With the consistently hot Honolulu real estate market, a constant topic of conversation is ‘What can you get for $1M today?’. We’ve considered a much more interesting question – ‘What can you get for under a $1M?’
Specifically, we want to highlight the best 2BR condos in Honolulu under $1M (buildings with one or more recent resale 2BR under $1M as of writing), a category that can still buy you property in some of the most envied buildings in town. Here’s our Top 10, in no particular order, and, as you’ll see, your money can still go a long way, even in this blazing hot market.
KOOLANI
Koolani could be seen as one of the first of the New Kakaako offerings, opening in 2006, just before that project took over the local real estate world. Its sleek, modern look on the outside, combined with luxurious amenities and residences inside fit right into the pattern this district is now fully pursuing.
Outdoors you enjoy a private park with many bbq pavilions, two lighted tennis courts, putting green and large pool that provide on-site choices that are extremely attractive. Indoors you can stay fit at the cutting-edge fitness center, which offers classes, or unwind in the sauna or steam room. There’s even massage rooms to really get the stress ironed out.
The smart design of this building resulted in all Koolani homes being angled to take in the ocean views, which are absolutely unforgettable.
Finally, the walkability of Kakaako is part of the bargain, too. You’re a block from Ala Moana Center in one direction. In the other, it’s ½ of that to get to both Ward Center and Ward Village Shops. That puts you right at the gateway to Kakaako, with everything that’s there now, and much, much more that’s still to come. Sounds like the right location, with the right amenities and, best of all, the right views.
THE PINNACLE HONOLULU
The Pinnacle Honolulu rises right at the center of the city’s business district, Bishop Street. These Downtown condos were created for the movers and shakers of Oahu, providing a home where they can appropriately preside over this financial center.
Still, complete privacy is built-in. There are only 2 units on each floor and the elevator opens on a private foyer in your home so you never have to go through common areas once you leave the lobby. It’s almost like returning to a single family home, so separated is your experience from the rest of the building.
You have a massive 1545 sq ft interior included and views toward the ocean, regardless of which unit is yours. Both bedrooms face that direction, so everyone gets to enjoy the vista.
The 9th floor has a range of amenities, including a pool, spa treatment rooms, sauna, billiards room, fitness center and even a shuffleboard court. There’s always something to do here.
This is a unique living experience, right in the middle of the activity of Downtown, one block from the Capitol and Iolani Palace. There’s something special about living within both Honolulu’s storied past and its present power center.
MOUNT TERRACE
One constant worry for Honolulu condos is losing the perfect view to new development. At Mount Terrace you’ve got something close to eternal. With one side against the hills and the low-rise communities on the marina just across the street, these vistas will be open for years to come.
The views from these expansive 1600+ sq ft Hawaii Kai condos go out to the marina and then the ocean lying beyond it. Iconic Koko Head is part of your scenery, too. All of this taken in from floor-to-ceiling windows that make up your outside facing walls.
Downstairs is a full menu of options like the heated pool, fitness room with lockers, putting green and walking path. You even have a 24 hour doorman watching over the entrance and a nursery that will tend to your plants while you’re off-Island. It’s things like that which set Mount Terrace apart, adding a level of service that isn’t common, even at this price point.
DIAMOND HEAD VISTA
If there’s a lottery for picking your neighbors, the Diamond Head Vista must have hit it. This Waikiki condo stands next to an elementary school, with the zoo and Kapiolani Park lying the rest of the way between it and Diamond Head. These vistas will remain wide open for some time, possibly forever.
That leaves the ocean’s swells to your gaze along with the world-famous Gold Coast and, of course, Diamond Head herself. It’s the Hawaii view that dream are made of.
From your home here you can walk the mere 2 blocks it takes to start feeling the surf washing over your feet. It’s just a single block in the opposite direction before you’re on the popular jogging and walking promenade beside the Ala Wai Canal.
One of the greatest benefits of this location in Waikiki is being on the east end, close to Kapahulu Avenue. You can easily avoid the traffic that can snarl the central areas and be on your way, a very nice stress reducer as any resident will tell you.
An even better stress beater, though, is the nice sized lanai you can relax upon and take in this legendary layout before you. It’s worth every penny of the price tag. Guaranteed.
MOANA PACIFIC
The Moana Pacific is difficult to miss, even on busy Kapiolani Blvd. It sits on the mauka side of Kakaako, with two elliptical towers made up of deep blue glass. That glass? It’s the floor-to-ceiling clear walls of the homes inside, fully integrating views into your every hour that look out to the Pacific and all over Honolulu.
This is an amenities-heavy property, providing a jogging path, putting green and driving range, pool, fitness room and children’s playground for just the start. Need even more to do? Stroll just 1 ½ blocks and you’re at Ala Moana Center. Ala Moana Beach Park is just another block or two past that with its wide open sands. All of the new Kakaako isn’t just nearby, it’s your neighborhood.
The family friendliness and easy access to a huge range of activities makes this a great residence for those with keiki. It’s the complete experience here at the Moana Pacific.
LANIKEA AT WAIKIKI
Lanikea at Waikiki is one of those Honolulu condos that hasn’t got the attention that the Trump or Ritz buildings have, despite being a high-end property. Maybe it’s the lack of a brand name or its location on the quieter side of Waikiki, but it has comparatively flown under the radar.
