100 Holomoana St., Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | (808) 956-1111
In western Waikiki, with stunning views overlooking Ala Wai Harbor
Bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers
Fabulous sunset views from most rooms
Free shuttles to beaches, Ala Moana Center, and Hawaii Prince Golf Club
27-hole off-site golf course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay
Two pools, including an infinity pool with amazing harbor views
24-hour fitness center with modern cardio and resistance equipment
Multiple dining options including sushi and Hawaiian fare
Self-parking and Wi-Fi are included in the mandatory resort fee
Live music at sunset on weekends
Beach is a 10-minute walk away
No rooms have balconies
Mandatory resort fees (common in Waikiki)
Food gets mixed reviews
No spa
Prince Waikiki is a four-pearl property along Ala Wai Harbor at the far western end of Waikiki. The 541 are fresh and modern, with floor-to ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Upgraded Club Rooms feature better amenities and poolside lounge access. Unfortunately, it's a 10-minute walk to the beach from here, though there are still fabulous water views from two pools (including an infinity pool). The hotel’s pricey restaurants get mixed reviews and serve sushi, American, Hawaiian, and buffet menus. Amenities include free shuttles to the property’s 27-hole golf course and central Waikiki, weekend live music, and a coffee shop. Travelers willing to sacrifice the fresh look for something more traditional in order to score direct beach access should consider the Moana Surfrider instead. Rates there are often similar.
Scene
Fresh, modern property with gorgeous marina and ocean views; best for adults looking for calm
Prince Waikiki opened in 1990 and as of 2017, the sprawling hotel recently completed a massive overhaul, giving interiors some of the most modern style that we've seen in Waikiki. Fabulous views can be had from just about everywhere in the hotel, including the rooms and its lovely pools. The look throughout the hotel is bright and airy, and blends natural Hawaiian elements with locally produced art. Upon entering, expect to see details like massive delicate copper sculptures depicting hinana fish created by the local artist Ka’ili Chun. The fish cast gorgeous shadows as the day’s light moves through the lobby. Walls are hung with carved wood murals of the healing naio flower, while custom-designed carpets represent the underwater plant life. Prince Waikiki caters primarily to a Japanese clientele, though plenty of Americans from the mainland pass through as well. Its location near the convention center also makes it a business-friendly option. While families do visit, since it's removed from the busy beach area, things do stay quieter here and the hotel is best suited to adults.
Location
In western Waikiki, overlooking Ala Wai Harbor and a 10-minute walk from the closest beach
The Prince Waikiki sits on a busy street overlooking Ala Wai Harbor at the far western end of Waikiki. Unfortunately, the closest beach -- Kahanamoku Beach -- is a 10-minute walk from the property. The hotel runs shuttles throughout the area, including to the beach, its golf course, and to the city's largest mall, Ala Moana. Otherwise, Ala Moana Center takes just over five minutes to reach on foot, while the convention center is a five-minute drive. The central part of Waikiki is a good 25-minute walk or seven-minute car ride from the hotel. That's where you'll find the glut of the neighborhood's restaurants and shops, as well as its busiest beaches. Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, and the Iolani Palace (Hawaiian royalty’s former home) are a 10- to 15-minute drive from the hotel. Budget 20 minutes to reach Diamond Head State Monument, with hikes to the top taking around 45 minutes. Oahu’s storied North Shore, with its big waves and laid-back surfer vibe, is around a one-hour drive. Depending on traffic, Honolulu International Airport takes15 to 20 minutes to reach by car.
Rooms
Fresh and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and yacht club views
Prince Waikiki’s rooms are bright and subtly tropical, with floor-to-ceiling windows that have fabulous ocean or harbor views. However, don't expect balconies, which is a major con for a hotel with such a picture-perfect setting. Thankfully, since you'll be indoors here, the style is refreshingly modern, particularly for Waikiki. Expect abundant natural materials like marble and wood, plus flower murals and patterned carpets that look a bit like the ocean floor. Beds are a mix of one king of two queens, framed by birch-toned side tables and lamps with integrated USB plugs. Other tech amenities include 46-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels, Google Chromecasts, Wi-Fi (included with resort fees), and electronically controlled blinds. Closets are generously sized and stocked with irons, ironing boards, robes, slippers, and hairdryers. Other amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, coffeemakers with free coffee, electric kettles, and free bottles of water. One and two-bedroom suites have sitting rooms, and Club Rooms include extras like Keurig coffeemakers with free pods. Bathrooms feature separate showers and soaking tubs, plus attractive marble accents. Expect illuminated magnifying mirrors, organic toiletries, and high-tech Toto Washlet toilet seats.
Features
Pools with excellent harbor views, two restaurants, off-site 27-hole golf course, and free area shuttles
Even though it lacks beach access -- a significant liability in Waikiki -- this hotel offers a number of extras on-site. As the hotel's marina views are outstanding, it's no surprise that it takes advantage of them. The freshwater pools and hot tub overlook the marina and are surrounded by loungers. The infinity pool is an especially beautiful place to unwind after a day at the beach. Umbrellas aren’t available, but shaded cabanas can be rented for a fee. There’s also a pool bar with waiter service, and live music takes place at sunset on weekends.The hotel’s restaurants are both pricey and, unfortunately, get mixed reviews from previous guests. 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar is a sprawling eatery with a buffet and a la carte menu. Independently-owned Katsumidori Sushi is a popular Japanese sushi spot on the ground floor. It can get busy and reservations are recommended. Upgraded stays include access to the Prince Waikiki Club, with its free breakfasts, snacks, and drinks (including alcohol). Honolulu Coffee Company sells coffee and snacks in the lobby. Hawaii Prince Golf Club, the hotel’s off-site course, has a 27-hole Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed course that’s a 40-minute free shuttle ride from the hotel. The golf club also has a restaurant and tennis courts. A 24-hour fitness center is stocked with Star Track treadmills, an elliptical machine, stationary bicycle, resistance machines, free weights, and dumbbells. Other free shuttle destinations include Ala Moana Center, central Waikiki, and nearby beaches. There are an Apple and PC with free printing and copying in the hotel's library. On-site meeting rooms can accommodate up to 900 people. Both valet and self-parking are available, though valet parking will cost extra. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel as part of the resort fees.
Ala Moana Suite (One Bedroom)
Lanai Suite
Oceanfront Hokulea
Ocean Front Marina Room
Oceanfront Prime Room
Oceanfront Top Room
Ocean Front Vista Room
Prince Suite (Two Bedroom)
Royal Suite
Standard Room
100 Holomoana St., Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
(808) 956-1111