Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Wonderful Stay!

Guest: JPNJ (Bloomfield, NJ USA)
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:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

diamond at the banyan

Guest: ottomatic (kelowna,b.c. canada.)
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:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Oahu condo - PERFECT!

Guest: Ann (Austin TX)
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, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

*Highly recommended*

Guest: M (Vancouver, BC CANADA)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/23/11

I came to visit a friend here in Honolulu, but wanted my own space while I was here visiting. I thought it would be easy to find a place once I arrived; I was SO wrong. I spent over 5 hours calling places all over Waikiki. I came across Michael's place and saw the photos and amazing reviews. My friend called and he got back to us right away unlike most of the people we called. He was so pleasant to deal with and even went beyond our expectations by rearranging some cosmetic renovations so I could stay there for a week in between the 'regulars' who stay at his place each year for weeks/months at a time. He arranged everything, followed up with us once I was settled in, and followed up after my week stay. I so appreciated both Michael and Stephanie's friendly demeanor. Stephanie was there when I arrived, just finishing up some last minute household details to make my stay comfortable. She even past on some restaurant recommendations. The photos are accurate, the place is wonderful and what a view of Diamond head. I had everything I needed and I was only a block from the beach (great location!). Will definitely stay here again. My friend - who is a long time local will also be passing on info to his visiting friends and relatives. Thank you so much Michael!

Owner response:Working with Marla and her island friend Fernando was a pleasure for me as well! I am happy that I was able to rearrange things to accommodate her week stay and I would be most pleased to have her as a guest again--and to also accommodate any of her family and friends. As a note of clarification I, Michael, the owner, live most of the time on Hawaii's Big Island. The woman Stephanie to whom she refers is my apartment assistant and housekeeper who lives nearby the Banyan in Waikiki on Oahu. She is a warm and friendly person who is also available to answer guest questions, make recommendations, and promptly take care of any issues that might arise during a guest's stay.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Wonderful Accommodations

Guest: Canuck (Victoria, BC)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 09/04/10

Michael Thank you for the excellent accommodations in Honolulu. The location was perfect and the added touches truly made a difference. After staying in Honolulu we visited both the Big Island and Maui prior to returning to Honolulu for a final night before returning to Canada. For our final evening in Honolulu we rented a suite at the Banyan for $140 and although the floor plan was identical, the unit was sparsely decorated and lacked the extras such as the beach accessories et cetra. We regret not approaching you for our final evening. Once again, thank you for the first-rate accommodations. Jamie & Paul

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great location and view, with very helpful owner

Guest: Fred (Vancouver, bc)
Date of Stay: 07/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/31/10

We were here in July and had a fantastic time here. The apartment has a awesome view facing south east in the living room and diamond head view in the bedroom. It has everything you need to live comfortably for weeks. The location is very convenient only two blocks to the beach and shops. Parking is also included which means you don't have to worry about street parking or high cost of parking in the hotels. This was our first time in honlulu and the owner was very helpful answering all our questions and even got us $30 coupon for our car rental.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Diamond at the Banyan a true "Gem"

Guest: Barb and Al (Melbourne, Florida)
Date of Stay: 03/05/10 Review Submitted: 04/23/10

We just returned from a glorious 6 weeks stay in Michael's condo. There are not enough positive words to be said to convey the comfort, cleaniness, and true aloha that exudes within this condo. Michael provides his guests with every available utensil needed for preparing dinners, cooking condiments, plentiful linens, toiletries, and above all he is available at all times for any questions that might arise. He is a true gentlemen and has surely provided a genuine environment of hospitality to his guests. I would have no hesitation to refer guests to this "Gem" in paradise. We feel trully blessed to have personally met Michael and enjoy his condo and will continue to do so for many years to come

Recommended for:Age 55+

Guest: Bill Lumby & Linda Lumby (Harrisburg,PA)
Date of Stay: 02/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/18/10

I must start out with the fact that the owner Mike was fantastic. He helped us with so much information about the island and things to do. Also with a car rental. The trip was our honeymoon.We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. The condo had everything we needed, along with 2 hot tubs and a swimming pool. It is furnished very nicely and everything is very clean. We enjoyed the place very much. It is in a great location too. We were 2 blocks off the beach and not far from anything. We spent 16 days there and loved every minute. Thank you so much mike and we will be back again real soon. We highly recommend this condo to anyone looking for a place for 2 or 3 people. We loved it.....

