120 Kaiulani Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, United States
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weddings
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Good for Weddings? (Packages, Venues, Costs & Real Pros/Cons)
Trying to decide whether Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is the right wedding venue for you? This in-depth guide breaks down the resort’s ceremony and reception options, indoor ballrooms, rooftop event spaces, planning considerations, parking logistics, and real pros and cons—so you can judge the fit clearly. Whether you are planning an intimate celebration, a larger reception, or a Waikiki wedding weekend, this breakdown shows what the resort does well and what to confirm before booking.
Weddings guide
Wondering if Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is a good choice for a destination wedding in Waikiki? This guide breaks down what couples actually care about—wedding venue capacity, vibe, planning flow, package structure, and real pros/cons— so you can decide if this all-ages beachside resort in the heart of Waikiki matches your wedding style.
Quick takeaway:
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is a strong pick if you want a wedding in central Waikiki with easy access to the beach, dining, and iconic Hawaii landmarks—featuring a large indoor ballroom that works for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes. If your goal is a secluded, resort-only atmosphere with multiple outdoor venue options, you may prefer a property with more private event spaces.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is a strong pick if you want a wedding in central Waikiki with easy access to the beach, dining, and iconic Hawaii landmarks—featuring a large indoor ballroom that works for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes. If your goal is a secluded, resort-only atmosphere with multiple outdoor venue options, you may prefer a property with more private event spaces.
Best for: central Waikiki weddings with ballroom flexibility
Primary venue: Ainahau Ballroom (Showroom)
Large receptions: up to ~400
Weather backup: strongest (indoor ballroom)
Below you'll find a detailed look at the Ainahau Ballroom with planning notes, plus a breakdown of how to use the venue for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions based on your guest count and wedding vision.
Capacity note: venue capacity can vary by layout (ceremony vs. reception, dance floor, stage, buffets). Treat the numbers as planning estimates and confirm final counts with your wedding coordinator.
Jump to a section
- Explore the resort (internal links)
- Wedding packages (what they typically include)
- Wedding venue at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (photos + capacity)
- Venue details table
- Costs: what affects total wedding price
- Real pros & cons (who it's best for)
- Planning timeline + tips
- FAQ: Sheraton Princess Kaiulani weddings
Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani with these quick guides. Explore room categories and their features, browse on-site dining options, preview activities and nearby attractions, and learn about the spa, weddings, and event spaces—so you can book the best experience for your trip.
Wedding Packages at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (What They Typically Include)
Most destination weddings in Hawaii run through a set of package tiers (often with names like Aloha Ceremony, Island Romance, and Grand Celebration) that can be customized with upgrades for décor, florals, private events, and additional guests.
Common inclusions (base tiers)
- On-site wedding coordination + planning support
- Ceremony setup (venue + seating + basic décor)
- Wedding cake + champagne toast
- Bridal bouquet + groom's boutonniere (often included in entry packages)
- Private events can be added (cocktail hour, reception, rehearsal dinner)
Tip: At Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, the Ainahau Ballroom is incredibly versatile—it can transform from a simple ceremony setup to a full reception layout with dance floor, staging, and premium lighting.
Upgrades couples actually use
- Reception: DJ, dance floor, upgraded bar service, late-night snacks
- Décor: statement arch/florals, aisle styling, lounge furniture, specialty linens
- Food: plated dinner vs. buffet, upgraded menu/wine packages, specialty stations
- Entertainment: live music, cultural performers (hula dancers, fire knife), specialty shows
- Photography/video, hair & makeup, spa services
Planning shortcut: Use the ballroom's flexibility to your advantage—early-evening ceremonies can transition seamlessly into cocktails and dinner in the same space with smart staging and lighting.
Wedding Venue at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (Photos + Capacity)
Below is the primary wedding venue at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, with capacity estimates and planning notes to help you maximize the space for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
Ainahau Ballroom (Ainahau Showroom)
The signature indoor event space at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani—ideal for large weddings that need a weather-proof venue with staging, AV capabilities, and full reception amenities. This ballroom works beautifully for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions, with flexible layouts that can accommodate intimate gatherings or celebrations for hundreds of guests.
