Roby and Kayo (and their boxer, Cisco) are wonderful hosts! They are warm, kind, generous, genuine, and interesting, and they enriched our already memorable experience by just being their own lovely selves.

The cottage we stayed in (which Roby built) is comfortable and pretty and has many nice extra touches like granite and stone tile in the fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, exotic woods, exposed-beam ceiling, and even antique furniture. It is also immaculately clean. Kayo unobtrusively straightened up and removed trash daily, while we were out having adventures. We still can't figure out how she manages to keep everything smelling so fresh out there in the rainforest, where nothing has a chance to dry out.

Besides providing top-notch accommodations, Roby and Kayo went the extra mile (or 20!) for us on several occasions. When we arrived during an unusually hot, humid time, Roby went to Hilo and bought a high-end fan that got us through. When Kayo discovered that a jar of oil I bought at the Hilo farmers market was leaking, she went to the market and surprised me with a replacement. Waaaay above and beyond the call of duty!

This property is in a seriously rural area of an already rural island, and is off the beaten path even there. You will LOVE the peace and quiet, the rainwater shower, the gorgeous plants, the friendly animals (horse, donkey, dog, cats, and geckos) combined with all the modern conveniences in the beautifully appointed cottage. But be prepared to traverse country lanes that stretch the meaning of the word "road" to get there. And, absolutely follow your hosts' directions to get there and DO NOT DEVIATE (as we did, late one night -- BIG UH-OH!), unless you rent a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, which is a good idea for this very rustic island, anyway.

This is a convenient place to stay, located between the funky town of Hilo and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it to anyone who truly wants to experience the character snd personality of the Big Island.

Aloha and Mahalo, Roby and Kayo!

Margie and Tom