Before you meet Maria and her family, Airbnb.com is just a place to rent a place to stay. But then you meet Maria, Jun and Jason, and your view of what is meant by being hosted completely changes. The Aloha spirit was utterly in place in their home!

First of all, the location was wonderful! Only 15 minutes drive away from the crowded streets in Waikiki, where parking is constantly a struggle. In most instances, the commute to their home is reverse commute, and miraculously I was never sitting in traffic! You are only 20 minutes to Kaneohe / Kailua so you can be at the other coast in no time at all. And, while street parking is an option, it is not needed because parking is included.

Then you walk up to their home onto the lanai, a comfortable space where you will gladly spend your time! An outdoor sofa, table with chairs, two comfy rocking chairs and a mini fridge with beverages are there for your enjoyment. The space is open with plenty of cover in case of rain. The lanai was certainly larger and more inviting than the photograph and is surrounded by lush plant life with a nice sense of privacy.

Your room is separate yet still part of the main house and locks with your own key. It has a comfortable queen sized bed as well a futon. There is a flat screen TV with cable, sitting on a desk that has an additional roll out table for your convenience. The mini fridge in the room is stocked with some snacks and there is a Keurig coffee maker, a microwave and hot water maker available. A pleasant surprise was the small amenities also available such as a few cups, dishes, silverware within the room which made it easy to snack without having to leave your room. The room has a sizeable closet. There is a ceiling fan for your comfort. The room locks to the main house if you desire.

Just outside of your room is the laundry room and the bathroom. Everything is nicely decorated. There is a linen closet where extra towels, hair dryer, some toiletries are even provided. You have access to the kitchen if you need to prep or cook food or wash your dishes. You basically lack for nothing.

I actually felt spoiled by Maria and Jun's generosity and truly felt the Ohana spirit of family. I was given a thoughtful birthday gift during my stay and sandwiches at departure which absolutely helped with the hunger pangs on the airplane!

I will stay here anytime I am on this island and look forward to seeing them again!