Kona in January?
 

Hi fellow travelers.
We're making plans for our first trip to Hawaii in mid-January of 2013. We were thinking of Maui but really don't like the heavily commercial/touristy thing. We want to rent a house for us and our adult children total of 5, so we'd like 3 BRs. Anyhow, does anyone know how the Kona coast will be that time of year?
Your knowledgeable feedback and recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

Most likely, the Kona coast will be sunny with highs in the low 80s and with lows in the high 60s. The ocean temperature will be in the mid 70s. There could be a shower.

You might consider staying in south Kona to get away from the congestion in Kailua Kona or in Kohala (north of Kailua town--though things are more expensive there).

We have taken many, many trips to the BI in the last 12 years and have always spent some time in South Kona--in the area around Kealakekua Bay.

There are beautiful houses available on VRBO that would be large enough for your family. Here are some examples--

http://www.vrbo.com/298438-- we've actually stayed at this one--the pictures are quite accurate--and though it is not on the ocean--the view is spectacular and the ocean is a scenic 10 minute drive away. And it is also 10 minutes to a wonderful supermarket.

Here's are a few of the others I found
http://www.vrbo.com/93958
http://www.vrbo.com/120417
http://www.vrbo.com/251046
http://www.vrbo.com/369712
http://www.vrbo.com/363976

Have fun planning!

We have been to BI in February a couple of times and weather was wonderful. 70's and 80's. Love the BI. it has interesting landscape from lunar looking to rolling green hills and not as crowded as some of the other islands. Enjoy. I have used VRBO many times so I hope you find one that works for you. I will check out the above rec. myself for our next trip. we always stay in a resort when on BI because they are generally shorter trips. Next one will be longer.

martym....thanks for the awesome sites. I checked them out. have them in bookmarks so when we take our family I have some places to start. They are beautiful rentals......

Just a word of thanks for your responses.
Now we're getting some push-back from the kids who think Maui would be better, e.g. more things to do without having to get in the car and drive long distances. They and friends who have lived in and traveled to Maui suggest the Wailea area.
Yikes, it sure is easier when it's just us planning a trip for just us!

I'd go for what the kids want. You, as adults, can find great things at either place, but if the kids are not happy, it can ruin a great trip......

Geesh: Grown kids even?

Maui is great but the Big Island is marvelous. :) So much more to see and do IMO.

And you don't have to get in a car every day and drive long distances if you find the right place to stay.