An exceptionally lovely place created and maintained by caring and respectful people.
This is a beautifully-crafted container home with a spacious, completely screened lanai. Furnished for comfort and practicality with a very comfortable King bed, it has a huge refrigerator (almost brand new) and the best gas range and oven I've used.
Local produce is superb -- high-quality organic fruit and veggies and the best meat you'll ever eat are available from local markets. We were greeted with a basic of fruit and veggies from the farm that made us want to go out and buy more.
The shower is great. There are excellent laundry facilities.
The water--triple-filtered rainwater, is good to drink (better than anything you could buy) and soft on the skin. The air is sweet with constant fresh breezes--sometimes gentle, sometimes wilder. The view of the sea comes and goes with the mists. You can watch the clouds, the trees and the ocean all day if you want.
There are some animals on the farm--they are well-kept and loved.
The weather changes constantly. Be aware that a Hawaiian winter at this height can be chilly--bring your slippers and jacket in Winter.
Heating in the bedroom made it cozy and good internet made watching Netflix after a day out an enjoyable option. I was on a working vacation and was able to do my work with the internet connection provided.
Mr T is a warm and friendly open-hearted man who has a happy life and is generous about sharing it. He and his wife and child are all about love and respect. They achieved the balance between caring and privacy. We felt safe but never intruded upon.
The road to the property is not long but is narrow and winding, prone to mud and big puddles. Be sure to allow time to get there in daylight.
The area is considered remote. Don't come if you don't enjoy that feeling of being surrounded by Nature. We were surrounded by calls of birds and frogs when it rained. We had no insects or lizards in the home. Really appreciated that it has tight, solid walls so you don't feel like you're camping.
For my wife and me, this little town was central to many places we wanted to visit on the Big Island. We went south to Hilo and north to Waimea, across to the Kona side (where I went snorkelling). We visited Volcano National Park (twice) and went south to Pahoa to see the recent lava. We went to Akaka'a Falls (twice) and the lookout at Waipi'o Valley, as well as other highlights of the Hamakua Coast. I went ziplining--that was brilliant.
Mr T always had good, local advice and clear directions on how best to spend our time--if we asked. He and his wife were always busy with interesting projects on this sustainable farm.
You could also do nothing but eat well, rest, recover and create. It's so deeply peaceful there.
We will go again--I plan on booking early because this is going to become a very popular airbnb property.