Big Island Monthly & Long-Term Rentals

Why Stay a While on Hawaiʻi Island

Hawaiʻi Island, better known as the Big Island, covers about 4,028 square miles. That’s roughly 63% of the state’s land, and more than all the other islands combined. You can wake up to dry, sunny beaches in Kona, drive through cool ranch country in Waimea, and end the day in the rainforest outside Hilo.

That range is why a longer stay makes sense here. A long weekend barely scratches the surface. A month, a season, or a year gives you time to find the side of the island, and the pace of life, that fits you.

People settle in here for all kinds of reasons: a winter on the sunny Kona side, a nursing contract in Hilo or Kona, a home build in Waimea or Puna, or time close to family. It’s also home for our team, so these guides come from living here, not just visiting.

Big Island Listings

We’re onboarding our first Big Island owners and property managers now. Furnished homes and condos will appear here by region, with the monthly rate, stay lengths, and availability up front.

Own a furnished rental on the Big Island? List it at no cost during our launch .

Still choosing an island? Compare furnished rentals on Oʻahu , Maui County monthly rentals , and furnished rentals on Kauaʻi .

Living on the Big Island

Climate

The west side (Kona and Kohala) is dry and sunny most of the year. The east side is one of the wettest places in the country: Hilo averages well over 100 inches of rain a year. Elevation matters too. Upcountry towns like Waimea and Volcano get cool enough at night for a sweater, or even a fireplace.

Getting Around

You’ll want a car. Public transit is limited, and towns are spread out. Kona to Hilo takes about 1.5 to 2 hours across the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road), and longer around the coast.

Airports

• Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side, with direct mainland flights
• Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side, mostly inter-island flights

Health Care

The main hospitals are Hilo Benioff Medical Center in Hilo, Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, and Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea. Smaller hospitals serve Honokaʻa, Kapaʻau, and Pāhala. Some specialist care still means a flight to Honolulu.

Utilities and Internet

Electricity in Hawaiʻi, supplied here by Hawaiian Electric , is among the most expensive in the country, so ask whether it’s included in the rent. Some rural homes, especially in Puna and Kaʻū, run on rainwater catchment instead of county water . Internet ranges from fast cable in town to satellite in remote areas, so confirm speeds if you work remotely. Our local resources by island list providers, setup links, and tips for moving here, from shipping a car to bringing a pet.

Volcanoes and Vog

Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. When it erupts, volcanic smog (“vog”) can drift over parts of the island, often the Kona side. Parts of Puna and Kaʻū also sit in higher lava-hazard zones, which can affect insurance. If either matters to you, ask before you book.

Big Island Rental FAQ

How long are most Big Island rentals?

Stays on our site start at 30 days. Outside resort areas, most furnished homes here rent for more than 180 days, by the month or by the year. Shorter stays are possible at resort-area and county-registered homes, and the listing will say so. A bonus of staying six months or more: you’ll generally skip Hawaiʻi’s hotel-style lodging taxes. Our rental rules overview has the details.

Should I stay in Kona or Hilo?

Kona suits you if you want sunshine, beaches, and more shopping and dining. Hilo suits you if you prefer a greener, more local town, lower rents, and don’t mind the rain. Some renters try one side first, then move for a second stay. Our North Kona and South Hilo guides compare the two in more detail.

Is the Big Island good for a winter stay?

Yes, especially the dry west side. Kona and Kohala stay sunny and warm through winter, while Hilo and Puna get more rain. Winter is the busiest season for furnished rentals, so start looking two to three months ahead.

Where should traveling nurses stay on the Big Island?

Close to your hospital, since drives here are long. South Hilo is home to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, South Kona to Kona Community Hospital, and Waimea in South Kohala to Queen’s North Hawaiʻi. Check that a rental’s stay length fits your contract dates.

Do I need a car on the Big Island?

Yes, in almost every case. Hele-On buses run between major towns but not often, and most rentals are a drive from groceries and beaches.

What is vog, and will it affect me?

Vog is volcanic smog from Kīlauea. Levels change with eruptions and wind. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions often notice it most. The Vog Information Dashboard posts current conditions.