You Can Rent a House on the Big Island of Hawaii Cheap
There are many different ways to rent houses in Hawaii. Some are great for adventurous singles, some are perfect for families. If your short on cash I can help you there too. Stay away from the real estate sites and pricey vacation listings and start with Craig’s List for the Big Island. You’ll find many great home (with pictures!) available for a few days or a few months. Many people are willing to work with you on dates as well. Renting a home will cost you anywhere from 200-400 a week.
If you’re traveling with another person and split the cost, you can stay a week in a home in Hawaii for the price of one night’s hotel room! Stay by the month and pay 400-800 dollars for a month’s stay, utilities included! Craig’s List is an amazing site for this type of rental. Talking directly with the person renting the house is the best and the laid back people of Hawaii always seem ready to work with you. I know many people who have rented this way, including one couple who paid 300/month for a vacation rental and are still there-2 years later!
Renting a house on Craig’s List for a week or two is perfect for family reunions or large families. Many homes have five or six bedrooms and are fantastic for this purpose. With multiple family members splitting the costs a 1,000 dollar a week rental seems too good to be true. You’ll also have the advantage of built in child care, friends to go out with and people to relax with. Renting for a month with a family for a vacation “open house,” is one of my favorite ways to do Hawaii! Just be sure to know who is coming when so that you have enough room.
I have no doubt that you won’t find what you’re looking for on Craig’s List, but if you’d like to browse there are a few other sites to check out. Another great personable rental site is hawaiiforrent.net. They don’t always have pictures but they have many listings and great contact information. Also check out tosublet.com for well-priced sublets that usually aren’t listed anywhere else.
If you want to stay on the Island for a few months look into working for room and board. This is HUGE, HUGE, HUGE on the island, especially in the rural areas, which are still in paradise! You can’t drive 10 miles on the Island without seeing signs for work and board opportunities. Work with flowers, crops, horses and more in exchange for room and board. And, on the island you’ll likely only be working a few hours a day. If you’re willing to work more hours its easy to find work that will board and pay you. Again, check Craig’s List and the many bulletin boards located in shopping centers on the Island just for this purpose.
If you get the opportunity to share a house with someone who is already on the Island and you’re up for adventure I highly recommend going that route. Knowing people from the area will give you a headstart on finding out what to do and where to go. Who better to hang out with then fellow travelers? By using a site like Craig’s List you’ll be able to check out your compatability before you go!
Staying in a home with a kitchen will also save you tons of money on your vacation. Visit the Farmer’s Markets in Hilo and Kona, and take advantage of the cheap and plentiful seafood, then cook yourself. This is a lifesaver for families with children. And, contrary to popular belief, food isn’t expensive in Hawaii. There are discount grocery stores in all the major towns!
Tips:
Be sure to discuss the “house rules” with the landlord before you rent. Understand the rules behind pets, smoking, visitors, ect.
Inspect the house with the landlord before your stay, and when you’re ready to leave.
Bring your own sheets if you’re squeemish about that sort of thing, or wash laundry upon arriving so it’s ready when your tired after your first day on the island.
Invest in some seasonings and oils to enhance home-cooked meals.
Have fun!
