We never actually met our hosts face-to-face - they don't live in Hawaii - but they were very accessible by text and email. It was almost as if they were waiting for us to arrive so they could respond to our questions. Finding the cottage is a little challenging but it is correctly located on google maps and we hit it first try, despite the narrow, hilly roads. I'd hate to arrive the first time after dark however....
The cottage is charming, spacious, well furnished, good parking if a little tight, and boasts a fabulous view from the broad lanai. We cooked breakfast everyday and at least one dinner during our 7-night stay. We missed a big coffee pot (provided was a 2-cup hotel model) and Hawaiian coffee is so good, especially when drunk on a porch overlooking the sea but we loved being able to pick oranges daily for breakfast. No air conditioning but it is not really needed - there are several fans and a wonderful cross breeze. At night you will be treated to the loudest cacophony provided by tiny tree frogs which usually dies out by 11 or so. There was a damp odor but the caretaker brought us some Fabreze which largely solved the problem. Be aware of the spiders which are harmless but most aggressive, rebuilding their large webs minutes after they are swept away,
The best part of the stay is the charming town of Honoka'a and the beautiful north coast of the Big Island. The town is very friendly, full of nooks and crannies, and great restaurants - don't miss Gramma's. And the cottage provides a perfect central location to explore it all.
Hint - If it is available, opt for the Blue cottage - we were in the green cottage.The view is markedly better and all the best appliances seem to have migrated there.