We're considering renting points for HHI next summer or fall - how far away from the beach is HHI? From the pictures, it looks like it's on a sound/bay rather than the ocean.
YOu are correct, the resort is on a sound. You cannot see the beach and it's a little far to walk so your options are the shuttle or driving. (In addition, there is a VERY BUSY road in between you and the beach)
For this reason I rent other villas at HH. You might want to do some research on www.tug2.net they have rental boards for timeshares. My brother and I have rented from owners using vbro.com several times and were very pleased.