Pros:
Quick response from the host and good tips for newcomers.
Plenty of masks and adjustable flippers for 4-6 guests and a beach umbrella. We did bring our own snorkels.
The house is close to the 19 hwy, but the place is quiet and private. Great morning views of Mauna Kea from a nice deck with a large table and plenty of chairs.
Prompt garbage collection at 9AM on Mondays.
Waimea/Kamuela is a well developed town, boasting a grocery store which stays open until 11PM.
The most comfortable beaches with white sand, blue water and beautiful sunset views are 25-35 driving minutes away on the west coastline. If snorkeling is your thing, you need to travel a little further south to Captain Cook area.
Cons:
The house is at ~2500 ft above the sea level, and it gets cold (45-50 F) at night in February. Several portable electrical heaters are provided, but the 15 amp circuitry cannot handle more than two at a time, we had to heat the bedrooms separately before the bedtime. Having said that, I would imagine that in summertime the altitude may provide a welcome respite from the heat down below and a good alternative to the AC.
Turning the water heater on is somewhat tricky, one needs to use a lighter to start the pilot light.
Overall, good value for travelers who want to explore the northern parts of the BI.
On a curious note, the gasoline prices in the area are 15-20% higher compared to the rest of the island. Upon great advice from Dr. Harley we rented a 4WD and covered about 1200 miles in one week (including trips down to Waipio Valley and up Mauna Kea, both impossible and not even permitted for standard 2WD vehicles), so I tried to fill the tank elsewhere.