Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wish we could have stayed longer!

Guest: Norman A.
Date of Stay: 04/30/12 Review Submitted: 05/11/12

Everything said in the other reviews is true! We had a great time in Hawaii, thanks in no small part to our accommodations. Our only regret is that we could not stay the entire time in Sonja's condo as it was already booked for the remainder of our stay. We were able to secure another condo in Waikiki Banyen for the rest of our trip, which made for minimum inconvenience in moving elsewhere, but also pointed out the differences in the various condos available in the building.......Sonja's condo was FAR superior in every aspect!!!

Recommended for:

Great Value for Waikiki

Guest: CJ
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/14/12

Mahalo Sonja! The condo was a great home away from home. We were pleasantly surprised with the cleanliness of the condo, the convenient location and everything that was provided for us. The accommodation of having a kitchen and the BBQ at the pool….wow this was great as it saved us tons of money of eating out all the time. Now that I have experienced the condo stay I couldn’t have imagined staying in a cramped hotel room with minimal accommodations. The parking was convenient and knowing that your vehicle was easy accessible when needed. The concierge desk in the lobby was even hospitable with accommodating us with driving directions to booking some of our excursions. Our favorite though was the lanai with the breath taking view of the ocean. This was a life- long dream of mine to accommodate my family with a vacation to Hawaii and thanks to you Sonja, it happened with knowing we didn’t have to “break the bank” with the accommodations and comfort of your condo. Very nice people that live in this building too….you are very fortunate to have this luxury! Future Guests: Do not hesitate in booking this condo with Sonja, what you see on the photos doesn’t do justice of when you arrive….it’s gorgeous and very clean which was a huge concern of mine. Sonja was accommodating on answering questions, giving good advice on things to do and very professional. This condo is on the quieter end of Waikiki which I personally valued and yet conveniently located in the heart of Waikiki and a short walking distance to the beach and attractions. The view from the lanai is to die for – it’s breathtaking which is hard to find in Waikiki. If you’re on a budget or not, this is the way to go!!! You don’t have to worry about any added surcharges upon your departure as hotels add on so many hidden fees at the end of your stay. It’s fully paid when you arrive and depart – you can’t beat that. I'm a very picky individual and was not dissappointed at all with this condo. I would definitely stay here again upon my return to Waikiki which my kids are already hinting at for next year.

Recommended for:

Best Place Ever

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/19/12 Review Submitted: 03/23/12

Thank you so very much for such a wonderful place to stay in Waikiki! Sonja goes above and beyond with the provision of so many toys, games, an entertainment book with coupons, a playpen....the list goes on. The view is phenomenal, we even spotted two breaching whales off Kuhio beach while we were sipping our morning coffee on the lanai. Finally, as someone who has stayed at the Banyan before, it's nice to see a unit that is very obviously taken care of and refurbished frequently. We'll be back next year!

Owner response:Aloha. It was our pleasure to have you and your family as our guests. We look forward to your next stay. Mahalo for your review....it is much appreciate.

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

Waikiki condo

Guest: Brita J.
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 01/28/12

Condo was great, pictures and reviews are all accurate. Sonja and Corrie were very prompt and provided good customer service. Would definitely stay here again. Beach umbrella, beach chairs, mats, and boogie boards are in the condo for your use. Bus schedule and instructions for taking the bus on the bookshelf. Bus is $2.50 each way for adults. Condo is close to action, bus stops, stores, and 5 min walk to beach. Mahalo, Sonja for the use of your condo! Sam and Brita

Recommended for:

Dempsey Family - Brisbane Australia

Guest: Dempsey Family (Brisbane Australia)
Date of Stay: 01/10/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

Booked this unit for the 6 of us for a 4 night stay in Januaryt 2012. Condo was lovely and clean and all the basic needs supplied (which we thank you for Sonja). The six of us fitted in nicely enough, views are amazing. Would recommend this place for sure! Thank you again :)

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great View

Guest: Sandra C.
Date of Stay: 12/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/12

This was the third time we stayed in the Banyon and the second time staying in Sonja's condo.The view can't be beat. We enjoyed our morning coffee on the lanai watching the surfers. The condo has everything you would need. We had most of our meals in the condo and made use of the BBQ's on the pool level. Sonja was great to deal with , I would recommend this condo to anyone, The Clayton family Rosetown Sk. Canada

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LOVE STAYING HERE!!!

