During our trip to Hawaii, we stayed at a handful of places from a resort on the beach to quaint bed and breakfast lodgings.

Puako BnB -- was the best place. With it's Hawaiian traditional decor - and native Hawaiian host, the whole place was extremely clean, private, and secure. Our host was constantly caring for the home and the grounds. Puako BnB was one of the few that had an Internet connection one available.

If you looking for an out-of-the way quite place near the beach, we recommend Puako BnB. Puako has one small general store and no gas station. Actually, it's conveniently located between Kona (30 miles), Waimea (20 miles), and a hop, skip and a jump to Kohala.

You can even make the trek to the visitor's center for the Mauna Kea International Observatories that are farther away, but worth it for the FREE 6 pm night sky viewings. If you go there, don't forget some warm clothing to totally enjoy the skies through the volunteers' telescopes at 9,000-ft elevation.

The spa at Puako BnB was a relaxing relief after hiking the 6+ mile night hike to view the volcano lava flows the day before we arrived at Puako.

Did I mention the great snorkeling just across the street from the Puako BnB? We sat on the beach watching the turtles feed, come up for air, and bask in the sun. About a mile north is a park with a sandy beach and restrooms for a softer ocean beach experience.

For great dining, we went to a couple resorts just a couple miles north on the main road. The signs to the resorts don't advertise restaurants and there's a guard at the gate. Don't let that stop you. Tell the guard your there to dine. After dinner, take a stroll through the beautiful grounds or stop by the open air bars for some entertainment. If you're there early enough, these resorts have shopping, too (if you're into resort shopping).

Puako BnB was a wonderful place to come home to after a day exploring the Big Island.

p.s. We were fortunate to have a native Hawaiian as our host during the 6.7-magnitude earthquake 6 miles from Puako during our stay. You know - the one that made headline news on Oct 15, 2006. He knew what to expect and how to handle it.

His home survived as some items were shook of the shelves. Fortunately, none of his traditional and historic treasures were damaged. And more fortunately, no significant tsunami occurred (a 10-cm tsunami was recorded by the USGS.).

My husband and I went snorkeling just after the first grouping of earthquakes. After all, the main road was blocked with boulders and there was no power. You don't need power to snorkel.

I noticed that the sand got more disturbed on the ocean floor - I thought it was just the wave action churning on the lava rock - you know how every so often some big waves come in.

We didn't realize another earthquake occurred until we got back! I think that was when my husband was thrown against a rock and scratched his back. He thought it was just a big wave.

My husband and I both agree that the Puako BnB was the most exciting place we ever stayed at!

We booked one night at Puako. The B&B is in the childhood home of the owner (Puna). Each room is basically a room in his home. The room we had overlooked the front of the house and had it's own sliding door entryway and bathroom. The breakfast was a selection of fruit, ceral and bagles. Unfortunately, the view is being obscured by a monster home going up across the street. There was a lot of noise from the construction during the day. It's good, basic lodging without a lot of frills. We didn't spend much time at the house. There are several excellent beaches nearby (within driving distance).

We stayed at the Puako B&B because our friends live just down the road and their place is too small for another couple. It worked out fabulously. Our room had it's own entrance and we came and went as we pleased. We also had our own little deck to relax on. The breakfasts were tasty with fresh local fruit and even waffles one morning. The hosts Puna and Reece were gracious and helpful. There are also other rooms with shared bath for a less costly stay. Will stay again when we visit.