Big Island Fairway Villa I-33 condo

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to the Big Island Fairway Villa I-33, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star condo situation — but you know what, this place actually surprised me in the best way. The building sits right where you can hear the gentle thwack of golf balls in the distance (hence the “fairway” part), and there’s something oddly soothing about that rhythm mixed with the tropical birds doing their morning chatter. The parking was straightforward, which I mean, sounds boring but you’d be amazed how many places on the Big Island make you hike half a mile with your luggage.

The condo itself has that lived-in vacation rental vibe that I’ve come to prefer over sterile hotel rooms — you get a full kitchen that actually works (tested it with some fresh ahi from the local market), decent-sized living area, and a lanai where you can sit with your coffee and pretend you have your life together. The furnishings aren’t going to win any design awards, but everything’s clean and functional, plus there’s this surprisingly comfortable couch that became my afternoon nap headquarters. What really sold me was the location though — you’re tucked away enough to feel like you’re not in tourist central, but close enough to the main roads that getting to Kona or up to Waimea for dinner doesn’t require a whole expedition planning session.

The 8.0 rating makes total sense once you spend a few days here. It’s not fancy, but it delivers on what matters — space to spread out, a kitchen so you’re not eating every meal out (your wallet will thank you), and that perfect Big Island quietness where the biggest noise complaint you’ll have is maybe a rooster getting too enthusiastic at dawn. I actually found myself extending my stay an extra night because, well, why rush back to reality when you’ve got a decent setup and you’re already in island time mode? The property management was pretty responsive too — had a minor issue with the wifi (because of course) and they sorted it out without the usual vacation rental runaround. If you’re looking for something that feels more like borrowing a friend’s place than staying in a hotel, and you don’t need someone making your bed every day, this spot hits that sweet spot between comfort and value that’s getting harder to find on the islands.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities