Sydney is a wonderful host & the effort she has invested on making your experience the best it can be is expressed in all aspects of the cottage. The cottage is very connected with nature. From the open screened-in windows listening to the rain to the harvested eggs Sydney provided on our first day, it felt like a really special place. While the location is a little closer to Makawao, we really enjoyed the town of Pa'ia, which is about a 15 min drive. It's a really cool classic town with a lot of places to eat/get coffee&drinks. Parking can be difficult in the town, but if you time the morning and afternoon rushes, you can typically get a spot. There is paid parking for I think $3-4 if worst comes to worst.
Things at the cottage included charcoal grill (w/charcoal, lighter fluid, and lighter), cooler, boogie boards & beach chairs, beach towels, shampoo/conditioner, pretty much anything you would need.
Highly recommend.