If you haven’t been to the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The hotel’s renovations, which began last fall, resulted in a fresh, modern look, with a stunning art piece suspended from its ceiling. Look up when you enter the foyer and you will see more than 800 shimmering copper fish forms swimming in the air.

The piece, by Hawaiian artist Kaili Chun, is called “Hulali i ka la,” which translates into “glistening in the sun” — and it does. It was inspired by the hinana fish that once thrived in a stream nearby. Each piece was hammered individually by employees and repeat visitors at the hotel and inscribed with their names.

You can enjoy the installation from various viewpoints as you ascend the escalators up to the third floor and to 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, which replaced Prince Court as the hotel’s signature restaurant.

The experience

Open and expansive aptly describes 100 Sails, with soothing earth tones, touches of blues and a luxurious amount of seating. Happy hour seating is at the bar or nearby, but not the prime tables by the large windows looking out on Ala Wai Harbor. The spacious, open feeling is nice. This is easily a place for two or a larger group to enjoy. On a recent Thursday afternoon visit, the bar was occupied, but it never felt crowded.

You can still see the view — and catch a pretty sunset at the right time of year — if you sit facing the windows.

Validate your parking and it’s free, with no time limit.

The food

While there are no food discounts for happy hour, a Small Bites menu offers reasonably priced options to satiate your appetite during the time between buffet services. There is ahi poke, of course, at market price, but a little more interesting are the Tako Taco ($9), grilled octopus with soy reduction and tobiko in a crisp won ton shell ideal as an accompaniment for beer. On another trip, I’d like to try more of chef de cuisine Joseph Almoguera’s creations, including duck lumpia ($8) and poke tempura ($9).

The uni carbonara ($11) with squid ink pasta is delectable, perfect for a meal for one. Some recent new additions include Korean fried cauliflower ($12), which is done tempura style in a sweet and spicy sauce. I give it a triple thumbs up — I like cauliflower, spice and plant-based appetizers.

If you go for the baked brie ($15), just added to the menu, you’re pretty much getting dessert. It’s baked in a brioche with macadamia nuts and brown sugar, and very sweet.

The drink

You can’t beat the flight of draft beers for $5. The trio is served cold in 5-ounce glasses, with choices including Kona Big Wave, Blue Moon and Stella Artois. The flight is served with a complimentary plate of appetizers, including a pot sticker, a little ahi poke and calamari.

Wines, mostly a selection of California whites and reds ($9 to $11 per glass) are $2 off during happy hour and come with a complimentary plate of cheese and fruit — a nice touch.

The verdict

Definitely worth a trip to Waikiki, without having to go that far into tourist territory. You’re basically at the edge of the hubbub, but with free validated parking, a great deal on drinks and innovative appetizers. On top of that, there’s cool art and a sunset to enjoy.