The house was great and accommodating for our large group. I would highly recommend the beach in front of the house for some light snorkeling and to play in the ocean safely, but if you're wanting to surf you're going to have to drive. It did get a little uncomfortable at night with no a/c, but most places don't have it and you get use to it after a night or two. It is a long drive to get to Honolulu, but it was also kind of nice being away from the craziness of downtown and having more of an island feel.