First the positive things: Jade was extremely communicative and kind, and helped us with getting tea, mosquito mitigation equipment, and extra towels. Jade's suggested itinerary is excellent, and we had fun in the small town of Pahoa as well. Staying on the lava was a truly unique experience, and I don't know that we would have come out here if we had stayed elsewhere. We also had great views, light, and breezes from the loft bedroom.
That said, the reviews and pictures didn't really prepare us for what to expect. Being in our forties, we like to be comfortable, especially at the price point we paid ($120 a night in the days following Christmas). The Kalapana Gardens neighborhood consists of a variety of unpermitted structures. This one is made of plywood and two-by-fours. Staying during the rainy season, we got lots of mosquito bites even with citronella coils and candles burning. The downstairs was funky and dark, and we found mouse droppings on the floors and counter. Sharing the kitchen (with propane camp stove and oven) with regular residents who aren't masked was disconcerting during the pandemic, even though they were all very nice and used the space minimally.
All in all, we had a unique and interesting time, even though it was not quite what we expected for our Hawaii vacation.