Within 10 minutes of walking in, we were looking to see if an additional night was available for us to add. We were thoroughly pleased with the amount of space, the layout, and the furnishings. It was perfect for a family of 4 to have a little breathing room from one another when needed.
(2 BIG TIPS BELOW)
This was our first trip booking a stay in a multi-unit residence, or even a single guest unit in someone's home of any kind. We are a bit to ourselves and also a bit hyperconscious about our energetic teen and preteen disturbing others. We felt very comfortable here, and everyone respected one another.
The building has 4 or 5 uniquely laid out (not just a square with symmetrical entries-- they are scattered in unique places) units that are quite different from one another. We had the upstairs unit which in itself is 2 floors with a 2-bedroom. The kitchen is spacious, the living area is spacious and comfortable. I'd estimate the unit is around 1,000sq ft +/-. If it's less than 900 it lays out awfully well for it. (That's the hardest thing I have trying to figure out when I'm assessing a place.) One of the rooms is a little cozy but it worked out just fine with good closet space to set your stuff.
There is a wonderful 10-12ft long private lanai along the back of the unit that is absolutely peaceful to sit on, and the unique design touches and architectural additions make it an awesmoe place to relax, work, sip coffee, chat, play cards, or whatever, even during the rain. (Love the layers of awnings and even the little vertical lexan touch.)
We were concerned about staying too far south if we wanted to get back and forth to Hilo or Volcano national park. I'd take their spot all over again for our agenda. There's more in Kea`au than I realized, and **PRO TIP** down in Pahoa-- the ONLY pizza worth getting probably on the east side of the island is Boogie Woogie-- don't let the name fool you! It's AMAZING good quality pizza-- not just jumbled NY style, but GOOD pizza. (And Kaleo's is an excellent restaurant).
Back to the place---The owner's Kepi and Jim are amazing. They are super friendly. Please engage them-- they want to help everyone enjoy the area and are full of tips for whomever you are, even if you don't know what you want!
(They gave us a short stop at Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo-- a FREE wildlife sanctuary between there and Kea`au. My wife is big on visiting any kind of wildlife place, whether it's a sanctuary, a zoo, a petting farm. And this was by far the nicest sanctuary we have seen, with LOTS of space for each animal, very clean, very modern. (I'd say better done than the Honolulu zoo).
**PRO TIP 2** 3 of the residents we met were either MULTI repeat visitors (like one guy comes 4 weeks every year) or staying for several months either as a retreat or one young couple while their home was being built as they moved from the mainland immediately. And they didn't think twice about finding another place.
We WILL be looking for this place first on future visits to the island of Hawaii.
Thanks again for a supremely positive experience!