Hawaii - Hawaii (Big Island) Vacation Rentals

Why Book a Vacation Rental on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own unique advantages--Oahu has more of a bustling urban vibe, Maui a laid back, relaxing feel, Kauai offers romance and the Big Island gives you a little bit of everything, and a few attractions you won't find on the other islands, like snow covered peaks and molten lava flowing into the ocean.

There's an electric feel to the Big Island, and you sense it from the moment you get off the plane, drop your bags at your vacation rental and all the way through your stay. It's not your imagination--the island is still growing. Since 1983, the volcano Kilauea has been spewing lava and increasing the size of the island. You can watch it happen on the south end of the island. Be sure to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In addition to a dormant part of the volcano, you'll see Mauna Kea, which is the tallest mountain on earth, measured from the sea floor to its snow-capped peak.

The Kona coast, on the west side of the island, is home to the historic town of Kailua Kona. It's arid and offers lots of great ocean-based activities, such as fishing for world-class Marlins, surfing, diving, outrigger canoe trips, and whale watching. You won't find a lot of sandy beaches, but you will find plenty of vacation rentals with pools perfect for relaxing and tanning.

The west side of the island has its beaches, but you may need to drive a bit to get to them. Hapuna State Park is on the northwest side of the island, about an hour north of Kailua Kona, on the Kohala Coast. It is worth the trip. Hapuna's famous for calm waves and a big, beautiful beach. There are lifeguards on duty, but no concessions, so pack a lunch.

Hilo, on the east side of the island, is the large metro area. It's the wet side of the island, and you'll definitely notice the change if you visit both areas. The east side of the island is easily driveable from Kona and makes a great day trip. You'll find a nice assortment of Kapoho vacation rentals on the far eastern end, if you decided to stay there. It might make sense do do so, since the east side of the island ha most of the state and national parks, so you may want to schedule some time in the parks and stop into Hilo for lunch or dinner before heading back to your Kona vacation rental.