A TOTAL GEM CLOSE ENOUGH AND FAR ENOUGH FROM TOWN. We highly recommend this listing and Mel as an Airbnb host. We arrived late in the evening on a Tuesday, and Mel made sure that we were totally provided for--he left the lights on so that we could more easily find the rental in the dark, encouraged us to sleep in the next morning and even placed breakfast in the fridge for us. This was not a one off--it was clear everyday of our 7 day stay that Mel was and still is a hospitality professional. As others have said, Mel provides a thoughtful breakfast for his guests everyday and we got to enjoy pancakes, waffles, Portuguese bread french toast, omelets, scrambled eggs served with fresh juices and fruit (apple compote with red beans, blueberries, pineapples, guavas, papayas, longan, and mangos). Mel was always friendly and helpful, willing to provide recommendations of where to go and what activities we might enjoy (depending on what we reported our interests as being). The views from Mel's property are outstanding and the photos do not do them justice. We ended up spending much more time than we originally planned on the property, enjoying the lanai with views of the ocean and Haleakala and the ample wildlife that made this such a lush, rich, enjoyable, and memorable stay. It was so hard to leave and we now know that the shortest stay we should book with Mel will be 10 days next time.
Mel's listing is 4 minutes from Kohala Coffee Mill and Hawi Town, 8 minutes from Kapauu, 19 minutes from the Pololu Valley Lookout, 28 minutes from Mauna Kea Beach, 35 minutes from Mauna Lani Beach Club, 36 minutes from Waimea-Kamuela (FARMERS MARKETS!), and a little over an hour drive from Hawaiian Coastline Adventures who helped us to swim with the manta rays! Whether you take the 270 or the 250 you will be surrounded by absolutely incredible views for any drive to an activity and when on the property will enjoy and experience a slice of real Hawai'i. We can't wait to go back and spend more time there. ~Paul and Jess