Guest: island girl (Seattle, Washington)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/23/11

You won't be disappointed if you stay in Sonja's condo. It is immaculate, neat and well maintained. The beds are comfortable and I like the futon type sofa bed. The kitchen is well stocked with everything that you'll need to prepare meals. Sonja is on top of everything and is most prompt in answering all questions. She has a couple local managers who promptly take care of any problems that may arise. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Mahalo Sonja for sharing your condo. My family look forward to returning again and again. Aloha, the Lee Family from Seattle, Washington

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

Waikiki Banyan Vacation Rental 168104

Guest: Lilibeth M.
Date of Stay: 10/26/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

My husband and I and another couple stayed at this place for our HS get together and we had a really great time. The place is clean, roomy and very nice. we were able to cook every breakfast, buy necessary supplies/food at the lobby, we enjoyed the swimming pool, jacuzzi and we were able to barbecue with our friends. The place is within reach to the Waikiki beach, the malls, the markets, restaurants and convenience stores and souvenir places. We had a great time and we really enjoyed the peace and quiet and atmosphere of the condo and the lobby and building location. Thank you also for referring our friend in the other condo building which is better close to ours, and they liked it a lot also, Louie and Beth Maiquis - Anchorage, Alaska Ronnie and Norma Alcoriza - Edison, New Jersey

Recommended for:

Love, love, LOVED it!

Guest: Christine H.
Date of Stay: 08/04/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

Everything was as perfect as it sounded on the rental site! From the moment I contacted Sonja, she was efficient and informative. We knew exactly what to expect and had no hidden charges or unexpected surprises. Her condo is VERY well-kept and exceptionally clean -- much more than you can expect from most hotels. Hangin' loose in Hawaii began the second we walked into Sonja's condo, as we were greeted with a beautiful rainbow just like the one pictured on the website! We actually saw several during our week's stay, and the lanai became our favorite place to sit at the beginning and end of each day. My children, ages 10 and 13, were THRILLED when they saw the flatscreen TV, the DVD collection, the board games, and the boogie boards! Even though we went to the beach each day, we would come "home" and head straight for the pool deck. The hot-hot tub was wonderful! This condo is stocked with everything you could possibly need for your vacation: beach towels, sand toys, beach chairs, bus route guides, attraction information... From a clean-freak mom's point-of-view, I loved that everything was so clean! When we stay in hotels, I never let my boys use the bedspreads, blankets, or bathtubs. Here, I had no hesitation. It was great to be able to cook breakfast and pack lunches every day, knowing that I had everything I needed at my disposal...right down to gladware to pack it in and blue ice to keep it cold! I could go on forever telling you all the reasons why this has to be one of the best places to stay in Oahu. Five minutes, or less, you're at the beach. Two minutes, you're at the bus stop. Three minutes, you can rent a car. Four minutes, or less, you're shopping! I hope that we get the chance to be repeat customers one day. Thank you so much, Sonja!

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

Hawaii July 21-August 4, 2011

Guest: Fe M.
Date of Stay: 07/21/11 Review Submitted: 08/15/11

It was our first time in Hawaii for my family and I and we couldn't have stayed at a better place. Everything was close by, a quick walk to Waikiki beach, shopping and of course my family's favourite places the Honolulu Cookie Shop and the ABC Stores.Thank-you Sonja for the great accomodations. The lanai was great to watch the ocean after a long day out and about. The view was beautiful and everyone felt right at home. We will definitely stay there again when we get the chance and will make sure we recommend you to our friends and family who may be headed to Honolulu. We had a wonderful time and wish we could have stayed longer. Mahalo from the Mendoza Family in Canada

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

Best Week Ever!

