Most resort condo complexes have everything a hotel has except room service. There are usually pools, tennis courts, extensive landscaping, BBQ grills, a resident manager, and at least night security.

While a hotel offers just a bedroom and bath -- sometimes with a postage-stamp balcony, most condos have one, two or three bedrooms and baths, a living room, dining area, a full kitchen, a big lanai, washer/dryer, and a closet full of beach equipment. Parking is often free -- and right outside your door (no distant lot or valet fees). Few hotel rooms are very large, but even a 1 BR condo may have two baths and 1000 sq ft of living area. If you WANT maid service you can arrange for it; if you don't, you are not paying for it. Look for a condo where a *local* full-service agency is on call 24/7 to fix any problems that may arise. I also look for low-rise, low-density in quieter areas.

Your family would require at least a 2BR condo. That would sleep six if two use a LR sofa/bed. $1200/week is low in my frame of reference (Maui). A dozen years ago we rented a modern 3-BR/2 Bath home above Keauhou for $3000/mo. + tax (about 13%). Big Island had a huge building boom right before the crash; should be more bargains there.

Have you added up the interisland flight costs for six?

Ok, Big Island, this is the place (2b/2b): we really liked it (also Colony condos in the same area; not sure about the prices), and it was pretty hassle free.
http://www.vrbo.com/413069
If they are booked, there are almost certainly similar condos available; not sure about their prices, though.

Here a few options that skirt your price range.

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...5&Avail=&Stay=

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...5&Avail=&Stay=

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...9&Avail=&Stay=

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...7&Avail=&Stay=

http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/...7&Avail=&Stay=

A question to ask about the Haena rentals is if the owners or neighbors are using their yards as parking lots for Makua (Tunnels) Beach. On our last trip, many property owners are using their vacant lots or their property as paid parking lots for Makua Beach. I would hate to have rented a property only to discover that during the day it is surrounded on all sides by parking. The one I listed on Haena Place won't have that problem. It is truly a five minute walk along the main road to Makua Beach and the culdesac is quiet. There are 5 houses in it three are rentals, two are lived in by local residents.

Just make sure if you rent in Haena that they have their TVR permit as that is not a visitor designated area unlike Princeville and Hanalei, Poipu, etc.

Thanks, everyone! Hawaii for Dummies just arrived, so hopefully that will help, but I really like people referrals! Sylvia3 and wekewoody, your specific links are so helpful. Trying to get an idea of WHERE things are and how much time we would want to be in which areas makes me wish I could take you all out for a mai tai so you can tell me all your hints for hours and hours on end. :)

Come back when you're ready and ask more questions.

As to where things are located, it is nice that most listings whether or not they are vrbo/homeaway or agent listings include now maps of where the rental is located. The percentage or listings that include a google map is far greater than it used to be.

Feel free to pick brains for specifics; everyone has their favorites, but there's a lot of expertise available here. (For example, my favorite lava tube cave, favorite "secret" beaches, out of the way restaurants, etc., all from a penny-pinching perspective!)

Aloha! Working again on summer plans...

Any advice on areas of the Big Island? Would love to be within an hour or so of great places to visit, and 15 minutes to beaches, and have decent weather. I don't know much about vog or how bad it is. We'd be there end of June or beginning of July, probably. (Need a/c?) I've found houses that would work for us in these places:

Puna-Pahoa (oceanfront but not swimmable)
Puna-Kehena Beach
Puna-Keaau
Kona-Captain Cook
Kona-Milolii
Ka'u-Ocean View
Hilo-Hakalau
Hamakua Coast-Laupahoehoe

Thanks in advance for any insight or help narrowing things down! :)

I commented on your other thread.

Cheers.

With 4 teenage girls I would definitely do Oahu over the Big Island. There is so much more to do on Oahu. There are the historical places like the USS Arizona, the Iolani Palace (the home of the former Kings & Queens of Hawaii), Japanese Buddhist Temple and Gardens, then there are the wonderful surfing communities of Haleiwa and the world famous beaches at Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Waimea.

The snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is one of the best in the islands. The shopping in Waikiki is fun and different - there are local markets as well.

The Big Island is slower paced and there isn't as much to do especially for 4 weeks.

I'd divide my time between Oahu and Kauai.

A/C is a must in my book -- anywhere in Hawaii and at any time of year. By the end of a month you will be a little more acclimated, but even locals wish they had A/C when the trade winds die. (Many places don't have it because the electricity rates in Hawaii are astronomical -- not because 'you'll be kept cool with the breeze and ceiling fans'.)

Have you posted on the Big Island of Hawaii forum on Trip Advisor? There are two or three Big Island residents who know 'the lay of the land' there -- including the druggie-infested areas to avoid.

Will you be visiting another island too?

Thanks! We will be staying on Oahu at least for a few days, and then I'm thinking a week or two on the Big Island and a week on Kauai. We like the more out of the way places, less busy, but would like to be able to do many day trips without being in the car for four hours every day.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. $1200 a week is low-end everywhere. Doable, but you may not get everthing on your wishlist.

2. I would budget $600 for each inter-island flight with your party of 6.

3. You will need a rental car on every island other than Oahu, and you will want one for a couple of days on Oahu at some point. You'll need one that can seat 6 adults and their luggage. So you will be renting a large vehicle = $$$.

How about splitting time between Oahu and ONE other island? Oahu is a beautiful, tropical island. In summer, you could stay north shore for a week after seeing the historic sights around Honolulu. Then hop to a second island, and back to HNL for a flight home. (That's over $1200 for interisland right there.)

I agree with Marginal. Interisland fares are expensive for six. Your rental vehicles will be expensive too. I'd prefer nicer lodgings on two islands to sub-par places on three.

My guess is that your young ladies would like Honolulu + Haleiwa on Oahu and Napili or Kihei + Hana on Maui.