Best for travelers who want a modern all-ages Waikiki stay with every Room facing the ocean and a quieter marina-edge setting near Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.
Choosing between Prince Waikiki and The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki? This in-depth comparison breaks down location, vibe, rooms, food, pools, price & more so you can decide which resort is the best fit.
Best for travelers who want a modern all-ages Waikiki stay with every Room facing the ocean and a quieter marina-edge setting near Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.
Better for travelers who want a historic luxury resort directly on Waikiki Beach with classic “Pink Palace” character and a more iconic beachfront address.
If you want contemporary rooms, ocean views from every accommodation, and a slightly removed Waikiki base near the harbor, Prince Waikiki is the easier fit.
If your priority is heritage, beachfront atmosphere, and the feeling of staying at one of Waikiki’s most recognizable luxury resorts, The Royal Hawaiian has the stronger sense of place.
Bottom line: choose Prince Waikiki for modern ocean-view comfort and a marina-side Waikiki location; choose The Royal Hawaiian for historic beachfront luxury in the heart of Waikiki.
| Category | Prince Waikiki | The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe | Modern oceanfront high-rise with twin towers, polished rooms, harbor views, and an all-ages resort atmosphere. | Historic luxury beachfront resort with classic Waikiki glamour, distinctive pink architecture, and a more iconic resort feel. |
| Location | On Ala Wai Yacht Harbor at the entrance to Waikiki, near Ala Moana Beach Park and Ala Moana Shopping Center, but not directly on the main stretch of Waikiki Beach. | Directly on Waikiki Beach, better for travelers who want sand, surf, shopping, and dining immediately around the resort. |
| Rooms & Suites | Every Room offers ocean views through large floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the hotel a consistent modern-room advantage. | Rooms lean into historic luxury and resort character, best for travelers who value atmosphere and beachfront setting over a uniform ocean-view promise. |
| Dining | On-site options include 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo, Hinana Bar by the pool, and a lobby coffee shop. | Best framed as a classic Waikiki luxury dining-and-drinks setting, especially for guests who want meals and cocktails tied to a landmark beachfront resort. |
| Pools & Beach | Two pools and a hot tub on the Level 5 pool deck, including an adults-only infinity pool section, but no direct beach access. | Stronger for beach-first travelers thanks to its direct Waikiki Beach setting and classic resort shoreline atmosphere. |
| Kids & Family | All-ages resort with family-friendly policies, a saltwater pool open to all guests, and practical perks like children 5 and under eating free at 100 Sails with a paying adult. | Works for families who want the convenience of a beachfront Waikiki luxury resort, while also appealing strongly to couples drawn to its historic setting. |
| Price & Value | Best value for travelers who prioritize guaranteed ocean views, modern rooms, and a quieter harbor-side base over direct beach frontage. | Best value for travelers who will fully use the beachfront location and want the prestige and atmosphere of a historic Waikiki icon. |
Rooms at Prince Waikiki are the clearest reason to book it: the hotel is billed as Waikiki’s only all-ocean-view hotel, with large floor-to-ceiling windows in every Room.
Prince Waikiki is the better pick if you want a more predictable room-view experience and a contemporary setting rather than a historic resort atmosphere.
The Royal Hawaiian is more about heritage and beachfront mood, with the appeal of staying inside one of Waikiki’s most recognizable luxury resorts.
If you want a landmark luxury stay with stronger historic identity, The Royal Hawaiian is the more memorable room-and-resort choice.
Dining at Prince Waikiki is practical and varied for a city-resort stay, with options that cover a signature restaurant, sushi, poolside drinks, and coffee.
Expect:
The Royal Hawaiian’s dining appeal is tied to its historic beachfront setting, making it especially attractive for travelers who want their meals and drinks to feel distinctly Waikiki.
If you want a broader everyday hotel dining setup, Prince Waikiki is convenient; if you want the more memorable beachfront setting, The Royal Hawaiian has the edge.
Prince Waikiki’s pool scene centers on its Level 5 deck, with an oceanfront infinity pool, a saltwater pool, and a hot tub overlooking the harbor area.
The Royal Hawaiian is the stronger choice for travelers who want the classic Waikiki Beach experience right outside the resort.
If you want pool-deck views and a quieter marina edge, Prince Waikiki works well; if direct beach access is non-negotiable, The Royal Hawaiian wins.
Prince Waikiki is an all-ages resort with practical family appeal, especially for guests who want modern rooms, ocean views, and a pool setup that includes an all-guest saltwater pool.
The Royal Hawaiian can work well for families who want a luxury Waikiki address with the beach immediately at hand, while still feeling polished enough for couples and special occasions.
If your family wants modern ocean-view rooms and a slightly calmer edge-of-Waikiki base, choose Prince Waikiki; if beach access is the main priority, choose The Royal Hawaiian.
Prince Waikiki offers the most value when guaranteed ocean views, modern rooms, and a quieter harbor-side location matter more than being directly on Waikiki Beach.
The Royal Hawaiian is the better value if you are paying for history, beachfront access, and the feeling of staying at a true Waikiki landmark.
Choose Prince Waikiki if you want modern rooms, ocean views from every accommodation, and a polished all-ages resort near the harbor rather than directly on the busiest beach stretch.
The Royal Hawaiian is the better pick if you want historic luxury, direct Waikiki Beach access, and the atmosphere of one of the area’s most recognizable resorts.
For travelers who like a quieter edge-of-Waikiki base, easy access to Ala Moana, and a strong pool-deck setup, Prince Waikiki makes more sense.
If you want the beach to be the center of the stay and prefer classic resort glamour over modern marina views, The Royal Hawaiian is the stronger choice.
Questions? Contact Us!
Explore more helpful planning guides and insider articles for Prince Waikiki:
Questions? Contact Us!