Remote + tranquil lodging in Hawaii??

Hi, I am thinking of taking a trip to Hawaii. However, I want nothing to do with a bustling tourist area... I want to go and stay where the locals live....somewhere kinda remote and nestled in nature....but near the ocean....no big buildings, no Disney world type atmosphere with screaming kids and sweaty tourists.
Can anyone recommend a place to stay... Also please note, my funds are limited. I would however, rent a car/jeep so I could get about easily if not bumpy.

Looking for a restorative getaway, with accommodations more like a bungalow or something similar, definitely not like a full on hotel. I would be traveling alone. I am a 42 year old woman who likes to hike, horseback ride, explore nature, swim, basically chill and get to know the local aspects and people of the places I venture to.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have, Jody

I haven't been back to Hawaii in a long time, but you may want to check out Hana on the island of Maui and maybe also the island of Molokai. (Warning: I don't remember anything cheap in Hawaii. Your wish list sounds more like one of the remote and rustic hot springs in Northern California.)

You may want to post this in the US branch as well.

As well, from what you are posting, it sounds like you may want another Pacific island rather than Hawaii with your criteria.

Hawaii is expensive. From what I gather, if you want cheap, by the sea, away from other tourists etc., you will NOT find it here. I never did. Another argument for some of the other charming Pacific destinations.

Have you thought about Fiji? Samoa? The Cook Islands? Tonga?

Investigate these places too.

There are a number of places that come to mind that are off the tourist track - On the Big Island - a town near Waipio Valley(can't think of the name at the moment) that could suit your needs - the Puna district is off the beaten path - we enjoyed staying in the Captain Cook area with a family that had 3 self contained suites. On Maui - the Paia area is away from the big hotels - upcountry on the slopes of Haleakala there are smaller places to stay(not near the ocean though) - and, of course, the Hana area. On Kauai we stayed north of the Waimea Valley area in a bungalow less than 5 minutes walk to the beach - most tourists drove through only, on their way to Polihale Beach. Oahu may be harder to find what you are looking for but maybe you could check out the Kailua, Punahu(sp?) or Laie areas. If you go to alternative-hawaii.com you will find a list of accommodation in the category you are looking for. Most of these are reasonably priced - we are always able to find places less than $100 a night. Good luck with your search.

Jody,

I'll second islandboi's suggestion: have you considered somewhere other than Hawai'i? Allow me to suggest Ofu Island in American Samoa.

I'm 43 and biased to this place, but Ofu offers no small amount of "chill" time, is very remote, is "nestled in nature", is near the ocean, and rarely sees a lot of tourists. After airfare, the prices are low and the US dollar is the currency. There have been several times when I have been the only tourist on the island. You can hike, camp out, and swim one of the best coral reef systems on Earth, and where else are you going to have, essentially, three miles of perfect South Pacific beach to yourself?

I've been there many times and love it so much I took it upon myself to become the unofficial spokesperson for Ofu in addition to maintaining a website for the lodge on the island (in other words, I don't get paid for my pro-Ofu rants!).

I made a video of my last trip and put it HERE

My journal of that same trip is HERE

--Terry
Webmaster www.vaotolodge.com</a>

Just pay for it, Its not tranquil anymore - or maybe Niihau is. Was disappointed in Kauai last May but got to the Big Island in June. The mountains were cool but their roads have a lot of gates so you couldn't really go off the beaten track too far. Lots of military everwhere but hell, since then I was in Tibet!

If you want a tranquil Lodging in Polynesia though during Jan 17 to around March 7 Someone can look after our house and vehicles in Niue if they are well behaved. Some stray animals involved but pristine coastline (reefs but no real Beaches)

I go there all the time but I really feel sorry for Hawaii.
c

The Puna district on Big Island is certainly more laid back than most other areas in Hawaii but it is also extremely wet. Could be OK if you like the rain about 60% of the time!