Guest: Dave B. (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/05/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

My family of 4 stayed at Sonja's condo for 8 days and it was absolutely awesome! The boys loved the pool deck and my wife and I really loved the location (a couple blocks from the beach!) and having our own kitchen - it literally saved us hundreds of dollars to be able to stock the fridge and not eat out every night. The condo is so close to everything, shops, beaches, the zoo, surf rentals, etc, etc. It was great to be able to kick back and watch the TV and see the sunset from the deck. We had an EPIC week and can't wait to go back.

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

Repeat Renter.....Very Nice Ocean View

Guest: JJJJJCA (Irvine, Ca, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 06/20/11

I travel to Waikiki often and have stayed in many of the vacation condo rentals. This is either my second or third stay in this unit. In my opinion this Banyan Tower 2 corner location (more windows, better cross ventilation, more privacy) offers one of the finest, real, direct, nearly unobstructed, views of Waikiki beach and the ocean. The Banyan is very well located within an easy walk of all shopping and eating areas in Waikiki. Access to the beach is down the street. This unit is well supplied and well maintained and the owner uses reliable and responsive local manager. Don't hesitate.

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

Very clean. Excellent customer service.

Guest: John,Denise and Family (Mesa AZ.)
Date of Stay: 05/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

Just as advertised room was ready,clean, perfect location for beaches and nightlife. Had a very enjoyable stay. Only bummer was the pool was being renovated the 3 days we were there but the beaches were fantastic and we used the pools at the beachfront resorts along the way. Thanks for the great room, movies, games, beach chairs, boogie boards and other amenities in our room. Thank You Clint for your phone responses and hard work in taking care of the room.

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

Aloha!

Guest: Hugh (Eagle River, Alaska)
Date of Stay: 03/03/11 Review Submitted: 03/13/11

Had a great time at Sonja's condo at the Waikiki Banyan. Everything was in order as advertised. Very easy to get the keys and the parking pass. Located in a great location for the beach, shopping and restaurants. We had four adults and two children and there was plenty of room.

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

Fabulous as usual!

Guest: Loves Hawaii! (British Columbia)
Date of Stay: 01/26/11 Review Submitted: 02/13/11

This was our 3rd stay at Sonja's and we loved every minute of it! The view of the ocean from the room is fabulous and many sunsets were watched from the lanai. I love the upgrades and all the amenities available for the guests, especially the fully stocked kitchen, right down to the coffee filters, salt & pepper. It’s so nice to not have to purchase little items for a short period of time. Sonja is a pleasure to do business with and would recommend her condo to everyone. Thanks again Sonja! We can't wait to come back :)

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Best of Waikiki

Guest: Happy Wahine (Reno,Nv)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

I booked this place for my daughter and her friends as a 30th birthday gift. So I wanted it to be Special and it was! The view was fantastic! The condo was everything I had hoped for. It was clean and very nicely decorated. Very spacious for the 4 of us. Had tons of amenities, like beach chairs,towels,boogie boards. The Kitchen was fully stocked as well. The free parking was a real bonus. It was just a short walk to the beach and lots of other attractions. We highly recommend The Royal Hawaiian for drinks on the Beach! Also enjoyed the bar-b-que area. Had some great cookouts. Will definitely be back! Have already told all our friends. Sonja was amazing. So easy to communicate with and so accommodating. True Aloha Spirit! One suggestion? More mirrors.....4 girls!! What more can I say??

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

Great destination/getaway condo as promised!

Guest: Sea n Ski (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 11/18/10

All was as promised. View, clean, parking, beach, pool, sleeps 6. We had a great time launching to our adventures and destinations from this well located condo. Walked to the beach (1 block) everyday as well as drove all over the island. All the kitchen essentials were provided as well as coffee filters and some condiments. Beach towels, chairs, boogie boards, beach bags, Wi-Fi, all the items to make you feel at home. Laundry room down the hall. The concierge in the lobby was helpful for tips and cautions for some of our excursions. We recommend this great condo for anyone looking to have a fantastic time in Waikiki, (like we did). We hope to go back in the near future. Mahalo Ps. Sonja was very easy to schedule and converse with for the rental.

