During past vacations, have you ever caught yourself wondering what it would be like to call a place like this home? You imagine the people who live here, and you think that they must be far more relaxed and happier than the average person. While most of us dont have the means to just pick up and move to a tropical island paradise, you can do the next best thing by renting a vacation home thats as unique as your own house and outfitted with just as many, if not more, amenities. Your upcoming trip to Hilo will serve as a fine first foray into the land of living like a permanent vacationer.

From the moment you step through the doorway of your tropical hideaway, youll know you made the right choice. High ceilings, wooden floors, ample sofa space and a perfect-sized dining table let you know you wont be feeling claustrophobic. An especially big thrill is the kitchen; no more trekking down unfamiliar roads looking for a good restaurant. A quick trip to the grocery store will allow you to stock your pantry in preparation for a few easy meals, including the breakfast in bed your honey has promised you.

Youre already walking on air, and you havent even seen everything yet. Continue on to the master bedroom, where the whirlpool tub and walk-in closet prompt an involuntary smile to spread across your face. You imagine being able to shut the door after a day of hiking the lava park or biking through the rainforest for a one-on-one pampering session that no one else can disturb. This keeps getting better and better.

A lanai, thats how you say porch when youre off the mainland, stretches around two sides of your cottage, allowing for amazing views of the ocean and the evening sunset. Sit out here in the morning with your freshly brewed coffee, in the afternoon with the novel you finally have time to start, or at night for cocktail hour of your own design. Youll probably never tire of the fresh breeze or the expansive view of the mountains and the sea, even if you were to stay here for the rest of your life.

Nearby activities in Hilo include swimming in the calm waters of Coconut Island, visiting the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, catching an artsy film at the historic Palace Theatre, and taking a walking tour of the colorful downtown area. Be warned, however, that just like a local, the urge to stay home may often strike. Not that you wont appreciate the lovely town, but when you have everything youve been craving right beneath your nose, the motivation to put on your shoes and go towards the crowd just doesnt sound like a good idea.

Making it even more likely that youll have at least a couple of quiet nights at home is the full entertainment center and the game closet within your vacation rental. The sound of the TV may be unwelcome to you, but the sound of the whole family enjoying a game of cards or one of those board games that has everyone on their feet and shouting out the answers will be pretty priceless.

Youre probably getting the idea by now. Holing up in a vacation property will be pretty sweet, and while the Hilo locals probably have jobs and responsibilities just like you, you can imagine that youre seeing life through their eyes as you rise each morning to the sight of the sun rising over the luscious forest. Youre all about immersing yourself in another culture, especially one that gets to call Hawaii its home, so get moving and start to plan your getaway from the same old, same old.

Go online to explore all the Hilo vacation rentals, and choose the one that looks like home to you.