Big Island on a Budget: Booking a Vacation Rental

Big Island Guide Travel Guide

Whether you’re planning a vacation or a business trip, expenses are a major factor. Where to stay, what to eat, and how to splurge to make your journey as memorable as possible. And of course, the biggest cost for any trip are your accommodations.

For a trip to Hawaii, the costs associated with hotels can take unsuspecting travelers by surprise. Beyond the high room rates, there are often resort fees that arenʻt always factored in up front. Depending where you stay, these can really add up.

With all the costs associated with hotel stays, it’s no wonder people are looking to alternative accommodations such as vacation rentals to make their trip to the Big Island as affordable and functional as possible. Aside from the lower costs, there are even more reasons to consider a vacation rental over a traditional hotel stay. Here are just a few:

Check Big Island Rental Availability at VRBO

Avoid Unforeseen Costs
Aside from the resort fees and state taxes you’ll save, many major accommodations charge more for parking, internet, movies, and other amenities. There’s also many places that charge for laundry and daily cleaning on top of mini-fridge restocking and daily coffee.

More Space, More Privacy
Compared to a suite at a modern hotel, a two or three-bedroom vacation rental will provide considerably more space for you and your party. When you consider a yard, lanai, outdoor sitting area, living space, and kitchen, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck renting out a house compared to a hotel. Plus, you’ll typically have the place to yourself, meaning your Hawaii retreat will be all the more relaxing and quiet.

Increased Functionality
Dining costs have gone up enough to become a major factor in travellerʻs budgets. With the cost of a single meal easily reaching $40-$50 per person in Hawaii, the opportunity to save a bit of cash and eat in a couple of times per day is a welcome option. Beyond kitchens, many vacation rentals offer outdoor barbecue facilities, pools, hot tubs, and more, meaning your family or party’s opportunities to dine and relax privately are considerably expanded compared to a stay in a hotel environment.

Closer to Natural Attractions and Activities
Most of the resorts and hotels on the Big Island reside along the western Kona coast. While there are plenty of activities and events to participate in Kailua-Kona, you’ll be at least 2 hours from Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the ziplining and outdoor adventures present along the island’s northern coast. With vacation rentals, you can determine what activities you and your party are most interested in and find a suitable rental within close proximity, making your travel times considerably shorter and enjoyable than commuting from a tourist hub.

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