My son and I had a great stay on the Big Island - and Roby and his wife's hospitality played a major role in making it a memorable experience for both of us. Our visit to the Big Island was motivated by the current eruption and the chance to observe it through excursions by helicopter and lava boat - both of which afforded spectacular views. From Roby's place the only sign of the eruption was a distant, somewhat eerie, red glow in the nighttime sky - we were untroubled by any trace of vog. The cottage itself was a great base for our daily exploration with all the comforts of home (in fact - the bed was better than home according to my son). If you are planning a visit to the Big Island - I highly recommend you consider staying at Roby's place.