The Diamond Head Ambassador, completed in 1959, stands as a distinctive presence on Honolulu's coveted Gold Coast. This 6-story cooperative building houses 89 units, offering residents a prime location at the base of Diamond Head, directly across from Kapiolani Park. Designed by renowned architect Vladimir Ossipoff, the Ambassador is instantly recognizable for its lava rock walls and signature turquoise Japanese-inspired bridges connecting its three buildings. The property's oceanfront setting provides residents with unparalleled views of the Pacific and easy access to some of Oahu's most desirable beaches and attractions.
Diverse layouts with breathtaking vistas
The Diamond Head Ambassador offers a range of floor plans to suit various lifestyles, from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom residences. Studios, spanning 310 to 398 square feet, provide efficient living spaces with one bathroom. One-bedroom units, ranging from 425 to 812 square feet, offer more generous accommodations and are priced between $540,000 and $999,999. These units often feature lanais that provide peek-a-boo ocean views or vistas of Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head.
Two-bedroom layouts, measuring 640 to 1,075 square feet, come with one or two bathrooms and are valued from $795,000 to $945,000. Many of these units boast wrap-around lanais, creating a sense of private wings with no shared walls. The largest offerings are the three-bedroom units, approximately 1,500 square feet in size, with two bathrooms.
Throughout the building, units showcase a blend of vintage charm and modern updates. Recent renovations in many apartments include luxury vinyl flooring, remodeled bathrooms, and updated plumbing. Some units feature stone tile flooring, while others maintain the original parquet floors. Kitchens range from full-sized to efficient kitchenettes, catering to different needs. Large windows and sliding doors to lanais are common, maximizing natural light and ocean breezes. Select units offer unobstructed views of the Pacific, Diamond Head, or Kapiolani Park, with some penthouses providing panoramic 300-degree ocean vistas.
Oceanfront leisure and practical conveniences
The Diamond Head Ambassador offers a selection of amenities that enhance the laid-back coastal lifestyle. The centerpiece is the recently renovated saltwater swimming pool, surrounded by a sun lawn and lounge area. This oceanfront space provides a perfect setting for relaxation and socializing, with manicured landscaping adding to the tropical ambiance.
A standout feature is the direct ocean access gate, allowing residents to easily reach the beach for swimming, surfing, or snorkeling. The property also provides secured storage for surfboards and bicycles, catering to active lifestyles and water sports enthusiasts.
For convenience, the Ambassador offers a community laundry room with coin-operated washers and dryers. Each unit is assigned a secure storage space, providing extra room for personal belongings. A library within the building offers a quiet space for reading or working.
The property is overseen by an on-site manager, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and addressing resident needs. While parking is not included with units, some parking stalls are available through a waitlist system coordinated by management.
A coastal oasis with urban conveniences
The Diamond Head-Kapahula-Saint Louis neighborhood, home to the Ambassador, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. This area, known as the Gold Coast, is prized for its proximity to both the ocean and the iconic Diamond Head crater.
Kapiolani Regional Park, directly across from the Ambassador, serves as a vast green space for outdoor activities. The 300-acre park features tennis courts, soccer fields, and picnic areas, as well as hosting the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Shell amphitheater. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby Diamond Head State Park, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific.
Beach lovers will appreciate the easy access to Kaimana Beach and the famous Waikiki Beach, both within walking distance. For those interested in marine life, the Waikiki Aquarium is just a short stroll away.
The neighborhood boasts a selection of upscale dining options. Michel's at the Colony Surf, a mere five-minute walk from the Ambassador, offers elegant French cuisine with stunning beach views. For special occasions, the highly-rated La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel provides a luxurious dining experience with its French-inspired menu and ocean vistas.
Shopping enthusiasts will find a range of options nearby. The International Market Place, about a 30-minute drive away, features high-end retail shops and a global food court. For a more local shopping experience, the nearby Kahala Mall offers a mix of boutiques, gift shops, and a movie theater.
Educational institutions in the area are highly regarded. Waikiki Elementary School, just a five-minute drive from the Ambassador, boasts an A-minus rating from Niche. For older students, Kaimuki Middle School and Kalani High School, both within a 15-minute drive, are among the top-rated public schools in Hawaii.
Strategic location with easy access to Honolulu
The Diamond Head Ambassador's location offers residents convenient access to various parts of Honolulu while maintaining a sense of seclusion. The area surrounding the building is conducive to cycling, with several quiet streets ideal for biking. Many daily needs can be met within a short ride, making it a practical option for getting around the neighborhood.
For longer trips, major roadways are easily accessible. The H1 Freeway is within reach, providing quick routes to downtown Honolulu, about 5 miles west, and other parts of Oahu. This highway connectivity also facilitates access to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, approximately 11 miles away or a 20-minute drive under normal traffic conditions.
While public transportation options are limited in the immediate vicinity, the building's location allows for easy access to taxi and ride-sharing services. These can be particularly useful for trips to nearby attractions or for reaching areas with more extensive public transit options.
The neighborhood's layout and amenities encourage walking for many local trips. Residents can stroll to nearby beaches, parks, and restaurants, enjoying the area's natural beauty and pleasant climate. However, for most daily needs and commutes, personal transportation or ride services are typically more practical.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Leahi Beach Park
9 min walk
Beach
Multi-Purpose Field
Kapiʻolani Regional Park
14 min walk
Soccer
Tennis
Volleyball
Diamond Head State Park
2 min drive
Bike Trails
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Paki Community Park
3 min drive
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Fort Ruger Park
5 min drive
Multi-Purpose Field
Bryan Clay Exercise Park
5 min drive
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Lēʻahi Millennium Peace Garden
5 min drive
Trails
Diamond Head Memorial Park
5 min drive
Dog Park
Trails
Kapaolono Community Park
6 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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