Waikiki Banyan Ocean View Oasis with Free Parking!

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the Waikiki Banyan? The name makes it sound like some massive resort complex, but it’s actually this surprisingly intimate high-rise that sits right in the sweet spot of Waikiki – close enough to everything but not drowning in the Kalakaua Avenue chaos. I mean, finding a place with actual free parking in Waikiki is like striking gold, honestly. Most hotels either don’t have it or charge you twenty-five bucks a night for the privilege.

The ocean view rooms here are the real deal, not those sneaky “partial ocean glimpse if you crane your neck” situations you get at some places. From the higher floors, you’re looking straight out over Kapiolani Park toward Diamond Head, and in the mornings – well, let’s just say you’ll understand why people move to Hawaii. The building itself has that classic 1970s Waikiki vibe (which some people love, others find a bit dated), but honestly, who cares when you’re paying resort prices elsewhere for a view of a parking garage? The units I’ve seen are proper condos, not hotel rooms, so you get actual kitchen space and room to spread out your beach gear without tripping over suitcases.

Location-wise, you’re walking distance to the Honolulu Zoo and that great little stretch of beach near the Natatorium – locals call it Keeaumoku Beach, and it’s way less crowded than the main Waikiki strip. The building sits close enough to the action that you can stumble back from Duke’s or grab late-night snacks from the ABC Store on Kuhio, but far enough from the street performers and weekend party crowds that you can actually sleep. One thing though – the trade winds can make the lanais a bit gusty sometimes, so maybe don’t leave your hat out there overnight. The pool area gets busy during peak season (December through March, basically), but I’ve found if you go mid-morning on weekdays, you’ve got the place mostly to yourself. Four stars feels about right for this place – it’s not trying to be the Grand Wailea, but for the price point and that parking situation, it delivers exactly what most people actually want from a Waikiki stay.

Facilities