Waikiki Shore: A Guide to Waikiki’s Premier Beachfront Condominium Complex

Oahu has long reigned as the premier destination for global visitors and astute real estate buyers in Hawai’i. In a market this attractive, holding the keys to a beachfront property in Waikiki may seem far fetched. However, this can become reality for parties working with a team of experienced property professionals capable of expertly navigating Oahu’s unique real estate waters.

Hawai’i Life has been a leading authority in the Hawai’i market since 2008. We are dedicated to clarifying the nuances of the state’s vacation rental industry for interested parties ready to delve into the field. Comprehensive insights are outlined in our Hawaii Vacation Rental Property Statement of Facts & Trends report.

Amidst a sea of potentially lucrative options, Waikiki Shores emerges as a prime choice for those seeking to balance unbeatable location with modern convenience. With the claim to fame of being Waikiki’s only condominium directly on the shorefront, owners have access to a vacation hot spot paired with unparalleled views.

This condominium is uniquely positioned as an individual “apartment style” or “condotel” model property with individual owners working alongside property management through Castle Resorts. With unparalleled views of Diamond Head, Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and a front row seat to Waikiki’s Friday night fireworks shows, the reasons to love this property quickly stack up. Let’s explore them fully.

Built amidst the Waikiki development boom of the 1960s, this 15 story, 167 unit high rise holds an enviable oceanfront position between the greens of Fort Derussy Beach Park and the prominent Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Not only is it fronted by the beach, it is also located just one block from Kalakaua Avenue, the heart of Waikiki.

The condominium’s interior includes a modernized lobby with friendly staff and full service concierge desk. Renovations to units vary based on owner preferences for design and finishing touches. Purchasing a unit here includes the opportunity to acquire a fully renovated condo or a blank slate from which to design your dream island oasis.

Whether purchasing a unit with full renovations, or exploring design options upon acquisition, there are several stand out features across all units that both owners and visitors covet. Every unit features a gas stove with gas fees included in the owner’s fee package (a listing of all fees provided further in the article). Air conditioning is also included in every unit, though we’d venture to bet many visitors elect to open their balcony doors and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

Units are fitted with floor to ceiling windows and balcony doors for uninterrupted views of the ocean or cityscape, and possibly Waikiki’s beloved Friday night fireworks show. Vacationers also look for and appreciate the in-room washers and dryers, a luxury when you consider that many buildings in Waikiki have shared, coin operated laundry areas. Units either currently have these installed or have existing ports for easy owner installation. Additional on-site storage is available for owners to rent in a range of sizes in case you want a convenient place to stash extra beach gear or bedding.

In a region known for its limited parking, Waikiki Shores boasts enviable on-site parking with dedicated spaces for select owners. These spaces are deeded with property ownership and it is possible to buy and sell deeds to other owners.

The property is home to several dining and shopping store fronts on the ground floor. There are three casual eateries attached to Waikiki Shores: Subway, The Steak Shack, and Suns Up Hawaii. Set beside the restaurants in the same passageway are walkup gift and apparel shops plus a grab and go style convenience store.

As you can imagine, Waikiki Shore’s excellent location is not limited to its beachfront access. The complex is easily classified as one of the most conveniently located condominiums in Waikiki. Out the front door you’ll find a sprawling park and shoreline. And in a moment’s time, you can also emerge into the vibrant vacation land of Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue.

Visitors who wish to get out and explore can go just one block to Kalakaua Avenue and Luxury Row, a stretch of the avenue brimming with top designers, local boutiques, and acclaimed dining destinations. There is a huge diversity in cuisine throughout Waikiki to suit the tastes of travelers from all over the world.

As far as transportation is concerned, there are a myriad of ways to reach your destination. Waikiki is easily accessed on foot or through rideshare companies, and there are also car rentals, Biki bike rental stands, and electric scooters. The Waikiki Shuttle and Oahu bus systems offer stops across the Waikiki district and are popular among tourists.

So far we’ve established Waikiki Shore’s unprecedented access to shopping, dining, and water activities. But it’s also important to touch on the sheer variety of options available to vacationers who elect to stay a bit closer to their room.

Water enthusiasts have access to a surf shop and surf school located next door to the complex. Visitors looking for rest and relaxation appreciate the rentable beach chairs and umbrellas plus a walk up beach bar on Fort Derussy BoardWalk. And with exquisite sunsets and front row access to fireworks shows, visitors who stay here will likely enjoy getting to the beach as frequently as possible. For off-site activities the complex provides concierge services to help create a memorable vacation experience.

The tradeoff for this unbeatable location is a slight reduction in common space areas. In this case Waikiki Shore has ensured its owners and visitors don’t miss out on any convenience by providing them with pool and gym access to the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Hotel directly next door.

This complex offers studio, one, and two bedroom floor plans. Studios include a kitchenette, while one and two bedroom plans offer full kitchens. This is a huge differentiator of this condotel style building that separates it from the hotels on Waikiki Beach that have no in-room kitchens. Studios and one bedroom floor plans have one bathroom, and two bedroom plans offer one or two bath options.

Another consideration for this complex is the agreeable level of fees for both owners and vacationers. Depending on unit type, expect to pay between $290 and $550 per month for total HOA and maintenance fees which include cable, water, sewer, internet, and gas as of 2023.

Additional fees to consider are amenity access fees for concierge, security, and possibly storage. Overall, this fee structure is lower than the average cost across Waikiki complexes which can range from $800 to $1,000 monthly. Owner occupancy levels are roughly five to seven percent as almost all units are in the hotel pool.

The wow factor of this beachfront complex translates to an attractive option for discerning parties who prize location and plentiful unit amenities. Potential buyers interested in a hands off approach will appreciate the full management of the Castle Resort Rental Program, the exclusive rental management company for the complex.

Another built-in feature to note is the two night minimum rental requirement for visitors. In turn, renters prize this property for its fair pricing and strong value for their stay. There are no resort fees, and children under 17 years old stay for free.

Capitalizing on this thriving vacation rental scene creates an opportunity to delve into the world of Hawai’i real estate, particularly within the coveted Waikiki Shores complex. 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 Shore.

For a broader understanding of the larger Waikiki real estate landscape, explore our Oahu Overview article, where we unveil our top-tier selections for desirable vacation rentals in this district.