We stayed at Hazel Mae for a full month and, overall, we had a really positive experience in the fruit-filled jungle farm at Janelle and Steve's. The farm is 6 acres and is absolutely resplendent with fruit trees, gardens, ducks and geese, a million cats, and chickens running around everywhere.
There are, however, things one should definitely know if you're going to spend more than a night or two in Hazel Mae:
● The cabin pictured on AirBnB is not actually Hazel Mae. Hazel Mae is an (approximately) 20'x10' tiled cabin with a full sized bed and a twin sized bed. There is a sink with cold running water from the catchment system, a two-burner propane stove (no oven), basic dishes and cooking gear, a kitchen table, and ample shelves and storage spots as well as a loft to stow your luggage. There is currently no electricity (as of January/February 2022) so make sure to bring battery-powered lanterns/candles as it gets dark in Puna around 6:30pm in the winter. The cabin has solid walls up to waist height and the rest is screened in all around and has a tin roof. The screen needs a little repair, the roof leaks a bit, and the trim around the door is missing, so be prepared for some serious insect and gecko intrusion. Ants, earwigs, and a few mosquitos are a constant and the Gold Dust Day Geckos dash about and take little bites of any fruit you leave out. It's the jungle, don't expect a sterile and lifeless environment. Also, it's important to know that there is no refrigerator in Hazel Mae or in the communal packing shed/lounge. Bring a cooler or plan to eat non-refrigerated foods.
● The farm is a full 20-25 minutes from Pahoa and is even more isolated than ever post-2018 lava flow. Driving over to the other half of Puna (Kalapena and Kehena Beach) now takes about 45 minutes. The farm is really close though to Mermaid Pools and the new black sand beach at the old lighthouse, both of which are highly recommended. Having a rental car makes it a lot easier to stay here longer-term, but hitchhiking is also viable if you're feeling adventurous and want to meet Puna's kindest and strangest denizens.
● There is a two stall outhouse about 30 yards from Hazel Mae with flush toilets and running cold water which are shared by several other AirBnBs on the property as well as the workers who live at the farm. The shower is closed in but open on top and is approximately 100 yards from Hazel Mae. It has on-demand hot water and is a really lovely spot under a bunch of fruit trees. Showering under the stars (with a lantern) is a highly recommended experience here!
● The farm grows a couple dozen varieties of fruit, all of which are available to try and eat while you're at the farm. The farm staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable about the fruits and also about all the best places to explore and discover on the Big Island. Don't be shy and ask for some tips! On the other hand, since this is a working farm and staff live on sight, do expect some early morning and (occasional) late night noise. Motorcycles, weed whackers, trucks and such can get going as early as 7am and Hazel Mae is right in the middle of all of that and directly next to Papaya Farms Road, so there is a little road noise.
● Janelle (and Steve) are the owners of the farm and live on the property as well. They are both really sweet, very attentive, and always happy to take a few minutes to chat and check in about your needs and your experience at the farm and on the island.
Overall, it was a great way to be immersed in the real Deep Puna lifestyle and environment. Just be sure you know what you're getting into before setting out and come prepared.