Capacity: ~400
Best for: ceremony + reception
Backup plan: strongest
Make it feel "Hawaiian": incorporate tropical florals (orchids, ti leaves, anthuriums), uplighting in warm tones, and cultural elements (hula performance, Hawaiian music) so the ballroom transforms into an island celebration rather than a generic event space.
Layout flexibility: the Ainahau Ballroom can be configured for ceremony-only (theater-style seating), cocktail reception (lounge areas + stations), or full seated dinner with dance floor—making it the most versatile option for changing weather conditions or multi-part events.
Best fit: couples who want a Waikiki wedding with the reliability of climate control, professional AV/lighting options, and the ability to host their entire celebration in one beautiful space.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Wedding Venue (Details Table)
Use this quick reference to understand how the Ainahau Ballroom works for different wedding formats and guest counts.
| Venue | Best use | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ainahau Ballroom (Ceremony) | Ceremony | ~400 | Large indoor ceremonies with climate control and AV capabilities |
| Ainahau Ballroom (Cocktail) | Cocktail Hour | ~400 | Lounge-style cocktail reception with stations and mingling space |
| Ainahau Ballroom (Reception) | Reception | ~400 | Full seated dinner with dance floor, DJ/band staging, and bar service |
| Ainahau Ballroom (All-in-One) | Ceremony → Reception | ~400 | Seamless transition from ceremony to dinner in the same space |
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Wedding Costs: What Actually Changes the Total Price
Destination wedding totals in Hawaii vary widely because they're driven by guest count, private event choices, and upgrades for food, bar, décor, and entertainment. Here are the biggest levers that impact cost the most:
The biggest cost drivers
- Guest count (more people usually means larger private events + more food/beverage)
- Reception style (plated vs. buffet, upgraded menus, premium bar packages)
- Décor + florals (arches, aisle styling, centerpieces, specialty linens, lighting)
- Entertainment (DJ, live band, cultural performers, dance floor setup)
- Photography/video (professional packages, extended coverage, albums)
Smart "value" moves
- Spend on ceremony focal points (tropical florals, statement arch) and keep table décor simpler
- Use the ballroom's built-in elegance—good lighting and clean styling go a long way
- Incorporate Hawaiian cultural elements (lei greeting, hula performance) for authentic island atmosphere
- Plan a welcome reception the night before instead of a full second formal event
- Choose seasonal/local florals (plumeria, orchids, ti leaves) which are more cost-effective in Hawaii
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Good for Weddings? Real Pros, Cons & Who It's Best For
Pros
- Central Waikiki location—walking distance to beach, dining, shopping, nightlife
- Large indoor ballroom with climate control and professional AV/lighting
- Reliable weather backup—no outdoor-only risk during rainy season
- All-ages resort—great if you have family members of all generations attending
- Easy guest access to iconic Hawaii experiences (Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, North Shore)
- Multiple room categories to fit different budgets and group sizes
Cons
- Limited outdoor venue options—couples wanting multiple ceremony/reception locations may prefer resorts with more event spaces
- Urban Waikiki setting—not secluded; guests can easily leave the property (pro or con depending on your vision)
- Ballroom requires intentional styling to feel "destination Hawaii" rather than generic event space
- Beach access is public—beach ceremonies would need off-site coordination or alternative arrangements
- No private grounds for outdoor cocktail hours—events are primarily ballroom-focused
Best fit:
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is best for couples who want a Waikiki wedding with the reliability of a large indoor ballroom—perfect for those who prioritize central location, weather protection, and easy guest access to everything Oahu has to offer.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is best for couples who want a Waikiki wedding with the reliability of a large indoor ballroom—perfect for those who prioritize central location, weather protection, and easy guest access to everything Oahu has to offer.
