Staying at The Shrine for 5 days provided me exactly the time and space I needed to relax, to read, to spend time on a little work project that needed minimal distraction (I was SO happy there was no TV or DVD player to lure me away), to listen to the rain on the roof and my coqui frog companions in the vines and trees outside my windows in the evening (to me, both are wonderful accompaniments to a good sleep!) while sitting with my favorite book and a glass of wine. In even the short time I was there, I experienced a real feeling of returning home after daily drives through the country and visits to Hilo town. To me, The Shrine and my host Pua, who was so warm in her welcoming me and respectful of my needs in being there, represent the true essence of Hawai`i and what makes it such a special place on this planet. I will definitely return :)