I'm getting ready to jump into the daunting task of finding the "perfect" place to stay on the BI for a trip next April or June. I generally scour the listings at VRBO first as I've always been able to find something I like but I know very little about the BI to begin with.

I want to stay in a private house or cottage that screams HAWAII. You know... tropical, foliage, greenery, etc..maybe even a lil seclusion?? We don't want to stay in a typical condo type complex.

Does anybody have any specific places that they have stayed at or rented in the past? I found one place on VRBO in the Kealalelua Bay area that tops my list so far but I'm open to all option. We need at least a 2 bedroom for a family of (4).

Thanks for your input.

Keep in mind that the Big Island is HUGE, and you'll likely want to stay in at least 2 places to get to see it all. For example, to drive from Kona (where the beaches are) to Volcano is 2.5 hours. Smart travelers usually stay most of their time in Kona, with a couple of nights near Volcano.

Country Goose B&B has several rental homes to choose from. Some are more geared for honeymooners, but there are several that will sleep 4 (or more) that would be idea for your family. Here's their website: http://www.countrygoose.com/homes.htm
We stayed in the main B&B, and Joan was an excellent hostess.

While I've not stayed at any of the places listed in the following site, my aunt used to rent a house there every year and I loved visiting here there. Puako is a quiet residential area south of Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach.

http://www.letsgohawaii.com/v-rental/homes_s_kohala.htm

-Bill

Thanks, that's just the kind of input I was looking for. Those houses on the beach are AMAZING. I will definitely save that link.

If your plans are to stay in Kona, you may want to check out this web-site; www.onionhousehawaii.com. This home looks absolutely STUNNING, and the price is incredible!

My husband and I have stayed in Kapoho Beach Lots a couple of times. It's a gated community with easy access to wonderful tide pools. Not too far from Volcano or Hilo. The website for a place we stayed is http://www.apoparadise.com/lagoon2.html The house had a tide pool right behind it. Check out the apopardise website for other properties.

Do a websearch on Tommy TInker's Pink House on Kealakekua Bay. (I know that it's listed on the Alternative-Hawaii website.) We've stayed there a couple of times with our kids and have really enjoyed it. It's a pretty simple house right on the water. Big wooden sliding doors open the front of the house up. Nice veranda, outdoor shower, stone barbecue, big lawn. Great spot in South Kona- light the tiki torches and enjoy. Also fun to watch the action in the water. Rent a couple of kayaks, great snorkling.

I looked as some of the properties on this site. They look nice. Can't vouch for them personally, but were I not staying at Hapuna Prince, I would probably give them a go. Good luck. http://www.konaoceanfronts.com/