For travelers weighing a stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki, the core question is straightforward: does its prime location — directly across from Waikiki Beach — outweigh the trade-offs of an aging physical plant and a mandatory resort fee? This review draws on official property details from Marriott, aggregated guest scores from Booking.com and Trip.com, and a detailed 2025 blog analysis to provide a data-backed picture of what this mid-range Waikiki hotel actually delivers.
Last checked: 2026-08-09
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Address: 120 Kaiulani Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii · Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM · Owner: Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts · Distance to Beach: Crosswalk from Waikiki Beach
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-09.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Marriott), Booking.com listing, Trip.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Hotels.com listing, WestJet Vacations official package descriptions, British Airways Holidays listing, Pleasant Holidays listing, WeLeaveToday travel blog review.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted. Review scores cited are as published on each platform and may have shifted since retrieval.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani at a glance
- 120 Kaiulani Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA — across the street from Waikiki Beach (Marriott)
- 8.1/10 on Booking.com (~974 reviews); 8.4/10 on Trip.com (164 reviews) — location scores 9.4 and 9.0 respectively (Booking.com; Trip.com)
- Splash Bar serves American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner poolside (Hotels.com)
- Daily resort fee includes enhanced Wi-Fi, Mi-Fi rental, surfboard storage, and cultural classes (WestJet Vacations)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 Kaiulani Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Owner | Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts |
| Distance to beach | Across the street (crosswalk access) |
| Number of towers | 2: Princess Wing and Ainahau Tower |
| Total guest rooms | Approximately 1,084 |
| Primary restaurant | Splash Bar (American, poolside) |
| On-site parking | Self-parking available for approximately USD 45 per day |
| Pool depth | 8 feet (deepest end); frequently described by guests as cold |
| Family policy | Children 17 and under stay free using existing bedding |
How far is Sheraton Princess Kaiulani from the beach?
The hotel sits at 120 Kaiulani Avenue, one short block inland from Waikiki Beach. Guests cross Kaiulani Avenue and Kalākaua Avenue via a marked crosswalk to reach the sand — a walk that takes roughly two minutes. The official Marriott listing describes the property as being “across the street from Waikiki Beach.”
Booking.com reviewers give the location a score of 9.4 out of 10, the highest sub-score in their dataset. On Trip.com, the location sub-score sits at 9.0 out of 10. These are the strongest single metrics across both platforms, indicating that proximity to the beach is the hotel’s most consistently praised attribute.
The bottom line: If walkability to Waikiki Beach is your top criterion, few hotels on this block get you closer.
What are people saying about the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach hotel?
Guest sentiment across multiple platforms follows a clear pattern: strong marks for staff, cleanliness, and location, with lower scores for room condition and value for money. On Booking.com, based on roughly 974 reviews, the overall score is 8.1 out of 10. Sub-scores break down as staff 8.9, cleanliness 8.5, comfort 8.6, facilities 8.0, and value for money 7.7 — a gap of 1.2 points between value and location scores.
Trip.com’s 164 reviews yield a higher overall score of 8.4, with service at 8.2 and amenities at 7.8. One July 2024 guest described the hotel as “a bit old” but noted they found this acceptable because many Waikiki hotels have similar wear.
A 2025 detailed review on the travel blog WeLeaveToday scored the property 71.8 out of 100, with sub-scores of 72 for room amenities, 66 for hotel amenities, and 67 for cleanliness and maintenance. The review specifically noted “dust and bathroom caulking” issues tied to the building’s age.
What this means: The hotel delivers on the basics — clean rooms, comfortable beds, helpful staff — but does not hide its age. Guests who prioritize a modern, refreshed room should specifically request the Ainahau Tower.
“Great staff, great lobby. Terrible rooms. Questionable amenities.”
— Featured TripAdvisor review summary, cited on TripAdvisor
Guest reviews on cleanliness and comfort
Across Booking.com, Trip.com, and TripAdvisor, reviewers consistently describe rooms as clean and beds as comfortable. Booking.com’s cleanliness sub-score of 8.5 and comfort sub-score of 8.6 both exceed the overall average of 8.1, suggesting that housekeeping and bedding meet guest expectations. The same review also notes that standard rooms include a safe, mini-fridge, single-cup coffee/tea maker, and Gilchrist & Soames bath products, though slippers and robes are not provided.
