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When we booked our trip to the Big Island, we knew we wanted to do things differently. After spending a week on Oahu for our friends’ wedding—dodging crowds and feeling the sting of sky-high prices—we were craving something slower, more grounded, and less touristy. We wanted local flavor, laid-back vibes, and yes—more bang for our buck. A true island experience while we toured Hawaii, without the tourist traps.
We stayed in Kea‘au through HomeExchange, and it honestly made the entire trip possible. We used GuestPoints, which meant we didn’t spend a dime on our accommodations. Our host had a cozy home tucked away in the Hawaiian jungle, complete with an amazing shower made out of local lava rocks and the sounds of nature all around us. Literally, chickens and peacocks, tree frogs and lizards cackled and cooed all day and all night. It felt like we were really on the island—not just visiting it.
The listing also mentioned we could borrow their car if we coordinated ahead of time, which we did. Everything sounded perfect. But—travel curveball incoming—when we arrived after a $70 Uber ride from the airport (yes, that one stung), the car wasn’t there.
Turns out, the host had let her family borrow it last-minute without telling us. We were quite literally stranded in the middle of nowhere with zero walkable options. No stores. No restaurants. No car. Just us, our bags, and a whole lotta jungle.
Enter Honest Auto Rentals—and when we say honest, we mean it. Desperate for a solution, we called around and found one local rental company that just so happened to be someone’s home. They had one vehicle left that had just been dropped off. It wasn’t cleaned or ready yet, but they did a quick wipe down, topped it off with gas, handed us the keys, and wished us well.
It saved our entire trip. If you’re headed to the Big Island and need a rental without all the red tape and crazy fees, check them out. They seriously came through for us. To make things even better, on our way out, they met us at the airport to take the car back without us having the hassle of getting another crazy expensive Uber. You can’t get better service than that.
We stayed near Pāhoa, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots. Almost every dinner, we found somewhere new and exciting in the quaint town near our HomeExchange. The vibe in Pāhoa is way more chill and authentic compared to Oahu. You can feel the heartbeat of the island—local markets, laid-back cafes, and incredible views without the tourist rush.
Our HomeExchange was super close to a lot of hiking areas. We loved exploring the black sandy beaches and towering cliffs. We spent time exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and it was one of those moments that sticks with you forever. Standing near a volcano that’s been so recently active was wild—humbling, awe-inspiring, and definitely something to add to your bucket list if you haven’t already.
Our time on the Big Island was a mix of unexpected twists, jaw-dropping nature, and a whole lot of gratitude. If you’re dreaming of a Hawaii getaway but think it’s out of your budget, we’re here to tell you it’s totally possible—with a little flexibility and a sense of adventure. Even though we had a mishap in the beginning with our HomeExchange host, we didn’t panic (well, maybe a little) but everything worked out and it was a stay we’ll never forget.
Stay tuned because we’re going to be sharing more about our time on the Big Island and some great recommendations for where to eat, shop and sight-see! Let us know if you’ve ever been to the Big Island or if it’s on your list! And if you need help planning your own budget-friendly couples getaway, drop us a message—we’ve got tips for days.
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Catch more of our travel tips, misadventures, and date ideas on DatesInTheStates.com and our YouTube channel!