Waikiki is loud. If you've ever walked down Kalakaua Avenue on a Friday night, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It’s a sensory overload of neon lights, street performers, and a million people trying to find the Cheesecake Factory. But then there’s the Prince Waikiki. It sits right on the edge, overlooking the Ala Wai Harbor, acting like a buffer between the chaos of the tourist center and the more grounded, local vibe of the Ala Moana neighborhood.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a local secret that isn’t really a secret anymore.
Most people booking a trip to Honolulu gravitate toward the big pink palace or the towering resorts right on the sand. Those are fine. They’re classic. But they’re also crowded. The Prince Waikiki—formerly known as the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki—took a massive gamble years ago with a $55 million renovation that stripped away the heavy, dated florals and replaced them with something that actually feels like modern Hawaii. It’s sleek. It’s airy. And every single room faces the ocean.
The Harbor View vs. The Beach Front
Let's address the elephant in the room: there is no beach directly in front of this hotel. If you want to step off your balcony and land in the sand, you're looking at the wrong place.
But here’s why that actually works in your favor.
The Prince Waikiki overlooks the harbor. You get these massive, floor-to-ceiling windows that actually open. You can hear the masts of the sailboats clinking in the wind and watch the sunset without 5,000 people in the foreground of your photo. It’s a different kind of "oceanfront." It feels more like being in a coastal city than a tropical theme park. If you really need the sand, Ala Moana Beach Park is a ten-minute walk away. Locals go there because the water is calmer and there’s more room to breathe.
The rooms themselves are a masterclass in subtle storytelling. You’ll notice these stylized patterns on the walls and carpets. That’s the naio flower and the chu-mushi (a native stone). Before the high-rises went up, this specific area was where the muliwai—the estuary—met the sea. The hotel leans into that history without being cheesy about it. It’s sophisticated.
Eating Your Way Through the Property
Food is usually where hotel reviews get boring, but the Prince has a heavy hitter: Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo.
People wait hours for a table here. It is arguably some of the best value sushi in Honolulu, and it’s located right in the lobby. You’ll see businessmen in suits sitting next to tourists in flip-flops. The fish is flown in from Japan, the rice is seasoned perfectly, and it doesn't cost your soul.
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Then there’s 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar.
This isn't your standard, sad hotel buffet. It’s famous among locals for the Sunday Brunch and the crab leg dinners. But if you’re staying there, the move is to grab a seat at the bar during sunset. They do these small plates—think poke bowls with fresh-caught ahi and fried cauliflower that actually tastes good—that pair perfectly with a stiff drink.
The service is different here too. In the middle of the "Waikiki Bubble," service can feel rushed or overly rehearsed. At the Prince, there’s a genuine sense of ho’okipa (hospitality). Many of the staff members have been there for decades. They remember names. They know which side of the harbor has the best turtle sightings. It’s that old-school Hawaii feel wrapped in a 2026-standard luxury shell.
The Infinity Pool That Changed the Game
You’ve probably seen it on Instagram. The infinity pool at the Prince Waikiki is legendary for a reason.
It looks out over the Pacific with a perspective that makes the water in the pool look like it’s pouring directly into the harbor. It’s spectacular. But beyond the aesthetics, the pool deck is where the hotel’s vibe really settles in. It’s quiet. There are no screaming kids splashing in a fountain—mostly because the pool is designed for lounging and taking in the view rather than being a water park.
They have these cabanas that you can rent, and honestly, if you’re going to splurge on one day of doing absolutely nothing, this is the place to do it. The Hinana Bar serves poolside drinks that aren't watered down. Try the Muliwai Mai Tai. It’s strong, it’s cold, and it captures that specific "I’m finally on vacation" feeling.
Why Business Travelers and Golfers Flock Here
If you’re in Honolulu for work, the Prince is basically the only logical choice.
It’s positioned perfectly between the Hawaii Convention Center and the downtown business district. You aren't fighting the gridlock of central Waikiki every morning. Plus, the hotel operates its own golf course—the Prince Waikiki Waterfront Golf Club. It’s located about 40 minutes away in Ewa Beach, but they run a shuttle.
