Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
Choosing between Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, food, nightlife, price & more so you can decide which resort is the best fit.
Best for families, couples, and value-minded Waikiki travelers who want an all-ages hotel one block from the beach with a lively central location.
Better for travelers who want a classic oceanfront Waikiki resort with a more polished historic feel and direct beach setting.
If you want an easy Waikiki base with refreshed rooms, a relaxed pool scene, daily cultural activities, and strong access to shopping, dining, and the beach, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is the practical pick.
If your priority is staying directly on Waikiki Beach in a landmark-style resort with a more upscale, classic atmosphere and on-site spa access, Moana Surfrider is the stronger choice.
Bottom line: choose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for better everyday value and a central all-ages Waikiki stay; choose Moana Surfrider for oceanfront setting, heritage charm, and a more resort-like beachfront experience.
| Category | Sheraton Princess Kaiulani | Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe | Relaxed, all-ages Waikiki hotel with a practical resort feel, refreshed tower rooms, poolside dining, and a central location near the beach. | Classic oceanfront Waikiki resort with a more historic, polished atmosphere and a stronger sense of beachfront occasion. |
| Location | At Kalakaua and Kaiulani Avenue, about one block from Waikiki Beach and close to dining, shopping, and entertainment. | Directly on Waikiki Beach, best for travelers who want the sand-and-surf setting built into the stay. |
| Rooms & Suites | Large hotel layout with refreshed Ainahau Tower rooms completed in Spring 2024, plus a straightforward Waikiki room style. | More upscale resort feel, with the location and historic character doing much of the heavy lifting for the room experience. |
| Dining | Splash Bar is the main on-site poolside restaurant and bar, serving Hawaiian comfort food, tropical drinks, and nightly live entertainment. | Better suited to travelers who want a fuller oceanfront resort dining experience without leaving the beach setting. |
| Pools & Beach | One outdoor pool with loungers, umbrellas, towel service, and a shallow section for children; Waikiki Beach is a short walk away. | The stronger beach pick thanks to its direct Waikiki Beach position and more classic resort-by-the-ocean feel. |
| Kids & Family | All-ages and family-friendly, with children welcome, cultural activities, and family perks such as kids-eat-free breakfast for young children under qualifying terms. | Also an all-ages Waikiki option, but better for families who place more value on an oceanfront resort setting than on price. |
| Price & Value | Best value for travelers who want central Waikiki access, resort-fee inclusions, cultural activities, and a pool without paying primarily for beachfront. | Best value for travelers who will fully use the oceanfront location, historic ambiance, and more elevated resort atmosphere. |
Rooms at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani are best viewed through the lens of location and value: a large, central Waikiki hotel with refreshed accommodations in the Ainahau Tower and easy access to the pool and beach.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is the better pick if you want a central Waikiki stay that feels easy, active, and more budget-conscious than a beachfront resort.
Moana Surfrider offers a more elevated stay, with its appeal centered on the historic resort atmosphere and direct Waikiki Beach setting rather than simple city-base convenience.
If the room experience is tied to oceanfront setting and heritage charm, Moana Surfrider is the more memorable choice.
Dining at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is centered on Splash Bar, the hotel’s poolside restaurant and bar, with Hawaiian comfort food, tropical cocktails, and a casual resort setting.
Expect:
Moana Surfrider is the better fit if you want dining to feel more tied to the beachfront resort experience, with the oceanfront setting playing a major role in the atmosphere.
If you want simple poolside meals and drinks, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani works well; if you want the meal to feel like part of the Waikiki beachfront experience, Moana Surfrider has the edge.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani has one outdoor pool with a relaxed deck, complimentary towels, loungers, umbrellas, and a shallow section for children, while Waikiki Beach is about one block away.
Moana Surfrider wins the beach comparison because it sits directly on Waikiki Beach, making the oceanfront setting central to the entire resort experience.
If a pool and short beach walk are enough, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is convenient; if beachfront is the point of the trip, choose Moana Surfrider.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is an all-ages, family-friendly hotel with children welcome, cultural activities, and a central location that keeps Waikiki easy for families.
Moana Surfrider can work well for families who want the convenience and atmosphere of a direct Waikiki Beach resort, especially when the beachfront location is the main priority.
If you want easier value and activities in a central Waikiki base, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is strong; if your family wants a true beachfront resort stay, Moana Surfrider is the better fit.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers the most value when you want central Waikiki access, an outdoor pool, cultural programming, and a short walk to the beach without paying primarily for an oceanfront address.
Moana Surfrider is the better value if you will fully appreciate the direct Waikiki Beach location, classic resort atmosphere, and more polished sense of occasion.
Choose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani if you want a central, all-ages Waikiki hotel with a pool, cultural activities, casual dining, and a short walk to the beach.
Moana Surfrider is the better pick for travelers who want to stay directly on Waikiki Beach and prefer a more classic, polished resort atmosphere.
For families, couples, and friends who want practical value near the heart of Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani makes the most sense.
If you want the beachfront setting, historic character, and a more elevated resort feel, Moana Surfrider is the stronger splurge.
Questions? Contact Us!
Explore more helpful planning guides and insider articles for Sheraton Princess Kaiulani:
