Kristine is a superb host and this is a great budget Airbnb for the right traveler.
Pros:
- Kristine was an excellent communicator and host. She was proactive and friendly and provided helpful items for our toddler like a baby bathtub, kids' books and a high chair. Super appreciated!
- The apartment looked like the photos and was very clean. Zero pests!
- The location is walkable to downtown Hilo.
- The bed was super comfy and the AC was cold.
As for the cons, they're partially on me. I didn't realize Hilo was gritty and I just wasn't prepared for that. We stayed here on New Year's Eve and couldn't sleep til late due to nonstop fireworks. I love fireworks, but with the baby we weren't looking to party. Kristine's apartment is renovated but the building itself is relatively rundown. I would've felt much more safe with a deadbolt on the door—not just a handle with key code. But Kristine's friendliness made up for some of my uneasiness. Maybe I am just paranoid being from Oakland!