When is the best time to visit Big Island, HI?

Big Island is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in Big Island chosen?

Each property in Big Island is hand-picked for genuine waterfront access, not water view, not a short walk from the beach, but doors-to-water. Listings are selected from public booking platforms (Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay) for genuine waterfront access and accurate location. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Airbnb?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Airbnb, Booking.com, Whimstay, or the host's own booking system. We curate from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes Big Island different from other beach towns?

The dry Kona and Kohala coast, with lava shoreline, snorkeling bays and a few white sand beaches.. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

Big Island

The dry Kona and Kohala coast, with lava shoreline, snorkeling bays and a few white sand beaches.

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6423 waterfront rentals·30 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-12

The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest in the chain, and much of its shore is black lava rather than sand. Rentals cluster on the dry west side: along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona and Keauhou, where condos sit on the rocks above the water, and up the Kohala coast around Puako and Waikoloa, near Hapuna and the other white sand beaches. The east side around Hilo is green, wet and far quieter. Expect clear water, sea turtles and good snorkeling close to shore.

StateHI

Peak seasonDecember to March

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured6 rentals

The curated list · 6 rentals

Where we would stay in Big Island.

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Sleeps

Nightly rates are the ones each partner listed when we last read them. The partner gives the final price for your dates. A rental with no rate shown is left out of the price filters.

No. 01

Hahalua Bay Villa

House

4 bedroom sleeps 16 private pool about $2645 a night

From the 40-foot heated pool along Keauhou Bay to the home’s vaulted living pavilion, the details below reveal how Hahalua Bay Villa hosts a group. Living & Dining The main living pavilion is defined by soaring vaulted ceilings and exquisite wood craftsmanship that immediately grounds the home in its Hawaiian setting. Retractable screens and louvered doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, inviting ocean breezes, birdsong, and the gentle sound of waves. Multiple seating areas make it easy for large groups to gather, relax, or spread out, while the open flow keeps everyone connected.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Kailua-Kona Kahaluu Reef Spacious 4 BR Oceanfront Sleeps 12

Vacation Home

4 bedroom sleeps 12 Oceanfront private pool about $984 a night

Spacious holiday home with beachfront access and accommodating up to 12 guests.

Check rates on Booking.com →

No. 03

Oceanfront Retreat with Heated Pool and Kid-Friendly Amenities - Stunning Escape

House

4 bedroom sleeps 14 private pool about $1733 a night

Welcome to Mermaid Cove by the property manager, a vibrant oceanfront estate designed with families in mind. Nestled within a gated community just minutes from Kailua-Kona town, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom retreat sleeps up to fourteen guests and offers direct beach access, a private heated pool with a swim-up bar, and countless kid-friendly amenities, all against the backdrop of stunning Pacific Ocean views. What We Love About Mermaid Cove by the property manager:. Beachfront Bliss - Steps from a gentle, shallow-water beach ideal for kids. Private HEATED Pool and Spa - Complete with swim-up bar, Jacuzzi, and heated outdoor shower.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 04

Kona OCEANFRONT PVT Home ~ Sleeps 8+, Hot Tub, 2 min walk to Magic Sands Beach

Oceanfront

2 bedroom sleeps 12

HALE HONU is an approved and registered short term vacation rental with extraordinary ocean views, featuring a hot tub and just a two-minute walk to Magic Sands Beach.

Check rates on Vrbo →

Compare prices

See Big Island stays on Booking.com.

Search Booking.com →

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No. 05

Oceanfront Keaau Gem: Ocean & Sunrise Views, Pool

Entire home

5 bedroom sleeps 13 private pool about $547 a night

Spend your next exciting Hawaii getaway staying in style at this incredible Keaau vacation rental! Featuring a private outdoor pool, beautiful ocean views, and a prime location directly on the coast, this 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath house makes a perfect spot for a memorable family stay on The Big Island. Enjoy stunning sunrise views from the home’s covered patio, check out nearby Shipman Beach and scenic parks along the coast, or tour the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens while in town! The space STR Permit No. W19355059. TAT License No. TA- -00. GE Tax No. GE- -00. In-Unit Laundry Bedroom 1: King Bed. Bedroom 2: Queen Bed. Bedroom 3: Queen Bed. Bedroom 4: Full Bed.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 06

6BD Mauna Lani Lux Golf Estate (6) at One Ocean

House

6 bedroom sleeps 12 private pool about $1735 a night

From the infinity-edge pool and lava-rock setting to six bedrooms, the details below show how this One Ocean estate brings groups together. LIVING AND DINING Pull back the sliding glass walls and the great room opens completely to the pool deck and fairway beyond. The sectional anchors the space beneath warm wood ceilings and recessed light, while the upper-level lounge offers a quieter vantage over the same view. Come evening, the pool's reflection and the glow of tiki torches turn the whole ground floor into something that belongs more to the outdoors than in.

Check rates on Whimstay →

Search every stay in Big Island on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

Search stays → Flights to Big Island Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.