It’s hard to understand that especially when you walk on the property, just from seeing the gorgeous pool, so thickly surrounded by tropical trees and greenery, you think you’re in a tropical hideaway.
Your home here has over 1,100 sq ft of interior space, with central A/C and insulated walls that eliminate any outside or neighboring noise. You feel almost like you’re living in a stand-alone property.
There are also ocean views here from several residences, so you can watch the waves drift in and soothe the most trying of days.
All of Waikiki’s dining, shopping and activity is a stroll away when you need some outside fun, with the biggest beach in this neighborhood is only about 10 minutes on foot at Ft DeRussy.
When you’re ready for peace and quiet, it awaits you in a place that’s tailor made for that, right where you need it most – your home at Lanikea.
KEOLA LAI
Keola Lai is part of the Kakaako neighborhood, but right on its Ewa border. From your residence you can have that healthy, and stress-free, walking commute to Downtown, take in entertainment at Blaisdell, without the worry of parking spaces and fees, or enjoy the growing benefits of Kakaako’s dining and shopping choices. Do all of this on foot from your Keola Lai home.
Within your 2BR condo, your views go out to the Pacific Ocean’s endless depths, as well as not only Honolulu’s light show at night, but also the picturesque historic district. Iolani Palace, Kawaiahao Church, the Hawaiian Mission Houses and Honolulu Hale, especially beautiful at Christmas time, are all part of your vistas.
You also enjoy features like Central A/C, low E-glass windows that keep street noise out and walk-in closets that are all an integral part of your experience, too.
There’s even special events on-site, like outside movies and holiday parties to create the kind of community feel that residents love. It’s the little extras like that which make life at Keola Lai extra special.
SYMPHONY HONOLULU
Drive into the porte-cochere of Symphony Honolulu and it’s like pulling into the entrance of a grand European hotel. It sets the scene for the rest of this luxury residence, beginning with a huge 7th floor recreation deck with heated saltwater infinity pool, spa, cutting-edge fitness center and even yoga and wellness rooms.
Upstairs in the residences you walk into a home surrounded by windows that extend from floor to ceiling, producing clear views of the ocean swells and all of Honolulu around you, including the modern Kakaako district taking shape before you.
Downstairs in the building you’ll have upscale restaurants to sample as well as a luxury car dealership with some of most exclusive names in motoring. Across Ward Avenue is Blaisdell Center, providing top entertainment year round. If you want even more dining choices, you just have to cross Kapiolani Blvd and stroll to the growing options in Ward, along with more and more shopping selections.
It’s luxury top to bottom on a grand scale at the Symphony. That should be music to your ears.
ALLURE WAIKIKI
Allure Waikiki has created a nice little oasis right in busy Waikiki. The lobby alone impresses immediately with its soaring ceilings, glass walls and elegant tropical plants. Best of all, it’s a lobby intended for use, with modern, yet comfortable furniture and the daily newspapers always ready for reading.
The almost 2 ½ acres of lands feature gardens for you to stroll and relax in as well as a 6th floor recreation deck. There you’ll find a glass-enclosed fitness room that gazes out at the infinity pool, which spills over a picturesque waterfall feature at one end into a kiddie pool area.
The 2BR units all provide a nice 1,057 sq ft of interior and lanais are typically around 88sqft and a few residences has over 200 sq ft lanai space. The views extend to the Koolau Mountains, the lights and activity of Waikiki and the Pacific rolling its way off our coast.
From here you can walk to all the eating and shopping choices of this world-famous district and to the massive beach in front of the Hilton and Ft DeRussy. That just might be the only thing that’ll get you to leave the Allure Waikiki gardens.
WAIHONUA
Waihonua filled in the last open lot of Kakaako’s Super Block, in a prime slot that’s equidistant between Ala Moana Center and Ward Village Shops/Ward Center. It’s the ultimate Win-Win situation for the Professional Shopper.
Head up to the 6th Floor and you’ll step out onto a huge recreation deck with an infinity pool, complete with poolside cabanas, and lounge areas for full relaxation and socializing. One floor below is a full fitness center along with a theater for entertaining and guest suites for your visitors to stay in when they come.
The 2BR layouts all have over 1,000 sq ft, with floor-to-ceiling, low-thermal emissivity windows that reduce glare and heat. What does get through is countered by the dual zone central A/C system. The views from home are expansive, taking in the Koolau Mountains, the Ala Moana/Kakaako neighborhoods and the coastline, though some ocean views are reduced by neighboring buildings makai of you.
With features like gourmet kitchens and walk-in closets, combined with easy strolling distance to the beach and Kakaako’s blooming district, you’ve got a pretty package waiting for you at the Waihonua.
WHAT THIS ALL MEANS TO YOU, THE HONOLULU CONDO SHOPPER
Even with the accelerating price tags on condos for sale in Honolulu, it should be clear now that you can still get not just a quality property, but a high-end / luxurious condo for under $1M. It may require you to make a quick decision before it’s snapped up or mapping out of a solid strategy before you even start shopping, but these residences are out there – and we can help you move into one.