The Bali Hut is a wonderful oasis nested in a lush private garden. You can fall asleep listening to the waves, wind, birds & frogs.

Louisa is a very welcoming host full of tips about Big Island and the local community of Puna (thanks to her, I discovered a local night market full of music, great food & arts) and she is very respectful of your privacy. I enjoyed the open air shower which is private and a wonderful way to end the day. If you enjoy social nudity, occasional music and dolphins, the clothing optional Kehena black sand beach is a short and pleasant 10 min walk from the hut: however only good and confident swimmers should attempt to go swimming with dolphins -- the riptide is powerful & the surf can be rough.

The ongoing slow moving volcanic eruption may eventually close the main access road to Puna but authorities are working on alternatives -- one would go right through the Hawaii National Volcanoes Park. This park is magical and worth several hikes (in rain forest, in desert, in temperate forest, craters, even in sub-arctic conditions near the summit). Be ready for a range of conditions -- I met very few people on the back country trails. On the same day, I experienced a beating sun in the desert and high wind & raining conditions which reminded me of the highlands of Scotland. I enjoyed both experiences tremendously but you need to be prepared.

So, if Louisa's Bali Hut becomes a bit more removed from the beaten path (perhaps another hour drive from Hilo) , don't let that stop you from experiencing the magic and the peace of a genuine Bali hut and a Hawaii still connected with its natural beauty and free of commercialism & greed.