One of the best ways to EXPLORE whether a particular Big Island district, neighborhood or lifestyle is to spend all or part of your exploratory trip staying in that area.  Here are some of our favorite rentals in North and South Kohala.  Please contact the owners below directly, as we are not booking agents; this list is just a service to our customers at Hawaii Palm Properties, Inc.

North Kohala

HAWI TOWN
Kohala Village Inn (in downtown Hawi, across from the gas station by the banyan trees). Accomodations in the spirit of old Hawaii. Luke's Place restauarant on site. Tel: 808-889-0404 www.kohalavillageinn.com

Hawi Plantation House - Original plantation estate with 7 bedrooms, tennis court.  Great for large groups, weddings, family reunions. Tel: 808-889-5813 www.vrbo.com/86193

Hawi Haven: Lovingly restored 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Hawaiian plantation cottage situated on Banana Road right in Hawi town. Call Deb at 510-717-8592 www.hawihaven.com

MALIU RIDGE (ABOVE TOWN)
Rainbow Paradise: Perfect couple retreat. Studio Hale/Guest House sleeps 1-2 persons. Panoramic ocean, Maui and pasture views. Susan & Peter Denman 808-889-1144 www.vbro.com/106896

Cabin in the Treeline: Beautiful, rustic home with ocean views. 808-884-5105. www.vacationhi.com or cwej@aloha.net.   

BETWEEN HAWI AND KAPAAU

Ahu Pohaku or Hawaii Island Retreat is a 15,000 sq ft facility with 10 private rooms and extensive spa facilities.  As elegant as a 5-star hotel, and designed to nurture the mind, body and spirit of its guests. Call 808-889-6336 or www.hawaiiislandretreat.com

KAPA'AU TOWN
Kohala Country Adventures: located on acreage above the Bank of Hawaii in Kapa’au. Old Hawaiian charm. Call Bobby Moreno at 808-889-5663  www.kcadventures.com

Maggie Mae's Kapaau Cottage: New construction, quiet studio with kitchenette perfect for one person or couple.  808-889-0163

NIULI'I/MAKAPALA
Kohala’s Guest House: Near Keokea Beach Park and Pololu Valley, about 15 minutes east of Hawi town. One, two or three bedrooms with large living and dining areas. Good “Old Hawaii” feel. Don & Nani Swenson Tel: 808-889-5606  www.kohalaguesthouse.com

The Makapala Vacation Guest Cottage: An 1,100 sq. ft. guest cottage located on a 12-acre avocado & lime orchard. Perfect for couples and small families. Complete privacy with panoramic ocean and mountain views. Kathy Alexander & Peter Clapp Tel: 808-884-5276
www.alternative-hawaii.com/makapala

JUST SOUTH OF HAWI:
Puakea Ranch: Historic bungalows on 46 acres, impeccably restored as luxury boutique-style rental accomodations.  Private dipping pool, endless views.
www.puakearanch.com

KOHALA "GOLD COAST" RESORTS 

While the number of visitors to the Big Island has been increasing, hotel occupancy has actually been decreasing.  Many visitors love the amenities at the resorts, but prefer to have the more spacious accommodations of a rental condo or house rather than a hotel room.  If you are considering buying a condo as a vacation or retirement home, staying in one is a perfect way to experience the lifestyle.

MAUNA KEA RESORT

The first of the Kohala Coast Resorts and still a quiet world apart.  The two hotels, the restored and reopened Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the nearby Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, are both operated by Prince Resorts Hawaii.    You will find a surprising number of condos and homes for rent by owner at VacationRentalsByOwner.com.  Kulalani and Wai'ulaula are the two newer condominium projects which might be of interest to prospective buyers.  And if you are a tennis player, don't forget to contact us for our inside track to the tennis pro at Mauna Kea!

MAUNA LANI RESORT

There are two wonderful hotels at the Mauna Lani Resort, and new shops and restaurants at the Shops at Mauna Lani.  You can stay in the hotel or in a private bungalow at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows. Your other choice is the Fairmont Orchid .  Condo and home rentals are also an option here through VacationRentalsByOwner.com. although some of the Mauna Lani residential communities such as The Point and Pau'oa Beach have exclusive rental management companies.  You can also search MLS listings to get an idea of where you might like to purchase, and then look for a vacation rental there.

WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT

This resort has been the sleeper of the three, but with recent renovations at both hotels and the addition of the Queen's Marketplace, not to mention the upscale projects at Kolea, Halii Kai, and Naupaka Place--Waikoloa has become a competitor. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is so large that you might take a train or a boat to get to your room.  The newly renovated Marriott is right on the beach at Anaeho'omalu Bay.  But we'd suggest renting at Kolea, the only condominiums with direct beach access, or at Hali'i Kai, the only condominiums with an on-site oceanfront restaurant!  Contact us for our favorite Kolea rental recommendations.  And here are some rental suggestions for Halii Kai: