We had a great time at Candice and Richard's cottage. It had everything we needed for our 10-day vacation and was conveniently located for trips to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It's also not too far from Hilo. Driving to Kona is a more substantial undertaking but worth it. Communicating with Candice and Richard was a breeze.
Our top five recommendations for cheap but satisfying things to do are:
1. Hike up Maunakea (moderate-to-hard due to altitude and steepness of path; start early and take a fleece, waterproof coat, gloves, and a woolly hat).
2. Do a volunteer-guided tour of the Puʻuloa petroglyphs (rock carvings) in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (ask at visitor centre).
3. Hike Kīlauea Iki crater (easy-to-moderate).
4. Visit the Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical site (include the [easy] hike to the Kiʻilae Village site).
5. Hike to the Captain Cook Monument (easy-to-moderate).
Lastly, if you book during the winter months, be prepared for rain. Lots of rain.