120 Kaiulani Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, United States
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
honest review
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Worth It? Honest Review (Pros, Cons & Who It's Best For)
Trying to decide whether Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is worth booking? This honest review breaks down the resort’s Waikiki location, family-friendly activities, pool scene, dining, room considerations, fees, parking, and key trade-offs—so you can weigh the real value before committing. Whether you want a convenient all-ages Honolulu base, easy beach access, cultural programming, or a practical stay near shopping and entertainment, this guide shows who the resort suits best and who may want something different.
Planning your stay guide
Wondering "Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani worth it?" This honest review explains the real value of this all-ages Waikiki Beach hotel—what's amazing, what's not, and who it's best for (families, budget-conscious travelers, Waikiki Beach access seekers, and anyone wanting Marriott Bonvoy points value).
Quick verdict:
Yes—Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is worth it if you want an all-ages hotel with prime Waikiki Beach location, modern renovated rooms, poolside relaxation, and exceptional value for the price point. It's less ideal if you want a luxury resort experience with extensive on-site dining options or prefer quieter, less touristy neighborhoods outside Waikiki.
Best for: families + budget value seekers
Best vibe: Waikiki location + modern comfort
Best length: 4–6 nights
Not ideal for: luxury resort seekers
Tip: This hotel's signature appeal is "Waikiki Beach access + modern value"—perfect for travelers who want central Honolulu location without luxury resort pricing.
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Explore the hotel
Continue planning your stay at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani with these quick guides. Explore room categories and tower options, browse dining and bar venues, preview pool and amenities, and learn about location benefits and Marriott Bonvoy rewards—so you can book the best experience for your Waikiki getaway.
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Worth It?
For most travelers looking for an all-ages hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is worth it because it delivers prime location advantages: steps to Waikiki Beach, walkable access to Honolulu's best shopping and dining, modern renovated rooms, family-friendly pool, and competitive pricing for the location—all within a convenient Waikiki setting.
Worth it if you want…
- Prime Waikiki Beach location steps from the sand
- Walkable access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment
- Modern renovated rooms with comfortable amenities
- All-ages friendly atmosphere perfect for families
- Excellent value compared to luxury Waikiki resorts
- Marriott Bonvoy points earning and redemption opportunities
Not worth it if you want…
- A luxury resort experience with extensive amenities
- Multiple on-site restaurants and bars (dining options are limited)
- Complete isolation from Waikiki's tourist activity
- Beachfront rooms (hotel is across the street from beach)
- A quieter neighborhood outside the Waikiki tourist corridor
- Full-service spa or extensive wellness facilities
Best-trip formula: Book 4–6 nights, plan 2-3 off-site activities (Pearl Harbor, North Shore, Diamond Head hike), and balance hotel pool time with exploring Waikiki's walkable attractions and beach access.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
Top pros
- Unbeatable Waikiki Beach location just steps from the sand and ocean
- Walkable to everything—shopping, restaurants, entertainment, beach activities
- Modern renovated rooms with updated amenities and comfortable beds
- All-ages friendly atmosphere ideal for families with children
- Poolside relaxation with Splash Bar for drinks and casual bites
- Excellent value pricing compared to luxury Waikiki resorts
- Marriott Bonvoy rewards program benefits and points opportunities
- Close proximity to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (20-30 minutes)
Top cons
- Waikiki location means high tourist activity and energy year-round
- Not ideal for travelers seeking complete seclusion or luxury resort amenities
- Limited on-site dining options—Splash Bar and ThrowBack Alley only
- Hotel is across the street from beach (not direct beachfront access)
- If you prefer ultra-quiet environments, Waikiki energy may feel busy
- No full-service spa or extensive wellness facilities on property
- Travelers wanting "off-the-beaten-path" Oahu experiences need to venture outside Waikiki
What to Expect at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
This section covers what travelers actually search for: Waikiki location benefits, room quality, pool experience, dining options, and whether the prime location delivers good value for your Honolulu vacation.
The location advantage
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani's central Waikiki Beach position is its biggest strength. You get steps-to-beach access, walking distance to shopping and dining, and the convenience of Waikiki's main tourist attractions while enjoying a modern hotel sanctuary.
- Best for: travelers who want Waikiki Beach access + walkable convenience
- Walk to: Waikiki Beach, shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues
- Transfer time: 20-30 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Tip: balance hotel pool days with exploring Waikiki on foot
Room categories & quality
The hotel offers six renovated room categories featuring modern design, comfortable beds, and updated amenities. Options range from city view accommodations to ocean view rooms across different tower locations.
- Renovated City View Two Beds Tower—ideal for families needing space
- Renovated Pool View—overlooks the tropical pool area
- Princess Wing Guest Room—convenient mid-rise location
- Tower Ocean—ocean views from higher floors
- Ainahau Tower High Ocean View—elevated ocean perspectives
- Tower Corner Junior Suite—extra space with corner layout
Pool & relaxation
Expect a tropical pool setting with poolside loungers, Splash Bar service, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The pool provides a convenient on-site relaxation option between beach visits and Waikiki exploration.
- Pool atmosphere: all-ages friendly with tropical landscaping
- Splash Bar: poolside drinks and light bites
- Best for: travelers who want both pool and beach variety
- Tip: pool area offers shade and sun options throughout the day
Dining & bars
The hotel features two on-site dining and bar venues: Splash Bar for poolside refreshments and ThrowBack Alley for cocktails and casual dining. Waikiki's extensive restaurant scene is steps away for additional variety.
