Diamond Banyan--Designer Comfort in Waikiki
- Minimum stay:3-7 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
Aloha and welcome to my 'Diamond Banyan' vacation apartment in the popular Waikiki Banyan condominium hotel in world-famous Waikiki-- in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
My Diamond Banyan is a recently remodeled, beautifully furnished one bedroom, one bath apartment located on the quiet Diamond Head east side of Waikiki-- just two blocks from the spacious Prince Kuhio Beach--the east end of Waikiki Beach. This beach provides easy entry into the water and includes a long surf-break wall that creates a protected swimming area of calm water--perfect for children and less-experienced swimmers. The beach is an excellent place to watch surfers ride the waves, for long sunset walks, and (many weekend nights) for Movies on the Beach.
The Waikiki Banyan is an easy stroll to all Waikiki attractions including beautiful Kapiolani Park,the Honolulu Zoo and Aquarium, the International Marketplace and the resorts and attractions along famous Kalakaua Avenue--the 'Rodeo Drive' of Honolulu. Churches, a supermarket, and shops and restaurants from budget to high-end are all nearby and easily reached on foot or by trolley or bus.
Bus and trolley stops are within one block and provide frequent and affordable transportation to all island attractions: the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ward Center and Movie Complex, the Academy of Fine Arts, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, Pearl Harbor---and so much more.
The renovated resort facilities at the Waikiki Banyan provide a lobby coffee shop with internet access, a convenience store and a huge 6th floor recreation deck. This deck features a large heated pool, hot tub, saunas, a putting green, tennis court, a children's playground, a propane grill and picnic area and a take-out Thai restaurant and snack bar.
My Diamond Banyan apartment is more spacious than most at the Waikiki Banyan, for it and the unit across the hall are the only 2 of the 14 units per floor with the additional square footage that allows for a full kitchen out-of-view of the rest of the apartment as well as a dedicated dining area with table and seating for 4. This luxurious corner apartment provides superb mountain views from the living room as well as unobstructed views of Diamond Head from both the kitchen and bedroom.
Quiet and efficient air-conditioning is an option. However the cross ventilation resulting from the apartment's corner location-- and the enhanced air circulation provided by the recently installed ceiling fans in both the living room and bedroom-- ensure your comfort most of the year round without air conditioning.
The apartment is beautifully and tastefully furnished and decorated with designer furniture and original artwork. All rooms are painted in warm earth tones enhanced by dimmable lighting throughout the apartment.
The living room features comfortable leather furniture including a 6 foot long Italian leather sofa and a Norwegian reclining lounge chair. Its entertainment center provides wide screen High Definition TV, DVD player and Roku Player (for accessing free Netflix and Amazon movies), stereo with CD and iPod capability and free high speed wireless internet access.
The entire north-facing side of the living room is floor-to-ceiling glass framing gorgeous views of the interior mountains and Manoa and Pololu Valleys. Custom draperies provide privacy and shade when desired. The sliding door opens to the lanai outfitted with a table and seating for 3 for enjoying drinks or meals, reading a book, or just relaxing and taking in the gorgeous views--including frequent rainbows.
The bedroom adjacent to the living room may be separated from it for privacy by sliding doors. it is tastefully outfitted with custom window shades and draperies, ample lighting and high-end maple furniture: a comfortable queen bed that hinges at the headboard for storage beneath (of luggage,etc.); a large 6-drawer dresser; nightstand; and a tall cabinet for the storage of all linens, towels, blankets, extra pillows, and complimentary laundry supplies.
The bedroom opens to a large, well-lit vanity area that was recently upgraded with new maple cabinetry, a granite counter top and designer lighting. The vanity is separated from the toilet and tub/shower by a privacy pocket door. Also recently upgraded, the shower has a safety bar and the toilet features a Coco bidet toilet seat for added comfort and hygiene.
Rest assured that no expense has been spared in upgrading and outfitting the Diamond Banyan in order to provide you with the very best accommodation to call 'home' during your vacation in Waikiki.
Waikiki offers endless activities for all interests and walks of life, including beachcombing, water sports, golfing, shopping and exceptional fine dining.
So come experience famous Waikiki-- where it is summertime all year long!
Hawaii Tax ID Number: W00370524-01
Key words: Condominium, Waikiki Beach, Kapiolani Park, surfing, resorts, fine dining
Property Type
- Condo
- On floor 19
- 600 sq. ft.
