Big Island White Sands Village 333 condo

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star condo rental on the Big Island, but Big Island White Sands Village 333 completely caught me off guard. First thing that hits you when you walk in is how clean and well-maintained everything feels – I mean, you can tell the owners actually care about this place rather than just treating it like another vacation rental cash grab. The condo itself has this laid-back island vibe without being cheesy about it, and honestly, the ocean views from the lanai made me forget I wasn’t staying at some fancy resort.

The location is what really makes this place shine, though. You’re literally steps away from one of the better snorkeling spots on the Kona coast – and I’m talking about the kind of spot where you’ll see actual sea turtles, not just tourist brochure promises. The beach access is ridiculously easy, which matters more than you’d think when you’re hauling snorkel gear and coolers around in that Big Island heat. What I loved is that it feels residential rather than touristy – you’ll hear roosters in the morning (welcome to Hawaii, right?) but you’re not dealing with cruise ship crowds or those awful resort pool parties. The kitchen is actually functional too, which is rare for vacation rentals. I cooked dinner most nights because, let’s be real, eating out every meal on the Big Island gets expensive fast.

Here’s the thing that sold me on this place – the owners clearly know what travelers actually need. There’s beach gear already there, the WiFi doesn’t cut out every ten minutes, and the air conditioning works properly (trust me, you’ll appreciate this after a day exploring the lava fields). Parking is easy and free, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places on the island make that complicated. The complex is quiet enough that you can actually sleep with the windows open and hear the waves, but you’re still close enough to Kailua-Kona that grabbing groceries or hitting up those food trucks doesn’t require a major expedition. I’d definitely stay here again – actually, I’m already planning my next trip back.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Simon from United States (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities