Sheraton Waikiki
Overview
The Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort commands one of the most coveted stretches of Waikiki Beach, rising 31 stories above the sand with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, and the Honolulu skyline. Following a sweeping $200 million renovation completed in 2023, every one of the resort's 1,636 rooms has been refreshed with a contemporary Hawaiian aesthetic — and more than 80 percent offer ocean views, an extraordinary ratio for a hotel this size.
What sets the Sheraton Waikiki apart is how it balances scale with genuine resort experiences. Families flock to the Helumoa Playground, where a 70-foot waterslide, splash fountains, and two freshwater pools keep keiki entertained for hours. Meanwhile, couples escape to the adults-only Infinity Edge Pool — consistently rated among America's best hotel pools — where the water seems to melt seamlessly into the Pacific horizon. The Poppins Keiki Kids Club accepts children as young as three months, making this one of the few Waikiki resorts where parents of infants can enjoy true downtime.
Dining runs the gamut from Kai Market's plantation-style breakfast buffet to RumFire's Pan-Asian small plates and oceanfront rum cocktails, while Spa Khakara offers couples' treatments and traditional Lomi Lomi massage on the fourth floor. As part of the Waikiki Collection, guests can charge meals at the neighboring Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani — expanding your dining options across four iconic properties. The resort is also LEED Gold certified and was the first hotel in Hawaii to offer EV charging stations, blending modern sustainability with classic Waikiki hospitality.
Accommodation Options
The Sheraton Waikiki offers an impressive range of room configurations across its 31-story tower, all completely renovated in 2023. Standard rooms start around 400 square feet and feature the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds, TOTO washlet toilets, smart thermostats, and a private lanai with a pune'e daybed — perfect for morning coffee above the ocean.
City View rooms look out toward the Ko'olau Mountains and Honolulu city lights, while Diamond Head and Ocean Front rooms deliver the views that bring most visitors to Waikiki. For families, the Oversized Room with three double beds provides over 600 square feet of space, and the Ohana Suite sleeps six across two bedrooms with a full living and dining area.
The resort's Suite Collection includes more than 130 suites. The Malia Ocean Suite (875 sq ft) features two private lanais and direct oceanfront views, while the Kai Ocean Suite (1,112 sq ft) offers sweeping panoramas of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. At the top of the tower, the Presidential Suite on floors 29 and 30 stretches over 2,200 square feet with three separate lanais and the best views in Waikiki.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
The Sheraton Waikiki's pool complex is genuinely one of the best in Hawaii, and it begins with the Infinity Edge Pool — an adults-only (16+) marvel that has been recognized among America's top two hotel pools by USA Today's 10Best for five consecutive years. The pool extends toward the ocean with an infinity edge that creates the illusion of swimming directly into the Pacific, flanked by the Edge of Waikiki bar for sunset cocktails.
The family-oriented Helumoa Playground is equally impressive, with two freshwater pools, a 70-foot waterslide that drops from 15 feet, an interactive splash fountain for toddlers, two whirlpool jacuzzis, and poolside cabanas available for reservation. It strikes a balance between keeping kids thrilled and parents relaxed — the chaise loungers offer Diamond Head views while the little ones burn off energy.
Beyond the pools, the resort sits directly on Waikiki Beach with access to surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, outrigger canoe rides, and catamaran sailing through the on-site Waikiki Beach Services. The gentle, sandy-bottomed waves here are ideal for beginners, with surf lessons offered five times daily. A complimentary GoPro rental is included with your resort fee — a thoughtful touch for capturing those first wave rides.
Spa & Wellness
Spa Khakara occupies over 6,000 square feet on the Sheraton Waikiki's fourth floor, offering a tranquil contrast to the lively beach scene below. The name translates to "excellence" in Sanskrit, and the spa delivers on that promise with eight treatment rooms — including four dedicated couples' suites — along with men's and women's steam rooms and a relaxation lounge.
The signature treatment is the traditional Lomi Lomi massage, one of ten massage styles available, using natural Amala products crafted from 100 percent natural ingredients. The Plumeria Package combines a 50-minute Lomi Lomi massage with a Khakara Facial for a deeply restorative experience. Hotel guests receive a 20 percent discount on all treatments, and the spa is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM — late enough for a post-dinner wind-down. Spa Khakara is a sister concept to the acclaimed Abhasa Spa at the neighboring Royal Hawaiian.
Dining
The Sheraton Waikiki's dining lineup covers everything from casual pool bites to sophisticated oceanfront cocktails, with four primary venues and several grab-and-go options.
RumFire is the star — Waikiki's only oceanfront rum bar, serving bold Pan-Asian tapas alongside what's claimed to be the largest vintage rum collection in the United States. The live island music nightly, open-air setting, and Diamond Head views make it the resort's social hub after dark. Kai Market takes a more laid-back approach with its plantation-style buffet, best known for a generous breakfast spread featuring Hawaiian specialties like Portuguese bread pudding French toast, with panoramic ocean views from both indoor and outdoor seating.
For poolside grazing, Edge of Waikiki serves sandwiches and cocktails overlooking the infinity pool — repeatedly named one of America's best pool bars — while Hapa's Pizza provides a casual family option. Honolulu Coffee and Peet's Coffee round out the grab-and-go options. Thanks to the "Stay at One, Dine at All" program, you can also charge meals at The Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, or Sheraton Princess Kaiulani restaurants to your room, earning Marriott Bonvoy points in the process.
Nearby Attractions
The Sheraton Waikiki sits at the center of Waikiki's action, with world-class shopping, dining, and attractions within walking distance. The Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikiki's largest open-air shopping and dining complex, is directly adjacent, while the International Market Place and its collection of boutiques and restaurants sits just across Kalakaua Avenue.
For culture and history, the Bishop Museum showcases Polynesian heritage and natural history, while Iolani Palace — the only royal palace on American soil — offers fascinating guided tours. Diamond Head State Monument is a short drive or bus ride away, with its iconic crater hike rewarding you with sweeping views of Waikiki and the coastline.
Hanauma Bay, one of Oahu's premier snorkeling destinations, is about 30 minutes east, while the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore makes for an excellent full-day excursion. Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial sit about 30 minutes west and remain one of Hawaii's most visited historic sites. For a local food experience, the nearby neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu are packed with acclaimed restaurants.
Tips & Good to Know
Request a high-floor Ocean Front room in the center of the tower for the widest panoramic views — the corner rooms on upper floors offer the best combination of Diamond Head and ocean vistas. The resort fee (approximately $52 per night) includes complimentary GoPro and MiFi portable WiFi rental, daily yoga for two, cultural activities like hula and ukulele lessons, and use of the fitness center — take advantage of these to get your money's worth.
Self-parking runs $55 per day and valet is available, but given the resort's central Waikiki location, many guests skip a rental car entirely for the first few days. The resort is a 20-minute drive from HNL airport without traffic, but allow 40-50 minutes during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM). For the best pool experience, arrive at the Infinity Edge Pool before 10 AM to claim a prime lounger — it fills up quickly on sunny afternoons. If you're traveling with kids, book the Poppins Keiki Club in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Location
2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
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