- Elevator : Corner condo with no other condo to either side
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Long-Term Renters Welcome
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 3, Beds for 2-3
- Bedroom 1
- Other (See Description)
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Toaster
- Ice Maker
Amenities
- Babysitter
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- CD Player
Communications
Pool & Spa
- Heated Pool
Outdoor Features
Theme
- Adventure
- Historic
- Luxury
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
Location & View
- Car Not Necessary
Activities
- Museums
- Fitness Center
- Hospital
- Parasailing
- Hiking
- Tennis
- Wind-Surfing
- Fishing
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Cycling
- Racquetball
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Medical Services
- Deepsea Fishing
- Mountaineering
- Pier Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Snorkeling
- Surf Fishing
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Hunting
- Surfing
- Golf
- Mountain Biking
- Mountain Climbing
- Massage Therapist
- Laundromat
- Groceries
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas
- Zoo
- Restaurants
- Botanical Garden
- Churches
- Duty Free Shops
- Marina
- Playground
- Synagogues
- Live Theater
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Beachcombing
- Bird Watching
- Eco Tourism
- Luaus
- Paddle Boating
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Whale Watching
- Shelling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Boating
- ATM/Bank
- Jet Skiing
- Water Skiing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
EXCELLENT USER FRIENDLY PROPERTY
EXCELLENT USER FRIENDLY PROPERTY
- Guest JBL
- Date of stay 04/25/13
- Review Submitted 05/04/13
we stayed 4 nights in this excellent property. Location is fabulous only 1 block from a wonderful beach and only 1 block from many restaurants and shopping in 2 different directions. This condo is totally equipped with everything you could need for a comfortable vacation. Michael has ensured that your comfort is guaranteed. Bed is very comfortable. TV is great. Air con works great. Very secure condo. Kitchen is fully equipped. We highly recommend this condo as a fantastic place to stay in Waikiki.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Excellent Condo at Waikiki
Excellent Condo at Waikiki
- Guest Mike
- Date of stay 10/24/12
- Review Submitted 12/12/12
This condo is definitely a great place to stay in Waikiki. It is a wonderful place close to many exciting places. I would rate this as the best condo that I have ever stayed. Michael, the owner is so helpful and he has to be a very thoughtful person as he descirbed many things (location of condo, parking, intersting sites, etc.) in detail for us. From here, we went to The Bishop Museum, Paradise Cove, Diamond Head, Turtle Bay, North Shore, Kaaawa, Aloha Bowl, Dole Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center, Leonard's Bakery, Hard Rock, Waikiki Beach. etc. We went all over the island of Oahu. If you are going to Oahu, this is the place to stay. This was paradise and a vacation dream come true. Michael, Thank you so much!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4
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Best Condo in Waikiki
Best Condo in Waikiki
- Guest Larry V.
- Date of stay 09/19/12
- Review Submitted 10/05/12
There are just not enough superlatives to describe every aspect of our experience at the Waikiki Banyan in this condo! To begin with, the owner Michael, is the most sincere and caring owner you could imagine dealing with. He has furnished and equipped his Wakiki home (which is what it really is) with every imaginable convenience, the highest-quality furnishings, luxurious towels, and even great books! As I have told him several times since our arrival, he has truly thought of (and provided) every single thing you may need in a stay on the islands. Since this really is his home when he is in town, you'll quickly see this is no hotel room atmosphere. As he mentions in the description, he really does have beautiful and tastful original artwork from island artists, and italian leather furniture (which I found almost too comfortable :-). I cannot over-emphasize the importance and value of the corner unit. This location and layout is not only larger and more spacious, but the windows being on adjacent walls truly gives you incredible airflow (sadly, we had to stay in another non-corner unit afterwards and REALLY missed that!) The location of the Waikiki Banyan is also fantastic. One block to the best part of Waikiki Beach. One block to the Ala Wai canal, and only two blocks to Kapiolani Park and the Zoo! The view from the entire unit including the lanai, is a panorama of the most beautiful mountains on the island, with rainbows almost every night. There is even a great view of Diamond head from the East-facing windows in the bedroom and kitchen! We have had ocean views before (and since) and now MUCH prefer Michael's view. Indoor garage parking is included and is the best we've seen with very roomy stalls even for our mini van! Michael also has a fantastic property manager Stephanie who we adored that lives across the street, and is available for questions, help or advice anytime during your stay. If you are lucky enough to find this unit open and available for a time you plan to be on Oahu, you will consider yourself fortunate once you arrive. Michael also provides meticulous instructions on transit to the unit as well as suggestions for parking. He has really made the Diamond Banyan THE place for those of us in the know to stay. We truly felt the whole time like we were staying in a good friend's beautiful home. All I ask is that when you stay in this beautiful condo, that you leave it as nice as you find it - because we plan to come back soon!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Exceptional
Exceptional
- Guest Bob & Margie
- Date of stay 08/14/12
- Review Submitted 08/29/12
We highly recommend staying in this unit. We were extremely pleased with our 12-day stay. It was like staying in our own place. Thoughtfulness and consideration are evident, down to the smallest detail. We would definitely stay here again.Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Beautiful Waikiki Getaway