Planning Timeline (Simple + Stress-Reducing)
Use this timeline to stay organized—especially if you're coordinating a group trip and want your guests to have a smooth Hawaii experience.
8–12 months out
- Book your wedding date and confirm Ainahau Ballroom availability
- Estimate guest count and decide on ceremony + reception format
- Secure room blocks in your preferred categories (Tower Ocean, Tower Corner Junior Suite, etc.)
- Choose your top priority: Hawaiian cultural elements, modern elegance, or tropical garden vibe
4–7 months out
- Finalize your ballroom layout (ceremony + reception in one space vs. flip transition)
- Lock décor priorities (tropical florals, specialty lighting, cultural touches)
- Confirm dinner style (plated/buffet) + bar package
- Book entertainment (DJ, live music, hula dancers, fire knife performer)
- Plan welcome activities for guests (lei greeting, sunset sail, North Shore tour)
0–8 weeks out
- Confirm final guest list and seating arrangements
- Finalize ballroom floor plan with coordinator
- Review AV/lighting needs for ceremony and reception
- Plan day-after brunch or farewell gathering for guests
- Coordinate transportation if planning off-site activities (group beach day, sunset ceremony elsewhere)
FAQ: Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Weddings
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani a good resort for a destination wedding?
Yes—especially if you want a Waikiki wedding with central location and ballroom reliability. The Ainahau Ballroom provides climate-controlled space, professional AV/lighting, and flexible layouts for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes, making it ideal for couples who want weather protection and easy guest access to Oahu's best attractions.
What's the wedding venue capacity at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
The Ainahau Ballroom can accommodate approximately 400 guests for receptions, with flexible configurations for smaller ceremonies, cocktail receptions, or intimate dinners. Exact capacity depends on your layout (theater seating, rounds, dance floor, staging).
Can I have an outdoor wedding at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
The primary wedding venue is the indoor Ainahau Ballroom. For couples wanting outdoor ceremonies, the resort's central Waikiki location provides easy access to nearby beach ceremony sites or private estates, though these would require coordination with off-site vendors and separate permits.
What's the best room category for wedding guests?
Popular choices include Tower Ocean for ocean views, Ainahau Tower High Ocean View for elevated scenery, and Tower Corner Junior Suite for larger accommodations. Couples often book Renovated Pool View rooms as cost-effective options for larger groups.
Does Sheraton Princess Kaiulani allow children at weddings?
Yes—Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is an all-ages resort, making it a great choice for family-friendly destination weddings where guests of all generations can attend and enjoy the celebration together.
What's included in typical wedding packages?
Base packages typically include wedding coordination, ceremony setup, cake, champagne toast, and basic florals. Couples can upgrade to include private receptions, upgraded décor, DJ/entertainment, specialty menus, and Hawaiian cultural elements like hula performances or lei greetings.
How do I make the ballroom feel like a "Hawaii wedding"?
Incorporate tropical florals (orchids, plumeria, anthuriums), warm uplighting, natural textures (bamboo, ti leaves), and cultural touches like a hula performance, Hawaiian music, or traditional lei exchange. Smart styling transforms the ballroom from a blank canvas into an immersive island celebration.
What's nearby for guest activities?
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani sits in the heart of Waikiki, within walking distance of world-famous beaches, Duke Kahanamoku statue, shopping (Royal Hawaiian Center, International Market Place), dining, and nightlife. Guests can easily access Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and North Shore for day trips.
Can I have a beach ceremony through the resort?
Beach ceremonies in Waikiki are typically coordinated as off-site events since the beachfront is public. Your wedding coordinator can help arrange permits and setup at nearby beaches, though this involves additional vendors and coordination beyond the resort's primary ballroom venue.
What are the on-site dining options for welcome dinners or day-after brunches?
The resort features Splash Bar and ThrowBack Alley for casual dining and drinks. For private group events (welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches), the Ainahau Ballroom or other event spaces can be configured to host additional celebrations beyond your wedding day.
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