We really enjoyed staying at Rachel's apartment! It was very cozy, comfortable and clean--and very thoughtfully equipped. She even had umbrellas we could use in the almost daily Hilo rain. The full kitchen includes things like a toaster, a teapot, measuring cups, etc. which made it quite easy to make meals there when we weren't eating out. The bed and the futon were both very comfortable, and the whole place is very cheerful. As she notes in her description, you do hear the bells from the middle school in the back, as well as the kokee frogs outside and occasionally noise from the rest of the house and the neighbors--but none of it really bothered us. The house is in a nice, quiet neighborhood with a view of the ocean as you look down the street. It is located within easy access of downtown Hilo and to the roads that take you to other areas of the island. Rachel herself was a joy to meet, and she is very warm and welcoming. We stayed there for a little over a week and felt very much at home there. Thanks again, Rachel!