Common complaints about the pool temperature
The outdoor pool, while described as 8 feet deep at its deepest end, draws frequent remarks for being cold. Multiple reviews across platforms mention the water temperature as a downside, though the pool itself is well-maintained with rentable cabanas, loungers, umbrellas, and a poolside bar. The Splash Bar functions as both a restaurant and poolside bar, serving American cuisine for all three meal periods.
Who owns Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts owns the property. The company has a long history in Hawaii’s hospitality sector and also owns the Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, and the Moana Surfrider — giving it a portfolio of four major Waikiki beachfront hotels. Marriott International operates the property under its Sheraton brand, which means the hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
Bonvoy Gold elite members and above receive complimentary daily beach chair rentals for two as an elite amenity, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs for frequent Marriott guests. The ownership and management structure creates a direct comparison set: guests who want a higher-tier experience can upgrade to the adjacent Sheraton Waikiki or The Royal Hawaiian without switching loyalty programs.
The pattern: Institutional ownership by a Hawaii-focused operator combined with a global loyalty network gives this property stability — but also means it competes directly with its own sister hotels for the same guest profile.
How does Sheraton Princess Kaiulani compare to other Waikiki hotels?
The hotel occupies the mid-range tier in Waikiki’s accommodation spectrum. It is not the most expensive on the strip — that distinction typically goes to the Royal Hawaiian or the Halekulani — nor is it the cheapest option along Kalākaua Avenue. The question “Is Sheraton Waikiki worth it?” appears in related searches, which suggests travelers actively cross-shop the two Sheraton properties.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani vs The Royal Hawaiian
The Royal Hawaiian sits one block east, directly on Waikiki Beach, and commands significantly higher nightly rates due to its historic status, beachfront access, and more extensive amenities. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offers a lower price point in exchange for a one-block walk to the sand and a less elaborate physical plant. The trade-off is straightforward: pay more for the historic beachfront experience, or save money for a short walk.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani vs Sheraton Waikiki
The Sheraton Waikiki sits directly on the beach at the western end of Waikiki, with larger rooms, a more prominent infinity pool, and direct oceanfront restaurants. The Princess Kaiulani’s advantage is typically a lower nightly rate and quieter positioning one block off the main drag. Both hotels share the same owner, same loyalty program, and similar staffing standards — room condition and location are the primary differentiators.
The trade-off: Choosing the Princess Kaiulani over its sister properties is a deliberate cost-saving decision. If room modernity and beachfront access rank high, budget for Sheraton Waikiki or Royal Hawaiian instead.
“The rates are reasonable in the un-renovated part of the hotel.”
— WeLeaveToday review, 2025
What practical information should guests know before booking?
Parking availability
On-site self-parking is available for approximately USD 45 per day, according to Expedia and Hotels.com. The parking facility has height restrictions, so guests with rooftop carriers or large vehicles should confirm clearance before arrival. There is no complimentary parking option.
Airport shuttle options
The hotel does not operate its own airport shuttle. The journey from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Waikiki is approximately 9 miles; options include taxi, ride-hail services, or TheBus route 20.
Breakfast offerings
Breakfast is available at the Splash Bar, which serves American cuisine. The hotel does not include complimentary breakfast in standard rates, though Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and above elites may receive breakfast as a welcome amenity. The on-site Splash Bar menu includes American-style breakfast options.
Contact details
Guests can contact the hotel directly through the Marriott reservations system. The property’s front desk operates 24 hours. The hotel offers express check-in and check-out, and a safe deposit box is available at reception, as listed by Honolulu City Hotels.
The catch: Parking and the resort fee together add roughly USD 87 per day (parking plus resort fee) to the base room rate before taxes. Factor that into any price comparison against hotels that include parking or have lower mandatory fees.
Pros and cons at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
What guests highlight
- Across the street from Waikiki Beach; exceptional walkability
- Staff service scores 8.9/10 on Booking.com — consistently praised
- Rooms reported as clean and beds comfortable across platforms
- Children 17 and under stay free using existing bedding
- Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits apply (beach chair rentals, breakfast for Platinum+)
What guests caution about
- Building is aged; maintenance and cleanliness score 67/100 on WeLeaveToday
- Pool is frequently described as cold; deepest section reaches 8 feet
- Resort fee of ~USD 42 per day plus tax adds to total cost
- Parking is USD 45 per day with no free alternative
- Value-for-money score on Booking.com is 7.7/10 — the lowest sub-score
Pricing: what to expect
Exact nightly rates vary by season, room category, and advance-purchase timing, so this section does not quote a specific rate. Based on the verified facts available, the key pricing components are:
- Resort fee: Approximately USD 42 per day plus tax, based on the 2025 blog review cited above. Includes enhanced high-speed internet, Mi-Fi rental for island-wide use, surfboard storage, meditation and yoga classes, and Hawaiian cultural activities (hula, ukulele, lei-making, historic tours).
