Best Waikiki Condos Near Ala Moana Center (2025 Guide)
Waikiki · Ala Moana · 2025 Local Buyer’s Guide
Best Waikiki Condos Near Ala Moana Center (2025 Guide)
Walk to world-class shopping, dining, and Ala Moana Beach Park—compare buildings, fees, views, and lifestyle. Updated for 2025.
Why Live Near Ala Moana Center
Few places offer the convenience of Ala Moana: 300+ stores and restaurants, groceries, services, and direct access to
Ala Moana Beach Park. For Waikiki buyers, being close to the Center means you can walk for daily needs, skip traffic, and enjoy the beachfront lifestyle without a long drive.
Local insight: If you love evening beach walks, Magic Island sunsets, and quick errands, living within a
5–15 minute walk of the Center is a game-changer.
Outbound reference (official): Ala Moana Center
What to Look For in a Condo Near Ala Moana
- Walk time & orientation: Under 15 minutes on foot is excellent; check sunrise/sunset exposure and street noise.
- Amenities: Pool, fitness, security, guest parking; do they match your lifestyle?
- Maintenance fees: Understand what’s included (utilities, internet, cable, insurance on building).
- Building age/condition: Renovations, window upgrades, common-area refresh cycles.
- Views: Ocean, harbor, Diamond Head, city lights—affects pricing and resale.
- Rental rules: Long-term vs short-term; condotel policies and Honolulu ordinances.
- Ownership type: Fee simple vs leasehold implications on value and financing.
- Parking & storage: Stall location, EV readiness, storage lockers, bike/surfboard rooms.
Top Waikiki & Nearby Condos for Ala Moana Access
We’ve prioritized walkability, amenities, and buyer value. Distances are approximate walking times.
Waikiki Landmark — Iconic Gateway to Waikiki ~10–12 min walk
Waikiki Landmark sits at the gateway to Waikiki along Kalākaua Avenue, offering striking twin-tower architecture, generous amenity decks, and a refined, residential feel away from the busiest tourist core. For buyers who want Waikiki lifestyle with a slightly quieter edge—and easy access to Ala Moana Center—it’s a perennial favorite.
- Strengths: Architectural presence, spacious amenity deck, quality construction, quick access toward Ala Moana/Kakaʻako.
- Lifestyle: Great for owners seeking a prestige Waikiki address that still feels livable day-to-day.
- Who it fits: Primary and second-home buyers who value building quality, design, and proximity to shopping, dining, and beaches.
Internal resource: Deep-dive the building’s history, amenities, and buyer tips on our dedicated guide:
The Waikiki Landmark – Honolulu’s Iconic Luxury Condominium.
Park Lane Ala Moana Direct access
Ultra-luxury residences with private access to the Center—unmatched convenience, sprawling grounds, and high-touch services. Expect premium pricing across 1–4BR layouts with exquisite finishes.
- Strengths: Private access to Ala Moana Center, resort-style amenities, large lanai options.
- Consider: Top-tier price point and limited resale inventory.
Harbor View Plaza ~8–10 min walk
On the makai edge of Waikiki by the harbor, this residential tower offers practical proximity to the Center and the beach at a more approachable price point (varies by unit condition and view).
- Strengths: Convenience, harbor/ocean vibe, value relative to newer luxury stock.
- Consider: Older interiors/facades in some units—renovation premium can be worthwhile.
Moana Pacific (Midtown Ala Moana) ~7–12 min walk
Technically just over the Waikiki line in Midtown Ala Moana, Moana Pacific is a modern twin-tower option with expansive views, strong amenities, and fast access to both the Center and H-1.
- Strengths: High floors, view corridors, amenity suite, contemporary layouts.
- Consider: Pricing reflects modernity and views; verify HOA inclusions and reserves.
Studio & Value Plays (Select Buildings) ~5–15 min
If your priority is a foothold near Ala Moana rather than maximum luxury, certain studio-heavy buildings can offer compelling entry prices within walking distance. Scrutinize leasehold status and rental rules.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Building | Walk to Ala Moana | Typical Buyer Profile | Amenities Snapshot | What to Watch |
---|---|---|---|---|
Waikiki Landmark | ~10–12 min | Primary/second-home buyers wanting iconic Waikiki presence with day-to-day livability. | Expansive amenity deck, pool(s), concierge-style features, quality construction. | Verify HOA inclusions; compare view stacks (ocean/city) and noise exposure by stack/floor. |
Park Lane Ala Moana | Direct access | Ultra-luxury buyer prioritizing privacy, services, and seamless mall/beach access. | Resort-level services, landscaped grounds, private entries, fitness/spa-style amenities. | Premium pricing; limited turnover. |
Harbor View Plaza | ~8–10 min | Buyers seeking location and value with willingness to update interiors if needed. | Pool, on-site conveniences, harbor vibe; practical living. | Age/condition varies; budget for remodels to taste. |
Moana Pacific | ~7–12 min | Modern-tower shoppers who want views, amenities, and easy access beyond Waikiki. | Fitness, courts, pool deck, security; contemporary layouts. | Assess HOA scope/reserves; stack-by-stack view value. |
Walk times are estimates; verify by route and time of day. HOA offerings may change—review current documents.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Everyday Convenience
- Groceries, pharmacies, and services inside and around the Center.
- Dining runs from food courts to fine dining—no car required.
- Quick access to Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island for fitness and sunsets.
Getting Around
- TheBus routes along Ala Moana Blvd/Kapiʻolani for island connectivity.
- Ride-share and bike/scooter options; surf rack storage matters for oceangoers.
- EV owners: confirm charger availability in your building and stalls.
Pros & Cons of Living Near Ala Moana (from Waikiki)
Pros
- Unbeatable walkability to shopping, dining, and beach.
- Strong lifestyle appeal; easy to host friends/family.
- Attractive resale narrative (location sells).
- Multiple building profiles at different price points.
Cons
- Pricing & fees trend higher near the Center.
- Potential noise/traffic during peak seasons.
- Older stock may need interior upgrades.
- Rental and STR rules can limit flexibility—verify details.
Buying Tips for This Micro-Market
- Read the HOA docs: Look for what utilities are included, reserve health, and any upcoming special assessments.
- Stack matters: Within the same building, one stack can command a substantial premium for views/noise differences.
- Confirm rental policy: Long-term only? Minimum 30-day? No short-term? Align the rules with your plan.
- Budget for upgrades: In older towers closer to the Center, updated interiors hold value and rent better.
- Work with hyper-local expertise: Access to off-market chatter and true-to-life comps can save you time and money.
FAQ
Is Waikiki Landmark close enough for daily Ala Moana errands?
Yes. From Waikiki Landmark, most residents consider the walk to Ala Moana Center reasonable for groceries, dining, and quick shopping. Many errands can be done without a car.
Which building is “best” overall?
“Best” depends on your priorities. For ultra-luxury & seamless access, Park Lane. For an iconic Waikiki address with balance and design, Waikiki Landmark. For value and proximity, Harbor View Plaza. For modern towers with big views, Moana Pacific.
Will I need a car if I live here?
Not necessarily. Many residents walk for daily needs and rideshare for occasional trips. If you surf or commute, parking and board/bike storage are still useful.
Next Steps
- Skim the comparison table and shortlist 2–3 buildings.
- Deep-dive our Waikiki Landmark guide to see if its design, amenities, and location fit your lifestyle.
- Walk the route to Ala Moana at your typical errand time to feel distance and crossings.
- Request current HOA docs and recent comps before offers.
Want curated options that match your lifestyle and budget? Start here:
Get your custom list of Waikiki condos