A family-friendly legend, the Sheraton Waikiki is the perfect fit for families visiting Oahu, Hawaii. I got to see their famous pools and why families continue to pick this location for a Waikiki vacation.
Additionally, the Sheraton Waikiki made my list of The 15 Best Hotels On Oahu For Families. The Sheraton has tons of activities for kids and those who are a bit older; however, if you’re looking for more to do, make sure to read my list of the best things to do on Oahu.
Booking & Check-In
I booked this hotel with a Free Night Award from the Marriott Bonvoy program. Until now this would not have been possible with the 35k awards I get. Now that you can add 15k of your own points to the awards I just make the 50k needed to book the Sheraton Waikiki.
I checked in on the app and requested an early check-in which they granted around 9 am in the morning, lucky I guess.
Check-in was smooth, professional, and quick. Wrist bands keys were given to all of us along with free breakfast vouchers for the Kai Market. The waterproof wristband keys also allowed us in and out of the parking garage with a quick scan, handy.
I also got a free gift for elite status with Marriott which was located in the shop next door. You are given a small bag and anything you can fit inside is yours to take. Jenga masters move to the front of the line. In addition, I was offered a choice of 1000 points or a box of chocolates, the Sheraton Waikiki clearly values elite members.
If you’re interested in staying at the Sheraton Waikiki, make sure to book your room here. Also, check out the TripAdvisor reviews below.
Click Here For Recent Trip Advisor Reviews Of The Sheraton Waikiki
Tip – The daily resort charge includes one day GoPro rental per room per stay. If you are planning to go snorkeling or maybe a day of paddle boarding take advantage and get some great memories on film.
Sheraton Waikiki Parking
Self-parking is $35 per day and the way the garage is situated next to the hotel it really is a good option. The elevator drops down to the main entrance walkway and it is covered the entire time. Valet parking is $45 per day and may be a better option if you are loaded with luggage.
Room
I ended up getting an ocean-view room in the middle of the “curve” and above the adult-only infinity pool. Views of Le’ahi and across the Pacific Ocean did not disappoint.
The room itself was small, especially for a 2 double bed layout. The argument for most Hawaii hotel rooms is always about, “how much time will you actually spend in the room?” I get it, buuut, it’s still nice to have some room after a long day out adventuring or pool lounging. Compare this room with the one I got at The Kahala Hotel & Resort and let me know what you think. Book the room you want or in this case, what the FNA will get you.
Bathroom
Another smart toilet in a Hawaii hotel, the Asian influence is strong here. I’m getting used to them but good water pressure is still at the top of my list.
Functional, clean, and modern this bathroom does its job even with its small size
Sheraton Waikiki Pools
One of the standout features of the Sheraton Waikiki is the pools. Well-designed and landscaped they really bring the tropical feel only feet from the Pacific Ocean. I plan to do a best Waikiki pools article one day and the Sheraton Waikiki will definitely make the list.
Sheraton Waikiki Adult Infinite Pool
This infinite pool is for 16 and older so no screaming kids or general chaos, just what you expect at an adult pool. Better yet the Edge pool bar is steps away, better better yet!
Tip – The pool opens at 8 am, and there is a line to grab chairs starting at 7:45ish, a long line. I ended up at the end to grab some early morning pictures and there were still chairs available when I entered. By 8:30 am they were all gone so either come early or book a cabana/reserved seat.
This really is a great setup, infinity pools with infinite views of the Pacific Ocean.
In the evening this pool really gets going as everyone has had a chance to marinate with some libations and the inhibitions fade away. The red-lighted coconuts add to the fun atmosphere and away you go.
Sheraton Waikiki Family Pool
Another wonderfully laid out pool for families along the beach of Waikiki. 2 slide options, a wading area, multiple cabanas, and lots of chairs. When I left the completely full adult pool and walked over at about 9 am there were still dozens of chairs available. This side also gets a lot more sun during the day than the adult pool.
The cabanas on this side do have more direct beach views with Le’ahi in the distance, factor in the ankle-biter crowd and decide which is best for you.
Dining
RumFire
Open daily from 4:30-11 pm there are no reservations here, be prepared to eat early or get on the 1-hour long waitlist. This is really the only option for dinner at the Sheraton Waikiki. You can visit the other Marriott properties nearby for more dining experiences and charge back to your room, they include – The Royal Hawaiian Resort, Moana Surfrider, and the Princess Kaiulani Hotel.
I had dinner here and was seated on the outside near the adult pool, very cozy and out of the wind. The chicken karaage was one of the best I have had anywhere. Crispy fried on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside, with perfect seasoning.
Kai Market
I made it to breakfast around 7:15 am and the Kai Market was about 50% full and never really got any busier while I was there. The coffee was excellent and they had a variety of menu options. I enjoyed the American Breakfast, Works Omelette, and Vegetarian Eggs Benedict, all of which came with breakfast potatoes and bacon.
The bacon was excellent, the eggs had that mass-produced taste that just didn’t cut it. Bubbly early morning service smoothed it all out paired with an ocean view.
Honolulu Coffee Company is also on the property and had quite a line in the morning. If you want to up your java game don’t forget that Dean and Deluca is right across from the main entrance and has quite a selection of caffeine-laced liquids.
Final Thoughts
This is one of, if not the, best family hotels in Waikiki. Great pools for parents and kids mean lots of choices for swimming and having fun on the property. Pair that with a variety of table games including pool tables, foosball, and table shuffleboard, all right next to Baskin-Robbins, and you have a winning combination.
Have you stayed here with your family? Would you put this on the top of your list for Waikiki?
