Aloha and welcome to our home--for real. No matter your gender, age, race, religion, country of origin, orientation, whatevas! If this home beckons you, then know you are welcome. One hundred years ago, this building was part of the Buddhist church that once stood across the street. Local lore is that it was the Shinto "shrine" associated with that Hongwanji. The altar is still here, and the spirits (all good!) are palpable. The shrine is quaint, rustic, clean, and cozy, but NOT luxurious. Roosters are loud in the morning. Coqui frogs are loud at night. Wild pigs are always a problem. The rain, when it pours on the roof, is wake-up-and-laugh-crazy loud. And when conditions are right (often) you can hear the waves smashing and peeling along the sea cliffs makai. As an OLD building, the floors creak and slant here and there (a marble would roll if placed just about anywhere), and every now and then an unwanted critter manages to get in. We designed the layout with older, possibly wheelchair bound elders in mind, so all rooms are open to each other. That openness can be disconcerting for those who need a lot of privacy within their home, and even tho there is a double/bed, and large couch, the layout can make it uncomfortable for extra, unrelated guests. The space is furnished in a mixture of old and new plantation-style furniture (grandpa-made table, old rattan chairs, and retro dressers). There is a long galley kitchen, sheets, towels, bedding and beach gear. The water heater is small, so short showers are recommended. There is NO TV in the cottage and not a place where one would comfortably fit. There IS excellent wifi though so please bring your laptop if you absolutely must have screen time. The shrine comes with one covered parking space, but parking is severely restricted in our driveway, so if you have any guests over during your stay, they will need to park down the street. Also please know that public transportation is nearly non-existent on this island, so you will need to rent a car in order to stay here. We live in the basement of the big house across the yard with our sweet dog, Otis, and a flock of chickens down in the jungle. We value peace, health, organic gardening practices, and respectful, kind humans. We have gardens and jungle all around, a world class botanical garden just steps away, and gorgeous jungle trails to secluded coves within walking distance. You are welcome to share in all of the fruit and produce of our ʻāina . . . which is plentiful! Deep soil, abundant rain, plenty sun, no commercial sugar cane ever grown on this little spot of land---so everything grows. Guests are welcome to meander the yard, pick any fruit or flowers, enjoy the chickens, and cross the yard to visit in the "big" house if weʻre around. Make yourself at home please. Warning: Hawaiʻi Island is rural and wild--there are no snakes here, but there are plenty of critters (large and small) that we all respect and avoid: wild pigs, the LFA (little fire ant--NOT a mound-builder but one that can rain down from the trees on you!) and a whole assortment of stinging insects and tropical bacteria. Please do some research--it may save your life! We live in the bright green house across the yard and will do everything in our power to make your visit comfortable and filled with aloha. Please donʻt hesitate to ask if you have any needs or questions. We love sharing our home and lifestyle. Our home is on the Onomea Scenic Route, a 4 mile stretch of meandering waterfall jungle heaven. Homes are a mixture of century old plantation structures (like my home, built in 1920), new gated mansions, and everything in between. We love to walk to the Botanical Garden which was required by the state "access laws" to keep the ancient trails public and open to the beach. Itʻs a great place to pick smooth glass. There is also a drop-dead amazing sunrise spot a stoneʻs throw away. And donʻt forget the awesome swimming holes--I can think of three--within walking distance. Waterfalls included! Again. . . just ask and weʻll share directions. We are close enough to Hilo to make "go-comes" no trouble (if you've forgotten a critical recipe ingredient), but far enough away from the fray to feel as tho you've really landed in the country. We are 1/2 mile from the nearest bus stop, and public transport is pretty sketch. You MUST have access to a vehicle. Follow the directions I send you via Airbnb on the day of your arrival. DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR PHONE MAP APP!! It is WRONG and will get you lost. Again. . . I want you to be completely forewarned: THERE IS NO TV OR CABLE TV SERVICE HERE. YOU MUST HAVE PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION.