There is just so much to see and do on the Big Island of Hawaii! For example on the Kohala Coast fringes of palms and flowers, brilliant blankets of emerald green, and an occasional flash of white buildings are your only clues from the road that this black-lava coast north of Kona is more than bleak and barren. But, oh, is it! Down by the sea there are luxury Big Island vacation rentals the likes of which no Hawaiian king ever imagined. This is where the Lear jet-set escapes to play in world-class beachfront hotels set like jewels in the golden sand. But you don't have to be a billionaire to visit the Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and Mauna Kea resorts: The fabulous beaches and abundant historic sites are open to the public, with parking and other facilities, including restaurants, golf courses, and shopping, provided by the resorts. In North Kohala seven sugar mills once shipped enough sugar from three harbors on this knob of land to sweeten all the coffee in San Francisco. Hawi, the region's hub and home to the Kohala Sugar Co., was a flourishing town. Today Hawi's quaint, 3-block-long strip of sun-faded, false-fronted buildings and 1920s vintage shops lives on as a minor tourist stop in one of Hawaii's most scenic rural regions, located at the northernmost reaches of the island. North Kohala is most famous as the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great; a statue commemorates the royal site. It's also home to the islands' most sacred site, the 1,500-year-old Mo'okini Heiau. Waimea (Kamuela) is an old upcountry cow town on the northern road between the coasts, set in lovely country: rolling green pastures, wide-open spaces dotted by puu (hills), and real cowpokes who ride mammoth Parker Ranch, Hawaii's largest working ranch. The town is also headquarters for the Keck Telescope, the largest and most powerful in the world. There are also fabulous Hawaiian vacation rentals on the emerald Hamakua Coast - a 52-mile stretch from Honokaa to Hilo on the island's windward northeast side, which was once planted with sugar cane. It now blooms with flowers, macadamia nuts, papayas, and marijuana, also known as pakalolo (still Hawaii's number-one cash crop).
When the sun shines in Hilo, it's one of the most beautiful tropical cities in the Pacific. Being here is an entirely different kind of island experience: Hawaii's largest metropolis after Honolulu is a quaint, misty, flower-filled city of Victorian houses overlooking a half-moon bay, with a restored historic downtown and a clear view of Mauna Loa's often snowcapped peak. Hilo is also the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; it's just an hour's drive up-slope. Hilo catches everyone's eye until it rains -- it rains a lot in Hilo, and when it rains, it pours. Hilo's oversize airport and hotels are remnants of a dream: The city wanted to be Hawaii's major port of entry. That didn't happen, but the facilities here are excellent. Hilo is also Hawaii's best bargain for budget travelers. When you're looking for the best bargains in Hawaii beach rentals come to the acknowledged experts in the field - us!
Looking for a great selection of Big Island vacation rentals? Check out HawaiianBeachRentals.com as they have the most complete inventory of Hawaiian vacation rentals including many Hawaii beach rentals at affordable prices!
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