As a solo traveler on a work trip to U of Hawai'i University, Joshua's place would have been ideal for location (and one of the best values for a 4-day stay in Honolulu). But what really made his place ideal was the comforting touches that made me feel right at home: home-baked treats, a free souvenir to take with me, and a suite-style upstairs room with living room, desk for working, and bathroom that made me wonder why anyone would fork out hundreds for a fancy hotel. This isn't near Waikiki, but the Manoa Valley's calm pace and neighborhood setting made me feel like I was peeking into a real resident's lifestyle.