I have stayed in Volcano village many times over the past years, in both homes and picturesque "lodges." Wherever you are in this special place in the world, you can feel its spiritual power ("mana" in Hawaiian), being so near Kilauea crater, the home of "Madame Pele."
That being said, Volcano Mountain Haven, so beautifully tended by Candice and Richard, is by far the most beautifully-situated, peaceful and condusive to creativity (I was there 5 days on a personal writer's retreat) of all the homes I have stayed in over the years. (And would no doubt have been among the most romantic if I had shared that time with a spouse or partner. :). I recommend it enthusiastically and with absolutely no reservation, and will undoubtedly return there again, if Candice and Richard permit :). I should also share that when I was not writing, I enjoyed reading ALL the guest entries in their guestbook over the past 4-5 years, and can attest that there is not a single entry with a critical or "formative" comment or suggestion. It appears that everyone' s expectations for their stay at the Haven were completely met and almost always surpassed. And the themes that appeared over and over again in the guest entries were ones with which I completely agreed:
First, although you are part of a small neighborhood near the village center and just 2-3 miles from the national park entrance, the Haven is completely surrounded by hapu'u tree ferns and blossoming 'ohia trees and no other homes are visible, only greenery and flowers. And the silence is amazing. The songs of the birds wakening in the morning only underscore the peacefulness all around.
When you arrive and enter the Haven (great detailed instructions are provided--nothing is left to guesswork) you are struck by all the thoughtful and welcoming touches left for you by Candice and Richard -- the macadamia chocolates, local coffee (before I arrived, Candice texted, "Would you prefer beans or ground?"!), a jar of rare white honey produced by bees raised by Richard up the Hamakua Coast, the beautiful stones set on windowsills around the home -- each one I'm sure with its own story, and so many practical items anticipating my needs around cooking, hiking, touring around the island, community events etc. I wanted for nothing -- but if there had been anything I needed, I knew Candice would be immediately available to provide guidance.
For my needs, the Haven was ideal in every way.