As I've mentioned previously, various members of my family have visited Hawaii before, but our recent trip in September was the first time we all travelled there together. Last time I went I went to Hawaii I checked out Honolulu and Maui. So this time, around I wanted to visit another island and after asking a few friends for their suggestions, Big Island was recommended as the next best island to see.
Initially, I wanted to stay in one of the big hotel chain's resorts. In Hawaii, all the major hotel chains have magnificent resorts, which means magnificent prices too. Wanting everyone to stay together meant we had to find accommodation that everyone was comfortable to pay for. We also realised we wanted to stay at a facility that was our's, and not shared by hundreds of other randoms at the same time. So we looked into hiring a private home that met all our requirements, which were:
- A room each for the various couples and family groups.
- A pool and or a beach close by to swim at.
- Close to facilities such as shops, restaurants, petrol station, things to see and do.
- Complete home with kitchen facilities to allow us to cook our own meals, washing appliances and open space areas to keep ourselves entertained.
I found a home via Kona Vacation Rentals and the price between seven adults met everyone's budget. We booked it and it was the best decision ever.
Firstly the home was located in a gated community so only other residence could come into the area. The location was picturesque. The view of the ocean catches your attention from the moment you walk in, so did the massive cruise ship that was docked several kilometres away. The home was the smallest in the estate, but there was so much space in various parts of the home for us to hang out at.
It was a fully equipped home with everything you need. Sometimes you rent a holiday home and they provide bare minimal utensils or don't even supply garbage bags, not this place. Everything you need (minus the food) was available, the kitchen was stocked with every appliance or utensil you need to cook, the linen cupboard had ample of spare towels and sheets, there was various water equipment to enjoy the water, there was wifi internet and even Netflix available - everything was there ready for use.
The home was close to so many shops, restaurants, cafes, the beach and to a few big chain hotels, so there were things to see and do within the area.
The only negative I could think of was that the front guest bedroom didn't have an air conditioner, although there were a ceiling. So it got uncomfortable at peak heat times or when trying to sleep during a warm night.
Here are some images of and views from the property.