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

Great family get Away

Guest: D & M (Melbourne, Australia )
Date of Stay: 06/07/10 Review Submitted: 06/28/10

We spent 15 days here and could not ask for more. The location was very close to the beach and the view was wonderful. We could see the fireworks on Friday nights from our room. It had everything we needed and also provided extras for our little one like a cot and stroller. The place was very clean and very easy to keep clean. Prior to our stay Sonja was very helpful and prompt in answering questions. The free car parking was great and less of a worry for us. The laundry was down the hall on the same floor. The recreation area on level 6 was helpful, the play ground was handy and the pool was nice. We would recommend this rental to our friends and family and hope to visit some time soon. Reception on the ground level was more than happy to answer any of our questions. We also recommend the cafe down stairs the have great coffee and a chocolate cake that is divine!!! If you have kids they are also going to love the huge fish in the pond - if you are lucky you might get to feed them. If you are looking for the bad points we would suggest that if you are a light sleeper the curtains in the bedroom do not block out the night lights so this might be something to consider. Also if you are looking for a holiday and want someone else to do your cleaning / housekeeping then this is not the place for you. However the place is very clean and small which did not require much cleaning just a bit of tidying up your own mess really. Thanks for everything Sonja.

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

AWSOME

Guest: Xylotech (Alpine, Utah)
Date of Stay: 05/25/10 Review Submitted: 06/07/10

WOW!! What a perfect vacation. The location was perfect. It was close to a surfing beach, a lounging beach, and a boogie boarding beach. The condo was perfect. It was very clean and had all the things we needed for teenagers. There was plenty of space for the 6 of us. The extra things in the condo made the vacation much more enjoyable too. I would go back to the same condo in a heart beat. In fact, we are planning on doing that. I would definitely recommend this unit to everyone I know. The only thing it was missing was a cookie sheet and a small crock pot. It really had everything. Thanks for the wonderful stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful!

Guest: LandT (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/26/10

Our stay in this condo was absolutely wonderful! The condo was very nice and clean and was stocked with much needed items. The beds were very comfortable and the views from the windows were breathtaking! You are close to all amenties, shopping and the beach! Sometimes you could hear outside noise from the street, but you're usually so tired that you don't hear them when you go to sleep. Sonja, the owner was very nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend this condo.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

An Amazing Get-Away

Guest: DorothyW (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/09/10

I vacationed with my teenage daughter and her girlfriend. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Banyan. The location is perfect. The girls were able to go out and shop, eat and beach by themselves. It gave us great flexibility and I didn't have to drive them to do everything they wanted to do. The unit was extremely comfortable for the three of us. The parking situation was fabulous. First of all, parking rates at a hotel are very high and free, secure parking is worth alot. On top of that, we had very easy access to parking spots and were always close to an elevator. It made it extremely easy to get in and out. I also felt safe when we came back late at night. The unit itself was very clean and we loved the fact that it had plenty of towels. We had everything we needed for our stay. We were well taken care of as we had a late flight out and needed to have our bags stored after we checked out. There was no problem and I truly appreciate that. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely choose to return to Sonja's unit when we go back.

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

Picture Perfect

Guest: NY Polynesians (New York)
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 04/17/10

The condo was just as pictured and promised. Great location, good value and lots of the little extras that made it feel like home! We had a great stay and loved the view. It was easy contacting the owner and getting answers to all my silly questions. Have stayed in other condos in the building and this one was a winner! The free internet and parking are key! Near everything, great snack bar, good super market downstairs, fast elevators, always clean, bbqs work well, chairs at the pool plentiful. The 19th floor is just high enough to block out all the city sounds in the morning. Would stay here again without hesitation. Fast return of the deposit when returning as well. It's been a very relaxing stay! Fa'afetai and Mahalo!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great Direct Ocean View

Guest: JJJJJCA (Irvine, Ca, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/06/10 Review Submitted: 01/20/10

I visit Waikiki 3 or 4 times a year, staying at the various hotels and vacation condos. I am very picky about having a dramatic, direct ocean view. This condo is an "02" location in Tower 2. In my opinion, these locations offer by far the best views available at the Banyan. The 19th floor location offers direct panoramic ocean views + the ability to see the sand and surf. There is no need to be on a higher floor. The unit is clean (including the carpet), well maintained and well equipped. The owner is friendly, well organized, responsive and employs a local manager (very important) in case you have any questions or problems. A++

Recommended for:

Until Next Time

Guest: Lucky One (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/22/09 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

We couldn't have wished for better. Thsi unit is clean, comfortable, well equipped, very convenient, and has a great ocean view. We really enjoyed our barbecues in the picnic area. Sonja is great to deal with, and leaves the impression that she wants her guests to have a great vacation. When next I go to Hawaii, I won't even have to think about where I will stay.

