I had a great stay at Emmnuel's place in North Shore. Yes, it is true that this place is right on a beach - you see the ocean through your windows and from your spacious kitchen desk. If staying at oceanfront, and seeing, hearing and dancing/walking with waves is one of your important purposes for visiting Hawaii, then definitely this is a very good place. You may almost feel you have your private beach. I walked along the beach at least twice every morning and evening, because it only took me within 30 seconds to reach the beach. The beach is about 0.6-0.7 mile long (at least, if I guess correctly) and basically quiet the whole day. Anyway, I felt it was very heeling after staying this close to the water and embracing and hearing the singing of waves whenever I wanted. The place is convenient to many other beaches if you walk, take bus or drive. I recommend having a car, because it is sooooo beautiful to drive along the whole Oahu Island. Polynesian Culture Center is near by (within 8-10 minute drive), and the Courtyard next to the Center (not directly on a beach) might be at least $100 more for a single room than Emmanuel's entire condo (one bed room and one open living room). Inside the condo, it shows Emmauel is a generous and caring host, because you may find all you need, including all kinds of good kitchen/cooking ware if cooking is also important for you when you are traveling. I think it is fair to say by comparing to all the airbnb places I ever stayed so far that inside Emmanuel's condo is comparable to the level of some 3.5 - 4 star hotels, such as Residence Inn by Marriott where I usually like to stay for its separate entrance, a bit spacious and quiet studio and kitchenette . However, Emmanuel's condo is bigger and more equipped for travellers who may still want to feel a home feel. Plus, I even saw a BIG turtle in one morning during my stay, which made it another life long beautiful memory!