From booking to arrival, communication by email was prompt and clear, including instructions on how to find the property. We got a friendly greeting and were shown around this impressive and elaborately decorated property. We were immediately taken by how much living space there was for just two people. There are two verandas, with outside seating and tables on each, one with large table. Next to the kitchen there is a dining area and separate lounge served by a small bar with sink. The TV is in yet another area with very comfy armchairs. There are also two toilets, one in the main bathroom opposite the bedroom.

We were surprised and disappointed to find that sleeping arrangements were two single beds, but this was something we missed when reading the description. A nice surprise though was the supply of good quality house wine on sale with an honesty box.

This property, 20min walk from the restaurants and bars of Hilo centre, is amazing at first glance and the host has put a tremendous effort into making this a palace of bric a brac and antique and interesting furniture. You will love the place if you share the same creative and artistic tastes.

However, the downside as a guest is that you almost feel you are intruding into someone's private kingdom. There are so many knickknacks that we struggled to create space for our stuff and easily find it again later. There are numerous notes that instruct you about items that can't be used or touched. There are also notes left as reminders about how lights, fans etc are to be used. Whilst this is meant to be helpful and to save energy, we found them an irritation as we would have done this without being asked.
The host attends the property daily to empty trash and also tidies items back to their assigned locations; even if, as a guest, you had moved them because you wanted to use them somewhere else.

We found the notes and actions to be rather intrusive and felt uncertain about our privacy and did not feel free to relax and be ourselves in the property. Unfortunately, this is top of our needs for a holiday rental.