Sanctuary by the Sea/Studio Apt.

We had a great experience staying at this place! My husband and I had everything we needed at this studio (apt size fridge, microwave, coffee pot, dishes/utensils, body boards to play in the ocean, beach chairs & a mini travel cooler too!) and accessibility was fantastic to everything like beaches, food, attractions. We were able to do many things by walking to them and the neighborhood is very nice (has a homey feel) with a beautiful fountain and a huge green park located off the deck (with a stellar view of Diamond Head). There was not much of a sandy beach area to access right off building but go a few minutes in either direction and that changes to your typical vacation beach. But the views (and the gorgeous sunsets) from the grassy/patio sitting (or sunning area) and garden on the oceanside of the building were enjoyed almost every night. We had our takeout breakfast (from a local beach coffee shop a very short walk away) and Kona coffee on the deck at that little Bistro Table (in the pictures) every morning watching and listening to the birds chip in the giant trees that shade part of the deck. It was such a perfect, peaceful way to start every day. I saw the pictures and read the reviews from the one reviewer that depicted an awful place/stay (in fact I think she said not to stay here), but that was not our experience at all! The place was clean, everything was in good working order, no issues at all! And the host was really nice (as well as the man that was at the front desk a few hours each day) and responded within a very reasonable time frame when we had any questions. All in all, we had a really good experience staying here and wouldn't hesitate to come back again :)

Enjoyed just about everything.

Location and security, unfortunately the elevator was out of order and it takes 61 steps from beginning to end to get to the sixth floor. The layout of the apt . Has a great flow to it

The elevator was out of order ; however: I got to see where I was on the physical exertion scale I’d say I’m about a 4-5 smoker so it was a lil bit tiring, but once you get into the at. It’s well worth the walk

Very different from the booking.com photos. These should be updated to reflect reality.

- Stained couch - Broken door to bathroom - Light not working in the main room - Balcony used as storage, dirty

Cute little unit in a relatively quiet part of Waikiki, but that was the end of anything good.

Air conditioning did not work. It was full of dirt, and fluff, and was set to be replaced in early 2024, according to the guide provided by the host at check in, so the host was aware of the issue. It was hotter inside than out. Even opening the windows didn't cool it down. I bought a fan to use to try to sleep, but it was inadequate. The shower had a slimy shower curtain, which obviously hadn't been washed between guests. Slimy floor mat also. You could smell the mold. I left after 3 sleepless nights, paying for double accommodation for the rest of my stay, and the host is refusing any sort of refund. I'm pressing for compensation from booking.com... Other minor issues were cable TV that didn't work, and a room safe with dead batteries. Not as advertised, to say the least. The unit is neglected by a host who doesn't even live in Hawaii anymore. Sad.

The location next to Diamond Head and Kapi'olani Regional Park was amazing. You could walk to the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu and the many beaches there or to Le'ahi Beach Park (smaller) or Diamond Head Beach Park (about 20 minute walk, but worth it). The building also has a small grass area where you can lounge and enjoy the ocean view/sunsets. From there you can walk to a few steps to the left and access the water via a ladder. Not advisable during high tide and strong surfs, but I did try it twice and was able to do some snorkeling right there. I also loved the balcony of the apartment, that was the biggest asset. Watched gorgeous sunrises and loved watching the birds in the old tree. White terns love to stopover there and some spend the night a few times. No issues with cockroaches at all. I stayed there with my daughter and slept on the sofa bed the whole time. It was comfortable enough. On the balcony you will also find a box with everything you need for the beach - towels, fins, snorkeling gear, even beach chairs, body boards and yoga mats were there. That was a huge plus.

What didn't work for me was the "kitchen". There is only one sink, and that is in the bathroom. We didn't try to cook in the apartment, but just cutting up some fruit, you need to clean everything in the bathroom sink, which seemed a bit prone to clogging up from that. The fridge was also a bit old. But the coffee machine was working well. We received instructions to not sleep with an open window, but we ended up doing that because it was cooler than trying to cool down the apartment with the noisy AC. We had no issues with insects at all. Might bee helpful to put a screen in front of the balcony door so you can sleep with an open window, even if you're afraid of insects. It's nice to hear the sounds of the birds (especially the wild roosters!) in the morning. The apartment building didn't have recycling.

It is close to the beach.

Both beds are not real beds. There are foam inserts on the top and if you are staying for longer than 3 nights, not good for your back. The sink and bath drains clogged for the 2 weeks I was there. I bought draino which didn’t work-gross. Laundry is in basement, not in unit. You will need to wash your own linen and towels. It’s an old style unit which is a 15 min walk from Wakakiki.