I'm heading for BI and Kauai in early July with a friend, and although we once thought we should stay near Hilo, we've since learned that we need to stay closer to Kamuela for proximity to her birding trips. I'd like to be close to the beach areas, if possible, although I know on our budget (no more than $125/night) being on the beach is unlikely. We need a place with two beds, and we'd like to be able to fix some of our own food, so need at least a kitchenette. Friend is worried about needing air conditioning. Has anyone stayed in any of these places?

http://www.houseofrelaxation.com/

http://www.alohacottages.net/Aloha_Studio.html

http://www.kohalacoastweb.com/vacati...big_island.htm

TTT, because maybe this was missed the first time.

If I wanted to stay near Hilo, I'd choose Volcano Village. There are numerous little houses for rent in a cool rainforest setting. But, that would make for quite a drive up the Hamakua Coast, an hour or more, to get to Kamuela/Waimea - and you would not be near a beach. You could stay in a South Kohala resort like Hapuna or Mauna Kea and be on a perfect beach AND close to Waimea, but it will cost more than $125. per night.

You might look into the Cliff House--http://www.hawaiicliffhouse.com/. It's a little more than $125 a night--$1,000 a week but it is about 25 minutes from Waimea and about 45 min to 1 hr from the Kohala beaches. It has two beds (one in a loft), a full kitchen, a gorgeous view. It is very quiet with only the sound of a waterfall to disturb the silence.

Thanks, y'all. Hale Ho'onanea had an opening at a reasonable price, so we're booked there. It's in Kawaihae, so it's near the ocean but also close enough to Roy's Restaurant so I can easily drop my pal off for her birding trips.

I am going to the BI in Sept. and am seriously considering staying at the Cliff House. Has anyone stayed there? Just wondering if it is as nice as it looks on the website.