When planning a family vacation to Oʻahu, one of the most significant decisions is choosing where to stay. You want somewhere convenient, relaxing, and kid-friendly without giving up style or comfort. That’s precisely what you get at Prince Waikiki, one of Honolulu’s most refined yet welcoming hotels.
Prince Waikiki: A Family-Friendly Luxury Hotel in Honolulu That Gets Everything Right
There’s something magical about finding a hotel that manages to strike the perfect balance between laid-back island ease and polished luxury, especially when you’re travelling with kids.
I recently stayed at Prince Waikiki in Honolulu with my daughter, Melanie, and my two young grandchildren, ages 6 and 8. We were impressed the moment we stepped into the airy, light-filled lobby and were greeted with genuine aloha spirit. I knew we were in for something special.
Lobby of the Prince Waikiki, Hawaii hotel. Photo: Wendy Norvdik-Carr©
Why Families Love Staying at Prince Waikiki: Honolulu’s Best Luxury Hotel for Kids
This sleek, oceanfront property offers an unbeatable mix of spacious luxury, kid-approved amenities, and a location that makes it easy to explore the best of Honolulu with the whole family.
Location, Location, Location: Prince Waikīkī Is in the Heart of It All
One of the biggest draws of Prince Waikīkī is its location at the edge of Waikiki, overlooking the peaceful Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. It feels like a world away from the crowds of Kalākaua Avenue, but still within walking distance of everything we needed.
Aerial view of the Prince Waikiki Hawaii hotel
We walked to Ala Moana Beach Park almost every morning. It’s calm, shallow, and perfect for little swimmers. My grandkids especially loved Magic Island Lagoon, where they could wade safely and search for tiny fish in the clear, waveless water.
Other nearby beaches, like Kahanamoku Beach and the Hilton Lagoon, also offered hours of fun. The Duke Kahanamoku statue is a great photo op, and the gentle waves were just right for a bit of boogie boarding and floating.
Another perk? Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping mall, is a 10-minute stroll away. We stopped into Foodland Farms to pick up poke bowls, fresh fruit, and snacks for the room—and yes, a few treats from the bakery.
And on Friday night, we watched the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks light up the sky right from our hotel room window. That alone was worth the stay.
Marina view of the Prince Waikiki, Hawaii hotel. Photo: Wendy Nordvil-Carr©
Prime Location Near Waikiki Beach and Family Attractions
Prince Waikiki is situated at the tranquil edge of Waikiki, overlooking the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. It’s far enough from the chaos of Kalākaua Avenue to feel peaceful but close enough to everything you want to see and do. And for families, convenience is everything.
Here are some top family-friendly attractions within minutes of the hotel:
- Ala Moana Beach Park (5-minute walk) – A calm, kid-friendly beach with shallow water and lifeguards on duty. It is a favourite for locals and perfect for keiki (kids).
- Magic Island Lagoon – Connected to Ala Moana Beach, this protected lagoon has no waves, making it ideal for toddlers and nervous swimmers.
- Kahanamoku Beach – Named after Hawaii’s legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku, this sandy stretch is perfect for families with young children thanks to its gentle surf.
- Hilton Lagoon – Great for floating, paddleboarding, or watching fish in the clear, calm waters.
- Ala Moana Center (10-minute walk) – The world’s largest open-air shopping mall with food courts, kid-friendly restaurants, and even a Target for essentials.
- Waikiki Beach (5-minute drive) – A quintessential Hawaiian beach with plenty of room to build sandcastles and soak in the views.
- Honolulu Zoo & Waikiki Aquarium (10-minute drive) – Two family favourites offering a fun and educational break from the beach.
- Friday Night Fireworks – If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Friday, catch the free fireworks show from the comfort of your oceanview window.
- The Waikiki Trolley hop-on, hop-off also stops right at the hotel entrance, making sightseeing simple, even for strollers.
Street views from the Ala Moana canal of the Prince Waikiki Honolulu. Photo: Wendy Norvdik-Carr©
Beautiful sunrise views from the oceanfront Prince Waikiki Hawaii hotel. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Beautiful sunrise views from the oceanfront Prince Waikiki, Hawaii hotel. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Spacious Oceanview Rooms Designed for Families
The first thing we noticed when we opened the door to our room at the Prince Waikiki, was the sense of space. The rooms are large, modern, and thoughtfully laid out. Ideal for families who don’t want to feel cramped after a long day of adventuring.
