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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. For hotels, there’s a mandatory resort fee that isn’t always added up until after you’ve checked out. Depending where you stay, these can range between $20 per night to $50 – and that’s not counting the state taxes.

So with all the added fees associated with Hawaiian hotels, it’s no wonder why 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, however, there are more reasons to consider a vacation rental over a traditional hotel stay. Here are just a few:

Avoid Unforeseen Costs
Aside from the resort fees and state taxes you’ll save, many major accommodations charge more for parking, internet, telephone service, movies, and even TV. 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 be isolated from other guests and housekeeping staff, meaning your Hawaii retreat will be all the more relaxing and quiet.

Increased Functionality
Even if you find a hotel that offers kitchenettes or full-sized kitchen suites, you’ll pay through substantially higher rates for that convenience. And with the cost of a single meal easily exceeding $30 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.

Many vacation rentals offer outdoor barbecue facilities, pools, hot tubs, and more, meaning your family or party’s opportunities to 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 side. With a vacation rental, 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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