I will start with stating that it's very difficult to rate the place. It is unique because it can't be separated from the surrounded community and the rain forest. Without it, it's just a typical screened-in lanai house.
About the surroundings:
- It is a very funky, hippy community with it's own world, lifestyle, and standards of living. One might describe it as a poverty, especially if you arrive from the Eastern side. Or, if you arrive from the Western side - it's weed, free spirit, time slowing, escaping the mainstream, communal living. It's like a little shore side fragment of Pahoa New Agers community.
- I am not sure the locals are happy to see you there if you are not one of them. The only accessible beach is "closing optional" or, in other words, stay away with your kids and touristy needs. And I think it's fare and great. Good to have places like that so that people can enjoy their way of life, free of judgment and annoynace. But, it's good to know this before you visit.
- Besides the naked, small, black sand beach, that is not swimmable, there are no other beaches near by. Little tide pools, at the road sides, seems to me, are for locals, and I respect that.
- If you want to explore the nature of the East side of the island, this is not the right place. Volcanos National Park is a long drive away and I wold recommend staying there.
There is nothing to explore on the South side. Many interesting places have been covered by lava and most of the roads on the maps are no more. Make sure you have the latest guides and information before you plan. The map we bought was not updated.
- It's a good alternative life style chill out spot. Or, if you haven't explored much of hippie culture before, it could be excotic.
The house itself:
- I will start with the photo, that influenced our decision to stay there - the arial view of the house. It is very misleading. It paints the picture that you will be alone, in the middle of the jungle, in some fantastic, white house with nobody around you. It's not so. I am guessing that the white structure in the photo are solar panels deeper in the property. The house is a typical two story lanai, next to the busy road. And it's not secluded.
- If you have stayed in the jungle before, this will be nothing special.
- If you have stayed in the solar powered house before, this will be nothing special.
- We met Theresa once upon our arrival. We didn't have any property tours, special tips, or anything similar to what other guest where saying. And it's ok. She seemed busy with her own things and we tried not to bother her.
- You need to know that the owners and their guests are staying at the same property on the first level and around the property. There where many people and cars coming and going and it's totally ok, just good to know, in case you are seeking privacy and seclusion.
- There is no outdoor space. Since it is owner occupied property, I felt it is not ok for us to use the little yard and we where not told that we could. You will have a parking spot, and then off you go upstairs.
- Since you are in the rain forest, in the house with no windows or doors, expect humidity, bugs, mosquitos (and bites), mold, and noise.
- Noise - it's all from the cars and Puerto Rican coqui frogs that sound like a dog toy being squeezed over and over and over. My advice- bring air plugs. The only time you can hear the ocean is at the sunrise, when frogs stop squeaking and there are no cars on the road.
- Everything looks just like in the pictures. Intentional, simple, yogi, bohemian, minimalistic, well used. Kitchen had all you need for simple meals. Outside dinning table was lovely. We had good time sitting there and plying cards.
I don't know if I recommend the place. It depends on what you have seen and what you are seeking. One thing for sure - if you want a cozy place to stay and sleep, while exploring the nature, this is not the place. If you want to connect with the local community - yes. If you have never slept or planning to in the jungle, night or two is good for the experience.