Great Ocean & Diamond Head View Near Waikiki Beach

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this place? The name actually undersells it. I mean, “Great Ocean & Diamond Head View” sounds like marketing fluff, but honestly – when you’re standing on that lanai with your morning coffee, watching the sunrise light up Diamond Head while surfers are already out catching waves below, you get it. The view really does deliver, and I’ve stayed at plenty of Waikiki places where “ocean view” means you can glimpse a sliver of blue if you crane your neck just right.

The location is actually perfect if you want to be near Waikiki but not right in the thick of the Kalakaua Avenue chaos. You’re close enough that the beach is an easy walk – I’m talking five minutes, maybe seven if you’re dragging a cooler and beach chairs. But far enough back that you’re not dealing with the street performers and crowds until you want to. The building itself has that older Hawaii charm (translation: it’s not one of those massive resort towers), which means the elevators aren’t packed with tour groups at all hours. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too – no lengthy spiel about timeshare presentations or mandatory resort fees, just friendly local staff who actually knew the neighborhood when I asked about good plate lunch spots nearby.

What really sold me on the place was the little details that someone who’s never been to Oahu might miss. The trade winds actually flow through these units properly – crucial for those humid afternoons when the AC alone won’t cut it. And the parking situation? It’s handled, which if you’ve ever tried to park in Waikiki, you know is worth its weight in gold. The 4-star rating feels about right; it’s not trying to be the Royal Hawaiian, but everything works well and feels clean and maintained. The 8.0 guest rating makes sense too – I’d probably give it the same. It’s not flawless (the wifi can be spotty during peak hours, and some of the kitchen equipment looks like it’s seen better days), but for the price point and that view, it’s honestly hard to complain. You’re getting solid value in an area where hotels love to charge premium prices for mediocre experiences. If you’re the type who wants to actually experience Hawaii rather than just Instagram it, this spot gets you there without breaking the bank.

Rooms

• Apartment with Sea View with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × sofa bed and 2 × 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities