a bad situation and asked me if I was looking for someone also. I then posted the rental on craigslist and got 5 people interested in renting the place. During this time I renovated some things for them. We had a verbal agreement. I put in new doors and a wall as well as a new toilet and bathroom sink and cabinets. I tiled the kitchen floor and put in new kitchen cabinets, counters and a new sink and replaced the plumbing. I asked them if they wanted any of these things done before I got them and they said yes and now they are saying that they never said that it was OK. They said that I made the place look worse one day and then the next day one of them said that it was a lot better. The only thing that was not done is the hallway which I ripped the carpet out and was going to put wood floors and then they informed me that the place had flooded. Since they are refusing to pay for this I did not buy the carpet. I did ask my landlord if the cost of the carpet could be taken out of my deposit and he said fine. Now they are saying that I need to tile the floor and that I need to pay for the tile and that I owe them rent for the month of December even though I found them tenants. What can I do?

I think you are being taken, you are taking someone. You just don't sound like this is a legit procedure in any way shape or form.

Why, would you do this much work in a rental unit to satisfy the landord for rental options ?

You don't own it, mate!!

I did the renovations under the agreement that they would reimburse me. I'm well aware that I don't own it and I of course wouldn't do it for free.

You have made a mistake that far too many people commit, by not getting the agreement(s) between you and the landlord in writing. Do your best to reach a settlement with the landlord. If that fails, let them sue you and be prepared to defend your position in court. Bring receipts for materials, estimates for labor, photographs, move in checklist, witnesses, etc etc. To me it seems like your efforts have kept the landlord from suffering monetary loss. See what the judge says. It is in the best interest of the landlord and you to reach a settlement, because life is too short to engage in unnecessary unpleasantness.