Waikiki Banyan: Diamond Head and Ocean View Condo!

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be straight with you about the Waikiki Banyan – this place hits that sweet spot where you get legitimate Diamond Head views without completely emptying your wallet. I mean, you’re basically staying in a residential high-rise that happens to rent out condos to tourists, which honestly works in your favor because it feels way more authentic than those massive resort complexes down the strip.

The ocean view thing is real, though you’ll want to clarify which unit you’re getting because – let’s be honest – some of those “ocean views” require you to crane your neck and squint a little. But when you do get a good one, especially on the higher floors, you’re looking out over Kapiolani Park toward the water, and that Diamond Head backdrop never gets old. I actually loved sitting on the lanai in the morning with coffee, watching the early joggers loop around the park before the day gets too crazy. The building itself is pretty no-frills from the outside, sort of that classic 1970s Hawaii condo vibe, but the units I’ve seen are surprisingly well-maintained. You get a full kitchen, which is clutch because eating out in Waikiki every meal will destroy your budget faster than you can say “plate lunch.”

What really sold me on this spot is the location – you’re on Ohua Avenue, which puts you close enough to the main Waikiki action that you can walk to the beach or grab dinner, but far enough back that you’re not dealing with the constant noise of Kalakaua Avenue. The Honolulu Zoo is literally across the street, and while that might sound touristy, it’s actually kind of nice having all that green space right there. Plus, you’re a quick walk to some of the better local spots that tourists often miss – there’s this little market on the corner where you can grab decent poke, and the ABC Store nearby is one of the less chaotic ones. Parking can be a bit of a puzzle (you know how it is in Waikiki), but the building has a garage, which honestly saves you so much headache. The pool area is nothing fancy, sort of tucked away and practical rather than Instagram-worthy, but it does the job and tends to be pretty quiet. I think what I appreciated most was that this felt like staying in someone’s actual home rather than a sterile hotel room – there were little touches like local coffee in the kitchen and beach chairs you could borrow. It’s not luxury, but it’s comfortable and real, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want when you’re trying to actually experience Hawaii instead of just taking pictures of it.

Travelers should reserve a hotel in Hawaii at least two months ahead of their visit to ensure availability and secure better rates, especially during the peak winter season when the islands host numerous cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

Facilities