This was an excellent off-grid experience. Since we do off grid ourselves nothing was a surprise. From having to conserve both power and water, to separating garbage for recycling and composting. This place is on a beautiful jungle lot with all kinds of fruit producing trees. There are birds singing mostly all day and Coqui frogs singing mostly all night. Brando the guard dog does a good job of keeping the mongoose away from the chickens who by the way, also contribute to the jungle symphonies. While we did venture some distance to see some sights like the Volcano National Park and horseback riding near Umaumau falls, there was plenty to do in and around Pahoa. Mermaid ponds were only a 15 minute hike from the place. A few miles down the road and across some new lava flows you can get to an old abandoned light tower on the coast and see one of the newest black sand beaches on earth. The experience was excellent, and Joe and Brando were great hosts.