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

Perfect for Families!

Guest: Aussie Airline Family (Melbourne, Australia)
Date of Stay: 11/22/09 Review Submitted: 12/03/09

Our family of 2 adults and 3 children (our daughters are 12 yrs, 5 yrs and 2 yrs of age) spent a fantastic week in Sonja's condo in November. We travel from Australia to Waikiki for a vacation every year and have always stayed in hotel suites, which are generally very expensive and don't provide any kitchen ammenities. Sonja guided us through the private rental process with great courtesy and after staying here we will never go back to Waikiki hotels again! Great views, fantastic activites on site for families - not to mention the beach being a very short walk away. The condo is comfortably furnished with everything you need (and more) to make for a wonderful, relaxing vacation. So, thankyou Sonja - we will definitely be back next year!

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

Perfect Accomodations

Guest: pianoflyer1 (Santa Rosa, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/27/09

We called this condo home for two weeks in October. I feel very fortunate to have found this one. Sonja was great to work with in the beginning and very helpful with directions, vehicles, etc after we arrived at the airport. When we got to the room it was everything that it is advertised to be. Very clean, well stocked and an excellent location. Near everything. The management was very helpful when needed and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. We visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, took a catamaran out snorkeling but the most exciting was seeing my daughter marry "the man of her dreams" after 8 years at Turtle Bay Resort. There are many great choices near by to enjoy a meal if you don't want to cook or use the BBQ area. Since I had a lot mouths to feed we found that Teddys Burgers (across from the zoo around the corner from the condo) was our #1 choice for an excellent burger at a super price. I would recommend this condo to anyone looking for a great place to call home while on vacation in Waikiki. Aloha Lisa

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

Great condo, location, and view

Guest: San Diego natives (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 09/02/09

Your condo is exactly as described and better! Thank you so much for renting us your great condo. We will tell friends and family and we hope to come back soon.

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

Excellent Accommodation

Guest: Very happy northerners (Northwest Territories, Canada)
Date of Stay: 06/30/09 Review Submitted: 08/22/09

My husband and I have just completed a six week stay at the condo. The location is excellent and the view is breathtaking. We have already booked for the spring, and that has to be our best recommendation! The owner and management of the condo are very efficient and reliable. An example of this was when I requested a late check-out because of a midnight flight and both Sonja and Clint went the extra mile to make sure we were not stranded for hours at the airport. Thank you for the excellent customer service! The condo is well-equipped and many thoughful extras have been added. The location allows you to have a quiet oasis in the midst of every convenience you may require. Perfect! I sought out a quieter beach near Diamond Head and enjoyed some of the best swimming of my life. I also walked the Diamond Head circle for exercise every day. Local bus transportation takes you almost everywhere, but it's fun to rent a convertible for a day and to explore the island. I highly recommend the property for a relaxing beach vacation.

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

Family with 2 small children (2 & 1 years old)

Guest: The Kwans (San Francsico)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

*Perfect Condo to stay at while vacationing in Hawaii. Condo has everything you need when taking young kids on vacation, e.g. kitchen, cooler, bogie boards, etc.The view of the ocean as you walk in the front door is inspiring and relaxing. Sonja & her team provided excellent service & was responsive to our needs. I would definitely recommend to family & friends in the future and hope that the condo is available for us the next time we visit Waikiki. TIPS: For first-timers coming to Hawaii, you can get cheaper luau prices or sunset cruises with the tourist sites (along Kalakaua Street), sometime they advertise luaus (Paradise Cove or Germaine's) as 2 for $40, which is cheaper than the $40-75 dollars that is advertised in the tourist maps/magazines. If you are going to the Polynesian Cultural Center and staying for the night show which lets out at 9pm, make sure that you arrange for transportation to take you back to the condo. Otherwise you'll be driving a >1hr road trip back in the dark along winding roads.