Beautiful Waikiki Getaway
- Guest Tina
- Date of stay 07/17/12
- Review Submitted 08/24/12
My husband and I chose to stay at the "Diamond Banyon" for our 25th Anniversary. This apartment is an absolute gem!! Michael has truly thought of everything!! From designer furnishings and artwork this apartment is indeed a home away from home. I would recommend this listing to anyone looking for a beautiful place to unwind after a busy day on the island of Oahu. Mahalo Michael!!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Perfect stay in paradise
Perfect stay in paradise
- Guest PKC
- Date of stay 06/07/12
- Review Submitted 06/26/12
This was my third visit to Oahu and first stay through VRBO and after spending 5 nights at Michael's property at Waikiki Banyan in June, I'll never hotel it again. Michael's condo was a fantastic find and more than I could have hoped for (imagined even). The condo is in immaculate condition and stocked with all the amenities one would need (we ate most breakfasts in condo plus a couple of dinners...Safeway was just up Kapahulu and it was a nice way to save a few $$). Michael, (the owner) was very helpful and all of our questions/concerns were answered promptly. Excellent location (near a quite end of Waikiki beach), with views of the canal and Diamond Head. It's also walking distance to all things on Waikiki beach. We rented a car (free parking was a major bonus) for activities outside of Waikiki. I would definitely stay here again (plan on it) and certainly recommend it to others!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3
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The crown jewel of Waikiki
The crown jewel of Waikiki
- Guest Gregory W.
- Date of stay 05/15/12
- Review Submitted 06/23/12
This is not your ordinary "vacation rental." I felt more like a special guest staying in my friend's elegant home! What a stunning apartment; tastefully appointed with beautiful artwork, high quality furniture and appliances, wonderful linens and soft towels. Immaculately clean! Spacious, quiet corner unit with a gorgeous view of Diamond Head. Includes parking, internet, video entertainment. . . I could go on and on! And the owner, Michael, is an absolute delight to work with. Such a gracious and accommodating host. Often during our stay, I would say to myself, "Wow! He thought of everything." (Like the convenient under-bed storage space for our suitcases.) Lots of closet space and drawers for all of our personal belongings. And as far as I'm concerned, the Waikiki Banyan is the BEST location in Waikiki. Close to the beaches and other activities around town, and a quiet, comfortable oasis to come home to. Our one-week stay was much too short. I could stay here for a few weeks and never leave the apartment. Better than a 5-star hotel. Michael and his assistant Stephanie were always available to answer any of my questions. Mahalo, Michael & Stephanie! A hui hou!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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A Wonderful Stay!
A Wonderful Stay!
- Guest JPNJ
- Date of stay 04/23/12
- Review Submitted 05/15/12
The accomodations at the Diamond at the Banyan were impeccable! We were soooo comfortable there! The property was very clean and well-appointed! The owner was very friendly and helpful. All of our questions and concerns were answered. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to others! The Waikiki location is perfect: one block from the beach, 1/2 block to the bus stop, and walkable to many nice hotels and attractions. We did rent a car for a few days and it was nice to have free parking on site! We could go on and on with nice things to say, but one word says it all: PERFECT!Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
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diamond at the banyan
diamond at the banyan
- Guest ottomatic
- Date of stay 01/01/12
- Review Submitted 04/01/12
we have been comming to this delightful condo of michael for the past4 years and are planing to stay a nother 6 weeks there next winter. the condo is spotless clean and has plenty extra blankets, towels and beach accessorys. the kitchen is well stocked with pots and pans for a candle-light dinner.michael loves beautiful things and this shows in the apointments in his condo. the waikikii banyan is very well located to enjoy the restaurants,nightlife,shopping and the beaches or a walk in kapiolani park. it is also only steps from the next bus-stop,so there is no need to rent a car, all in all it is the perfect place to spend a vacation in hawaii.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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Oahu condo - PERFECT!
Oahu condo - PERFECT!
- Guest Ann
- Date of stay 04/17/11
- Review Submitted 05/20/11
Michael's condo is not only luxurious and functional - he has Thought of all the little extras to make a stay more enjoyable. I stayed for a week with my daughter who was on spring break from College in April. We spent time at the beach which is only 2 blocks Away as well as the pool in the complex. I highly recommend Michael's Diamond at the banyan.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 3 night min stay |
$145 | $945 | ||||
|
Discounts: 14 nights or more $125 nightly |
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| HIGH Apr 1 - May 31 4 night min stay |
$155 | $1015 | ||||
|
Discounts: 14 nights or more $135 nightly |
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| VALUE Jun 1 - Dec 15 3 night min stay |
$145 | $945 | ||||
|
Discounts: 14 nights or more $125 nightly |
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| HOLIDAY Dec 16 - Jan 4 7 night min stay |
$1225 | |||||
|
Discounts: 8 nights or more $165 nightly, 14 nights or more $155 nightly |
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| PEAK Jan 5 - Mar 31 4 night min stay |
$165 | $1085 | ||||
|
Discounts: 14 nights or more $145 nightly |
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Additional information about rental rates
Rates are subject to change at any time until confirmed.
