We stayed here for one month as part of a permanent move to Hawaii. We are in the process of building a new home on the Big Island.
As described, the house is a screen home. About 1/2 of the main structure could be classified as a "screened in porch" that connects to the kitchen and a small living room. The open design allows the cooling air to circulate. As such, don't be surprised to find a few geckos running around. They were never a problem and were a welcome sight as we prepared meals. Temperatures were in the high 70's to low 80's during the day and in the high 60's at night. Of course, the humidity is high. You can expect rain showers just about any time, especially in the morning hours.
The house is off-grid and runs on solar power (including a small backup generator). Water is collected in a 5000-gallon tank for drinking, bathing and washing clothes. Drinking water is further filtered using a Berkley Water Filter System near the kitchen sink. The home comes equipped with pots/pans, silverware and dishes/sheets/pillows and small towels. It has a refrigerator and a chest freezer. It also has reliable WI-Fi using a wireless system. We were able to conduct zoom calls as one of us worked remotely during this period. A small TV is also available providing streaming services. The back porch has a washer. We were able to hang the wash to dry on lines either on the back porch, inside the screened portion of the home or outside by stringing a line between two palm trees. Surprisingly, the wash dried within two hours. We waited until mid-morning when the sun was on the solar panels before we ran the washer.
The shower is outside and to the rear of the main building. It was lighted by solar lights in the evening. The propane water heater provided ample hot water. It was enjoyable and very relaxing taking a shower with the stars above you as a ceiling.
The home has two queen beds. One is in a loft and the other in a small room off the main house. We used the separate sleeping quarters which also had a private 1/2 bath. The other ½ bath is in the main structure.
We had no problems with any of the facilities during our stay. We had a few questions for Jes on operations of the equipment (out of curiosity) and she was always very responsive. In fact, I never waited more than 15 minutes for a text message reply. The home is 1/2 mile off Government Beach Road. Access is by a gravel road suitable for car use. Surprisingly, the area has numerous homes nearby, but you rarely see them due to the tropical vegetation. The neighbors were always friendly.
One of our favorite things to do was to walk to the coast every evening and sit by the ocean cliffs (takes about 15 to 20 minutes). The walk is just over a 1/2 mile to the main road; then turn left (Northwest) for about 0.3 miles, past several homes. Where Government Beach Road enters the Forest Preserve (just beyond a larger home with a wood fence), look for a parking spot on the coastal side under the trees. A short trail leads to the ocean cliffs.
You can access the property and Government Beach Road either by driving south on Highways 130/132 or traveling from the north using Highway 130 to Kahakai Boulevard through Hawaiian Beaches. The north route is shorter.
Groceries can be purchased in Pahoa (about 5 miles) at Malama Market. The Market is in a new shopping center which also contains many other restaurants and other services. If you want a less expensive store you can drive to Foodland in Keaau or KTA/WalMart/Target in Hilo (about 28 miles). Driving time to Hilo is about 45 minutes, except during the morning/evening rush hour where it can take well over an hour.
I would recommend this home for anyone who wants to get a little disconnected from everyday life. We still had modern conveniences, but recognize that its not the same as staying in a fancy hotel or even a home in downtown Hilo. Jes is a great host and we wish her the best in the future!
Joel/Vy