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

March 6th-13th

Guest: relaxin in oahu (Palatine, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 03/06/09 Review Submitted: 03/16/09

Condo is everything it is advertised to be. Would highly recommend to anyone. We do not have little kids, but if we did I'd have been very happy to see the sand toys and stroller, the boogie boards are a real plus too!! The picture from the condo looking out is exactly what you see, only closer. The location is great for everything, eating, shopping and anything else you want to do.

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

First Timers

Guest: Jane & Cal (High River, AB Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/02/09 Review Submitted: 02/20/09

Mahalo Sonja.. Your condo is wonderful, loved the view of the ocean each morning when we wake up and the sunset at night. The pictures you showed were exactly what we saw. Everything was handled above our expectations. Your condo is within walking distance to everything, even the Zoo. The bus service is great $1.00 for seniors includes 4 hour transfer, we used it alot to go to the Aloa Moana Mall. Loved the free shuttle to Hilo Hattie's, a must see for your chocolate covered Macadamia nuts and local products and clothing. The International Market is a must see also, just down the road from the condo. Loved the amenities at the hotel, very clean and friendly staff. I would definitely recommend this to my friends

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

Waikiki Banyan

Guest: gmcucci (Toms River, New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/21/09 Review Submitted: 02/02/09

My daughter, myself and my 2 month old grandson had a wonderful week at your condo. Everything was as you described. This was my third visit to Waikiki so I knew what to expect. I would say that the accomodations were comparable to staying at the Hyatt, which I had stayed at previously. In fact I think they were more comfortable because we had the convenience of a kitchen and living room. All in all I would definitely recommend this condo to anyone looking for a home away from home. Gale Toms River, New Jersey

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

Can't wait to go back!

Guest: Mikki & James (Prince Rupert)
Date of Stay: 01/06/09 Review Submitted: 02/13/09

Thank you Sonja for your beautiful place. We loved the location and how everything was within walking distance. The view was amazing and we can’t wait to go back! You we’re so wonderful to deal with and I would recommend your place to anyone who is heading to Waikiki :) Thank you again

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

Great place - minutes from the beach, Free Parking

Guest: rjn (Dublin, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/08 Review Submitted: 01/04/09

This was our first visit to Hawaii, but we always rent vacation homes. I would rate Sonja's condo as excellent in all respects - location, price, amenities, service, cleanliness and view. The unit is exactly as described and the photographs are totally accurate. I appreciated the photo of the view from the kitchen - the ocean view from the lanai is partially obstructed by Mariott, but Sonja did not make any attempt to mask that! The view from the bedroom window is completely unobstructed. The free parking, free internet access and boogie boards, DVDs etc. are a bonus! Not to mention the wealth of information and a very helpful folder with her personal suggestions/advice. We'll definitely recommend this to our friends and will most certainly check it's availability for our next visit. For first timers looking for suggestions - Do not miss Hanauma Bay - after visiting several other snorkeling locations both on Oahu and Maui, I would rate Hanauma Bay as my top pick for both the quantity and variety of fishes. Not to mention that most of the action is in waist deep water! Besides that, the coastal drive on the northern side of the island is spectacular as is the Pali highway.

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great condo w/ free parking near everything!

Guest: Left my heart in Hawaii! (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 12/06/08 Review Submitted: 12/25/08

The condo was a great place to stay. My family enjoyed the amenities and extras (boogie boards, tourist resource books, etc.) provided by the owner. Moreover, the free parking helped out tremendously. We enjoyed hiking Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, and Makauupu, and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, North Shore, and Dole Plantation. Also, enjoyed eating at Tai Pan Dim Sum (Chinatown), Nico's Pier 38, and Uncle's Seafood (next door to Nico's) Restaurants. We highly recommend this condo!

