This large vacation rental home exceeded the expectations of our group of 7. We all agreed that the location, amenities, attention to detail, and over ambiance of the property was superb. The photos on the website only hint at the beauty of this home. My first comment on arrival and seeing the first apartment was " Wow this is way better than the pictures!"

The property is beautifully landscaped with some very unique tropical plants and flowers. The outside cooking, barbeque area makes for a wonderful evening dining experience.

We rented all four apartment units. This unique arrangement allows for the privacy of each couple when needed. The lap pool was very popular for exercise as well as a refreshing dip to cool off. The house is very close to the ocean, and the sound of the waves are clearly heard. The 30' lava cliffs at the shoreline make for dramatic scenery photography. It is just a short walk from the pool to the ocean's edge. A foot path goes along the top of the cliff and there are benches to sit on for sunrise and sunset views. The second floor of the house also has stunning views of the ocean, pool and zen garden.

The rooms themselves are furnished with authentic Hawaiian furniture made of native hardwoods. The wall decorations are elegant, but not overdone. Orchid plants are in every room, some of which were quite large and beautiful. The whole place was spotlessly clean and very new.

This part of the Big Island is not really for about beaches, but about volcanoes, lush vegetation, dramatic scenery, and friendly people. The town of Hilo (sixteen miles) is one of the few authentic cities in the state of Hawaii.

Lastly, our host, Dan, was just what you wanted a host to be. Helpful and friendly at check-in, invisible unless you needed something.

If your desire is to really see this part of the island as more than just a tourist, then, by all means, stay at Dan's. We are all from the island of Maui, so we know the real Hawaii when we see it.

By the way, if you can at all afford it, do a helicopter tour over the lava fields. You will be amazed! We actually felt the heat of the lava and saw the glowing, hot rock oozing from the ground. Go early in the morning or twilight to really see the red glow.