The vibrant culture of Waikiki creates an irresistible draw for visitors and investors. Resting on the eastern end of the district, Waikiki Sunset appeals to savvy buyers who appreciate its unbeatable views and peaceful location. Just a block and a half from the beach, the complex provides spacious full kitchen floor plans and sweeping vistas with a balanced price tag. Let’s explore what the Waikiki Sunset has to offer.
For a comprehensive overview of the Oahu and specifically the Waikiki vacation rental market, dive into our Hawaii Vacation Rental Property Statement of Facts & Trends report.
Waikiki Sunset was developed in 1979 and renovated in 2012. The well maintained building is now undergoing electrical and plumbing upgrades as of 2023. The complex rises 37 stories above Waikiki with a total of 435 units. Its position and height afford it exceptional views of the surrounding area.
With a twenty percent owner occupancy rate, most units are leveraged as vacation rentals. At this time the majority of owners have opted into the short-term ‘hotel pool’ program managed by Aston. Under Aston’s management the property and hotel pool are organized and well maintained. Units that elect Aston management purchase a furniture package to adhere to the hotel’s tasteful island decor and furnishings.
Owners may also choose to self manage or hire a third party management company to handle their unit. Each option provides varied degrees of management and owner accessibility. We touch on this point further down.
Waikiki Sunset resides along Paoakalani Street within the boundaries of what was historically Queen Liliʻuokalani’s summer estate. Paoakalani means “royal perfume” in Hawaiian, and is the name of the queen’s Waikiki estate. Waikiki Sunset pays homage to this legacy with an exhibit of the queen and royal history.
Throughout the complex decor is tasteful and modern, with an element of Hawaiiana. While other resorts may opt for tropical themed furniture and decor, the Waikiki Sunset sets itself apart with understated furniture that feels updated and bright. Aston’s consistency and quality of service has ensured its reputation as one of the nicer buildings in Waikiki.
You’ll find one and two bedroom floor plans across Waikiki Sunset’s 37 floors. Floor plans include full kitchens, one bathroom, and spacious private balconies. Single bedroom units sleep four adults and two bedroom units sleep six. The building was originally developed as a hotel before being converted into a condominium.
The complex has gained popularity for its full kitchens, full sized fridges, and granite countertops. These elements provide elevated convenience and are a departure from the normal hotel room inventory in Waikiki. With central air conditioning, wifi, and access to onsite amenities, there is a lot to love here.
Let’s discuss room types. The complex’s two bedroom units may be one of Waikiki’s best kept secrets, but we can’t guarantee that will last long. Since it can prove tough to find a two bedroom unit in any part of Waikiki, these tend to go quickly. The two bedroom floor plans are especially attractive to families and groups interested in alternatives to booking multiple hotel rooms.
There are two two bedroom units occupying each floor on the Diamond Head end of the building. The remainder are one bedroom units. Single bedroom floor plans are 534 to 546 square feet, and two bedroom floor plans are 604 to 1308 square feet. The top floor holds several penthouse suites with expanded square footage, and it should be noted these do not include balconies. The ends of the building face the city and Diamond Head while the sides face the Pacific Ocean and Ko‘olau mountains behind Ala Wai Canal.
The ocean is most visible on and above the 12th floor. However, the Diamond Head, mountain, and city views are impressive in their own right. Views like these normally mean a compromise on either price or square footage, but not here. Even the lower floors offer scenic views and the bonus of a quick trip whether you’re heading out for groceries or the beach.
A simple way to evaluate the potential view of a unit is to understand that even number units are on the ocean facing side, while odd numbers face the mountains, city, and countryside beyond.
The 24 hour reception desk on the ground floor serves as the hub for check-in and concierge services. Staff are well trained at providing friendly, knowledgeable assistance. Expect a level of service above the average condominium complex. There is also added peace of mind from having 24 hour security onsite.
Waikiki Sunset boasts a wealth of attractive amenities centered around its 6th floor recreation deck. The expansive deck holds a heated pool, lounge chairs, and barbeque grills. The pool has been updated and resurfaced, and is rarely crowded since most visitors are at the beach. There is also a gym accessible to all guests.
Self-service laundry machines are available for guest use. All units come with one assigned parking stall in the building’s five level parking garage. Visitors and active travelers with larger parties appreciate the convenient onsite parking that is often hard to come by in this neighborhood.
A well stocked mini mart with groceries and snacks is located on the ground floor. The property is just a block from numerous restaurants and bars along Kalākaua Avenue and this end of Waikiki holds several famed eateries and entertainment venues. The fine dining restaurants and designer boutiques along Luxury Row are just minutes away.
Waikiki Sunset is well positioned a block from Kapiolani Park for festivals, craft fairs, and live music. Factor in Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium right beside the park and it’s hard to imagine running out of things to do. Quaint restaurants on Kapahulu Avenue and the KCC farmers market are easy to get to with ample parking. Kūhiō and Kaimana beaches are just down the road for snorkeling and sunbathing.
There are a variety of options for transportation, including nearby bus stops, trolleys, scooters, rental vehicles, and ridesharing. Because the property is right off Kūhiō and Kapahulu Avenue it is quite simple to reach freeway access and circumnavigate the island.
Occupancy rate is an important consideration for any vacation rental acquisition. This property boasts over 90% occupancy year round, a trend that is expected to continue. Units are cleared for short-term, long-term, and LTA (temporary lodging for military and government) rentals, so options are quite broad. In Waikiki, this flexibility is quite rare and an asset.
For those interested in exploring possibilities of a Waikiki property acquisition, we recommend working with the most qualified professionals attuned to Hawai’i’s unique landscape. Hawai’i Life is poised to share attractive property options and coach you through the process of vacation rental ownership. Inquire to learn more about active and potential units for sale at Waikiki Sunset.
Waikiki and the broader Oahu real estate market provide exciting vacation rental opportunities for buyers. For a thorough understanding of potential properties, see our Oahu overview article. We deep dive into Waikiki’s many attractive vacation rental complexes and share information gleaned from decades of experience.
Leave your opinion here. Please be nice. Your Email address will be kept private, this form is secure and we never spam you.