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1927
The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort
Honolulu, Hawaii
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Original Property Opened in 1927
Historic Hotels of America member since 2001
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Awarded the 2014 Best Historic Resort by Historic Hotels of America, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, has been recognized as an icon of luxury resort travel since its gala opening in 1927. Nicknamed "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," its distinctive architecture and rosy hue remain, as do the elegant details that nod to the resort’s storied past. Built on lush grounds formerly owned by Hawaiian kings and queens, the hotel is an oasis of timeless luxury in beautiful Waikiki. Today, the resort highlights the indigenous culture and history of the islands in its guest programs and activities, most notably through bi-weekly Historic tours of the resort.
Discover
- Discover the pink stucco Spanish- and Moorish-style façade of The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort. Known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," The Royal Hawaiian is an iconic luxury resort that is widely considered to be the place where the world first fell in love with Hawaii. One of the first hotels established in Waikiki on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, this six-story hotel was inspired by Rudolph Valentino and his Arabian movies, and features cupolas that resemble Mission-style bell towers.
- Discover Coconut Grove, the famed scenic courtyard at the heart of The Royal Hawaiian. Located on the former site of Queen Kaahumanu's Summer Palace, gaze upon swaying trees and beautiful ginger blossoms. The resort's former owners—the shipping company Matson—created the garden oasis for their sailors and customers who had spent weeks at sea and favored views of the native flora rather than the ocean.
- Discover the elegant accommodations of The Royal Hawaiian. Stay in the Historic Wing, which is decorated in the resort's signature pink and accented with custom dark wood paneling, featuring crisp white bedding and a chocolate-hued headboard. The first official registered guest was Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, and many other celebrities, politicians, and stars followed, including Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfing superstar.
Explore
- Explore Diamond Head, a U.S. National Natural Landmark that was given its name in English by 19th-century British sailors who mistook calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds. Known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi from the words lae, meaning browridge or promontory, and ahi tuna, because the ridgeline resembles the shape of a tuna’s dorsal fin. Hike the trail to the top of the crater and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu.
- Explore Iolani Palace, the former royal residence of the Kingdom of Hawaii that is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Explore the only royal palace in the United States, and see the beautiful koa staircase, portraits of Hawaiian royalty, ornate furniture, and gifts from around the world.
- Explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which marks the final resting place of the USS Arizona and the more than 1,000 sailors and Marines who were killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Designed by Honolulu architect Alfred Preis, the memorial consists of a curved bridge floating above the USS Arizona that represents the height of American pride before the war, the nation’s sudden depression after the attack, and the rise of American power to new heights after the war.
Experience
- Experience The Royal Hawaiian Historical Tour and learn about the history of this iconic resort. Head over to the signature Royal Hawaiian Bakery and embark on a guided tour, learning about Helumoa, the playground of Hawaiian royalty where the resort now stands, why the hotel was painted bright pink, and more.
- Experience the Ahaaina Luau, Waikiki’s only oceanfront luau with views of Diamond Head. The dinner show pays homage to the ancient Ahaaina tradition of celebrating through food, song, and hula. Located on Ocean Lawn, see the beautiful sunset while learning about the cultural and culinary history of Waikiki at The Royal Hawaiian.
- Experience Hiuwai, a traditional Hawaiian sunrise ceremony to renew the mind, body and spirit as you cleanse yourself in the healing waters of Waikiki.
- Pamper yourself at Moana Lani Spa, Waikiki's only luxury oceanfront spa, featuring local therapies and natural ingredients, combined with a beautiful, relaxing beachfront location. Guests can enjoy body treatments, skin care, nail care, and a variety of massages in a tranquil space.
Taste
- Sit under the canopy of the resort's dramatic Spanish-Moorish architecture at Azure, the resort's flagship fine dining restaurant, and enjoy a tasting menu featuring diverse influences and indigenous ingredients. Each course showcases the timeless traditions and cultural heritage that have shaped Hawaii, served oceanfront with the beautiful Waikiki sunset in the background.
- Enjoy breakfast service at Surf Lanai, where you can dine under one of the resort's classic pink umbrellas. This upscale outdoor beachside restaurant specializes in classic breakfast dishes with tropical accents, including the hotel's signature Pink Pancakes.
- Have a drink at the legendary Mai Tai Bar, home of the original Hawaiian Mai Tai. The Matson Navigation Company commissioned Trader Victor Bergeron to create a drink for The Royal Hawaiian in 1953. Trader Vic crafted the drink for some friends who were visiting from Tahiti, who cried out "Maita'i," the Tahitian word for "good," after drinking the cocktail. Trader Vic created a variation of the recipe and added pineapple juice to the cocktail, which is still served today at the resort.
- Savor a slice of The Royal Hawaiian's famous banana bread or a signature pink snowball at The Royal Hawaiian Bakery. Enjoy delicious baked goods along with a cup of coffee crafted from one of the limited-edition coffee blends.
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Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
