Sandra's place is so hard to describe if you've never been to the Big Island - which we had not. We had only spent time in Oahu and Kawaii. But, the Big Island is almost a country in itself with so many micro climates and eco systems - its truly amazing. First off, Sandra and Fred were just the best hosts, meeting us for a late check in when we arrived and showing us around. Fred was even good enough to make us a local favorite, a lilikoi martini. Don't tell him I said that or he'll have to make you one too! They gave us tons of ideas and places to see. The house is great and beautifully appointed, with native hardwoods, a small kitchenette we used every day, and a killer shower. The bed. Oh my, the bed. One of the things I hate about raveling is not having a good bed. Even in 4 star hotels, the bed is often firm and wanting. Not here. King sized. Soft. Amazing. The grounds are really cool too. Ocean View is a small town on the southern slopes of Mona Loa, built over an ancient lava flow. It's not plush greenery and palm trees. It is a beauty that's all its own and 100% Hawaii. The house faces SSE, towards the ocean. The grounds have many fruit trees. We were knee deep in fresh Papaya's and Lilikoi the whole week. Ad rum and ice - we call that breakfast! But as great as the house is, its all about the hot tub! Just steps from the front lanai it your own personal hot tub. I began every day with 2 cups of coffee and a soak. And at night, the sky vault opens up to a million stars and the brightest I've seen the Milky Way since I was a kid. Fred gave us some great beach ideas as well. I might recommend the black sands beach at Punalu' U, where they have a small part of the beachfront where turtles hang out! On the way to the beach, though, you have to stop at the southern most bakery in the US at the Punalu' U Bake Shop for the best sweet dough bread in the world and a lilikoi doughnut (or a whole dozen). Also, Ho'Okena is a great beach, many of the locals go too. We also saw turtles here and the snorkeling was great. We also made the adventure to Miloli'i, which is the oldest fishing village in HI. The drive down the volcano is breathtaking. The town is beset with profound poverty. But once there, you go on a 30 minute hike through the jungle, by ancient burial sites, over lava flow and climbing over fallen tree to the most unkown beach on the island, Honomalino beach. We hiked there are 2 in the afternoon, stayed until 430, and never 1 person! We had the whole beautiful place to ourselves, and the dolphins playing offshore. Then,...