This is a guest post by Sydney Brown, a USA-based travel blogger.
There are few hotels that come to mind that are as iconic and highly regarded as the Royal Hawaiian Resort on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii. Since its opening in the 1920s, the Royal Hawaiian Resort (nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific”) has attracted some of the most impressive guests from around the world including two American presidents, Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, and other famed celebrities and dignitaries.
While visitors to Oahu can visit the Pink Palace for a day and indulge at one of their incredible restaurants or stroll past the hotel while walking Waikiki Beach, I was dying to know whether this historic hotel could live up to its notoriety and stand the test of time in providing an elegant, luxurious stay.
Was it really worth the money? Here are my honest thoughts after spending a weekend at the Royal Hawaiian Resort.
Royal Hawaiian Resort Location
Hawaii, particularly Waikiki Beach on Oahu, remains a highly sought-after destination, renowned for its fusion of breathtaking natural beauty and refined luxury. While it’s long been a classic choice for honeymooners, Waikiki’s appeal extends to families, solo adventurers, and groups alike. Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, Waikiki offers a vibrant mix of high-end shopping, exceptional dining, and rich cultural experiences, with the iconic Royal Hawaiian Resort at the center of it all.
Part of what drew me to the Royal Hawaiian, apart from the resort’s rich history and timeless elegance, was its prime location—steps from both the dynamic energy of downtown Honolulu and the white sands of Waikiki Beach.
Just beyond the main shopping district of Kalakaua Avenue, the Royal Hawaiian sits within easy reach of iconic sites like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay, making it an ideal base for both relaxation and adventure.
Despite opening onto Kalakaua Avenue at the front, the Royal Hawaiian feels tucked away in a world of its own. What really struck me about the location of the Royal Hawaiian was that it truly felt like an escape, offering a calm and tranquil retreat amidst the energy of a tropical metropolis.
Royal Hawaiian Resort Architecture and History
As I wandered through the lobby, it honestly felt like stepping back in time. Each architectural detail seemed to capture the essence of a bygone era, flawlessly preserved and maintained. The hotel’s vibrant pink facade was hard to miss as soon as my Uber driver turned the corner off of Kalakaua Avenue. This signature pink, which has earned the Royal Hawaiian its affectionate nickname “the Pink Palace of the Pacific,” is more than just a color—it’s a tribute to the hotel’s timeless allure and welcoming atmosphere.
Since opening its doors in 1927, the Royal Hawaiian has attracted Hollywood stars, socialites, and notable figures from around the world. It was fascinating to imagine these famous guests walking the same hallways and enjoying the same stunning views of Waikiki Beach that I experienced.
What I came to appreciate most during my stay was how the resort’s design goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s a living, breathing testament to its rich history, offering a unique and immersive experience that felt both luxurious and profoundly nostalgic.
It’s this deep sense of history, combined with its striking iconic facade, that makes the Royal Hawaiian feel like more than just a hotel. It’s not just another place to stay; it’s a piece of living history that invites you to be part of its ongoing story. I’m so happy I got to experience it all first-hand, and I’m eager to share my honest thoughts in this review!
Arrival and First Impressions
Upon my arrival at the Royal Hawaiian Resort, I was warmly greeted by staff offering beautiful kukui nut leis. The faint fragrance of gardenias lingered in the air as I made my way up the steps and into the lobby. It was a Thursday evening, and the sounds of traditional Hawaiian music drifted from the Ahaaina luau on the Historic Wing’s back patio (more on that below!). It was an unforgettable first impression—elegant, immersive, and exactly how you envision your arrival at such an iconic and storied hotel.
Check-in was a breeze, with every detail handled seamlessly, making the process feel almost effortless. To my delight, I learned I’d been upgraded to an ocean view room—an unexpected perk of being an American Express Platinum Cardholder and Marriott Bonvoy member.
Before I knew it, I was being given a personalized tour of the main lobby and first-floor entrance. The staff ensured I was well-informed on all the essentials, even noting my wake-up call preferences before I had the chance to ask.
Upon entering my room, I was delighted to find a thoughtful welcome: a beautifully arranged plate of branded chocolates and fresh fruit, alongside curated literature about the resort, its amenities, and the local events happening during my stay. It was a truly elegant touch.
In just 20 minutes at the Royal Hawaiian, I was already thoroughly impressed by the impeccable level of service. It set the tone beautifully for the rest of my weekend and gave me a glimpse into the kind of experience the property consistently delivers—one that left a lasting impression on my entire stay.
Room Types and Amenities
There are two buildings that make up the resort, both of which offer a variety of room types and accommodations. The newer of the two buildings, built in 1968 and renovated in 2010, is the Mailani Tower overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Mailani Tower features several different room types depending on your budget, desired floor, and other preferences. Room types include the Mailani Tower Ocean Room, Mailani Premier Ocean Room, Mailani Tower Ocean Corner Room, Mailani Family Loft Suite, and the Mailani Tower Ocean Suite.
The standout choice for most travelers looking to stay in the newer building is the Mailani Tower Ocean Corner room–this accommodation features a private balcony with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is furnished with chaise lounges and outdoor tables and chairs for soaking up the sun in a private setting.
All of the guest rooms in Mailani Tower share two incredible features: they all have ocean views and they all have a private lanai or balcony. Mailani Tower boasts a more contemporary design, offering a modern contrast to the timeless elegance of its older counterpart, the Historic Wing.