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

Opinon of Frequent Waikiki Visitor

Guest: WB9DQU (atlanta,ga)
Date of Stay: 11/18/08 Review Submitted: 12/02/08

For those returning or are a "First Time" Visitor, I would highly recommend Sonya's Condo. I have always stayed in a Hotel, because of my "Frequent Travel Benefits". This time I had to pay! This condo is close to the Beach. As close as 95% of the Hotels. I usually buy passes for Honolulu transit system known as "The Bus". If you decide to get around anywhere on Oahu it is very convenient and only costs $20 for 4 days. I did that because most propoerties charge $20 a day to park! I rented a car from the Airport area because of the Free Parking @ the Condo. I rented a car for 8 days for $130.32 including tax. That is quite a Benefit. Beautiful view from Bedroom and Lanai. Bus stops across the street and even if you don't want to cook you have the benefits of coffee maker and refrigerator. She has Boogie Boards amd Beach Chairs so only take or rent Snorkel Gear @ Aqua Zone across the street at the Marriott and go to Hananuma Bay ( 20 minutes away by car) or take Bus 22 across the street. Unless you have free points to use @ the Marriott save your money ($250 a nite plus tax) and stay here. You won't be dissapointed! I also took my Laptop and the internet connection was in the room and very good! (Time Warner Cable) Hope you enjoy as much as me! Richard

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

Banyon Visit

Guest: Rainy Seattle Escapees (Seattle Wa USA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/08 Review Submitted: 12/02/08

We enjoyed our stay at your condo and would do it again. It was exactly as advertised, with a nice view, the public beach being around a five minute walk away, and the Catholic Church right next door. The wife was especially pleased with the amenities and the excellent shape of the unit. We were greeted promptly on our arrival. When we called, the owner responded promptly to answer the few questions we had. We were surprised there were boogie boards available, and made use of them. We have mentioned to our friends and family how we found the condo, and would definitely recommend it to them.

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

from RaeAnne, 10-years old

Guest: Dame
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

Thanks. I had such a great time. The beds were awesome and we had great access to everything. I loved the shower water. Thank you so much for letting our family stay in such a great place......RaeAnne, 10-years old, Calgary ......P.S. I LOVED THE VIEW OF THE BEACH.

Recommended for:

from Dakota, 12-years old

Guest: dame
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 01/14/10

Wow! I love the rooms. Surprisingly the sofa bed kept me sleeping all night. Thank you for all the extra items, like the boogie boards. I will recommend not only Honolulu Hawaii for a great holiday, but your condo too! Thanks a bunch..........Dakota, 12-year old, Calgary

Recommended for:

Guest: Dakota, 12 years old
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

Wow! I loved the rooms. Surprisingly the sofa bed kept me sleeping all night. Thank you for all the extra items, like the boogie boards. I will recommend not only Honolulu, Hawaii for a great holiday, but your condo, too! Thanks a bunch......

Recommended for:

Family fun seekers

Guest: Family Fun Seekers (Calgary,Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 11/20/08

Our family had a great stay at the Waikiki Banyan. With the Bq's on the pool deck we were able to make meals while the kids continued to play in the pool, or at the fun center. Our suite had all the amenities a family could need, including, body boards for the beach. The views are breathtaking. Thank you for the accommodation.

Recommended for:Families with young children

Dave and Jackie

Guest: DH2 (FULTON, MARYLAND)
Date of Stay: 10/11/08 Review Submitted: 10/25/08

We had a wonderful stay at your condo. The amenities were wonderful and the view was fantastic. We'd definitely recommend your condo to others. Thanks again and Mahalo...

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

Paradise!

Guest: Linda from Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/08 Review Submitted: 10/07/08

Thank you for a wonderful vacation in Paradise! Your condo is complete with all the amenities that anyone could want. Very convenient to public transportation for shopping, sightseeing, and dining. BEAUTIFUL Ocean View!!! I would definitely recommend a stay here.

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

Great place to stay!

Guest: Wylie (Tampa, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/23/08 Review Submitted: 10/07/08

Great place to stay! Wonderful view!!! Thank you for recommending the Polynesian Cultural Center --- that is well worth the cost. Very nice of you to supply so much useful info --- loved your notations in the resource materials. I'll be back again.

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