Newly Remodeled Corner Unit at the Waikiki Banyan with Diamond Head Views condo

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first walked into this corner unit at the Waikiki Banyan, I wasn’t expecting much – I mean, it’s a condo building that’s been around forever. But wow, they really did something special with this renovation. The whole place feels fresh and modern, which is actually pretty rare in this part of Waikiki where a lot of accommodations are stuck in the 1980s.

What got me right away was stepping onto that lanai and seeing Diamond Head just sitting there like a postcard – but you know what’s even better? You’re high enough up that you miss most of the street noise from Kuhio Avenue, which can be a real problem with ground-floor places around here. The morning light hits the crater perfectly, and I found myself getting up early just to watch the sunrise paint those ridges gold. The corner location means you get windows on two sides, so there’s this nice cross-breeze that actually makes the trade winds work for you instead of just blowing your stuff around.

The Waikiki Banyan itself is one of those buildings that locals know well – it’s right in the thick of things but not directly on the beach strip where the tour buses idle all day. You’re maybe a three-minute walk to Kuhio Beach Park, which honestly has better snorkeling than the main Waikiki Beach anyway, and you’re close enough to Leonard’s Bakery that you can smell the malasadas on weekend mornings (trust me on this one). The building has this pool deck on the 6th floor that most tourists overlook, but it’s actually perfect for an afternoon break when the beach gets too crowded. Parking can be tight – it’s Waikiki, after all – but having a dedicated spot in the building is huge. I’ve stayed at places where you’re circling the block for twenty minutes looking for street parking.

The renovation really shows in the details that matter. The kitchen actually has counter space to work with, which you’d be surprised how rare that is in condo rentals, and the shower has proper water pressure – none of that sad trickle you get in older Hawaiian plumbing. The AC works quietly, which is clutch because some nights the trade winds die down completely. I mean, it’s not going to win any design awards, but everything feels thoughtfully updated rather than just slapped together. The only thing I’d mention is that being on a corner means you do get a bit more hallway traffic noise, but honestly, after a day at the beach, you’re probably sleeping through anything anyway.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Anonymous from United States (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities