The house was spotlessly clean and very spacious, which was ideal for our extended family gathering. The main activity in the house happens at the back because the kitchen, rec room, and 2 bedrooms are there. The property is shared with another home about 30 feet behind the back of the house, and the back yard is only pavement, upon which 5 vehicles (including one the slze of a U-Haul) were parked. So, we felt very much like we were sharing space with the neighbors and only had their vehicles to look at whenever we were all gathered together in these common areas. It wasn't particularly noisy (just routine living noises), but if you were coming to HI expecting to see some of the lush garden island while you were relaxing together, this probably isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you want a reasonably priced, clean, and spacious home from which to launch your adventures, this would be a perfect place. It was close to downtown Hilo and easy access to HI Volcanoes National Park.