Inside Look at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club’s Ongoing Renovations

Travel Agent's room on the 30th floor of the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club’s recently renovated Diamondhead Tower. // Photo by Joe Pike

Ocean views are always made better when there is a little action to spice them up.

And whether it was helicopters flying high in the Waikiki sky or the scores of lavish sailboats leaving and entering the marina outside of our room, there was no shortage of excitement from Travel Agent’s suite on the 30th floor of Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club’s recently renovated Diamondhead Tower.

As part of our recent coverage of the Hawaii Tourism Conference, Travel Agent checked out the newly upgraded tower, which is part of an ongoing $55.4 million renovation, and loved how modern this hotel has become. 

After all, when we spoke to Darla Won, director of marketing for Prince Resorts Hawaii, she told us the biggest complaint from guests prior to the improvements was that the hotel was a tad outdated. 

But as it approaches the half way point, Travel Agent can attest that the hotel’s first major overhaul in roughly 25 years is going to be home run amongst Millennials and all lovers of modern technology.

There was no shortage of USB ports and outlets from our oceanview suite. We also loved the Smart TV in our room and that the automatic switch for the curtains was located right next to the bed, allowing guests to open the curtains and greet the Waikiki sun without getting up.

We can go on about the subtle peaceful blue and white colors of the rooms, the tasetful mural on the wall and other features that made the decor really stand out, but the main reason you are staying in this room is for some of the best ocean views we have ever seen. 

This is part of an overall renovation that began at the end of June and will be fully completed by December. The second portion will include a similar renovation of the hotel’s Ala Moana Tower and well as a refreshed lobby. 

The Ala Moana tower will have 36 suites, including both one- and two-bedroom suites. The two best suites will be the Lanai Suites, which is basically the hotel's take on the traditional Presidential Suite. As the name implies, the best part of these rooms are the massive lanais, all offering amazing ocean views. 

Another swanky feature Millennials will love is the new pool deck. The deck, which will essentially connect both the Diamondhead and Ala Moana towers, will feature an infinity edge pool and a bar with hopes of making this area the “it” spot in the hotel. We were also told the pool deck area will be able to be rented out for private parties and events. 

The lobby will also be a significance portion of the renovations, says Won. It will include brand new sofas as well as a significant ceiling installation made out of copper and created by a local artist.

“The installation is based on our sense of place, which is basically our new brand transitioning,” says Won. “The installation is just one example of how we are looking to bring more local flavor and sophistication to the hotel.”

Visit www.princeresortshawaii.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all the latest Hawaii news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike.