Featuring Honolulu Hawaii’s Hotel Condominium’s

What is a Hotel Condominium?

Hotel Condominiums are properties that can legally be rented out for fewer than 30 days, including on a daily basis. Owners who participate in a rental program with a hotel operator can earn income, which may be used to offset property-related expenses such as monthly maintenance fees, real property taxes, and insurance.

One of the greatest advantages of owning a hotel condominium is the flexibility to stay in the unit whenever it is not occupied by hotel guests. In contrast, standard condominiums are subject to state laws that typically require a minimum rental period of 30 to 90 days, with some buildings mandating leases of six months or longer. As a result, owners of regular condos often enter into long-term rental agreements, making it difficult to use the property for personal stays whenever desired.

1. Owners can earn income from hotel operations.
2. Owners can stay in their own units.

These two features are the main highlights of owning a hotel condominium.

Top Hotel Condominiums

We’d like to introduce some of the most popular and notable hotel condominiums in Honolulu. While Hawaii has over 1,500 condominium associations, there are only eight recommended hotel condominiums in Honolulu. Revenue distribution, hotel operators (management companies), and the services offered vary depending on each property.

1. Waikiki Sunset
2. Waikiki Banyan
3. Ilikai
4. Waikiki Beach Tower
5. Ka Lai Waikiki Beach (Former Trump Tower Waikiki)
6. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki
7. Waikiki Shore
8. Pacific Monarch

1. Waikiki Sunset

This hotel condominium is a favorite among tourists visiting Waikiki, thanks to its affordable accommodations and convenient amenities. Each unit includes a full kitchen, contributing to consistently high occupancy rates. Coin-operated washer and dryer machines are available on every floor, making the property especially popular for long-term stays.

The 5th-floor deck offers a range of recreational features, including a pool, tennis court, BBQ grill, and a mini convenience store. Just a five-minute walk from the beach, the property is also surrounded by popular dining spots such as Arancino di Mare, known for its authentic Italian cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Parking is included, but rather than assigned spaces, the building uses a self-parking system—owners and guests may park wherever space is available.

The hotel is operated by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a well-established company with extensive experience managing hotel condominiums. Revenue from hotel operations is pooled and then distributed to owners, regardless of individual unit occupancy. The distribution rate is based on the original sale price from 1979.

Recommended units are those located on the 30th floor or higher, particularly those ending in 02, 08, 10, and 12. These units offer stunning ocean views and are highly sought after in the resale market.

2. WAIKIKI BANYAN

This property is located near Waikiki Sunset and is often compared as a similar condominium. One of its key advantages is its relatively low building maintenance fees compared to similar properties. Each floor is equipped with coin-operated washer and dryer facilities, making it convenient for long-term stays. The 6th-floor deck features a pool, jacuzzi, and tennis court, while the ground floor includes a convenience store and a coffee shop.

Like Waikiki Sunset, parking rights are included with each unit, but the building operates on a self-parking system—owners and guests may park in any available space rather than a designated spot.

The main hotel operator is Aqua-Aston Hospitality, which also manages Waikiki Sunset. A front desk is located in the lobby for guest services. Revenue from hotel operations is pooled and distributed to owners, regardless of individual unit occupancy. The distribution rate is based on the original sale price from 1979. In addition to Aqua-Aston, several other companies also offer vacation rental services.

Waikiki Banyan consists of two towers. Units in Tower 1 located above the 30th floor, particularly those ending in 01, 07, 09, 11, and 13, are especially popular due to their views and resale demand.

3. ILIKAI

Located next to the lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village and along the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, this property is built directly on the marina. It gained nationwide recognition as the filming location for the original Hawaii Five-O TV series, making it one of the most iconic properties in the United States.

In Hawaii real estate, three key factors define a high-quality property:

1. The view from the unit
2. The property’s name recognition
3. Proper building maintenance

Ilikai meets all three criteria. Each floor is equipped with coin-operated washer and dryer facilities, and the lobby level features a pool, sun deck, café, and convenience store.

Unlike Waikiki Banyan and Waikiki Sunset, parking rights are not included with the unit. Instead, guests may use paid valet parking services during their stay.

Several companies offer vacation rental management services, but Aqua-Aston Hospitality operates the front desk in the lobby and manages units on the 2nd floor and floors 22–25. Revenue from Aqua-Aston is paid based on actual guest stays in the unit—a different distribution method compared to Waikiki Banyan and Waikiki Sunset.

Other vacation rental operators managing units on different floors include Waikiki Beach Rentals and Marina Hawaii Vacations.

Corner units on each floor—those ending in 44, 43, 10, 09, 26, and 25—are two-bedroom types. For studio units, the most desirable are those ending in 41, 39, 37, 35, 33, and 31. The next most popular are units ending in 04, 06, and 08. Units ending in 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 offer views of the Hilton lagoon.

4. WAIKIKI BEACH TOWER

This property is ideally located directly in front of Waikiki Beach, offering exceptional convenience and easy access to many popular restaurants within walking distance. All units feature two-bedroom layouts, making the building especially popular among families. With stunning views and a prime location, it is widely regarded as a high-quality property.