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3 Weeks in Paradise

Guest: Chris&Jo (Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/07/09 Review Submitted: 09/03/09

Spent 3 weeks in this apartment in August and it just felt like home, very liveable and comfortable. The cupboards and drawers were filled with everything you need to cook a 3 course meal or you could just make a coffee and walk down to one of the many restaurants located in the heart of waikiki. The apartment itself was clean, immaculately maintained and the furniture was modern and comfortable. The owner michael was a pleasure to deal with, extremely helpful and provided information on everything from how to operate the tv, vcr, internet to info on bus timetables and restaurants. Booking, directions and entry to the apartment was extremely smooth and exactly what was needed after a 10hr flight. I would recommend this property to any of my friends and family looking to stay in waikiki and should we be lucky enough to return I would not hesitate to rent this apartment again.

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Beautiful apartment at the Waikiki Banyan

Guest: Frequent guest (Vermont USA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/09 Review Submitted: 09/24/09

We have stayed at the Banyan many times in the past, but have never found an apartment as beautifully and tastefully furnished as this one. The views are spectacular! The apartment is supplied with quality items throughout, from the bed linens and bath towels to the gourmet kitchen. Don't miss it!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Guest: KC Sturgeon (Sydney Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/29/09 Review Submitted: 06/29/09

Had a lovely stay in this beautiful condo - all the comforts of home. I was made to feel very welcome with the goodies I received upon arrival. The owner was very helpful and prompt with his replies to my questons. Information was readily available on every aspect of the complex. I am sure you will enjoy this holiday unit as we did. Aloha

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/12/09

The condo is as pretty as advertised. We had no unpleasant surprises - indeed the unit was very clean and well maintained as described. Everything we needed - kitchen appliances and tools, bathroom needs, beach chairs, towels, umbrellas etc were much more than adequate. The owner’s written instructions on the use of the phone, TV, DVD player and all other entertainment devices were clear and complete. Another positive is the easy accessibility of the owner and/or his caretaker - it is comforting knowing that help is available - if needed - we didn’t need any. Waikiki is delightful and the condo is one block away from bus stops for Oahu’s excellent public transportation system - so downtown Honolulu is also easily (and cheaply) accessible. On Waikiki, we found the main attractions were Kapi’olani Park, the Zoo, the beach and just simply strolling along ‘the strip’ Kalakua or Kuhio Streets past the International Marketplace or any one of a number of places with eateries, music, hula shows and other local color. We for sure recommend this unit.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/27/08

This condo is so beautifully furnished and decorated it belongs on the cover of a magazine. All of the amenities, from the towels in the bathroom to the kitchen appliances, are first-rate and top of the line. And the location is great: one block to the best swimming beach in Hawaii. And the neighborhood is quiet. Although there is an air conditioner,it is not necessary. This is a corner unit with great cross-ventilation. All in all, a most comfortable experience in a very well maintained unit.

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Will recommend...

Guest: Gerald and Eri (New York - Japan)
Date of Stay: 05/24/08 Review Submitted: 06/06/08

We recently stayed at this condo for few days and we're absolutely delighted! Although it was a little bit tight we were confortable. It's very clean and well maintained. We will recommend this to anyone. Try to avoid what we call "elevator rush hour" - you probably end up waiting in line a little bit longer. Did I mention Michael the owner is very accommodating and helpful?

Owner response:This couple traveled with her father, which accounts for their comment that it was "a little bit tight". It is actually 60 ft larger than 85% of the other condos at the Waikiki Banyan.... Spacious enough to allow for a galley kitchen out-of-sight of the rest of the apartment and a dedicated dining area--not the norm at the Banyan!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.