Girls trip (2 of us) stayed 3 nights at Brett's place. Finding the place was a breeze and how wonderful to see the beautiful surroundings as we drove in. We stayed at The Shadow House, signs pointed to the left as we faced the house. Check in, quick and simple. it was the only time I saw Brett.
the Shadow House was great for the two of us. Both of the beds (upstairs, and downstairs daybed) were comfortable. we used the screen door only at night so I could hear the coqui frogs and have great airflow. The ceiling fan was really neat and also provided great airflow. We cooked a few meals while there without a problem, found everything we needed. Sitting on the patio, sipping coffee in the morning was fantastic, or a few beers after a day of adventures. We enjoyed having a covered patio as it rained a bit (and it sounded amazing). The geckos were plentiful and entertaining. In the foliage in the yard, we saw a huge snail that was like the size of my palm (do not touch though, they are cariers of bacteria causing Rat Lung Disease which can be harmful to people). We did a short walk to the end of road, fissure 8, but wasn't really sure what to see there or how far out we could safely walk. We found out the day we were leaving (only cause we didnt read the paper on the table till we were leaving), there is a cool park just a few driveways down that had some circuit training/fitness machines, and basketball courts to use. Rad. We also ventured into a cool hippy (said with love) drum circle at Kalapana Sea View Park on a Sunday afternoon (there every Sunday starting at 4pm). It is just past Kehena Black Sands Beach (nude beach) about 10 miles or so away. The park will have pop up tents selling food, clothes, art, jewlery setting up about 3pm, drummers come up from beach and the party, dancing and people watching begins. We did not stay past 7 or so but there apparently is also fire spinning and juggling after dark. it was a cool spontaneous Sunday trip. We also made a quick day trip to Hilo for an adventure into Kaumana Caves (pick up a headlamp at Longs) then cooled down at Richardson Ocean Park for cool snorkeling. One night we drove into Volcano National Park, had dinner at The Rim (need reservations well in advance) then walked the dimly lit, paved, easy to navigate in the dark, Rim Trail at night and had some great views of lava and a beautiful orange glow. The 30 dollar entrance fee Into the Volcano National Park is good for 7 days and the park is only about 40 minutes from Brett's Place. I would absolutely stay at Brett's again!!!