What an amazing welcome! Really above and beyond. Valerie and her family met us on arrival and showed us around their lovely home, and she checked in with us regularly throughout our stay. The house is spotlessly clean and thoughtfully provisioned. Lots of rooms to stretch out in, and the kitchen has everything… two types of coffee makers, a cheese grater, a blender, and a real can opener! Being on the road for the last 8 months, these are not things I take for granted! As for the location, it’s close to everything on this side of the island so is a great spot from which to go exploring. Just a couple miles up the highway from the nearest supermarket in Pahoa, the Star of the Sea (painted church), etc. Twenty minutes to Hilo and maybe 40 to the volcanoes. You will hear coquis at night but I like them. I also enjoyed the chance to get acquainted with the story of the pandanus tree, thanks to a book on the subject in one of the bedrooms. Great place, nice people, good value, good location—I recommend it!