Having spent a month in Hawaii visiting the other islands, I really fell in love with the Big Island thanks to my stay at Akiko's. Her B&B is nestled on this lush property that she's thoughtfully built out with a mediation/yoga studio, art gallery, and cute gift shop. I stayed in the banana hut and it was perfect for one person, it was just me and the coqui frogs :). Shockingly great internet and I was able to work remotely from here. The property is in a great location as well. It's near HILO and you can make easy trips to the black sand beach or the many waterfalls nearby.
Akiko is very special and an important person in her community. Everyone knows her in the area and you'll always see friends and neighbors coming by to drop off fruit and food. She took a few of us to help volunteer one Sunday where we helped weed and garden an abandoned plantation cemetery. It was the most memorable moment on my trip since it was my chance to give back to the island. If you're looking to understand Hawaii's history, culture, and community, I highly suggest staying here. Akiko will help you access that and in return, see how you can help or give back to important communities like hers. MAHALO AKIKO! <3