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Designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, it’s 27 holes of championship-grade golf. It’s challenging because of the trade winds, but the layout is beautiful. Most Waikiki hotels are just hotels; this one feels like a hub for people who actually have things to do, whether that’s closing a deal or hitting a birdie.
The Club Lounge: Is it Worth the Upgrade?
I usually tell people to skip the "Club Level" at most hotels. It’s often just some dry crackers and lukewarm coffee.
The Prince Waikiki is the exception.
The Kioea Club Lounge is a legit perk. You get a private deck area, breakfast, afternoon snacks, and—this is the clincher—unlimited beer and wine in the evenings. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker or you like a glass of prosecco while the sun goes down, the upgrade pays for itself in two days. It turns the hotel into an all-inclusive experience without the "all-inclusive" crowd.
It’s also a great spot for remote work. The Wi-Fi is fast, the seating is comfortable, and you’re looking at the ocean while you clear your inbox. There are worse ways to spend a Tuesday.
Logistics and the "Walkability" Factor
Let’s talk about getting around.
Waikiki is walkable, but it’s a long walk. The Prince offers a complimentary shuttle that drops you off at various points, including the Ala Moana Center (the largest open-air shopping center in the world) and the heart of Waikiki.
- Ala Moana Center: 5-minute walk or 2-minute shuttle.
- Waikiki Beach (Central): 15-20 minute walk or 5-minute shuttle.
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL): About 20-30 minutes by car, depending on the H-1 traffic.
One thing to keep in mind: parking in Honolulu is a nightmare. The Prince has an attached garage, and while valet is easier, self-parking is an option that can save you a bit of cash. Just don't expect it to be cheap; nothing in Hawaii is.
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Addressing the Misconceptions
Some people complain that the Prince Waikiki isn't "tropical" enough.
They expect tiki torches at every turn and staff in loud aloha shirts. If that’s what you want, go to the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The Prince is for the traveler who wants a "sense of place" rather than a "theme." It’s art-forward. It’s modern. It’s the version of Hawaii that exists today—one that respects its roots but isn't stuck in 1965.
Another common gripe is the lack of a "kid-friendly" beach. Again, if you have toddlers who need a zero-entry pool and a sandy lagoon, this might not be your first choice. But for couples, solo travelers, or families with older kids who want to explore the real Honolulu, it’s unmatched.
Making the Most of Your Stay
To truly experience what makes this place special, you have to lean into its location.
Don't just stay in the hotel. Cross the street and walk through the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Talk to the boat owners. Walk over to Magic Island at sunset—that’s where the locals go to exercise and take family photos. It’s a side of Oahu most tourists miss because they’re too busy looking for a gold-plated pineapple on Kalakaua Avenue.
Book a room on a higher floor. The "Ocean Front Harbor" rooms are great, but the "Prince Waikiki Club" rooms on floors 31 through 33 offer a vantage point that is genuinely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all the way down the coast toward Ewa.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book directly on their website. They often have "Kama'aina" rates for locals or special packages for long stays that aren't on the big travel booking sites.
- Check the Friday Night Fireworks. The Hilton Hawaiian Village sets off fireworks every Friday night. You can see them perfectly from the Prince’s pool deck or from an ocean-facing room without having to fight the crowds on the beach.
- Reserve Katsumidori early. Even if you’re staying at the hotel, you aren't guaranteed a seat. Put your name in as soon as they open or try to snag an off-peak lunch spot.
- Explore the neighborhood. Walk toward Kaka’ako. It’s the industrial-turned-artsy district filled with murals, microbreweries, and local boutiques. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Prince, and it’s where the "cool" Honolulu lives.
- Pack for the "In-Between." The Prince is upscale. You don't need a tuxedo, but you’ll feel more comfortable in a nice linen shirt or a sundress than in a damp swimsuit and a tank top when walking through the lobby.
The Prince Waikiki represents a shift in how people visit Hawaii. It’s less about the "tourist trap" and more about the "urban island" lifestyle. You get the luxury, you get the views, and you get the convenience, but you also get a bit of peace and quiet. In a place as busy as Honolulu, that’s the real luxury.