Hotel Review: Prince Waikiki Hotel Honolulu

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…

Fronting an active marina, Prince Waikiki and its pair of modern towers is a local landmark with popular dining, an infinity edge pool and an easy walk to area landmarks. A recent renovation is just the beginning for what’s to come here with several projects in the works that will put this resort in a more competitive position with its neighbors. Here is what you can expect when staying at Honolulu’s Prince Waikiki.

The Rooms

A redesign in the rooms has elevated the look and value proposition substantially here. While the hotel does not offer balconies, it does feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide open creating the sensation of a balcony. This layout makes the rooms brighter while putting the ocean scenery in view, even from your pillow.

Fresh carpeting adds texture and pattern to the otherwise minimalist-style room. I especially enjoyed working from the corner work desk with a chair that faces outward. A large flat-screen TV faces either king or paired queen beds with plush duvets and pillows. Bedside power and USB outlets are well-placed. All rooms come with a refrigerator, coffee maker and hot water kettle.

Bathrooms have bright vanities, soaking tubs, a water closet and shower with excellent pressure. Hawaiian-made Malie toiletries are a special treat.

Guests that reserve club level rooms have access to a private lounge on the fifth floor that opens to a poolside terrace. It offers complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments including beer and wine, and an evening happy hour.

The Location

At first, this location may seem inconvenient for tourists since it is not in the heart of Waikiki Beach’s row of beachfront hotels. But, it quickly becomes clear that its location is an advantage. The street in front of the hotel is not jam-packed with tourists going back and forth, and the walk to the public beach near the neighboring Hilton Hawaiian Village takes less than five minutes.

In the other direction, Ala Moana Center provides plenty of entertainment from a cinema to shopping; its food court is a real treat with an international array of flavors. Business travelers will find the hotel to be close to the convention center (it is within walking distance) as well as many of the corporate offices downtown.

The best rooms take in views of the ocean, but the hotel’s towers are high enough to give stunning vistas in both directions (whether mountains or sea).

The Pools

On the fifth floor, the pool deck is the hub of the resort with plenty of lounge chairs ringing it. An adults-only plunge pool with infinity edge looks directly toward the marina. There is also a whirlpool next to the main pool. Guests can book one of the private cabanas for additional shade plus special amenities like chilled water, a welcome platter of snacks and power outlets.

DJs often entertain during the afternoon hours, and the bar and pool menu stay busy from morning to evening. The lively atmosphere creates a resort feel, and the pool area stays in the sun almost all day (a common complaint of the smaller pools at other resorts along Waikiki, which can quickly be covered in shade).

The Activities

Staff at Prince Waikiki work hard to provide a range of activities for guests. This includes a range of locally-organized activities that include interactive sessions for guests including like yoga, Hawaiian cultural traditions and art. Guests also receive a pair of complimentary tickets to the Honolulu Museum of Art, which is a popular attraction in the city. This is part of the $42 resort fee, but goes hand in hand with the public art on display in the lobby.

Guests can also pre-book free, semi-private tours at the museum simply for being a guest of Prince Waikiki. In addition to discounts at area outlets and the hotel’s day spa, guests are also given special pricing for the Waikiki Trolley Green Line. Two reusable, metal water bottles are in the room, which guests can refill at various stations around the property.

The Restaurant

100 Sails Restaurant & Bar has a strong local following. It is known for its weekend seafood brunches that have every type of fresh seafood imaginable as well as made-to-order sushi. Other meals range from buffet breakfast to a la carte menus for lunch and dinner serving Hawaiian and international fare. Celebrated Honolulu Chef Jeremy Shigekane joined the team in 2022. Since then, the menus got a revamp, and the food presentation is particularly impressive.

In addition to this restaurant and the poolside menu, there is also an Island Vintage Coffee shop in the lobby serving takeaway snacks, pastries, coffee and the local brand’s famous acai bowls. Newly added is an outdoor area with cafe-style tables where people can enjoy refreshments in a shaded streetfront patio. The hotel’s lobby is also home to a popular sushi restaurant that draws in locals and other tourists.