- Parking: Approximately USD 45 per day for self-parking.
- Breakfast: Not included in standard rates; available a la carte at Splash Bar.
- Kids policy: Children 17 and under free with parents (existing bedding), per Pleasant Holidays.
These add-on costs mean the effective nightly expense is significantly higher than the base room rate. Travelers comparing against all-inclusive or parking-inclusive hotels should calculate the total daily cost.
What to watch: Check whether the nightly rate quoted includes the resort fee. Many OTAs display the base rate first and add the resort fee at checkout.
Location and getting there
The hotel is located at 120 Kaiulani Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. It sits one block from the beach and within walking distance of Diamond Head, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki retail corridor. The property comprises two towers: the Princess Wing and the Ainahau Tower.
The Ainahau Tower has undergone recent renovations, with British Airways Holidays describing its rooms as “newly renovated” and featuring private lanais, ocean views, and Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds. Guests who book standard rooms in the Princess Wing may encounter older furnishings.
Alternatives in Waikiki
If Sheraton Princess Kaiulani does not quite fit, three nearby options merit consideration:
- Sheraton Waikiki: Beachfront property with larger rooms, an infinity pool, and higher nightly rates. Same ownership and loyalty program. Best for guests who prioritize direct beach access.
- The Royal Hawaiian: Historic pink palace directly on Waikiki Beach. Higher price point, more elaborate amenities, but also older in parts. Best for guests seeking a classic Hawaii resort experience.
- Moana Surfrider: Historic beachfront property with a more boutique feel. Rates typically sit between Princess Kaiulani and Royal Hawaiian. Best for guests who value architecture and history.
All three are owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts and operated by Marriott, making it easy to switch within the same loyalty ecosystem.
Our pick: who should book Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
For budget-conscious travelers who prioritize being within a two-minute walk of Waikiki Beach and value staff service, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani represents a solid choice — provided you walk in with realistic expectations about the physical condition of the building and the cumulative daily costs of the resort fee and parking.
This hotel works best for:
- Beach-access seekers: The location score is the strongest metric across all platforms.
- Value-focused vacationers: Base rates are typically lower than Sheraton Waikiki or Royal Hawaiian, and the kids-stay-free policy benefits families.
- Marriott Bonvoy elites: Elite benefits (beach chair rentals, breakfast for Platinum+) improve the value equation.
This hotel is less ideal for travelers who want a modern room, a heated pool, or direct beachfront access. In those cases, Sheraton Waikiki or The Royal Hawaiian are more appropriate choices.
The final take: Book the Ainahau Tower if possible, factor in the full daily add-on costs, and treat this as a launchpad for Waikiki Beach rather than a destination hotel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the check-in time at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM (15:00) and check-out is at 11:00 AM, as confirmed by Hotels.com and the Honolulu City Hotels listing.
Is there a pool at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
Yes. The hotel has an outdoor pool that reaches 8 feet at its deepest end. It includes cabanas, sun loungers, umbrellas, and a poolside bar (Splash Bar). Frequent guest reports note that the pool water is cold.
Does Sheraton Princess Kaiulani offer free Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is included as part of the resort fee. The enhanced high-speed internet and a Mi-Fi rental for island-wide use are among the fee inclusions, according to WestJet Vacations. Free Wi-Fi in rooms is also listed by Honolulu City Hotels.
What are the two towers at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
The hotel has two towers: the Princess Wing and the Ainahau Tower. The Ainahau Tower has undergone recent renovations and offers ocean-view rooms with private lanais and Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds, according to British Airways Holidays.
Is parking available at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
Yes. On-site self-parking is available for approximately USD 45 per day, with height restrictions for the parking facility. Parking is not complimentary.
Does the hotel provide an airport shuttle?
No. The hotel does not operate its own airport shuttle. Guests can use taxis, ride-hail services, or TheBus route 20 from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
How can I contact Sheraton Princess Kaiulani?
The hotel can be reached through the Marriott reservations system. The front desk operates 24 hours. Express check-in and check-out are available.
Sources reviewed: Marriott official page, Booking.com (English and Japanese review pages), Trip.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, WestJet Vacations, British Airways Holidays, Pleasant Holidays, and the travel blog WeLeaveToday. Review data spans 2022–2025; property details current as of February 2025.