Waikiki Banyan Cozy Condo Suite – Ocean View with Free Parking!

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this place? The parking situation – and I mean that in the best way possible. Finding a spot in Waikiki usually feels like winning the lottery, but having that guaranteed parking space actually made the whole stay so much more relaxed. The Waikiki Banyan sits right in the thick of things, maybe a three-minute walk to the beach, and honestly, you can hear the ocean from the balcony if you listen past the street noise (which isn’t too bad, especially once you get used to the rhythm of Kalakaua Avenue).

The condo itself has that lived-in vacation rental vibe – not fancy resort polished, but comfortable in a way that makes sense for a 4-star place. The ocean view is legit, though you’re looking over some rooftops and catching glimpses between other buildings. I mean, it’s not front-row beach access, but on a clear morning with your coffee, you can actually see the waves and get that “I’m really in Hawaii” feeling. The suite setup works well if you’re staying more than just a couple nights – there’s actual counter space in the kitchen, and the fridge is big enough for real groceries, not just hotel minibar stuff. I ended up cooking breakfast a few times because, let’s be honest, eating out for every meal in Waikiki gets expensive fast.

What I really appreciated was how the building feels more residential than touristy. You’ll see local families in the elevator alongside visitors, and there’s something authentic about that – like you’re getting a slice of how people actually live here, not just the vacation version. The pool area gets busy during peak hours (think 11am to 3pm), but early morning or evening, it’s pretty peaceful. Walking to the main beach strip takes maybe five minutes, and you’re right there with all the surf shops and ABC Stores, but also close enough to some of the better local spots if you know where to look. Duke’s is obvious, but if you head toward the Diamond Head end, there are some food trucks that locals actually eat at. The building itself is older – you can tell – but everything worked fine, and honestly, that 8.5 rating makes sense. It’s not going to blow you away, but it delivers on what it promises: a real place to stay with an ocean view and (seriously, this cannot be overstated) free parking in Waikiki. Sometimes the simple things matter most.

Facilities