Stephanie is a fabulous host, her recommendations for what to do on the big island and where to eat were perfect! We are an older couple who came to the big island to boogie board, snorkel, tour coffee growers and sample the amazing sustainable food and slow cook restaurants on the island. BEST snorkeling experience was at 2-Step and the City of Refuge. The reef is incredibly healthy there and the fish numerous and bright, LOVE! The City of Refuge is a sacred space, one of the more peaceful places we have ever visited in our lives. BEST beach is the hike in through the lava fields at Makalawena Beach. It's a 20 minute hike from where we parked our cars, and a 4-WD vehicle is really the way to go on the 1.6 mile drive leading up to the hike. Bring water for the hike and a camera, the pics are SPECTACULAR, the beach PARADISE. It was an AMAZING day. We also drove up to Hilo area, ate malasadas and barbque at the Texas Roadhouse. BEST eats on the island that we enjoyed near us were the Da Poke Shack, FK (10 minute walk from condo), Sun of a Bistro (near the airport), Annie's Burgers and Killer Tacos! One place we ate almost everyday is Gypsea Gelato (the one next to Annie's is the BEST, but love the new one too). We would go for a taco or a bowl of poke and then walk to Gypsea Gelato which just opened a new shop near the volleyball court by FK. Taste all teh flavors you want them pick two for a medium bowl, its a LOT of gelato, bursting with flavor. You will eat all the time here, the portions are enormous. Best deals would be tasty tacos and fresh poke. Everyday we made breakfast, packed and sandwich and planned on picking up fresh fish as poke or tacos for dinner. We would walk for gelato. It was absolutely perfect!!!