Mark’s apartment was my best Airbnb experience so far. The apartment offers everything you need to call it home.
Apartment: Check-in was straightforward. It is a very clean, spacious, well decorated with wooden floors and lots of natural light and fully equipped apartment. Lots of storage and with all the amenities to cook your meal. It includes pretty much everything you need, even sand seats, small surfboards, snorkelling masks, kids toys etc.! The living room is cosy and offers outstanding views at the marina with amazing sunsets. There is a large smart TV, a comfy sofa (turning to a bed), a large dining table and lots of ambient lights. The highlight was the old 90’s Hi-FI stereo equipped with five amazing CDs of Hawaiian traditional music. There is a small balcony, it doesn’t offer much space to sit outside, but the large window and the open-plan space of the living room are enough to sit, relax and enjoy the views.
I found the sliding door separating the bedroom to the living room quite useful Bed was fine, but it could have a better mattress. There are extra linen, towels and pillows stored in the cupboards (including beach towels).
The bathroom was decent, with good shower pressure. I wouldn’t call it super clean as it is a bit dated, but personally, I had no issues with it.
There is a thoroughly informative book with all the details you need; emergency phones, maps, suggestions etc.
Building: The apartment faces a quiet road in front of the marina. The building is secure (CCTV and man security), and there is a 24/7 concierge. It is a very quiet building. Some people here mentioned some street noise. Well, I am a very light sleeper and had no issues at all during my stay. As I said, there is no traffic noise, as the road below serves only the marina. Also, the apartment is on a high floor. There is indeed a bar on the ground floor, which during the day is very quiet. There is live music on some evenings, but this is only for a couple of hours and between 8-10ish pm. Again, the music is not loud and didn’t cause any disturbance. If you shut the windows, you hear nothing. Generally, after 11-12 pm, everything is hushed, and you can have a peaceful sleep.
There is parking on the premises, which is quite handy. The whole day costs $23 per day, but there is an option of 10 hours of overnight parking for $8. There is also metered parking across the street for a dollar an hour which is free after 6 pm. I couldn’t bother with all these options, so I got the daily 23 fee.
There are laundry facilities on every floor (use an application to pay. It doesn’t work with non-USA cards, but you can pay in cash at the concierge. People there, are very kind and willing to assist you.
Location: the location is very convenient. Close to Ala Moana mall and beach, and Waikiki Beach. All within walking distance (5 min to the mall, 20 to Waikiki's shopping area). Waikiki beach is literally down the road!
A great highlight is Friday’s fireworks organised by the Hilton next door. You get the best views for this from the balcony.
Lots of restaurant options as others said and a minimarket (ABC store) across the road.
I highly recommend this place!