Your Hawai’i Life Oahu Vacation Rental Opportunity Guide: 5 Oahu Vacation Rental Complexes to Keep on Your Radar

If there’s one place synonymous with paradise, it’s the island of Oahu, Hawai’i. From sun soaked beaches to stunning tropical scenery, this vibrant oasis in the Pacific offers endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation. Home to the State’s capital, Honolulu, as well as acclaimed regions like Waikiki and the North Shore, Oahu truly has it all.

It should come as no surprise that many buyers see the potential in owning a property that provides access to incredible vacations and the chance to offset costs through short-term rentals. Information detailed in our Hawaii Vacation Rental Property Statement of Facts & Trends Report

There are bountiful reasons why Oahu is an attractive market for second home buyers. For decades, Oahu has reigned as a top tourism destination in the United States. The island’s global cuisine, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and historic sites appeal to everyone from budget travelers to affluent vacationers. What’s more, visitors have come to expect to pay a premium for the privilege of staying in the heart of the State’s vibrant economic and cultural center, meaning that property owners can count on strong rental rates and consistent occupancy year round.

Oahu’s infrastructure is continuing to grow at an exciting pace with expanding cities and resort regions across the island. World class beaches and boat harbors are in abundance and provide an ideal setting for sailing, surfing, fishing, and water sports. Residents and visitors also appreciate the island’s many gourmet restaurants and famous golf courses, as well as the world’s largest open air shopping center at Ala Moana.

Stretching Oahu’s sunny southern shoreline is perhaps the most well-known region on the island, Waikiki. Home to surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku and many famed surfers, movie stars, and millionaires, what really sets Waikiki apart is its unbeatable proximity to all the best that Oahu has to offer. Thanks to well positioned freeway access points, the region is a short drive to pretty much anywhere you’d like to go across the island. In fact, in just under an hour it’s possible to change scenery from the bustling city to the idyllic surf towns and big wave beaches along the North Shore.

It’s little wonder why Waikiki’s unbeatable location and stunning beaches have made it iconic. Stretching just under three miles from north to south and bordered by the Ala Wai Canal, this region is home to grand resorts and luxury mid to high rise condominiums that are a magnet for global crowds.

And while there are multiple destinations across Oahu that have international appeal, we see numerous indicators for why Waikiki continues to be such an attractive market for real estate ownership. Let’s look at five properties to consider.

Gracing the northern end of Waikiki are ’Ilikai and ’Ilikai Marina, adjoining high rise towers overlooking Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Ala Moana Boulevard, the chief thoroughfare in Waikiki. Built in the 1960s by John Graham, famed architect of the Seattle Space Needle, this complex is one that set the tone for the rest of Waikiki’s architecture. As an iconic staple of this region the ’Ilikai stands as a vibrant landmark against the skyline. It is also an ideal spot for sunset views, lounging in the pools, or taking a dip in the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. The ’Ilikai is a great draw with over 1,000 units and a famed penthouse that debuted in the first episode of Hawai’i Five-0 in 1968.

Moving south, Waikiki Shore may hold one of the most enviably central locations in Waikiki, but we’ll let you decide. Set on the golden sands of Fort Derussy Beach, you’re just a moment away from the gentle waves of the Pacific and numerous oceanside restaurants stretching the shoreline. This condominium has quite a lot to boast about, considering its location between two of the best beaches on the island, and its direct ocean access just out the door. With Waikiki attractions minutes away, including luxury retail and restaurants, it’s little wonder Waikiki Shore has gained such popularity.

Residing at the southern end of Waikiki are Waikiki Banyan and Waikiki Sunset, both a mere 0.3 miles from Honolulu Zoo and less than two blocks from the renowned surf and sand of Waikiki Beach. The complexes are in the center of the action for many of Waikiki’s daytime activities as well as its vibrant nightlife. What’s more, these are the only two buildings in Waikiki, outside of the Waikiki resort zone, that are permitted for short-term rentals. This presents income potential in either of these two desirable buildings, both with attractive floor plans and monumental views.

The legacy of Oahu as a top destination ensures that it will continue as a sought after holiday landing place for high end vacationers for years to come. The limited stock in this desired resort region makes it a draw for discerning buyers looking to be at the center of the action. Adding a Waikiki property to your portfolio is an exciting opportunity that many dream of, and working with an experienced team of real estate professionals is a must when navigating this market.

At Hawai’i Life, our outstanding team of Realtors specializes in working with those interested in adding a second home or vacation rental to their property portfolio. Inquire to learn more about active and potential units for sale in these complexes or to gain insights on market trends. For anyone focused on this aspect of real estate, the Hawai’i Life team will be a huge asset in providing industry specific information and knowledgeable guidance in honing in on your ideal property.

Our in-house vacation rental management division generates nearly $30M in revenue and upwards of 74,000 bookings annually. And together with Hawai’i Life agents, we are the most well equipped Hawai’i real estate firm when it comes to helping vacation rental buyers.

In upcoming articles, we offer an in-depth look at each complex so curious prospective buyers can gain a comprehensive understanding of why these complexes stand out above others in the area. If you are interested in comprehensive advice and expertise on property within Oahu’s Waikiki region, we invite you to reach out to the Hawai’i Life team to learn more.