Even though Joan couldn't be there when we arrived, she had a sweet neighbor welcoming us. It wouldn't have been necessary, because everything was well prepared (we loved the provided breakfast ingredients!) and described. :)
We did not really have to chance to meet despite our long stay (15 days)... but that is on us. We just were to much out exploring this beautiful island. Joan checked on us on a regular basis and provided everything we needed. She even jumped in when we asked for some nearby hiking opportunities (the surrounding hills look so nice... but we couldn't really find hikes close).
Waimea is a great place to serve as base camp for the exploration of the island. We saw snow capped Mauna Kea almost every day in the distance and it takes you less than an hour to the visitor center. Hapuna (one of the Island's best beaches despite the $5 fee; sun almost guaranteed, no rain or VOG) is a little more than 15 minutes away. "Downtown Waimea/Kamuela" (use Kamuela for your research to prevent confusion with the Waimeas on O'ahu and Kauai') with lots of restaurants, farmer's markets and grocery stores is about 5 minutes (not walking distance) away. I could go on and on... just look at a map. :)
That being said, Waimea is at 2500ft (750m) elevation - it is cool and damp here compared to the west coast. Clothes don't really dry well and we put the provided electrical space heater to good use. It was also to cool to enjoy Joan's beautiful backyard with BBQ grill in the evening as it rained / drizzled quite frequently in addition to the lower temperatures. Despite being on Waimea's dry side - all is relative. So if you plan to grill for dinner and/or sit on the porch / in the backyard with a cool drink after the sun went down, you should consider a different place / location OR just do that in a park (e.g. Hapuna) and not in your vacation home. This might be a seasonal thing, too. :)
In summary: we loved the stay, and the next time we are on the island, we will try to stay with Joan again (and finally really meet her and her husband)!