Most people are familiar with smaller islands of Hawaii like Oahu and Maui as they are the most popular Hawaiian vacation spots. However, the one vacation spot that you shouldn’t be missing out on is the Big Island – a beautiful and perhaps the most unique Hawaiian Islands. Popularly known as the Island of Hawai’i, this vacation destination has varying landscapes where you can plan countless activities and take advantage of limitless opportunities to get a taste of the local Hawaiian lifestyle. Big Island is the largest island of the United States, with a total surface area of 4,029 square miles – greater than any other Hawaiian island combined!
Today, we will share some travel and rental tips to Big Island Hawaii to help you make the most of this unique Hawaiian vacation spot.
Travel and Vacation Tips
What Is The Best Time to Visit the Big Island?
Similar to any other travel destination, you should visit the Big Island during the off tourism season. Tourists and families depart from summer vacations between September and November. Once the tourism season dips, you may enjoy the reasonable hotel or stay prices and sunny weather.
If you are looking for an opportunity to surf on the beachy waves of Hawaii, you can consider choosing travel dates anywhere between December to March. However, such seasonal tourism can burn a hole in your pockets as most people plan to take a short trip to the Big Island during this time to escape harsh winter conditions in their home country.
You can also consider planning a visit during April or May to enjoy cheap hotel prices, but the temperature may vary.
How To Find Cheapest Flights To The Big Island?
Planning for a trip to the Big Island? You might want to save maximum dollars because a large portion of your trip’s budget will be spent on the flight tickets. The flight tickets cost can vary depending on where you fly out from. Here are some tips to find the cheapest flight to the Big Island:
- Try traveling on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to obtain the lowest airfare price.
- Be flexible on the day you fly out, and you can save anywhere between $100-$300!
- Book your flight tickets separately instead of opting for a round trip.
- Try booking a domestic flight from any nearest city to the west coast – like LA or San Diego – through a budget airline, and then book your direct flight to the Big Island. You will save $100 or more total per person!
- Want to explore both sides of the island? Opt for one-way flights – Arrival in Kona and departure from Hilo or vice versa.
- Last-minute flight booking is a huge NO! Try booking your flight tickets at least five months in advance of your trip to the Big Island.
How to Get Around on The Big Island?
The best way to get around the Big Island, Hawaii is by renting a car. As mentioned earlier, Big Island has a total surface of 4,029 square miles, making it greater than any other Hawaiian island combined. If you want to cover every corner of this beautiful Hawaiian vacation spot, we suggest you rent a car. Besides, you can cover the entire island by driving straight for 6-7 hours, without any stops.
Rental Tips For Those Planning For Real Estate Investment
Are you planning to purchase a beautiful single-family home or lavish condominium on the Big Island as a real estate investment? You might want to research legally purchasing properties for Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVR).
Before December 2018, all properties were allowed to rent their real estate as an STVR. However, after Bill 108, also known as Ordinance 2018-114, owners of STVRs have to register their real estate with the County of Hawaii. Bill 108 was later amended in September 2019, which stated that homes in residential zones are not eligible for an STVR Permit. People cannot purchase STVRs in single-family residential and agricultural zones. Properties located in the hotel, resort, commercial, and multi-family commercial zones are eligible for an STVR. However, properties with STVR before September 2019 can keep and renew their STVRs with a few restrictions.
Starting April 1st, 2020, all nonconforming residential properties with the current STVR have to obtain a Nonconforming Use Certificate from the County. Missing a deadline can result in the loss of the right to legally rent the property for vacation purposes.
Do Your Research
Once you understand the zoning laws for STVRs, it’s time to do your research to purchase properties for short-term vacation rental. If you are planning for a B&B-type rental property, purchase a real estate with no grandfathered STVR in a single-family residential zone. However, as an owner, you have to live in the house or be onsite when having your STVR guests. Such a type of vacation rental is exempted from the STVR permitting process.
Another critical aspect of legally purchasing properties for STVR is checking the zones. Zone beginning with a V for vacation is allowed to continue with their already established and current STVR or have to apply for a new STVR. Already established STVRs can be transferred to a new owner only if the current owner is paying fees and filing documents on time. Most Condominiums located in Resort Properties fall under such category of legally purchasing properties for STVR. However, Condominiums not located in Resort Properties can vary from one location to another. Therefore, make sure you check the zoning laws before legally purchasing a condo for STVR purposes.
Big Island Hawaii Vacation Rentals By Owner
Make your vacation in Hawaii memorable by planning your stay in a beautiful Pacific Island Reservation home. If you are looking for rental apartments, beach villas, condos or rental vacation homes in Big Island, Hawaii, get in touch with us!