Hello, I’m SINAE, a travel writer who spends nearly 300 days each year abroad.
I recently spent 7 nights and 8 days in Hawaii – one of the most iconic honeymoon destinations in the world.
Before anything else, a small but genuinely useful tip:
If you are flying into Honolulu, choose a seat on the left side of the aircraft. On a clear day, you will enjoy sweeping aerial views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The approach alone can feel so cinematic that a helicopter tour almost becomes unnecessary.
Resort Fees in Hawaii – What You Should Know
While selecting a hotel in Hawaii, one detail stood out immediately: nearly every property charges a daily resort fee in addition to room rate and taxes.
For example, a room advertised at $300 per night effectively increases by about $50 per night once mandatory fees are added.
- Resort Fee: USD 49.87
- Tax: USD 8.00
- Charged per night, not per stay
Having stayed in resort destinations around the world, I am familiar with destination fees. However, Hawaii – perhaps second only to New York – applies them at a noticeably higher level. In cities such as Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, or major European destinations, occupancy taxes exist, but they rarely represent such a significant percentage of the nightly cost.
Interestingly, the more upscale the hotel, the higher the resort fee tends to be. In New York, destination fees are often offset by food and beverage credits or tour inclusions. In Hawaii, that kind of tangible return is generally absent.
Another important detail: this fee is typically collected at the hotel rather than prepaid at booking. It is worth factoring into your overall budget in advance
👉 Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach – Check rates on Agoda
👉 Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach- Check rates on Expedia
Why I Chose Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
To be candid, my initial preference was the Sheraton Waikiki with an ocean-view room. However, rates approaching $700 per night made it difficult to justify. For a honeymoon, perhaps. For a standard leisure trip, it felt excessive.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offered a more balanced option. Ataround $300 per night, it is one of the more reasonably priced chain hotels in central Waikiki. Considering its location, that rate is relatively competitive.
The rooms have been recently renovated and felt noticeably cleaner than many older properties in the area. Waikiki is an established resort district, and many hotels still reflect their age, often with compact layouts and dated interiors. Checking recent reviews beforehand is essential.
Ocean View – Why It Matters in Hawaii
If you are traveling to Hawaii, I strongly recommend choosing an ocean-view room.
Waikiki is one of the most globally recognized beach destinations, and complimentary upgrades for Marriott Bonvoy elite members are not easily granted. Even Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members often face limitations, with complimentary upgrades typically capped at Partial Ocean View.
I used Suite Night Awards (SNA) to request an upgrade in advance and secured an Ocean View room. At this property, Ocean View is the highest category available through SNA; suites are not included.
Without an ocean view, the experience can feel geographically ambiguous. In a city hotel, that may not matter. In Hawaii, it does.
At first glance, I wondered why my room was classified as Ocean View rather than Partial Ocean View. After briefly seeing an actual partial category room, the distinction became clear. The building structure makes direct frontal ocean views surprisingly rare.
In fact, many Waikiki hotels reportedly have true ocean-facing rooms in only about 15% of their inventory. Waikiki Beach itself stretches only about two miles, limiting the number of properties with unobstructed frontage. High floors are even more limited.
Having breakfast or coffee on the terrace overlooking the ocean transforms the stay. Ultimately, much of travel is defined by atmosphere – and this view delivers it.
Room Experience
The room size was more comfortable than expected for Waikiki, though the bathroom felt compact.
Despite renovations, the original structural layout remains. The shower is positioned over the bathtub and enclosed with a curtain rather than glass. Overall, the space feels closer to a clean, well-maintained business hotel than a luxury resort suite.
It is functional, tidy, and consistent with Sheraton’s global standards – but not indulgent.
Continental Breakfast
Unlike many Asian hotels, full buffet breakfasts are uncommon in Hawaii. Continental-style service is typical.
The selection was modest:
- Limited fruit options
- Sweet yogurt (no unsweetened Greek option available)
- No cereal
- Light pastries and simple plates
Portions may appear adequate, but the meal can feel lighter than expected. The yogurt, in particular, was quite sweet.
However, dining outside the hotel for a comparable breakfast would easily cost around $80 for two people. Hawaii’s cost of living is undeniably high.
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members and above can choose between two complimentary continental breakfast sets (A or B). Additional items such as pancakes are available for an extra charge, though from observing other tables, the included option seemed sufficient.
One unique aspect: breakfast is served outdoors by the pool rather than inside a formal dining room. It is casual and open-air – and yes, you may occasionally share the space with pigeons.
Service at the entrance can be slow and requires patience, particularly during peak hours.
A small but meaningful benefit: complimentary filtered water is available on the first floor. In the United States, even bottled water can be costly, so this detail is genuinely practical.
One cultural observation: coffee service is notably generous. Rather than a single cup, a full carafe is brought to the table, allowing unlimited refills. In that regard, American hospitality seems especially accommodating
Location – The Strongest Advantage
The hotel’s greatest strength is its location.
Waikiki Beach is directly across the street, making beach access effortless. While the swimming pool is small, most guests spend more time in the ocean, so this limitation is not significant.
International Market Place and numerous restaurants are within immediate walking distance. In the evening, the area feels lively yet comfortable.
Older hotels often occupy the best real estate. Newer luxury properties—such as certain Ritz-Carlton locations – may command far higher rates while being set farther from the shoreline, sometimes reducing overall satisfaction relative to price.
The property originally opened on June 11, 1955 as the Princess Kaiulani Hotel. Sheraton acquired and expanded it in 1959, establishing its current identity.
Overall Assessment
This is clearly a strong value proposition within Waikiki – provided expectations are aligned.
It is not a luxury resort, and it does not present itself as one. The rooms reflect Sheraton’s global brand standard: clean, practical, and professionally maintained.
The front desk staff were courteous and efficient. As an elite member, I received a small welcome tote bag at check-in. While modest, such details contribute positively to the overall impression.
Parking is an additional USD 45 per night, which should be considered if renting a car.
Final Thoughts
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers:
- Prime Waikiki location
- Competitive pricing relative to the area
- Complimentary breakfast for elite members
- Realistic access to ocean-view rooms (with planning)
If you seek understated comfort, brand reliability, and excellent positioning at a manageable price point in Hawaii, this property deserves consideration.
It may not redefine luxury – but in Waikiki’s pricing landscape, it represents a rational and well-balanced choice.
If Budget Allows – Consider a Beachfront Upgrade
If budget is not a primary concern, I would recommend considering Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort or The Westin Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach instead.
Both properties offer true beachfront access. Unlike Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, which sits just across the street from the beach, these hotels are directly on the shoreline. The difference in physical proximity to the ocean is noticeable in daily use – walking from your room and stepping almost immediately onto the sand changes the rhythm of the stay.
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort offers a more contemporary, large-scale resort atmosphere, while Moana Surfrider carries historic charm and a classic Hawaiian elegance.
The nightly rates are significantly higher. However, if direct beach access and an uninterrupted oceanfront setting are priorities, the premium can be justified.
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