Living at 2233 Ala Wai Boulevard makes it possible to step out the door, cross the street and take a life-affirming stroll along the eponymous, palm-tree-lined boulevard, a 1.5-mile-long path that follows an engineered canal filled with tilapia. The building is part of the world-famous Waikiki neighborhood, where a 15-minute walk in the opposite direction leads to iconic Waikiki Beach and passes shopping and dining along the way. As for the condo, the 19-story concrete building dates to 1973 and blends in with blocks fronted by white or beige high-rise condos and hotels; the real standout is sweeping views of the canal, Ala Wai Golf Course and Mānoa Valley, with the mountains of the Koʻolau Range just beyond. The building contains 51 units, from 805-square-foot one-bedrooms starting around $478,000 to 1,024-square-foot two-bedrooms for around $691,000. These don’t come on the market very frequently.
The condo lacks an overall wow factor thanks to dated common areas, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of 20-foot-tall windows showcasing the mountains, golf course and canal. Better yet, there are only three units per floor, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and bedroom, along with sliding glass doors that lead out to lanais, or balconies. These are big enough for lounge chairs and make a good perch to watch the stream of life along the promenade or outrigger teams practice. Though units only have window air conditioners, trade winds provide cooling breezes. Other interior features depend on whether individual units have been renovated since the building’s inception. Tile, laminate and vinyl counters and floors are the default, but some updated condos offer everything from quartz counters to stainless-steel appliances. Full-size washers and dryers come standard to each unit.
The amenities are in keeping with the building’s category, including on-site management, keyed entrances and elevators for extra security, bike room, small outdoor pool in the back of the building and an assigned underground parking spot. Guest parking is available as well and an uncommon Waikiki feature — street parking along Ala Wai Boulevard ranges from challenging to impossible.
Waikiki occupies the southern end of Oahu, less than three miles by car from the capital of Honolulu. Though touristy since it’s action central, it’s a safe bet that most residents are drawn to the proximity of Waikiki Beach, just half a mile away on the other side of Waikiki’s peninsula, which is chock-a-block with high rises. Shopping is plentiful here, and within strolling distance are stores like Nordstrom Rack for deals, or Kalakaua Avenue for numerous designer brand stores, minus any likely deals. There’s also International Market Place, an outdoor mall with more than 90 stores. For groceries, Waikiki Market is a short drive and the biggest option in the neighborhood. Traffic can be an issue, but the condo is technically a short drive to the upscale Alo Moana Center, Ala Wai Golf Course, a public, 18-hole option along the canal, University of Hawaii at Manoa and Diamond Head, a famed state monument and popular hiking destination.
It’s no secret that the Honolulu area regularly tops lists for worst auto congestion in the nation — there’s even a public FaceBook page called “Oahu Traffic!!!!” that boasts nearly 37 million members. But it’s possible to live here without a car since bus routes are plentiful, with stops along Ala Wai Boulevard and nearby Kuhio and Kalakaua avenues, with lines heading to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, 8.5 miles to the west, Ala Moana Center, beaches and most major attractions.
Owners benefit from a fee-simple policy, meaning that buyers own the unit outright and have the freedom to rent it out. As such, it’s estimated that most units are rented out, which lends a transient vibe. The condo is also in an AO flood zone, which is an area at high risk for flooding and requires flood insurance. Another consideration for lower floors is the noise level affecting units facing Ala Wai Boulevard, while all residents must contend with a busy three-lane road between the condo and canal.
2233 Ala Wai Blvd is a condominium located in Honolulu and the 96815 ZIP Code. This area is served by the Honolulu County attendance zone.
