Originally Posted by Dreaming of Hawaii

Definitely rent the car before you arrive. Inventories are historically low. Book through a company called Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They will compare rates with various companies and you don’t pay anything up front. Also check out car rentals through Costco.

Do you know what your housing budget will be? I live in Discovery Harbour, which is about equal distance between Kona and Hilo near South Point. Depending on your budget, there are some great deals there. You can PM me

Originally Posted by Grassyknoll

Hope for the best, plan for the worst.
Often your expectations of what a company or service would do (such as inform you of a lack of availability), are the opposite of what happens here.
If it's important, I would try and confirm with someone that you do or do not have a po box waiting.