South Kohala Furnished Rentals
The island’s resort coast and white sand beaches, plus the cool upcountry ranch town of Waimea.
South Kohala in brief: two very different places in one district: the sunny Kohala Coast, with Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and some of the island’s best beaches, and Waimea, a cool, green ranch town upslope. You get the main North Hawaiʻi hospital, good schools and shopping in Waimea, and a 30- to 45-minute drive to the Kona airport.
Last reviewed November 2026 · By the Hawaii Monthly Rental team
South Kohala at a Glance
| Good fit for | Families, snowbirds, golfers, beach lovers, and anyone who wants Waimea’s cooler climate |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Waikoloa Village, the Waikoloa and Mauna Lani resort areas, Puakō, Kawaihae, and Waimea |
| Climate | Hot, dry, and very sunny on the coast; cool, misty, and green in Waimea |
| Getting around | A car is essential; distances between the coast and Waimea are real |
| Airport | Kona International (KOA), about 30 minutes from Waikoloa and 45 minutes from Waimea |
| Health care | Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital in Waimea |
| Everyday shopping | Grocery stores in Waimea and Waikoloa Village; resort shops on the coast; Kona for Costco |
| Internet | Cable and fiber are common in Waimea, Waikoloa, and the resorts |
| Rental terms | Listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their minimum. See rental rules by island . |
Living in South Kohala
On the coast, South Kohala is lava fields, golf greens, and some of the calmest, clearest water in Hawaiʻi. Many furnished condos and homes here are in planned resort communities with pools and security, which makes longer stays easy.
Upslope, Waimea is a different world: pastures, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history, farmers markets, and sweater weather in the evenings. It’s also home to Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital and good schools, which makes it popular with families and people relocating.
Neighborhoods
- Waikoloa Village: an upslope residential community with homes, condos, a shopping center, and a golf course.
- Waikoloa Beach and Mauna Lani resorts: oceanfront condos and villas near beaches, shops, and dining.
- Puakō and Kawaihae: a quiet beach road of homes and a small harbor town to the north.
- Waimea: the cool ranch town upslope, with the hospital, schools, restaurants, and farmers markets.
Worth your time
Highlights
- Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area , one of the island’s best white sand beaches
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site , a temple built by Kamehameha I above Kawaihae
- Waimea’s weekend farmers markets and ranch-country scenery
- Snorkeling at Puakō and the bays along the Kohala Coast
- Sunset over the water with Maui on the horizon on clear days
Before you sign
Good to Know
- Resort-area condos often have HOA rules on parking, pets, and guests. Ask before you sign.
- The coast and Waimea can feel 15 degrees apart; pack for both.
- Winds on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and in Waimea can be strong.
- Rents on the resort coast are among the highest on the island.
- Ask which utilities are included. Electricity costs far more here than on the mainland.
South Kohala Listings
We’re welcoming our first South Kohala owners and property managers now. Furnished homes and condos will appear here with the monthly rate, the owner’s minimum stay, and availability up front.
Own a furnished rental in South Kohala? List it at no cost during our launch .
South Kohala FAQ
Coast or Waimea: which is better for a longer stay?
The coast is for sun, beaches, and resort amenities. Waimea is for cooler weather, a real town, schools, and the hospital. Many people split the difference in Waikoloa Village.
How long are rentals here?
Our listings start at 30 days, and each owner sets their own minimum. County rules shape how long many homes in residential areas can rent for, so see our rental rules by island for the general picture.
How far is the airport?
Kona International Airport is about 30 minutes from Waikoloa and about 45 minutes from Waimea.
Where is the nearest hospital?
Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital is in Waimea. See Queen’s Health for services and locations.
Is it good for families?
Yes. Waimea has well-regarded public and private schools, parks, and youth sports, and the beaches on the Kohala Coast are some of the calmest on the island.