In our May issue, we published a list of 50 Hawaiian B&Bs, making the point that generic hotels are not the only lodging option in the fiftieth state. But why be cooped up in a single room when you can have an entire house?

Island vacation rentals are another low-cost alternative, with fully equipped condominiums from $330 a week, roomy cottages from $350, and complete homes from $525. And we're talking amenities such as Jacuzzis and tennis courts, with settings sometimes yards away from a beach or tropical rain forest. That's what you'll find in the following list of rental bargains on Hawaii's four main islands. You may never stay in a claustrophobic hotel room again.

Beyond the bargain rentals listed below, search such online directories as Unique Hawaiian Experiences, Affordable Paradise, Goin2Travel Vacation Rentals, or A1 Vacation Rentals. Keep in mind that rates tend to require at least a few nights' stay, fluctuate between summer and winter (most low rates listed here are for summer), and don't include taxes or cleaning fees. Costs for extra persons are usually reasonable -- as low as $10 per night.

OAHU

Aloha Beach Vacation Rentals (888/259-5023, vacationrentalshawaii.com) offer two separate homes, of which our favorite is a simple two-bedroom, two-story structure in Waimanalo on Oahu's eastern coast, with a coconut-tree-filled garden, a 12-person Jacuzzi, and a large kitchen. Rates start at $623 per week.

Aloha Waikiki Vacation Condos (800/655-6055, waikiki-condos.com) also rent out a number of different digs -- studio apartments in high-rises scattered throughout Waikiki, for $330 a week; one-bedrooms (sleeping four) for $623 a week. All accommodations are within walking distance of the beach.

Beachside Bungalows (877/640-0990, beachsidebungalows.com) offer a choice of six rentals, from one-bedroom, one-baths starting at $695 per week to two-bedroom, two-baths starting at $850. Their best feature is location: only one block from gorgeous Kailua Beach on the eastern coast. All rentals include the use of snorkels, fins, Boogie boards, and kayaks.

Nalo Winds Vacation Rental House (866/625-6946, a1vacations.com/nalowinds/1) is a three-bedroom, three-bath home that sleeps up to eight and is just five houses away from wide Waimanalo Beach; it's especially suitable for families, since the house comes chockablock with extras like a crib, toys, bikes, snorkel gear, and Boogie boards. Weekly rates from $525 per couple.

MAUI

Aloha Maui Cottages (808/572-0298, bbonline.com/hi/alohamaui) are four detached buildings on the edge of a rain forest (ask a neighbor to take you on a hike or horseback ride through it) and also near hidden pools and waterfalls. A wood-burning sauna and a hot tub are on the property; showers flow with soft, collected rainwater; all in all, the experience is like that of Robinson Crusoe in paradise. From $350 per week.

Andrea's Maui Oceanfront Condos (800/289-1522, mauicondos.com) are run by 23-year Maui resident Andrea, who happily rents out (with her daughter Jill) modern, large, and roomy one- and two-bedroom condos in the popular Kihei area starting at $693 a week. A bonus: They can supply you with goodies like free snorkel rentals, two-for-one dinner coupons, drink specials, and discounts for golf and local attractions.

Haiku Getaway (800/680-4946, vacationrentalmaui.com) offers three out-of-the-way rentals (two rooms and a two-bedroom cottage) in verdant Haiku on the north shore. The Tangerine Room starts at $455 a week; you can rent the entire cottage for $700 a week.