For nearly a hundred years, the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort has been a destination hotel in Honolulu. Known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific for its eye-catching pink color, the oceanfront hotel Is considered a landmark of Waikiki Beach, according to the Historic Hawaii Foundation.
When you arrive at the Royal Hawaiian, you are welcomed warmly in the open-air lobby with a fragrant lei and vibrant ambience as you hear ocean waves meeting the shore of the beach that's only steps from the hotel. Next, look out at breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head as you feel the warm ocean breezes.
A sweet, tropical scent helps set the scene for relaxation. The hotel is known for the fragrance that's called Tahitian Gardenia; it's a blend of coconut, jasmine, and tuberose. The scent is so adored that bottles are sold in the gift shop so visitors can relive the sense memories back home.
There's so much to see and do at the hotel that many are tempted to spend a good deal of their vacation on its grounds. Here are some of the unforgettable things to see and do at the Royal Hawaiian.
First opened on February 1, 1927, the Royal Hawaiian is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and has been honored by Historic Hotels Worldwide. Its history is celebrated and well-preserved, and its distinctive pink color remains as it did then.
United States Presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson have stayed here. Movie stars from Hollywood's heyday who stayed here include Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, and Shirley Temple, according to Historic Hotels of America.
There's no doubt that the Royal Hawaiian has a fascinating history that's honored throughout the grounds. You'll find historical maps, photographs, artifacts, and much more in display. A historical tour of the hotel is given twice per week for guests of the Royal Hawaiian. So be sure to make a reservation for the Tuesday or Thursday historical tour during your stay.
The Royal Hawaiian has a dedicated space along Waikiki Beach that's just for guests of the hotel. You can go swimming in the ocean or simply dip your toes in the turquoise waters.
Only guests can reserve a private beach chaise lounge and umbrella set which comes with one umbrella and two chairs. Make reservations well before your stay to ensure the set will be available. Once you're seated in the lounge chairs, you can order food and non-alcoholic beverages, then enjoy the refreshments right on the beach.
As you face the Pacific Ocean, look to the left and prepare to be awed by the view of majestic Diamond Head over the beach. It's nearly impossible to get a bad photo of this picture-perfect view.
If you want to really get adventurous or challenge yourself at the beach, you can sign up for private surf lessons or private stand-up paddleboard lessons. The hotel uses Waikiki Beach Services as their onsite provider for these lessons.
Other traditional lessons and festive events are offered throughout the year. You can take a hula lesson with Hawaiian music or learn how to make your own fresh flower lei. Morning yoga and aqua Zumba classes are available, but you should make reservations to secure your spot.
Set alongside the beach, Azure Restaurant is a fine dining establishment at the hotel. It sets the scene for romance, serenity, or both with the candlelight, décor, and elegant table settings. Foodies should not miss the vegan tasting menu that's available here.
A surprising highlight of the five-course tasting menu is its green soup. The chef creates some kind of magic with simple ingredients like roasted corn and tomatillo. Only you might be wishing you had a bigger portion! Don't worry, though, because more delectable food will be coming your way. The mole poblano is an excellent fourth course before a vegan dessert is served.
While the history of the hotel is important to honor, there were massive renovations completed in 2009. Modern luxuries can be found in many parts of the hotel. Explore the shops on the main floor near the check-in area. There are upscale shops and spots to get souvenirs unique to the Royal Hawaiian.
When you stay at the Royal Hawaiian, you can choose from two pools. The Malulani Pool is for hotel guests only, and it is ideal for rest and relaxation with its pool cabanas.
Poolside seating is also available at the Helumoa Playground Pool which can be enjoyed by guests of both the Royal Hawaiian and the Sheraton Waikiki. The Helumoa Playground Pool is especially fun for families to enjoy together.
If you enjoy massages, don't stay at the Royal Hawaiian without experiencing the onsite Abhasa Spa in the Royal Grove Courtyard. Savor a massage in the gorgeous tropic gardens at the spa or choose to enjoy them indoors. The spa provides the traditional Hawaiian "Lomi Lomi" massage and other treatments inspired by the islands.
First, before you even arrive, there is the important choice of what type of accommodations you'd like at the hotel. Many guests love the rich sense of history with the original guest rooms that have ocean or garden views; they are part of its Historic Wing.
The Mailani Tower was originally added to the hotel in 1969, and it was renovated as an opulent, 17-story tower in 2015. There are a variety of guest rooms and suites in the tower, and they all face the ocean. The accommodations here range from king and double oceanfront rooms to the incredible ocean suites.