You must be considering something smaller?, a complex of units which has more volume, or perhaps down in a congested/low elevation hot area?, to get a less expensive rate —
Perhaps the unit is a distance way out from the city -- the cost of living (cost of property) is more expensive near the heart of North Kona --
Be sure and look at a map of the various cities, we have had people fly into Hilo thinking Kailua Kona was next to Hilo! We are in Kailua-Kona, North Kona.
See our maps here: OUR MAPS Be sure and check out the "Close to What" Page!
If you are looking at competing rentals, make sure they are in North Kona, at an elevation of 850 feet or above, on a sizeable property (ours is an acre), in a private community, in a private house (not a complex), with off street parking, private entrance, FULL bath, Free WIFI, cleaned and maintained by the owners, furnished uniquely and with much local art and flair (not from mass art from local discount department stores & Wal-Mart) -- compare APPLES to APPLES, please.
If you had inquired about the house: It is a complete 3 Bedroom House -- not a chopped up building with communal entrances or a duplex!
If you had inquired about any of our rentals: they are 10 minutes close to the city and beaches and yet at a cool elevation on an acre of land without a bunch of noise and traffic.
We have local people even rent our spaces and come back and local people know how to shop for bargains!
Our own relatives come and stay -- why not, we are close to everything around and have everything they need already in the house!
Of course to each their own some people don’t mind the condos, traffic, heat (like if you are coming from Arizona?), etc., some people want a pool rather than go to the beach, some people have kids in tow that want to stay indoors and watch TV all day so why not a condo? -- in those cases our spaces are probably not going to be as appropriate, we definitely fill a niche that’s not for all people...For people who intend to get out and explore the natural wonders of the island, and who then want to come back to a real home local people would live in ("like a native would"), you've found the right place!
There are probably a few rentals in the rental circuit owned by business investors or off island owners who bought their property with cash, have no mortgage and ocassionally rent space when they are not using it -- Perhaps in those instances you can find a lowball rate? We do this all year long, we charge enough rent to pay the bills which includes a mortgage, we do not make our living renting these spaces. On the flip side I doubt the investors and hobby rentors appreciate, try for or enjoy as much all the positive feedback from their guests. We take great pride and pleasure in what we do and so far so good for the benefit it has brought to both sides!
We are happy to point you to other places if you are looking for a different experience -- so EMAIL US AND TELL US WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR we will try our best to help you out. We'd rather you be a happy visitor whether you stay with us or not.