Connie's rainforest getaway was just the retreat we needed. Coming from Honolulu, I fear my wife and I were still baring the residual tension we'd carried to the big island from the big city. But Connie's place--and everything about it, from the quality of the cabin to the peace and solitude of south point--washed that away. I will itemize the things we loved about our stay there:

The pictures do no justice to the beauty of the cabin and the surrounding area. It is absolutely gorgeous and peaceful and safe feeling. My wife and I never felt the need to lock our doors. Connie was a comforting, welcoming, and helpful host.

The kitchen is fun to cook in, which matters a great deal to Mary Catherine and I. Everything we needed for cooking was there. We'd loaded up on food and snacks at Costco in Kailua-Kona earlier that day (also recommended).

The back porch is worth the rent all by itself. My wife and I drank wine and listened to birdsong during the day, which was so sonorous I decided to dig out some audio equipment and record it.

Green Sands Beach is the best beach on the island, and South Point may be the most stunning pasture-land in the world, even rivaling Waimea. Go to Green Sands Beach and walk if you can handle it.

Mare and I have been converted. We are moving to south point and taking Connie out for a thank-you lunch just as soon as we can.