I'll go further than saying that this is just a nice stay- I think that for many people, this is well worth being a destination in itself at some point during a Big Island trip. Specifically, if you are interested in seeing and learning about off-grid approaches (there is no electrical line to the property but enough solar; there is methane capture from compost!), farming methods (I learned about soil inoculation!), or plants (there are enough varieties here to be a botanical garden), then this is the place for you. There are three (one is a recent addition) friendly dogs, which you should be ok with, but there are also parrots, a peacock, and I think goats too. Patrick and Brian are very kind.