- Splash Bar—poolside drinks, light bites, tropical atmosphere
- ThrowBack Alley—cocktails, casual dining, social vibe
- Best strategy: enjoy on-site convenience and explore Waikiki restaurants
- Tip: walkable dining options include Hawaiian, Japanese, American, and international cuisine
How to Decide If It's Worth It (Fast Value Checklist)
| Question | If "yes"… | If "no"… |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want a central Waikiki Beach location? | Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is an excellent fit. | Consider quieter neighborhoods outside Waikiki for seclusion. |
| Is walkable access to shopping and dining important? | The location provides easy access to Waikiki's best attractions. | A more isolated hotel might suit you better. |
| Will you balance hotel time with exploring Oahu? | This location maximizes your flexibility for activities. | An all-hotel-focused stay might find better amenity value elsewhere. |
| Do you prefer value pricing over luxury resort amenities? | The competitive pricing is a strong match for budget-conscious travelers. | Luxury resort seekers may prefer properties with extensive facilities. |
| Are you traveling with family or in a multi-generational group? | The all-ages atmosphere and room variety accommodate families well. | Couples-only properties may offer more romantic ambiance. |
Tips to Make Your Stay Feel More "Worth It"
Book the optimal length of stay
Most travelers maximize value at 4–6 nights. This gives you time to enjoy the hotel pool, experience Waikiki Beach, explore walkable attractions, and potentially take 2-3 day trips to iconic Oahu destinations like Pearl Harbor, North Shore, or Diamond Head.
- 3-4 nights = quick Waikiki beach getaway
- 5-6 nights = ideal balance of hotel relaxation + island exploration
- 7+ nights = maximum beach time with multiple excursion opportunities
Take advantage of the Waikiki location
Don't just stay at the hotel—use the Waikiki location strategically. Walk to nearby restaurants for variety, explore beach activities, visit shopping centers, or take short rides to attractions. The location is part of the value.
- Explore on foot: Waikiki Beach, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment
- Beach activities: surfing lessons, catamaran cruises, paddleboarding
- Day trips: book excursions to Pearl Harbor, North Shore, or circle island tours
- Best balance: 50% hotel/beach time, 50% exploring Oahu attractions
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani vs. Other Oahu Locations: Where to Stay
One of the most common questions: "Should I stay in Waikiki or another Oahu neighborhood?" Here's how Sheraton Princess Kaiulani's Waikiki location compares to other popular Oahu hotel areas.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani (Waikiki)
- 20-30 min from Honolulu airport
- Walkable access to beach, shopping, dining, entertainment
- Central Waikiki location with high tourist activity
- Modern hotel with all-ages atmosphere and renovated rooms
- Best for: travelers who want Waikiki convenience + beach access
- Day trip distance: 45-90 minutes to North Shore, Pearl Harbor, East Oahu
North Shore / Ko Olina Hotels
- 45-90 min from Honolulu airport (depending on location)
- More secluded, resort-focused setting
- Quieter atmosphere with less Waikiki energy
- Natural surroundings and beach-focused ambiance
- Best for: travelers seeking relaxation and seclusion
- Day trip distance: 60-120 min to Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, East Oahu
Quick recommendation: Choose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani if you want Waikiki convenience, walkable beach access, and easy exploration of Honolulu attractions. Choose North Shore or Ko Olina hotels if you prioritize seclusion, quieter beaches, and don't need walkable access to shopping and dining.
FAQ: Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Worth It?
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani worth it for families?
Yes—especially for families who want an all-ages hotel in central Waikiki with modern renovated rooms, pool access, and steps-to-beach location. The competitive pricing and walkable access to family-friendly attractions make it an excellent value choice for families visiting Oahu.
Is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani worth it for couples?
Yes, particularly for couples who want Waikiki Beach location and modern comfort without luxury resort pricing. While it's not an adults-only property, couples appreciate the convenient location, renovated rooms, and easy access to Waikiki's romantic dining and beach sunset experiences.
What's the best length of stay at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
4–6 nights is optimal for most travelers. This length allows you to enjoy the hotel pool and Waikiki Beach, explore walkable attractions, and potentially include 2-3 day trips to Pearl Harbor, North Shore, Diamond Head, or other iconic Oahu destinations while still feeling relaxed rather than rushed.
How does Sheraton Princess Kaiulani compare to other Waikiki hotels?
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani stands out for its prime Waikiki Beach location, modern renovated rooms, all-ages friendly atmosphere, and excellent value pricing. It's more budget-friendly than luxury Waikiki resorts while offering better location advantages than properties farther from the beach. It's best for travelers who want Waikiki convenience without luxury resort pricing.
When is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani NOT worth it?
It may not be worth it if you want complete isolation from Waikiki tourist activity, prefer extensive on-site dining options, need a luxury resort with full-service spa and wellness facilities, or want direct beachfront rooms (hotel is across the street from beach). Travelers seeking "off-the-beaten-path" experiences might prefer quieter Oahu neighborhoods outside Waikiki.
How far is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani from Waikiki Beach?
The hotel is steps from Waikiki Beach—just across Kalakaua Avenue. You can walk to the beach in under 2 minutes, making it one of the most convenient Waikiki Beach access points. While not direct beachfront, the proximity provides easy beach access throughout your stay.
Can I walk to restaurants and shopping from Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
Yes, the hotel is located in the heart of Waikiki, which means hundreds of restaurants, shopping centers, entertainment venues, and beach activities are within easy walking distance. Popular destinations like the International Market Place, Royal Hawaiian Center, and countless dining options are just minutes away on foot.