Tourists stay in Kona, but if you really want to get a feel for the Big Island, stay in Hilo. It rains a lot more, but it is much more lush. You get to know the people more. Cheriess is a great host with very thorough instructions. While the home is 125 years old, it has all one needs to enjoy a lovely and tranquil base to explore within a short walk of water and the artsy downtown area. I was able to work remotely and explore, explore, explore. The room we were in was quite large, and though others stayed there, we never heard a peep except for the frogs and geckos that serenade the place at night. We would definitely stay there again.