Big Island Vacation

Hawaii Vacation On A Lighter Budget

Is a Hawaii vacation possible on a lighter budget?  Accommodations in the high-end luxurious hotels and coastline resorts tucked into pristine bays may be your dream Hawaii vacation. But, they are probably out of your budget reach.  Ditto for the expensive private beach houses and condos.  So, what’s a budget-conscience person to do in Hawaii when your days of beach camping no longer appeal to you, and you crave more than the cold showers and bad beds of a youth hostel?    

You don’t have to forfeit comfort, convenience, location, privacy or even a little luxury when you travel to Hawaii on a lighter budget whether you are a solo traveller, on a honeymoon, or with the kids along.

The best and most affordable alternative is a private vacation rental cottage that is located a little inland from the shore, yet only minutes to the beaches and other interesting places you plan to experience.

The best and most affordable alternative is a private vacation rental cottage that is located a little inland from the shore, yet only minutes to the beaches and other interesting places you plan to experience.

The best and most affordable alternative is a private vacation rental cottage that is located a little inland from the shore, yet only minutes to the beaches and other interesting places you plan to experience.

Eating in restaurants is quite expensive and can even be tiresome. Hawaii vacation rental cottages offer a big savings when you have your own full-equipped kitchen to prepare either at-home meals or picnic baskets to take along to the beaches, on hikes or other excursions.

Be aware:  not all vacation rental cottages are created equal. Pay attention not only to the rates and location, but also of the amenities that could add considerably to your savings. Some cottage rentals only offer very basic cooking facilities such as hot plates or toaster ovens. Look for a cottage that offers a full kitchen which can easily save a family a couple of hundred dollars a day on restaurant meals. Is there an on-site laundry machine at no cost? Laundry-mats in Hawaii are expensive both in money and in time wasted. Is there Internet access and is it free? You don’t want to waste precious vacation time searching for an Internet café that will also charge you by the minute to be online.


Are you attracted to the lowest rates you can find? Better read the fine print and always ask questions about the location. The lower cost rentals are located on the beautiful, lush but rainy side of the island where the beaches are harder to access. If it’s the sun you’re coming all this way for, then better base yourself on the west side and take day excursions to the rain-forest areas.