Perform an online search for “best Waikiki hotel for families” and you’ll find the same answer on every list. While the Hilton Hawaiian Village was clearly built with family units in mind, let’s be honest – that place is a lot of work. What do we mean by that? For one, it’s far away on the outskirts of Waikiki Beach. But that’s not what we’re really alluding to here. The resort property is fairly intense, constantly bustling with bellowing children and their parents trailing close behind to reel them in. On any given day you find yourself dodging inflatable pool toys, runaway strollers, shopping bags teeming with sparkly plush, and activity kiosk lineups with guests vying to get a spot on the next excursion. And what about the property’s famed Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon? If communal baths aren’t your thing we suggest hitting the North Pacific in front of you instead. Assuming you can see beyond the sea of branded beach umbrellas.
Look, we’re not here to besmirch the luxury resort by any means. Like we said, it’s just a lot of work when you’ve got kids in tow. If there’s one thing that parents understand, it’s that it’s not much of a family vacation when you’re constantly surrounded by other people’s children.
So which among the 100-plus hotels in Waikiki should you choose for your particular ohana? We highly recommend one that you didn’t expect – the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
*This is not an advertorial. We have stayed here on many occasions and legitimately love this property.
8 Reasons Why Your Vacationing Family Will Love the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
Family Budget Friendly (without sacrificing luxury)
There are certainly other great luxury hotels for families in Waikiki. However, that luxury often comes with a hefty nightly rate which prices most mainlanders out of the market. As a result, far too many households have to accept less than appealing properties over on Kuhio Avenue and the side streets of Waikiki. This can put a real damper on the experience. But what few vacationing families know, is that they can they can have their cake (luxury) and eat it too (affordability) when staying at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. The average nightly rate for a family of four begins at just *$185/night while seasonal special rates can drive the rate down further into the *$165/night range. When it comes to a Hawaiian vacation for your kin it doesn’t get much better than that!
*Subject to change and availability
Crazy Convenient
A luxury resort that’s family budget friendly. It must be located far away from the heart of Waikiki, right? Quite the contrary. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is one of the most conveniently located hotels in the entire community. The main beach and landmark Duke Kahanamoku statue are just a 3-minute walk from the front of the hotel. The same goes for the area’s best shopping and dining establishments.
One of the Best Hotel Swimming Pools in Waikiki
There may be bigger pools with slides and other slippery bells and whistles in Waikiki. However, parents prefer the peace of mind that they gain when they can keep an eye on their kids while lounging along the periphery. That is what makes this resort amenity so endearing. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani boasts the best situated swimming pool in the area. The large cyan toned pool is the focal point of a tropically lush and expansive outdoor area. You’ll be close enough to watch your kids enjoy themselves safely, but won’t have to worrying about them splashing fellow guests that prefer to stay dry under the sun.
Princess Kaiulani’s Got Game(s)
The open-air common area features a pair of foosball tables and a pingpong table, which keeps the kids (and kids at heart) occupied for hours on end during your stay.
A Place for Parents to Escape
Looking for a watering hole to wet your whistle while keeping close enough to the kids to ensure that they don’t get into mischief? Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s Splash Bar is it. It’s where the grownups go to mingle and enjoy a mai tai or combination of tropical cocktails along with local craft brew and pupus to boot. The outdoor bar is located near the pool (see above), the game area (see also above), and the workstation and lounge area (see below) so that you’re accessible while keeping at an arm’s length from the underage members of the ohana.
Family Fitness
The hotel also features a fitness center on the second floor, which is perfect for those who don’t want to completely let themselves go while on vacation. Plus, fitness is a fun family activity, as teens, parents, and kapuna alike can take advantage of the machines and free-weights found within the expansive 24-hour facility.
A Relaxing and Convenient Place to Squeeze in Some Work (if you must)
Ideally you would not have to open your laptop or even check your email on vacation. The reality, is that someone in your household probably has to at some point. Instead of being tucked away from the family in your suite or some room in the dark recesses of a resort, Princess Kaiulani has a relaxing work area in the lobby which is near the bar, pool, and game area so that you’ll remain close to your family while they enjoy on-site amenities. This will also serve as motivation to get done whatever it is you have to do, so that you can join in on the fun! That said, the workspace also has a TV which plays the latest sporting events. Feel free to keep “working” while you keep an eye on your favorite team. We won’t tell.
Immerse Your Ohana in Authentic Hawaiian Culture
Last but absolutely not least is one thing that really sets the hotel apart from other family-friendly hotels in Waikiki. It honors our culture, which is a key requirement to make any list on our guide to authentic Hawaiian experiences. Your family’s immersion into the culture begins with the property’s namesake – Princess Kaʻiulani. Princes Ka’iulani (or Victoria Kawēkiu Kaʻiulani Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Cleghorn) was a notable champion for sovereignty after the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. But beyond paying homage to her legacy through a tumultuous time for the Kingdom, the hotel presents families with a swathe of fun and engaging learning experiences, such as hula classes, lei making classes, and ukulele lessons.
You’ll also be pleased to know that the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani has made the list of the 5 Most Authentic Hawaiian hotels on Oahu. View more here.
Why should your family stay at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani? To sum it up, because it’s easy. What more could you ask for on a Hawaiian vacation? If you have any additional questions about what it’s like at this family-friendly hotel, leave it in a comment below. We reply!