The floor-to-ceiling oceanfront windows gave us front-row seats to glowing sunsets and harbour life. The kids were fascinated watching the boats come and go. And it provides a perfect view for the Friday night fireworks.
There was plenty of room for the four of us to spread out comfortably, and the deep soaking tub was a hit after long beach days. The seating near the window became our morning breakfast spot, where we sipped coffee (or juice) and planned our next adventure.
There’s a thoughtful calmness to the room design—neutral tones, soft textures, and no clutter. After a busy day, it felt like a true retreat.
Every room features:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the Pacific or the yacht harbour
- Spacious layouts with room for extra beds or cribs
- Deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers—perfect for bathtime
- Smart TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of USB ports for everyone’s devices
- Parents will appreciate the clean, calming design while kids are mesmerized by the harbour lights at night.
Picturesque oceanview rooms at the Prince Waikiki Hawaii hotel. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside Waikiki Prince Waikiki Hawaii Hotel, Marina view. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Spacious bathroom inside a room at the Prince Waikiki, Hawaii hotel. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Pool Time: What Families Should Know
The hotel’s rooftop pool deck is a hit with families, though with a caveat: the infinity pool is adults-only. That said, there’s still a welcoming main saltwater pool where kids can splash under the Hawaiian sun while parents relax with a drink in hand. Poolside cabanas are also available for rent.
Poolside service is quick and friendly, and while you can order kids’ meals from the Hinana Bar, note that a beverage is not included. However, if you order from 100 Sails Restaurant, a beverage is included. This is a small detail, but it’s worth knowing when budgeting for meals.
We spoke to one family while enjoying the hot tub, and the father told us he selects their hotel stays based on the hot tub experience and felt the Prince Waikiki earned top billing in his opinion.
Pooltime at the Prince Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Dining Options for Every Appetite
Prince Waikiki offers a few great on-site options for families:
- 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar – The only venue on-site with a full children’s menu that includes a beverage. Great for sit-down dinners, breakfast buffets or happy hour.
- Hinana Bar – Poolside snacks and tropical drinks are always a win, especially after a morning at the beach.
- In-Room Dining – Perfect for when the kids crash early and parents need something easy and satisfying.
- Looking for variety? Visit Foodland Farms in Ala Moana Center for snacks, bento boxes, and delicious fresh poke bowls. It’s our favourite stop for stocking the mini fridge or grabbing a beach picnic.
- And for the grownups, Honolulu Coffee in the lobby is a blessing. Their cappuccinos and chocolate croissants are how every Hawaiian morning should begin.
Happy Hour at the Prince Waikiki Hawaii Hotel in the 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fresh foods offered at Foodland Farms Ala Moana Center. Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fresh foods offered at Foodland Farms, Ala Moana Center. Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The All-Inclusive Option Makes It Even Easier
Families looking for extra value can take advantage of the All-Inclusive Package, which includes breakfast, parking, and additional perks. It’s a simple way to streamline your stay and avoid constant checkouts and receipts, especially helpful with kids in tow.
Easy Access to Island Adventures
Having the Waikiki Trolley stop right in front of the hotel makes exploring even easier. You can use it to visit the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, and even catch a ride to Pearl Harbor.
If you’re not renting a car, this is an effortless way to get around without the hassle of parking or dragging kids through long walks between stops.
We had a car rental, which allowed us to explore a little further. We chose to spend several nights in the North Shore, where the vibe is slower and relaxed.
The Honolulu Zoo is easy to get to. Don’t miss the Siamangs, which are the largest of the gibbons and the loudest of all apes. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The kids enjoyed seeing the different sea life in the Honolulu Aquarium. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Final Thoughts: A Family Stay That Feels Like a Vacation for Everyone
The Prince Waikiki turns a Hawaiian vacation into something truly unforgettable for all ages. You don’t have to choose between luxury and family-friendly. A stay at the Prince Waikiki filled all of our needs and more with its incredible location, breathtaking views, thoughtful service, and kid-approved features.
If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu and want a hotel that can accommodate grown-up relaxation as well as family adventure, Prince Waikiki delivers.
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr was a guest of Go Hawaii, which did not review this story.
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