The “Gold Coast” at Diamond Head is a prestigious enclave of remarkable oceanfront buildings, including some of Honolulu’s most luxurious cooperatives and condominiums. Most of these buildings were built in the late 50s and early 60s and constructed prior to many current zoning restrictions and could never be built today in their present, unrivaled location. There are only twenty buildings that are considered part of the Gold Coast.

Apartments on the Gold Coast at Diamond Head range in price from $700,000 to several million. They vary in size from studios to four bedrooms.

I recently sold a wonderful listing in the Coral Strand, an oceanfront cooperative designed by Vladimir Ossipoff, one of Hawaii’s most notable and respected architects. The apartments enjoy stunning views of Diamond Head, the ocean, and colorful and dramatic sunsets. Offering exceptional comfort and value, the spacious apartments makes perfect second or year round homes. And if it’s not enough to have the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep, the Coral Strand is one of three buildings on the Gold Coast that offers an oceanside swimming pool.

Gold Coast residents enjoy an attractive lifestyle. Kapiolani Park  provides outdoor activities year round. A walk through Kapiolani Park to Waikiki in June with the shower trees in bloom is a special treat. The sandy beach and ocean are perfect for swimming, surfing or just relaxing in the sun.

Kapiolani Park was a project of King David Kalakaua, who named the park after his queen – Kapiolani.  The king created a leasehold resort for wealthy people and to underwrite a race track for their enjoyment, two hundred shares were sold and included the right to lease a beachfront lot within the park.

Many wonderful homes were built on the shores in the 1880’s. However, upon the overthrow of the monarchy, many of the homes became private fee simple residences.

Today, the park enjoys many uses. You will see soccer, tai chi, tennis, ball games being played, and on Saturday, many local artists display and sell art along the wall of the neighboring zoo, which opened in 1896.

 The Waikiki Shell is across the street from the Honolulu Zoo, where wonderful outdoor performances are held on beautiful island evenings. This venue provides a large grassy area to picnic and enjoy an “al fresco” musical event.

The park is also home to the Waikiki Natatorium. Territorial legislation funded the construction of the 100×40 meter swimming pool to honor 101 people who died and the nearly 10,000 others who served in World War I.  Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic Gold Medalists and godfather of modern surfing, was the first to dive into the pool on August 24^th, 1927. The Natatorium closed in 1979 due to neglect and disrepair.

The famous Outrigger Canoe Club, one of two private clubs in the area, offers athletic opportunities and dining facilities for its members. The club supports and excels in canoeing, surfing, and volleyball. The club’s Hau Terrace is world famous for its Mai Tais, particularly at sunset.  Founded in 1908, the club’s first location was on Waikiki Beach.  The club opened its doors at its present site on December 25, 1963 and was designed by Vladimir Ossipoff.

The Gold Coast at Diamond Head, “where the surf makes thunder along the beach and the rainbows end within my reach”.[1]