HOW TO FIND A VACATION HOME ON THE BIG ISLAND
Big Island Accommodations Guide is an invaluable resource for finding the perfect vacation rental to meet your needs, dreams and budget - from exclusive, world-class resorts, to tropical cottages and bungalows.
Kailua, Kona, and Kohala on the leeward coast, contain the resort areas because they are usually sunny and warm, averaging as little as five inches of rainfall annually. Snow, not usually associated with the tropics, falls at Mauna Kea (Hawaii’s highest point at 13,796 feet) and Mauna Loa (location of the U.S.’s only active volcano), Kilauea, in some winter months.
Big Island has a spectacular, diverse climate and enjoys nearly perfect weather. Its daytime temperatures along the coasts generally range from only the mid-70s to the mid-80s most of the year. Big Island is the only state in the U.S. that has never recorded a sub-zero temperature.
Big Island West, Kona Coast
The sunny Kona District stretches for about 60 miles from Kona International Airport to beyond Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island’s lava-lined western coast. Along this expansive area, you’ll find everything from coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, King Kamehameha actually spent his final years in Kailua-Kona. Today, Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a bustling, gathering place in the heart of the district, just a 15-minute drive south of Kona International Airport. Shielded from winds by Maunaloa, south Kona’s calm and clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving and spotting dolphins and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).
Big Island South, Kau-Mauna Loa
Vast, rural and remote, Hawaii Island’s southernmost region, Kau, seems almost untouched by civilization except around the small communities of Naalehu and Pahala. In this area you’ll discover things have moved along at a pace all their own. Home to most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, this is a place of natural wonders where you can witness the growth of the island right before your eyes. Other sights in Kau include Ka Lae, known as South Point, the southernmost point in the United States. Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of Hawaii’s most well known black sand beaches.
Big Island East, Hilo-Puna
The Hilo region is blessed with dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests and blooming gardens; the geographic flipside of the volcanic Kohala Coast. Home to Hilo International Airport, Hilo is also the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park located 45 minutes south. A busy farming and fishing area in early times, Hilo evolved into a commercial center for the sugar industry in the 1800’s. Downtown Hilo was built around its crescent-shaped bay and became the seat of county government. Puna’s most dramatic destination is Kalapana, a community that is partially covered by lava. In 1990, lava from Kilauea engulfed this historic town and the black sand beach at Kaimu.
Big Island-Hamakua & Coast
On the northeastern side of Hawaii’s Big Island, just north of Hilo, lies the Hamakua Coast. With 84 inches of rainfall a year, this area is known for the Hamakua Heritage Corridor drive, a road trip along the coastline that passes by lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls and lovely seaside views. The Hamakua uplands were once a rich source for canoe wood and bird feathers for Native Hawaiians. During most of the 19th and 20th centuries, this area was covered with sugarcane. Today, communities that grew around these plantations can still be found along the coast where small farmers still grow kalo (taro), hearts of palm, vegetables and tropical fruit.
Big Island, North Kohala, Kohala Coast
You’ll notice the dramatic change in your surroundings as you travel north beyond the dazzling resorts, golf courses and lava landscapes of the Kohala Coast to the lush, undeveloped pastoral lands of North Kohala. Besides being a beautiful area featuring the charming town of Hawi and the amazing Pololu Valley Overlook, this is also the home of some of the most historically significant sites on the Big Island from Puukohola Heiau to King Kamehameha’s birthplace. Just before Puukohola Heiau, turn east up Kawaihae Road to explore the cool scenic fields of Waimea. In sharp contrast to the lava landscapes along the coast and having more in common with lush North Kohala, this upcountry area is paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, full of green pastures and panoramic views.
Finding the perfect place to stay on Big Island can be a daunting task for newcomers and for repeat visitors alike; however, it pays to do your research! Here are some explanations and tips that might just make your search a little easier.
Beginning in 2007, the county closed a stunning number of short-term rental homes on Big Island, from small Bed and Breakfasts to million dollar vacation homes! Hundreds of such rentals went out of business, a few lucky ones are still permitted and others are in the arduous process of applying for the necessary permits.
However, many beautiful vacation rentals are available. Most travel agencies are still offering such vacation homes, and we have high hopes that such a sad story will have a happy ending for this once vibrant, alternative to the usual resort experience. Ask any of your friends, relatives and co-workers who have visited Big Island previously. The best advice usually comes from those who have been here before. You will probably hear a wide variety of thoughts and ideas that had possibly never occurred to you. Experience of people you know will usually tell you much more than any other informational source.
Use this guide to find Big Island Vacation Rentals, Luxury Vacation Rental, Best Big Island Activities and Best Big Island Golf Courses. From here you can also explore the Valley Isle with Big Island Maps and stunning Big Island Pictures, and don't forget to download the free, 2010 Big Island Travel Guide.