I opted to stay in the resort’s original building, eager to capture a sense of its historic past, when iconic guests like Marilyn Monroe and Amelia Earhart once walked its halls.
The Historic Wing is decorated with tradition and elegance connecting it back to its original design. There are over a half dozen different room types to choose from including guest rooms with garden views, ocean views, and multiple bedrooms.
The Historic Ocean King room I stayed in was nothing short of breathtaking, with every detail thoughtfully curated. Subtle design accents, like the fuschia pink and platinum wallpaper, offered an elegant homage to the glamor of the 1920s and blended nicely with the tropical, island-style motifs.
Other guest room options in the Historic Wing include the Historic Garden Room, Historic Garden Junior Suite, Historic Ocean Deluxe, Historic Garden Suite, and the Historic Ocean Suite. All of the guest rooms and suites in the Historic Wing feature furnishings with custom dark wood, luxurious bedding, and classic pink robes for use while staying at the property. I absolutely loved the pink robe, and I wore mine every chance I got!
Amenities and Perks of Staying at the Royal Hawaiian Resort
The Royal Hawaiian offers a wealth of amenities that made my stay exceptionally enjoyable. Among the highlights are the exclusive Malulani Pool and the private cabanas and chaise lounge chairs on Waikiki Beach, which were a nice touch because they provided a quiet, designated area amidst the crowded beachfront.
I also appreciated how Royal Hawaiian guests have access to the Helumoa Playground Pool at the neighboring Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort—this seems like it would be an excellent option for families with young children or anyone looking to mix up their poolside experience.
Another standout feature is the resort’s suite of curated complimentary activities, including hula lessons, historical tours of the hotel, morning yoga, floral lei making, storytelling, and seasonal events. For those keen on water sports, the resort offers in-water paddle boarding and surfing lessons right on Waikiki Beach for a fee (with all gear and equipment needed!).
As a spa lover, I was thrilled with the Abhasa Spa, located on the property in the garden area of the resort. It offers a range of treatments from facials and massages to hair services, along with outdoor cabanas, steam rooms, a whirlpool spa, showers, and aromatic tea service, making it a truly indulgent experience. It somehow felt even more peaceful and calm than the resort already was at its core.
There are also shops on the main level of the hotel’s Historic Wing, with everything from fine art to Panama hats to beachwear.
Dining and Food
Quite frankly, I’m still dreaming of the food I ate during my stay at the Royal Hawaiian. Specifically, the Pink Palace Pancakes at Surf Lanai for breakfast. Truly to die for.
The one main breakfast restaurant on-property is Surf Lanai, open from 6:30am to 10:30am. There is also a cafe called the Royal Hawaiian Bakery that serves coffee beverages, pastries, banana bread, and more from 6am to noon everyday.
For lunch, the Mai Tai Bar opens at 11am and serves food and drinks through the dinner hour with a closing time of 11pm daily. I highly recommend ordering the eponymous Mai Tai here alongside the burger for a filling lunch. Because the Royal Hawaiian Resort is also located off of Kalakaua Avenue, you can also venture off-property to explore the local dining scene, as well.
Along with lunch, the Mai Tai Bar also serves dinner. Other options on-property include Azure, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, and Ahaaina, a luau feast honoring Hawaiian culture.
Ahaaina – Hawaiian for the phrase “gathering for a meal” – at the Royal Hawaiian takes place exclusively on Mondays and Thursdays at 5pm. It’s recommended that guests make reservations, as this is one of the resort’s most popular experiences (and for good reason!).
Ahaaina gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in Hawaii’s rich history and vibrant culture through a sensory experience of traditional cuisine, song, hula, and storytelling.
The luau is set against the backdrop of Waikiki Beach at sunset, with Diamond Head commanding attention in the distance. The evening luau opens with an introduction to traditional Hawaiian practices.
As for food, the menu is heavily influenced by local cuisine and includes options such as seafood, pork, and chicken dishes. After dinner, the evening continues with hula dancing and Hawaiian music to further celebrate the area’s rich history.
If you have the opportunity to attend the Ahaaina luau during your visit, I highly recommend it. Although I arrived just after the Thursday evening celebration had begun, I caught glimpses from the beach while taking in the sunset. The scene was nothing short of captivating—vibrant, lively, and undeniably beautiful. The Royal Hawaiian is certainly the best place to enjoy a traditional luau and marvel at Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Would I recommend the Royal Hawaiian Resort?
Overall, my expectations for the weekend at the Royal Hawaiian Resort were high. After all, this nearly century-old hotel has earned its revered reputation among both hoteliers and travelers, with a legacy steeped in history, luxury, and elegance.
From the moment I walked up the steps and was greeted with the warm offering of kukui nut leis, to the final hours spent relaxing by the pool and enjoying the hospitality suite, every moment of my stay exceeded expectations—it was worth every penny, and perhaps even more.
For those seeking a tropical escape where meticulous attention to detail, exceptional service, and refined elegance are paramount, a stay at the Royal Hawaiian needs to be in your future! I’m certainly glad I visited and I’m eagerly anticipating my next stay at the iconic “Pink Palace of the Pacific”.
About the author: Sydney is the founder of Sydney Brown Travels, where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire visitors to explore off the beaten path in the PNW, Alaska, and beyond as a solo traveler. Now living in Seattle, Sydney’s made it her mission to help fellow travelers experience the very best of the region she calls home – highlighting bucket list experiences, adventure travel destinations, and beautiful outdoor escapes.
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