Advise that you keep your cats as inside cats. Many critters out there like to eat them. My own cat is a lazy-bones and happy as can be to stay inside and lounge about. Cat litter and food easily obtained in most groceries and at Pampered Paws.

If you want all your stuff and your cats arriving at same time, Tropic Ferry is a pretty good bet. If your cats will relax on a harness/leash you can probably let them out of the crate while in route.

Be sure to get an animal import permit for the cats. Somebody from Saga can probably post how best to get that paperwork done.

Don't know about the rental thing - newspaper seems a good place to start.

You sound ready for the adventure - welcome to the island!