Overall this is a lovely space for the price we paid. The outdoor porch is the best feature of this place. It feels very private. When we first arrived my friend noticed there was a smell in the room. she was convinced some honeymooners had been there before us. Because the weather condition the room felt hot and stuffy. We were grateful to have the beautiful porch to sit in while waiting for the room to air out and cool down. The garden is beautiful to look at.
Check-in was as easy as described by the host. We didn't interact with the host at all. This is the first time I am using airbnb, so I am not sure if I wasn't receiving the messages correctly through the app or the host was just busy. Since it was a quick 2 day stay it didn't matter to us. I think the host thought of everything. There was a cooler with beach towels. Maps on the wall and some guide books on the table. The bathroom was very clean and spacious.
The only other small issue is when someone is smoking at other parts of the property the smoke comes into the screened porch. It didn't last very long but for us sensitive to smoke we noticed it right away.
It is about 30 minute drive to downtown Hilo and 45 minute drive to the Volcano Park. There is a grocery store 15 minutes away. Overall, I think the location is pretty convenient.