Are you looking for the best cheap places to stay on Big Island? Check out these awesome Big Island vacation rentals that won’t break the bank!
To make the most out of your visit to the Big Island and get a taste of the very distinct areas of the island, I recommend splitting your time between its two sides.
If you really want to see the rainbow over Rainbow Falls, spend your first night (or two) in Hilo – there are lots of affordable vacation rentals in Hilo and the surrounding area. Otherwise, I suggest spending your first few nights in Volcano Village just outside the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. You can easily drive to see the waterfalls and botanical gardens outside Hilo on your way to the western side of the island – get your full Big Island itinerary.
The best beaches are along the Kohala Coast, and I recommend looking in the Waikoloa area. It’s much quieter than Kona town and puts you close to some of America’s best beaches. Waikoloa Village also has plenty of shops and restaurants to meet most needs so you can focus on enjoying the sand and surf.
Cheap places to stay in Hilo
- Max guests:Â 2
- Beds:Â Queen
- Bathrooms:Â 1
- Outdoor living:Â large shared lanai with hammock, dining area and ocean view
- Extra features:Â on-site laundry (paid)
- Max guests:Â 4
- Beds:Â Queen + sofa bed (studio)
- Bathrooms:Â 1
- Outdoor living:Â large shared lanai with hammock, dining area and ocean view
- Extra features:Â snorkel/beach gear
- Max guests:Â 4
- Beds:Â Queen + sofa bed (studio)
- Bathrooms:Â 1
- Outdoor living:Â large shared lanai with hammock, dining area and ocean view
- Extra features:Â snorkel/beach gear
- Max guests:Â 2
- Beds:Â Queen
- Bathrooms:Â 1.5
- Outdoor living:Â lush outdoor dining room, lanai, BBQ
- Extra features:Â AC in bedroom, snorkel/beach gear, optional housekeeping and laundry, host lives on-site (in a separate cottage), unique nods to “old Hawaii”
Read more: How to spend 5 perfect days on the Big Island
Budget-friendly rental in Hilo for families
Perfect spot for a multigenerational trip to Big Island!
- Max guests:Â 10
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom 1), Queen (bedroom 2), Full (bedroom 3), Twin + sleep sofa (bedroom 4)
- Bathrooms:Â 2.5
- Outdoor living:Â enormous lanai for dining and lounging, grassy yard, BBQ, outdoor shower, ocean and mountain views
- Extra features:Â laundry, snorkel/beach gear, ping pong, family games, book collection, baby gate
Cheap places to stay in Volcano Village
Stunning Hawaii tree house rental
Adults only
- Max guests:Â 4
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom 1), King (bedroom 2)
- Bathrooms:Â 2
- Outdoor living:Â surrounded by lush rainforest out all windows and lanai,
- Extra features:Â jacuzzi tub, two-sided fireplace, coin-op laundry, beach gear
Tranquil family-friendly rainforest getaway
- Max guests:Â 4
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom), bunk beds (living room alcove)
- Bathrooms:Â 2
- Outdoor living:Â three lanais (including dining and a hammock), surrounded by lush rainforest on half-acre private lot
- Extra features:Â soaker tub, beach gear, cooler, sand toys, boogie boards, games and toys for kids, snacks
Charming Volcano Village rental
- Max guests:Â 4
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom 1), Queen (bedroom 2)
- Bathrooms:Â 1
- Outdoor living:Â walking distance to Volcano Village, secluded property
- Extra features:Â laundry, games and books for kids, kids 3 and under stay free, 7th night free
Spacious Volcano Golf Course duplex
- Max guests:Â 6
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom 1), futon (living room), futon (alcove)
- Bathrooms:Â 2
- Outdoor living:Â two lanais, grassy lawn
- Extra features:Â laundry, soaker tub, pet-friendly
Cheap places to stay in Waikoloa Village
Luxurious Waikoloa vacation rental on a budget
- Max guests:Â 6
- Beds:Â King (bedroom 1), Queen (bedroom 2), sleep sofa (living room)
- Bathrooms:Â 2
- Outdoor living:Â huge lanai walks out to grassy area, heated salt water community pool, walking distance to beach, golf and shops
- Extra features:Â laundry in-unit, fitness center, beach gear
Spacious Waikoloa Golf Course vacation rental
This is a little up the mountain near Waikoloa Village Golf Club. It’s just minutes from the beach but with cooler temperatures.
- Max guests:Â 4
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom 1), Queen (bedroom 2)
- Bathrooms:Â 2
- Outdoor living:Â lanai, walkable neighborhood, community pool and BBQ
- Extra features:Â in-unit laundry, two sets of golf clubs, snorkel/beach gear, boogie boards, fitness center
This is a little up the mountain near Waikoloa Village Golf Club. It’s just minutes from the beach but with cooler temperatures.
- Max guests:Â 5
- Beds:Â Queen (bedroom 1), Twin over Full bunk bed (bedroom 2)
- Bathrooms:Â 2
- Outdoor living:Â walkable neighborhood, community pool and BBQ
- Extra features:Â in-unit laundry, beach gear, boogie boards, cooler, fitness center
More resources to plan your Big Island trip
See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place
Travel planning resources:
Compare rental car prices for Hawaii
Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy
5 simple money-saving tips for booking.com
General Hawaii resources:
How to visit Hawaii on a budget
Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know
What to pack for Hawaii
Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it?
Hawaii with kids:
What’s the best Hawaiian island for families?
Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby?
Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids
Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu
The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages
Oahu resources:
Best Oahu travel guide book
Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary
Where to stay on Oahu
Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals
Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu
10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less
Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card
Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center
The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them)
Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu
The best easy hikes on Oahu
North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide
Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks
Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures
Visiting Pearl Harbor
Maui resources:
Best Maui travel guide book
Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary
Cheap Places To Stay On Maui
Big Island resources:
Best Big Island travel guide book
Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary
Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island
Kauai resources:
Best Kauai travel guide book
Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary
Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai