I finally got around to playing this (it's my first time playing a hack and actually knowing what a hack is! Second official hack, though). I haven't had much time so I only sat for maybe ten minutes. Literally I started surfing and had to stop. I'll have more feedback later, obviously, but I just want to say it's very pretty. It definitely has the tropical feel you were going for. And the Surf feature is an amazing addition.
As for the story: I don't know anything besides what the first conversation with "Mom" told, but it's a nice deviation from the main series formula; it's light, fun, but I can still see how it'll get serious later on and it definitely gives the game an easy start.
First ten minutes: thumbs up!