Ask about discounts for longer stays.
A 50% Deposit is due within 10 days of the booking
The Balance is due 30-90 days prior to the arrival date (based on length of stay and time of year).
Payment by check, Visa/MasterCard and PayPal
Additional Fees and Taxes:
Two taxes total 13.96%
$80-$125 Out Cleaning Fee (based on length of stay)
Rates for 2 adults only
For 3rd person add $15/night, $70/week
A $300 security deposit may be assessed, especially for parties that include a child.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
- Nearest Airport: Honolulu International Airport at 10 Miles
- Nearest Motorway: H-1 Freeway at 2 Miles
- Nearest Beach: Prince Kuhio Beach at 0.1 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2007
About the owner: Aloha! My name is Michael and I live most of the time on the Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island, where I have a Kona coffee and white pineapple farm. Also on this property is my Tara Cottage, another superb vacation destination (VRBO #37172). I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, moving to California following college. I lived and worked for many years in San Francisco as an audiologist before moving to the island of Kauai in 1991. There I hosted a B&B for 3 years, moving to the Big Island in 1994. I then hosted another B&B at beautiful Kealakekua Bay in South Kona for another 3 years while developing my coffee farm upslope at the 1000 ft elevation-- where I live today.
Why the Owner Chose Waikiki Banyan:
I love my rural live on the Big Island! However after more than 15 years living in Hawaii, I found it becoming both too time consuming and too expensive to continue my 2-3 visits per year to mainland cities for my necessary 'urban fixes.' Yes, 'island fever' is a realty for most of us transplants from the mainland! So I decided to focus on Honolulu as my urban escape, and this led to the purchase of my apartment at the Waikiki Banyan condo hotel in June of 2007. Though occasional trips to the mainland are still necessary and enjoyable, I can now frequently visit Honolulu and enjoy my apartment and its superb location-- whenever it is not serving as a beautiful vacation destination for my guests, that is! As an avid swimmer I love my apartment's proximity to the beach--just two blocks away. And for long and beautiful walks, nearby Kapiolani Park is another bonus. Also given my dependence on an automobile on the Big island, my ability to get around in Honolulu completely by foot or bus is a refreshing and increasingly economical change of pace!
The Unique Benefits at this Condo:
I am a die-hard movie buff. And following so many years enjoying the cinematic benefits of first Washington, D.C. and then San Francisco, I found the lack of cinema on both Kauai and the Big Island to be quite the disappointment-- to say the least (thank God for Netflix)! In Honolulu I never miss the Hawaii International Film Festival in October and their Spring Festival in April. And I also travel to Maui each summer for the Maui Film Festival--with their wonderful open-air Celestial Cinemas! When festivals are not around I still have opportunities to see independent and foreign film(my favorites) in the movie houses in Honolulu. And let's not forget Movies on the Beach during many weekends in Waikiki.
And did I mention that I am an avid swimmer and also appreciate live theater and musical events? Honolulu excels in these areas as well.
Contact us
- Primary: (808) 328-9607 (Hawaii, USA)
- Secondary: (808) 938-3454
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Livng Rm with fine leather furniture, original art, media center, Dining to rear
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Dining area with seating for 4. A beautiful Tongan tapa cloth adorns the wall.
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Queen bed hinges at headboard for storage below; maple dresser+ceiling/wall fans
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New maple vanity & granite countertop; pocket door to tub/shower & toilet/bidet
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The fully equipped kitchen with all you need for gourmet meal preparation
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Relax on the lanai and enjoy frequent rainbows like this one over Pololu Valley
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Rec Deck with pool, hottub, tennis court, Jungle gym- Beach just 2 blocks away!
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Lovely Kuhio Beach with its gorgeous view of Diamond Head-- just 2 blocks away!
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You enter to your first view of the condo's beautiful furnishings and decor
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Living Rm opens to Bedroom front left; entrance to Galley Kitchen is rear left.
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Enjoy this beautiful view of Diamond Head from this bedroom window.
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View from bedroom to vanity and living room. Note the banked pocket doors.
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Living Room and Lanai view west to beautiful Manoa Valley
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Enjoy this dramatic view of Waikiki/ Honolulu city lights at dusk from the lanai
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Kuhio Beach view of the Waikiki Banyan's 2 perpendicular towers, center left
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Kuhio Beach view west to the famous 'Pink Lady'--the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
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This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - Friday, May 03, 2013
(808) 328-9607 (Hawaii, USA)