Each floor contains only four units, and the elevators are divided between the Ewa side and the Diamond Head side, providing a strong sense of privacy. The lobby, pool deck, and guest rooms have all been renovated, transforming the previously dated interiors into a bright, modern design that reflects current trends. Each unit is equipped with its own washer and dryer.

Parking rights are included with the property, allowing owners to choose between self-parking and valet parking services.

The hotel is operated by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, a trusted and experienced management company. Revenue from hotel operations is pooled into a central account and then distributed to owners, regardless of individual unit occupancy. The distribution rate is based on the share percentage established at the time of the original sale.

Recommended units are those located on the 25th floor or higher, especially those on the 30th floor and above ending in room numbers 01 and 02, which are consistently in high demand.

5. KA LAI WAIKIKI BEACH

This property was the first hotel condominium in Honolulu to offer full hotel services and remains the only five-star hotel condo in the area. Services include room cleaning, in-room dining, valet parking, and concierge assistance with restaurant recommendations, tours, and dining reservations.

On the lobby level, guests can enjoy Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine, which specializes in seafood, and In-Yo Café, which serves breakfast only. The property is within walking distance of numerous gourmet restaurants and shopping destinations. Beach sets are available for borrowing from the concierge on the first floor, allowing guests to walk directly to Waikiki Beach.

Units with one bedroom or more are equipped with in-room washer and dryer sets; studio units do not include these appliances. Parking rights are not deeded to the property, but owners staying on-site may use valet parking free of charge when space is available (tips for valet staff are not included).

The hotel is operated by Hilton, and revenue is distributed based on actual guest stays in each unit—a different model from properties like Waikiki Banyan and Waikiki Sunset.

Recommended units are those facing Fort DeRussy Park, particularly those with odd-numbered room endings, which are highly desirable.

6. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki

This is the newest hotel condominium in Honolulu, consisting of two towers. The first to open, Tower 1 (Ewa Tower), offers a wide range of floor plans, from studio units to one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Tower 2 (Diamond Head Tower) also includes studio to three-bedroom units, but has a higher proportion of studios and one-bedroom units.

Like Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, this property offers full hotel services, including room cleaning, in-room dining, valet parking, and concierge assistance for restaurant and tour reservations. On the lobby level, guests can enjoy Sushi Sho, the Italian restaurant Quiora, and the French restaurant La Vie. The ground floor features a Dean & Deluca and a convenience store.

All units are equipped with in-room washer and dryer sets, as well as bidet toilets. Parking rights are not included with the property, but when space is available, owners staying on-site may use valet parking free of charge (tips for valet staff are not included).

The hotel is operated by Ritz-Carlton, a Marriott brand, and revenue is distributed based on actual guest stays in each unit—a different model from properties like Waikiki Banyan and Waikiki Sunset.

Units on higher floors are especially recommended for their views and desirability.

7. WAIKIKI SHORE

Built in 1960, this is Honolulu’s only beachfront hotel condominium—an exceptionally rare opportunity to own a unit directly on Waikiki Beach. Room operations are primarily managed by two companies: Castle Resorts & Hotels and Outrigger Hotels.

The ground floor features several commercial spaces, allowing residents and guests to shop without needing to walk all the way to Kalākaua Avenue. In 2022, the owners voted to fully renovate the lobby and ground-floor commercial areas, and the renovation work is almost complete.

Some units include parking rights, while others do not.

8. PACIFIC MONARCH

Located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel condominium is a popular choice for short-term stays, offering convenient walking access to the beach and nearby restaurants. The rooftop features recreational amenities including a pool and BBQ grills, with excellent sunlight throughout the day. A coin-operated laundry facility is available on the third floor. Many units do not come with parking rights.

The hotel is operated by Springboard Hospitality, and income is generated based on actual guest stays in each unit. For room selection, higher-floor units ending in 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, and 08 are especially recommended for their views and desirability.

Special Feature: ISLAND COLONY

Located in the heart of Waikiki, Island Colony is a highly desirable property, with units starting around $300,000. Higher-floor units offer stunning views of the Koʻolau Mountains, Diamond Head, and the ocean. Even studio units feature spacious lanais (balconies), while the four corner units on each floor are one-bedroom types; all other units are studios.

The 6th-floor deck includes a pool, jacuzzi, BBQ grills, a convenience store, and coin-operated laundry facilities. On the ground floor, you’ll find the front desk operated by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, along with the second location of Forty Niner, a popular local eatery. Nearby attractions include the International Market Place and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

Parking is not deeded to the units but can be rented for a fee.

While some owners lease their units long-term, short-term rentals require approval from a company called Island Colony Partners. Owners who join their hotel rental program receive pooled income distributed among participating units, regardless of individual occupancy. Participants may stay in their unit for up to 14 days per year free of charge, with discounted rates available for additional nights.

Additional Note: It is possible to purchase a hotel condominium without participating in hotel operations. In such cases, owners may apply to change the property tax classification from the “hotel rate” to the “residential rate,” which can significantly reduce the overall property tax burden.