vacation rental condos in Honolulu area

Question

Which of these vacation rentals in Honolulu area are good? bad? why?

Aloha Surf

Aloha Towers

Aqua Palms

Fairway Villa

Four Paddle

Ilikai

Ilikai Marina

Island Colony

Luana Waikiki

Marine Surf Waikiki

Niihau Apartments

Pacific Monarch

Regency on Beachwalk

Scandia

Tradewinds Plaza

Waikiki Bamboo

Waikiki Banyan

Waikiki Beach Tower

Waikiki Shore

Waikiki Sunset

Other

Answer

When considering vacation rental condos in the Honolulu/Waikiki area, it’s important to evaluate them based on location, amenities, upkeep, and proximity to the beach and local attractions. Here’s a detailed overview of some of the commonly booked properties:

Aloha Surf: Smaller, budget-friendly condos. Rooms can be dated, but good for short stays. Not ideal if you want resort-style amenities.
Aloha Towers: Affordable, convenient location close to Ala Moana and Waikiki. Older building, may have limited amenities. Units vary widely in quality.
Aqua Palms: Small hotel-style condos. Generally clean but limited space. Good for short stays; not as centrally located as Waikiki beachfront.
Fairway Villa: Higher-end condo complex with spacious units and resort amenities. Nice pool and well-kept, good for families.
Four Paddle: Popular mid-range option with direct beach access. Clean, well-maintained, and close to shopping and restaurants.
Ilikai & Ilikai Marina: Iconic Waikiki condos with spacious units and partial to full ocean views. Amenities include pools and restaurants. Mixed reviews on management and older interiors.
Island Colony: Large resort-style condos. Convenient location near Ala Moana and beach. Units vary in quality, some need updating.
Luana Waikiki: Comfortable, mid-range condos with good value. Pool and gym available. Good location slightly inland but walkable.
Marine Surf Waikiki: Beachfront location, budget to mid-range. Rooms can be small; older building but clean and convenient.
Niihau Apartments: Affordable and centrally located. Older units; limited amenities but good for those on a budget or short stays.
Pacific Monarch: Directly across from Waikiki Beach. Mid-range condos, well-maintained, pools and good views. Some units need updates.
Regency on Beachwalk: Modern, upscale condos with luxury amenities. Great location right on the Beachwalk, high-quality units.
Scandia: Budget-friendly, older building. Simple accommodations, clean but minimal amenities.
Tradewinds Plaza: Large resort condos. Good for families, amenities like pools and tennis courts. Older units but functional.
Waikiki Bamboo: High-rise condos, some with ocean views. Mid-range, clean, and good location near shopping.
Waikiki Banyan: Large condo resort with multiple towers. Pools, tennis courts, BBQ areas. Units can vary greatly in quality; popular for families.
Waikiki Beach Tower: Oceanfront condos, mid-range to upscale. Clean, good views, convenient location, smaller property so less crowded.
Waikiki Shore: Beachfront property, popular for honeymooners and couples. Modern, clean units, smaller resort feel.
Waikiki Sunset: Affordable, older building. Limited amenities but convenient location and decent ocean views.

Other notes:

Beach proximity is a major factor—properties directly on or across from the beach will generally command higher rates.
Older condos (Aloha Towers, Niihau, Scandia) are fine if you prioritize location and budget, but interiors may be dated.
Resort-style complexes (Waikiki Banyan, Fairway Villa, Regency on Beachwalk) offer amenities like pools, BBQ areas, and tennis, making them better for families or longer stays.
Units within the same building can vary widely in quality, so check recent reviews and photos before booking.

Ultimately, if you want direct beach access and modern amenities, options like Regency on Beachwalk, Waikiki Shore, and Waikiki Beach Tower are recommended. For budget-conscious travelers, Marine Surf, Aloha Towers, and Niihau Apartments are decent choices.