Oceanfront Penthouse for Two: Whales & Friday Fireworks from the Lanai

Open the door and the ocean is already there. Zen Oasis is a one-bedroom corner penthouse on the top floor of the Ilikai Marina, made for two and only two. Nobody above you, just one shared wall, and a mirror wall that doubles the view, so the whole room feels like it's floating.

Mornings start with coffee and the binoculars, watching surfers line up offshore and boats come and go from the harbor below. From November through May, the humpbacks join them. Evenings belong to the lanai: a table for two, the sunset over Magic Island, and every Friday, the yacht races followed by fireworks right in front of you. Then back to a king bed with the shades open and the moon over the water.

Come celebrate something. Why not?

MADE FOR TWO
- Two guests maximum, with no sofa bed, so it stays calm
- Top-floor corner unit: no one overhead, one shared wall
- The art and accessories came from our own home, including Grandma's cast iron and the tableware that set our table in Georgia for thirty years

BEDROOM
- King bed with silky 100% bamboo sheets, set high to see the ocean from the pillows
- Sliding door for privacy from the living area
- Motorized blackout shade, with no drapes blocking the view
- Adjustable sit-to-stand desk and chair facing the ocean
- Nightstands with power and USB outlets
- Lightweight cotton robes

BATHROOM
- Walk-in sea glass shower with a rain head, a handheld wand and polished stones underfoot
- Bidet toilet
- Plush towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion
- Essential oils, a diffuser and lucky bamboo
- Amazon Echo for music

KITCHEN
- Full-size new appliances, including a dishwasher and blender
- Coffee and tea: drip maker, bean grinder, French press, electric kettle, whole beans and ground coffee
- Filtered water and ice, plus a sparkling water maker
- Quality sharp knives, Grandma's cast iron, designer tableware and Nambé serving pieces
- Pantry basics: spices, condiments, oils, wrap, foil, bags and cleaning supplies
- Amazon Echo for music
- Live-edge walnut bar for dining in

LIVING ROOM
- Comfortable down-filled sectional to relax on
- 65-inch smart TV with a sound bar
- Walnut and turquoise console holding the yoga gear: two mats, buckwheat bolsters, cork blocks, a foam roller and a strap
- Tropical plants, candles, board games, backgammon and tongue drums
- Voice-controlled sun shade, with no drapes blocking the view
- Two pairs of binoculars

LANAI
- Adjustable-height table and two swivel chairs, sized for two and the whole sunset
- Succulents, and the best seat in Waikiki for the Friday fireworks

BEACH GEAR
- Chairs, towels, a wagon, a backpack cooler with ice packs, thermal water bottles, and a picnic backpack packed with real dishes

WHAT YOU'LL SEE FROM THE LANAI
- Surfers from dawn until dusk
- Boats in the marina, with sea turtles and flying fish in the harbor below
- Humpback whales, November through May
- Sunsets year-round, and moonrises over the ocean (the full moon is spectacular)
- Friday yacht races and fireworks
- Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the mountains beyond
- Sometimes, the gift of a rainbow

LOCATION
This is the quiet end of Waikiki, between Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach. You won't need a car.
- Five minutes on foot: Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, and Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon
- About twenty minutes on foot: Duke's, the Royal Hawaiian and the main stretch of Waikiki
- An easy walk: Ala Moana Shopping Center
- Downstairs: Chart House, Harbor Pub and Sao Paulo Pizzeria
- In the garage: Island Car Rental, for a day of exploring
- In the marina below: sunset cruises, whale watching, sailing, snorkeling, scuba, parasailing, surf lessons and island tours

GOOD TO KNOW
- Two guests maximum. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- No smoking anywhere in the building, and nothing may be hung on the lanai
- Keyless entry and 24-hour building security
- Garage parking at $35 a night, with step-free entry and an elevator to the 18th floor
- Pools: our building doesn't have one, but the Modern Honolulu and the Prince Waikiki on either side welcome the public for poolside food, drinks and cabana rentals. ResortPass sells day passes at other Waikiki resorts.
- The Ilikai is a classic Waikiki building, and the condo inside is fully refreshed. Now and then, building management schedules a water shutoff for work elsewhere in the building, usually on a Thursday from 9 a.m. for several hours. Notices go up in the elevator ahead of time, so you can plan around it. Building staff may also need to come in for air conditioning service or pest control. You'll always get advance notice, and you don't need to be there.
- Ryan, our local manager, is on call in Honolulu, and we're always a message away
- Mention Zen Oasis at the Still and Moving Center, a mile away, for a free first yoga, dance or tai chi class
- We recommend travel insurance for unexpected emergencies and cancellations

Mahalo,
Sandra & Dan