Arrival/Check-In: Honolulu International Airport is only about 20 minutes from downtown Waikiki and serves as the main gateway to the islands, making it convenient for both leisure and business travelers. A short taxi ride brought me to The Prince Waikiki, where a friendly doorman assisted with my luggage and guided me through the spacious, newly renovated lobby to the front desk. The hotel completed a $55 million renovation in early 2017, and the refreshed public areas are impressive: a two-story lobby with locally inspired art suspended overhead, comfortable seating areas, and an on-site Honolulu Coffee Co. serving locally roasted coffee.
Guest Quarters: My oceanfront harbor room offered some of the clearest, most striking views in Waikiki. Large windows opened wide to welcome the ocean breeze and natural light. Every room at The Prince Waikiki has ocean views, delivering floor-to-ceiling sights of the yacht-filled harbor, the waves near Ala Moana Beach Park, and vivid island sunsets — everything you want when visiting Hawaii for work or relaxation. The room’s design is calm and modern, with cream-colored hand-painted Naio flower accents that nod to Hawaiian art. The king-sized bed was plush and comfortable, with bedside stands equipped with ample outlets. A small desk sat near the windows, but I spent most of my time on the full sectional facing the view, propping up my feet, opening the windows, and answering emails using the complimentary WiFi while listening to the ocean. The bathroom featured generous lighting over creamy marble countertops, a full spa tub, a separate shower, and a private toilet area with contemporary frosted glass, plus two full-length mirrors for convenience.
Services/Amenities: Though the hotel is not directly on the beach, it makes up for it with a saltwater infinity pool that overlooks the harbor. Poolside cabanas and the Hinana Bar, which offers a casual dining menu, create a relaxing poolside atmosphere. Weekends often include a lively pool party. For beachgoers, Waikiki Beach is only about a 10-minute walk away.
Dining options on-site cover a range of styles. Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo delivers quality sushi in a casual setting, while 100 Sails offers brunch buffets, dinner, and cocktails. The long marble bar at 100 Sails is staffed by friendly bartenders; I enjoyed a uniquely flavored mai tai and went back for a second. Just across the street is the Ala Moana Center, an open-air shopping destination featuring a wide selection of stores, nightlife, and varied dining choices.
Golf enthusiasts can reach The Prince Waikiki Golf Club in about 15 minutes; the course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The concierge is available to arrange tee times and coordinate activities, excursions, and other needs during your stay.
Top Takeaways:
◆ A variety of on-site dining choices, from Honolulu Coffee Co. to Hawaiian-inspired small plates and handcrafted cocktails at 100 Sails.
◆ A comprehensive $55 million renovation has refreshed The Prince Waikiki with modern rooms and amenities ideal for business travelers, millennials, and vacationers alike.
◆ A central location just minutes from downtown Waikiki, the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and the beach makes it a convenient base for exploring Oahu.
The Prince Waikiki
100 Holomoana St.
Honolulu, HI 96815
tel 808 956 1111
princeresortshawaii.com