John's place is truly as he calls it, the Hawaiian Paradise Cottage set in a neighborhood in Kea'au, which has all the charm one would expect from a home in Hawai'i...charming furniture, a nice, open kitchen, small library with a plethora of books and board games to peruse, big windows to let in all the glorious light (and cool breezes and of COURSE gorgeous views of the lovely garden out back!), and of course, a lanai with plenty of seating and quaint little lights to enjoy some outdoor time just relaxing! When we checked in we were a little early to the place and John had to meet us, and when he arrived we met his dog Paco, and he showed us in and around. He bought a combination lock just so we wouldn't have to deal with a key, which was very thoughtful and we felt special to be the first to enjoy this amenity. John's hospitality is really what made us fall in love with this stay- yes, the home is gorgeous and cozy, the beds are comfy the tv with amazon stick is nice, there's an espresso machine and coffee maker and a full kitchen and beach gear ready for use but the difference in John as a host is what we needed in our vacation- someone who welcomed us warmly, treated us with such kindness and who invited us for a glass of wine and to join in on live flamenco next door at his place (we didn't end up swinging by bc I started feeling back pain, but he even kept checking in with us that we weren't bothered by the sound). He left us the freshest eggs I've ever had in the fridge (courtesy of his neighbor), and when I remarked that there was no cooking oil around and if he had some he had it waiting for us when we got back that day! And when I couldn't figure out how to work the dryer that was on our front porch he came over just to show me how to work the thing. He welcomed us in and would wave at us goodbye when we left each day, and it was a delight to see Paco the dog running around and greeting us at the door. I think this stay was wonderful because John had us feeling truly at home and shared with us the spirit of "aloha." Even when we checked out I wasn't going to bother John because I saw he had company come to his house (which is right next door attached only by the back lanai which has separations for privacy), I was literally about to text him and looked up surprised to see he was waiting to shake our hands and see us off as we left his place on our final day. I am very grateful to have stayed here, my boyfriend and I agreed we really enjoyed John's place, it was the perfect spacious home for us to come to, and actually relax in, on the Big Island. We wholly enjoyed the company and hospitality John gave, and we will DEFINITELY be back again next time around!!! Mahalo plenty, John! You've given us a great experience and an unforgettable 1st year anniversary!