It is hard to believe a place like this exists on earth. The beauty of the property and surrounding (hike-able) land is breath-taking and magical. There is a clear intention of connecting self to earth, from the zero-waste guides posted in the kitchens and bathrooms to the breathtaking hikes and swims available all around. The spaces, both indoors and outdoors, lend themselves to independent and adventurous exploration. While staff and volunteers are available and easily accessible, it is quite possible to spend an afternoon without seeing another living soul amidst great expanses of volcanic rocks, tropical flora, and waterfalls. The area is also known the world over (and chosen by international scientists as a building site for high-powered telescopes and observatories) for the view of the stars at night, unobscured by light pollution or humid haze.
If you are expecting a full-service hotel or guided tours or lots of tourist attractions, maybe head elsewhere. This is a space for connecting deep and being aware and responsible for your own impact and existence.
Around the property, hikes are steep, but ropes are tied through trees and shrubs to provide extra support and traction. If you are willing to venture off-trail, you can encounter a totally secluded freshwater waterfall over 100 feet in height that might be the actual Garden of Eden. Life-changing experience. Shorter hikes to the upper part of the falls allow for some fun rock climbs and refreshing swims in freshwater pools. The ocean mostly encounters cliffs on this side of the island, but a hike down to water level allows for a plunge into the salt sea from volcanic rocks (ropes provided to get back out).
The sunrise was so stunning from our bedroom window and front lawn that we didn't follow through with our plans to reserve space at Haleakala. The waterfall was likewise so unimaginably perfect and free of all other human traffic that we didn't bother with the Road to Hana. If you wish to venture off the property (although you may not find it necessary), snorkeling, sandy beaches, kite & wind surfing, shopping, restaurants, and swimming with sea turtles are all available within a 30-min drive. If you're willing to travel a little farther (the whole island is accessible in 2-3 hours) you can watch the sunset from the top of a volcano, swim at any number of publicly available beaches, and experience local foods and customs with food trucks and roadside stands available everywhere you go.
The kitchen is well-stocked with high quality cookware, and coffee supplies. (There is no microwave, and signs guide guests toward a zero-waste goal with compost instructions and the like.) It was a pleasure sharing that space with other guests. Pillows, bedding, and towels are provided. Cell reception is spotty, but wifi is reliable and accessible from most places on the property. Volunteers caring for the grounds and living on the property are kindred spirits and beautiful souls - full of knowledge about the space and the islands.
Things we recommend bringing: water shoes, hiking clothes, mineral-only sunscreen or protective sun wear (signs everywhere remind you of the damage conventional sunscreens can cause the coral reefs), water bottles, a 4-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle to get up and down the gravel drive that leads to the property, a bag/backpack for hiking, cash (some local vendors of fresh fruits, smoothies, etc. only accept cash for goods or tips), and an adventurous spirit.
10/10. Highly recommend. Probably leave your life and move to Maui by the end of your visit.