I had been meaning to write up this wonderful condotel set at the far side of Waikiki close to Diamond Head and the uncrowded shoreline on the eastern side of this resort town. Here's an image of the view from the back patio of the hotel. Wanda Adams, one of my favorite writers from the local Honolulu Advertiser, did such a nice job writing up the hotel that I don't have too much to add. So read her's and here are a few extra tidbits. This 14-story property is not quite a boutique hotel because many of the units are individually owned so decor varies widely. Adams notes that new management is quietly buying back the units and upgrading them to modern standards with flat-panel TVs and other amenities. Rates are totally affordable, ranging from $200 tro $400 with better deals possible for locals (so-called kama'aina rates).

The hotel sits oceanfront but doesn't really have a beach -- there isn't much of one along that seawalled stretch. The closest real beach is a five minute walk west at Kaimana / Sans Souci and it is a local favorite. The hotel is very convenient for jogging in Kapiolani Park and easy walking distance to the surf breaks of Tongg's, Old Man's, Rice Bowls and Publics. Food options on this end of Waikiki are limited, with the best offering at the Diamond Head Grill, located at the neighboring W Honolulu - Diamond Head. Michel's at the Colony Surf, in another neighboring property, has fabulous music courtesy of Jeff Peterson, one of a select group of Hawaii musicians to have won a Grammy. Peterson plays innovative jazz and Hawaiian slack key with equal acuity. The top-level rooms are smaller but have better views. The view from the back patio is outrageously good and the relatively small size of this property, with only 65 rooms, ensures that there is no crowd factor to speak of.

Diamond Head Beach Hotel
2947 Kalakaua Ave / Honolulu, HI 96815-4697
Ph: (808) 921-7470

Related Posts: W Honolulu vs Kaimana Beach Hotel
Image via BookIt

—Alex, 04/29/07