This is an amazing, comfortable home in a quiet, peaceful setting. Well laid out, comfortable, bright and airy. Being a city boy, it was a leap for me to sleep with the doors open, but you'll soon feel one with the environment and welcome the cool breezes and chirping frogs. The home has everything that you need and will make you not want to leave. I was apprehensive about being so far from a major city like Hilo or Kona, but I wouldn't change our stay for anything. This will remain our first choice upon future returns to the Big Island
The location puts you about 20 minutes from the small village of Pahoa (you gotta eat at Kaleo's Bar and Grill - food was outstanding) and 50 minutes from the larger town of Hilo (eat at Pineapples!)
When you arrive by plane, stop at the nearby Walmart for your groceries, as there's limited eating and shopping opportunities once you get home. And even if you venture out, everything closes by 9PM.
Bring snorkel gear for the tide pools (10 minutes away) and a head lamp for visiting the lava flows. As of August, 2016 it's a 8.5 mile round-trip walk to the lava, but we'll worth it. we parked at the lot at the end of Route 130 (a 10 minute drive) about 2 hours before sunset and started our walk. See the lava before and after the sun sets. You won't believe the difference. The trail is a gravel road, with park Rangers spread along the way. at the end of the trail, you'll step up, down and over large lava rocks for a few minutes to see the lava. It's well worth it.
Black Sand beach is a 10 minute walk (at mile marker 19) friendly people, beautiful beach setting, but the current can be very strong.
The tide pools are calm, peaceful and full of beautiful fish. we went an hour after low tide and it was perfect. so much to see. the tide comes in quick, so keep an eye on your stuff. those high rocks are quickly submerged. the fish will come right up to you as they search the coral for food.
There's so much here that many will never get to see. I feel sorry for the tourist that find the big hotels in the big cities. They won't experience this true Hawaiian way of life. This home is not to be passed by.
Enjoy!