Waikiki Banyan High Level Condo with Private Lanai condo

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from another high-rise condo rental in Waikiki, but this place actually surprised me. The Waikiki Banyan gets a bad rap sometimes – I mean, it’s one of those massive twin towers from the ’70s that honestly looks pretty dated from the outside. But once you get up to the higher floors (and this unit is definitely up there), the whole vibe changes. That private lanai is legit – not one of those tiny balconettes where you can barely fit a chair, but an actual outdoor space where you can spread out with your morning coffee and watch the chaos of Kalakaua Avenue unfold below.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to be in the thick of things without paying resort prices. You’re literally a two-minute walk to Kuhio Beach, and I mean the good part where the locals hang out, not just the tourist strip. There’s this little ABC Store right across the street (because there’s always an ABC Store), but more importantly, you’ve got real food options nearby – Marukame Udon is right there when you need something quick and actually tasty, and if you walk five minutes toward Diamond Head, you hit the International Market Place. The building itself is… well, it’s showing its age, but the elevators work (most of the time) and there’s decent security. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare – the garage is tight and fills up fast, so if you’re renting a car, maybe think twice about that giant SUV.

What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets once you’re inside with the lanai doors closed. I was worried about street noise, but honestly, by the time you’re up on those higher floors, it’s more like a gentle city hum than anything disruptive. The AC works hard (you’ll need it), and there’s enough space to actually unpack and settle in for more than just a night or two. The kitchen setup is pretty standard condo fare – nothing fancy, but you can definitely make breakfast and avoid those $20 hotel eggs every morning. Fair warning though – this isn’t going to feel like a luxury resort experience. It’s more like staying at a friend’s place who happens to live in paradise, which honestly might be exactly what you’re looking for. The 7.0 rating makes sense – it’s solid, dependable, and gets the job done without any bells and whistles. If you’re the type who spends most of your time exploring the island anyway, this gives you a real home base in Waikiki without breaking the bank.

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.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 sofa bed and 2 large double beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• David from Australia (7/10)

  Location and views

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities