03-03-2014, 04:05 PM
Wow, I did have a different experience off of craigslist, but it was for an immaculate house in a good neighborhood in Hilo- and I had to sign a year lease and pay and pay and pay... But anyhow, it got the family to hawaii and we didnt have too much stress. The advantage for me in using a private landlord, was that he allowed me to "buy" some furniture from his tenants that were leaving and going to the mainland. In other words, I bought some basic furniture and spent a few hundred dollars that probably saved my thousands in stress because I was arriving with kids... I suppose every experience is different, but don't be afraid to take a chance. It might work out in your favor. As far as the "atmosphere" of the big island. I equate it to a "small town in the midwest" with perfect year round weather.