My boyfriend (now fiance after this trip!), my friend and I all had a great stay in Pahoa. It is true that you need a car on the big island to get everywhere you'd like to visit, but that is the appeal of the big island; there is so much to see!
There was more than enough room for the three of us and if we were not out exploring all day we could have put good use to the well equipt kitchen! We did take advantage of the small town of Pahoa just 5 minutes away for many of our meals, which were always very good and the people were also very nice.
Faith had everything you would need for exploring or hanging out at the beach at the house, which was convenient and she was also very helpful leading up to the trip.