If you’re contemplating a stay on the Big Island of Hawaii and want to avoid the confines of a huge resort, I highly recommend the Kona Hula Girl in Kailua-Kona. This small hideaway is composed of four super-clean studios, each of which features a kitchenette, flat screen TV, hardwood floors and great views of the ocean and/or lush greenery. The Kona Hula Girl is walking distance to many of the attractions in Kailua-Kona (including the shops & restaurants of Ali’i Drive), and it’s only a short drive to the beautiful beaches of the Kohala Coast. Parking is free, and rates span a wallet-friendly range of $69 – $85 per night.

Keep in mind: The Kona Hula Girl is more akin to a B&B or vacation rental than a hotel, so don’t expect amenities like a gym, pool, concierge, etc. And FYI, in the studio I stayed in (the Tiki Room), the kitchen and bathroom sink are one and the same.

Bonus tip(s): It’s a short walk from the Kona Hula Girl to the Big Island Grill, which offers fantastically delicious breakfast (Kona coffee, macadamia nut french toast with coconut syrup, traditional Hawaiian loco moco and more!) Also, even the McDonald’s in Kailua-Kona provides some Hawaiian breakfast staples, including Kona coffee and a Spam, rice and eggs meal.