Holualoa, HI

7 Apartments for Rent

The art hub of Kona Coffee Country, Holualoa Village hosts Art After Dark every first Friday of the month.

Holualoa is a census-designated place on the sunny mid-western coast of Big Island, Hawaii. But it's not only the laid-back seaside lifestyle that draws in tourists and keeps its 8,500 residents happy, but it's also the cool, verdant mountain slopes inland where the famous robust Kona coffee grows. Mt. Hualalai is also home to the historic Holualoa Village, a unique community centered around arts, crafts and java.

Moving to Holualoa

Possible Complications

The cost of apartment rentals in Holualoa is one of the highest in the U.S because a lot of the basic stuff must be imported, which brings up another point -- how to transport your possessions. You'll most likely have a better experience dealing with moving companies that specialize in shipping to Hawaii. On the other hand, there are several fully furnished apartment rentals in Holualoa that will make your life much easier. If you want to relocate with your pet, the state's Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine require a quarantine period of five days maximum upon entry. Visit their website for the checklist.

When to Start Searching

In a week or less, you can find an apt for rent in Holualoa during the low tourist seasons, from September to October and from January to May. But when the demand is high and you have very particular needs, start at least a month ahead. You might even find some all-bills-paid apartments. Bring proof of income, credit card and bank statements, and references from previous landlords. You'll likely have to plunk down a security deposit equal to one month's rent.

Neighborhoods in Holualoa

Moving to Hawaii is a dream come true for you, but don't ruin it by picking the wrong area in town for your lifestyle. Check out the different sections of town and see which neighborhood is best for you.

West: A magnet for tourists and commerce, this waterfront neighborhood is your best bet for finding rental apartments in Holualoa. Most of the condominiums are concentrated around Alii Drive, the main drag, followed by nearby Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, where properties also overlook Holualoa Bay.

North Mamalahoa Highway: From Lawai'a Road down to Kona Memorial Park, residences cluster around small streets and lanes that branch off the highway. It's a good area to consider when hunting for single-family homes and rental houses in Holualoa, particularly on Hiona Street, Keopu Makura Drive and around Kalamani Street. Star attractions include the Keopu Coffee, famed for their 100 percent organic Kona Coffee, and Ueshima Coffee Company or UCC, which does coffee tours where you roast your own cup of joe.

The Village: Art galleries and local craft stores, like the Ukulele Gallery, dot the lush scenic route along this stretch of Mamalahoa, where charming historic buildings remain untouched by big development. The old Holualoa Theater still hosts live performances, near the popular Holualoa Gallery and Mi Taqueria Potosina, a favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine.

East: This is big country, where large parcels of land with plantation homes give way to thick forests the farther you head east. Vacation rentals are sometimes available here.

Local Life

Whether it's four or two, better have your own set of wheels if you want to live here.

In Holualoa Village, the hangout spot for breakfast to late night munchin' is Holuakoa Caf, where farm-to-fork organic slow food is served in a cozy atmosphere. There's nothing like the annual festivities that bring the entire town together, such as the Summer Farmfest and Ukulele Jam, and the Coffee and Art Stroll every November. On Sundays, Alii Drive becomes a pedestrian-only promenade where locals savor good food, meet artists and craftsmen, and enjoy live music.