Diamond Head's Distinctive Condo Landscape Diamond Head is renowned for its unique condo offerings, categorized into distinct areas, each with its own character and appeal.
The Coveted Gold Coast: Irreplaceable Oceanfront Living Perhaps the most iconic stretch is the Gold Coast, a collection of direct oceanfront condominium buildings nestled at the base of Diamond Head along Kalakaua Avenue, adjacent to the
Kaimana Beach Hotel. These 16 distinguished properties were largely constructed along the ocean's edge during the 1950s and 1960s. Due to subsequent changes in zoning laws and setback requirements, such developments could not be replicated today. This makes the existing Gold Coast real estate truly irreplaceable – a forever limited, rare, and precious commodity.
The 16 condominium buildings comprising Hawaii’s Gold Coast are:
These residences represent a mix of fee simple, leasehold, and Co-Op ownership structures.
Adding to the area's allure, a small number of generously sized townhomes are situated near the Gold Coast, also at Diamond Head's base. Noteworthy communities include
Queens Court at Kapiolani,
Diamond Head Landing, and the gated
La Pietra.
A significant feature along most of the Gold Coast is the seawall, which has been a subject of ongoing discussion regarding responsibility for its upkeep - whether it falls to the State of Hawaii or the individual condo associations. Litigation between the State and a group of 10 condo associations commenced in 2006. In August 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that the State had created an implied easement due to years of public access, suggesting a shared responsibility for the seawall's repair and maintenance costs.
Pualei Circle: A Tranquil Condo Enclave Another distinct residential pocket is Pualei Circle, home to a group of condominium buildings located either directly on or in close proximity to the circle itself, offering a slightly different but equally appealing living experience within the Diamond Head vicinity.
Diamond Head CPRs: Unique Home Ownership Diamond Head also features properties organized as Condominium Property Regimes (CPRs). These are typically single-family homes or townhomes that are legally structured as condominiums, offering a unique blend of detached or semi-detached living with condo governance. See our
Guide to Diamond Head CPR's.
The Allure of the Diamond Head Neighborhood For centuries, the Diamond Head area, particularly its Gold Coast, has been a cherished destination for Hawaii's elite, drawn to the unparalleled beauty at the foot of this towering landmark. It remains one of Honolulu’s most celebrated locales, offering a unique lifestyle defined by its one-of-a-kind oceanfront setting with eternally mesmerizing ocean, coastline, and sunset views.
The neighborhood is conveniently situated beside Waikiki, yet it feels worlds apart. It encompasses much of Kapiolani Park's open green space and extends eastward along the stunning southern shore at Diamond Head's base. Unlike the bustling energy and high-density condos of Waikiki, the Gold Coast offers a more genteel, tranquil lifestyle reminiscent of classic Hawaii.
Enhancing this lifestyle, the private and upscale
Outrigger Canoe Club is positioned among the Gold Coast condos. Two of its restaurants, the Koa Lanai and Hau Tree Lanai, are perched dramatically on the ocean’s edge, separated only by a seawall, affording spectacular views towards Waikiki and beyond. The club also boasts a small, cozy white sandy beach, exclusive to its members.
A short distance away lies
Kaimana Beach, another local favorite. Its perfect sand and less crowded atmosphere compared to the prime tourist areas to the north make it a beloved spot. Swimmers particularly enjoy this beach, using it as a launch point for world-class open ocean exercise. It's no surprise that the famous Waikiki Roughwater Swim begins here.
Across from the Gold Coast condos,
Kapiolani Park serves as a vibrant community hub. It’s common to see local youth soccer games, triathletes in intensive training, and rugby tournaments alongside families enjoying leisurely cookouts or traditional luaus celebrating a child's first birthday.
As one moves further south around Diamond Head from the Gold Coast, beach and ocean access becomes less direct, but the effort is rewarded with quieter, less populated beaches that offer a special sense of solitude. These areas also present more challenging waves. On most days, a parade of experienced surfers can be seen heading down the trails from Diamond Head Road to tackle the renowned swells.
A Pivotal History: Shaping Diamond Head's Development The development of Diamond Head condos has significantly impacted Hawaii's recent history. During the 1950s, the first high-rise residences began to appear on the neighborhood's west side, overlooking the ocean, and quickly gained popularity.
However, the next phase of development proved more contentious. In 1961, when the City Council considered rezoning to allow high-rise condos further east—specifically in the area between Diamond Head's slopes and the ocean—an immediate uproar ensued. Remarkably, this opposition brought together an unlikely alliance of environmentally conscious citizens and elite Diamond Head residents, including Walter Dillingham. Dillingham, a key figure in modern Honolulu's development and the creation of several island neighborhoods, found himself an unusual addition to an anti-development group, as this time, it was his own backyard.
He wasn't the only prominent individual with significant development ties to oppose these new Diamond Head condos, concerned about the impact on their lifestyle and views. The ensuing battle lasted for years, garnering national attention in Newsweek, Time, and even an editorial in The New York Times. Finally, in 1981, the City Council froze zoning to its 1961 status.
This prolonged fight effectively kick-started the local anti-development movement, which became particularly vocal in the 1970s and 80s. For the first time, people began to actively resist new construction in Hawaii on a broad scale, leading one to wonder if some of those Diamond Head residents realized they were unleashing a force they might later encounter in their own projects elsewhere in the Islands.
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