If you want a taste of Waimea living on the "dry" side of town, the Red Ohana is the place for you. The two- bedroom cabin is gorgeous and stocked with everything you'd need for a few days stay. It is, by far, the best Airbnb rental I've stayed in. It's two miles from the heart of Waimea and close to all the great restaurants in town (Merriman's, Hawaiian Style Cafe, Moa's Ramen, Village Burger and more).
The place is located across the street from Hawaii Prep Academy, and you can use the track for running or walking. It's also 20 minutes from Hawi, 40 minutes from Kona, and about an hour or so to Hilo (longer if you drive on to Volcano National Park).
Laura is also a super and super-friendly host, fantastic and attentive to your every need. She's by far the best host we've met.
Highly recommended if you visit Waimea and the Kohala area and you want to be away from the hotel/resort bustle!
Colin