The hotel: Diamond Head Beach Hotel (formerly the Marc Diamond Head Hotel), 2947 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; (808) 921-7470; www.dhbhotel.com

What's interesting: If you didn't know this slim pyramid of a hotel was there, you could easily walk right by and miss it. Just diamond head of the Elks' and Outrigger Canoe clubs, it's just a few doors down from the fountain at the edge of Waikiki and largely insulated from the constant truck and construction noise of the neighborhood. A condominium that's part hotel, partly occupied by permanent residents, it's one of Waikiki's best-kept secrets: economical, but with views of Kapi'olani Park, Diamond Head and the ocean that absolutely take your breath away. The hotel literally is pyramid-shaped, with the rooms on the 14 floors growing smaller the higher you go — but the views getting better and better and better. Two penthouse suites offer killer views from windows on both sides of the room.

The atmosphere: Since the units are privately owned, decor varies, but new management is gradually buying up units and renovating the rooms to a uniform higher standard, with flat-screen TVs and other improvements. The public areas, which have an old-Hawai'i feel with dark wood and period prints and a welcoming staff, were renovated in 1996. The entire facility is nonsmoking.

Amenities: Private beachfront patio and lawn and nearby calm-water beach; lei greeting; full baths; lanais with some rooms; air-conditioning; free daily newspaper; mini-refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave, TV; continental breakfast; coin-operated laundry; cable Internet connection (fee); parking (fee).

Rates: Rack rate range, $200-$400 a night, but kama'aina and Internet specials from $125.

Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.