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Choosing between Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, dining, amenities, price & more so you can decide which resort best fits your Waikiki getaway.
Best for all-ages travelers who want a central Waikiki stay, a lively pool deck, and strong value one block from the beach.
Better for travelers who want a more iconic luxury resort experience directly on Waikiki Beach with a historic, romantic feel.
If you want a practical, well-located Waikiki base with an outdoor pool, daily cultural activities, and easy access to beach, shopping, dining, and entertainment, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is the better fit.
If your priority is a beachfront luxury setting with a more polished resort atmosphere and a landmark Waikiki identity, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki is the stronger choice.
Bottom line: choose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani for value, central convenience, and an all-ages Waikiki stay; choose The Royal Hawaiian for beachfront luxury, romance, and a more elevated sense of occasion.
| Category | Sheraton Princess Kaiulani | The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe | All-ages Waikiki hotel with a relaxed, practical resort feel, a lively poolside scene, and strong access to nearby beach, shopping, and dining. | Iconic beachfront luxury resort with a more refined, romantic atmosphere and a stronger sense of classic Waikiki occasion. |
| Location | At Kalakaua and Kaiulani Avenue on the former Princess Kaiulani estate, about one block or a short walk from Waikiki Beach. | Directly on Waikiki Beach, better for travelers who want the beach at the center of the stay rather than a one-block walk. |
| Rooms & Suites | Large Waikiki inventory with refreshed Ainahau Tower rooms completed in Spring 2024, suited to travelers who prioritize location and value. | More elevated luxury-resort room experience, better for couples and occasion trips where atmosphere matters as much as location. |
| Dining | Splash Bar is the main on-site poolside restaurant and bar, serving Hawaii regional comfort food, tropical drinks, and nightly entertainment. | Better for travelers who want a more upscale resort dining backdrop and beachfront luxury ambience built into the meal experience. |
| Pools & Beach | One outdoor pool with complimentary towels, loungers, umbrellas, and rentable cabanas, plus Waikiki Beach a short walk away. | Stronger beach choice thanks to its direct Waikiki Beach setting, with a more classic resort-on-the-sand feel. |
| Kids & Family | All-ages and family-friendly, with children welcome, cultural activities, games, and family-oriented perks through participating programs. | Welcomes families but feels more naturally suited to couples, luxury travelers, and special-occasion stays. |
| Price & Value | Best value for travelers who want central Waikiki, pool access, cultural activities, and beach proximity without paying for beachfront luxury. | Best value for travelers willing to pay more for an iconic beachfront address, luxury atmosphere, and a more memorable Waikiki setting. |
Rooms at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani are best viewed through the lens of location and practicality, especially with the refreshed Ainahau Tower rooms completed in Spring 2024.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is the better pick if you want a straightforward Waikiki base with refreshed room options, family-friendly policies, and an easy walk to the beach.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki delivers the more luxurious and atmospheric room experience, especially for travelers who want their hotel to feel like part of the trip’s occasion.
If you want the room experience to feel more elevated and tied to an iconic Waikiki resort setting, The Royal Hawaiian is the better match.
Dining at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani centers on Splash Bar, the hotel’s poolside restaurant and bar, with Hawaii regional comfort food, tropical cocktails, and a casual resort setting.
Expect:
The Royal Hawaiian is the stronger choice if you want dining to feel more like part of a luxury Waikiki resort experience, especially with its beachfront setting and more polished atmosphere.
If you want easy casual poolside dining, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani works well; if you want meals wrapped in a more luxurious beachfront setting, The Royal Hawaiian has the edge.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani has one outdoor swimming pool and sits about one block from Waikiki Beach, making it better for travelers who plan to split time between the pool, beach, and city.
The Royal Hawaiian wins for travelers who want the classic Waikiki beachfront experience, with the sand and ocean forming the heart of the resort stay.
If direct beachfront access is non-negotiable, The Royal Hawaiian is the stronger choice; if a short walk to the beach is fine, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers better practical value.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is an all-ages, family-friendly hotel where children are welcome and families can lean into included cultural activities and casual on-property recreation.
The Royal Hawaiian can work for families, but its strongest appeal is for travelers who want a more refined beachfront resort mood rather than a value-focused family base.
If you want the more practical all-ages Waikiki base, choose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani; if the trip is a special occasion and beachfront atmosphere matters most, The Royal Hawaiian is stronger.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers the most value when you want central Waikiki, a pool, cultural programming, and easy beach access without stepping up to a luxury beachfront resort.
The Royal Hawaiian is the better value if you place a premium on beachfront location, luxury atmosphere, and the feeling of staying somewhere iconic in Waikiki.
Choose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani if you want a central all-ages Waikiki hotel with a practical price-to-location balance, one outdoor pool, cultural activities, and quick access to the beach.
The Royal Hawaiian is the better pick for travelers who want an iconic beachfront luxury resort, a more romantic atmosphere, and a stay that feels polished from the moment they arrive.
For families, groups, and travelers who expect to spend plenty of time exploring Waikiki, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani makes more sense as a convenient, flexible base.
If you want direct beach access, a more elevated resort setting, and a stronger sense of Waikiki occasion, The Royal Hawaiian is the clear upgrade.
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