We were tired pups arriving from a fun two days at the Ko Olina Marriott (which Mabel helped us arrange / thank you!) and entry was a bit rocky. First, you’ll want to go into the Hawaiian King entry bw the bar and the store, a very nice gentleman checked us in and helped me with our luggage (there are carts to use / yay!). Make sure you get the key out of the lockbox downstairs before heading up to unit 313 (i didn’t realize and had to trek back down, thankfully the gentleman said we could leave the luggage safely and he was right).
In chatting with locals we discovered Hawaiian King is all independently owned condos which is unique. The pool has recently been redone and though a bit chilly in May, our 3 young girls enjoyed. It's surrounded in astroturf and that's a good indicator of the serious retro vibes this place puts out.
The condo itself is pretty basic and Mabel's done a nice job maintaining the history this place holds. There was plenty of dishes and basics and Mabel provided a really nice assortment of Hawaiian candy and treats and some great coffee and bottled water which was much appreciated.
Probably the best part of this place is the location, an easy walk to Waikiki beach and of course TONS of eateries and shopping. Impressively, once we'd collapse back into the condo, you really didn't hear much of the hustle and bustle especially once the windows are closed.
When we were awake we primarily tried to leave the windows open and enjoy the temps and crossbreezes of the island but occasionally other guests smoke made their way up and it wasn't pleasant. The single AC unit was a workhorse and brought the place down to comfortable sleeping temps at night with everything closed up. The sliding wooden doors that separate off the bedroom were super dusty and I think there was a lot of that floating around because my youngest asthma was flared up at night here.
The bathroom is also super small and anyone with mobility issues would struggle with the shower (note, not a tub for those with littles). However, it did have awesome water pressure which is great after long beach days where the sand and salt seem to attach to your scalp. Mabel provided a really nice collection of nice quality beach, pool and shower towels which we really appreciated).
The size worked for my husband and I and our 3 young girls but prob. too cozy for much larger families. Also, don't assume you'll be able to rearrange the beds, housekeeping has a whole thing they do so you really need to be clear ahead of time. That said, the two beds slid together in the bedroom was really comfortable!
We rented Mabel's van on Turo (check my review over there) and then a Jeep for one day and surprisingly had no trouble getting a spot right in front of the condo - had to feed the meter twice (once in the evening, once in the morning, but I think it was like $4 vs. the $40 we'd have spent on a garage spot). Speaking of $, laundry is shared and you'll need quarters - I think it was $1.75 per wash and the same for a dry. I ended up skipping it b/c that was a hassle I wasn't about.
All in all, if you're looking for somewhere in the heart of Waikiki, quaint and cozy, and retro-funky-like but are OK with some dust, tight squeezes and other nuances of a basic rental, you'll have a good time here! Thanks for all the sweet touches, Mabel, we wish you all the best!