The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort
Overview
The Royal Hawaiian opened on February 1, 1927, with a lavish black-tie gala for 1,200 guests, and nearly a century later, the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" remains one of the most iconic hotels in the world. Its striking Moorish-Spanish architecture, rendered in the hotel's signature coral pink, stands out against the blue Pacific and the high-rise towers that have grown up around it — a glamorous reminder of a more gracious era of travel.
The resort comprises two distinct wings: the original six-story Historic Wing with its soaring ceilings, arched windows, and timeless Hawaiian decor, and the 17-story Mailani Tower, a modern complement offering all-ocean-view rooms with private lanais. Together they house 528 rooms and suites that range from intimate Historic Garden rooms to the 2,000-square-foot Queen Ka'ahumanu Suite. A significant renovation ahead of the 2027 centenary will refresh all rooms beginning in August 2026.
The Royal Hawaiian holds a special place in Waikiki's identity. The Mai Tai Bar — where the tropical cocktail was reportedly first popularized in Hawaii — is a sunset institution. Azure Restaurant delivers refined ocean-to-table dining, and the Aha'aina Luau, held on the oceanfront lawn on Monday and Thursday evenings, is one of the most intimate and authentic luau experiences in Waikiki. Combined with the Abhasa Waikiki Spa, direct Waikiki Beach access beneath the famous pink beach umbrellas, and shared access to the Sheraton Waikiki's pool complex, the Royal Hawaiian offers a luxury experience that no modern hotel can replicate.
Accommodation Options
The Royal Hawaiian's 528 rooms and suites are divided between two wings with distinctly different personalities, allowing guests to choose their preferred era of Hawaiian hospitality.
The Historic Wing, the original 1927 building, features rooms with high ceilings, arched windows, and a warm Hawaiian aesthetic that honors the building's heritage. Room types include Historic Garden rooms overlooking the Coconut Grove, Historic Ocean View rooms, and a Historic 3-Bed Family Room (540 sq ft) that accommodates larger groups. The Historic Wing's Prestige Suites — the Royal Hawaiian Suite (1,717 sq ft), Kamehameha Suite (1,774 sq ft), and Queen Ka'ahumanu Suite (2,000 sq ft) — are among the most storied hotel accommodations in Hawaii, with original architectural details and separate living and dining areas.
The Mailani Tower, rebranded in 2015, rises 17 stories with exclusively ocean-view rooms. Every room features a private lanai, ocean-inspired modern decor, marble bathrooms, and iPad concierge service. Rooms range from Ocean rooms on lower floors to Premier Ocean rooms on floors 8-17 and corner rooms with wraparound balconies. The Mailani Family Loft Suite offers a modern Zen-inspired layout ideal for families, while the Ali'i Suite (1,547 sq ft) at the penthouse level includes a full kitchen. All rooms feature signature pink robes, Malie Organics toiletries, and turndown service.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
Royal Hawaiian guests enjoy access to two distinct pool experiences. The Malulani Pool, exclusive to Royal Hawaiian guests, is a small, intimate saltwater pool set in a quiet corner of the property — an ideal retreat for guests seeking a more secluded atmosphere away from Waikiki's crowds.
For a more lively pool scene, guests also have full access to the Helumoa Playground at the adjacent Sheraton Waikiki. This expansive family-friendly complex features two freshwater pools, a two-tiered waterfall, a 70-foot waterslide, two hot tubs, and a children's splash area. It's one of the best pool setups in Waikiki, and the cross-property access means Royal Hawaiian guests get the best of both worlds — intimacy at Malulani, energy at Helumoa.
The Royal Hawaiian's beach access is equally special. The hotel sits on one of the most photographed stretches of Waikiki Beach, marked by its signature pink umbrellas and beach chairs. The gentle waves are perfect for swimming and beginner surfing, and Waikiki Beach Services offers surf lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, outrigger canoe rides, and catamaran sailing directly from the sand.
Spa & Wellness
The Abhasa Waikiki Spa at The Royal Hawaiian offers a serene, open-air spa experience set within the property's tropical gardens. The spa's name derives from the Sanskrit word for "inner radiance," and the outdoor treatment cabanas surrounded by lush foliage create an atmosphere of natural tranquility that indoor spas cannot match.
The treatment menu features traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, body wraps, and facials using Amala organic products. Couples' treatments are a specialty, with side-by-side cabanas available in the garden setting. The spa also offers salon services and wellness consultations. Abhasa is the sister spa to Spa Khakara at the neighboring Sheraton Waikiki, and guests of both properties can book treatments at either location.
Dining
The Royal Hawaiian's dining portfolio reflects its dual identity as both a historic landmark and a contemporary luxury resort.
Azure Restaurant is the property's signature dinner venue, serving refined farm-to-table cuisine with a seafood focus and Spanish-Hawaiian influences. Executive Chef Shaymus Alwin, a Thomas Keller protege trained at The French Laundry, leads the kitchen with a five-course tasting menu that ranks among Waikiki's finest dining experiences. Surf Lanai serves breakfast and lunch in a relaxed open-air setting overlooking the ocean, while the Royal Hawaiian Bakery offers freshly baked pastries, cakes, and the hotel's famous pink pancakes.
The Mai Tai Bar is an institution unto itself — a beachfront bar where Hawaiian music, sunset views, and the legendary Mai Tai cocktail come together in what many consider the most iconic bar experience in Waikiki. The Aha'aina Luau, held oceanfront on Monday and Thursday evenings, features traditional Hawaiian food, music, and dance in an intimate setting that stands apart from the large-scale commercial luaus elsewhere on the island.
Nearby Attractions
The Royal Hawaiian occupies the heart of Waikiki, with the Royal Hawaiian Center — Waikiki's premier shopping and dining complex — directly adjacent. The International Market Place, luxury boutiques along Kalakaua Avenue, and dozens of restaurants are all within a five-minute walk.
Diamond Head crater trail, one of Oahu's most popular short hikes, is about 15 minutes by car or a scenic 30-minute walk through Kapiolani Park. The park itself offers the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and shaded jogging paths. For a deeper cultural experience, visit Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu (15 minutes by car) or explore the Bishop Museum's world-class Polynesian collections.
Popular day trips include Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial (30 minutes west), Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (30 minutes east), and the North Shore for legendary surf beaches and the charming town of Haleiwa (about an hour north). The hotel's concierge can arrange exclusive island tours, private boat charters, and helicopter flights over the Na Pali Coast.
Tips & Good to Know
For the most character, book a Historic Wing room — the high ceilings, arched windows, and classic Hawaiian decor are what make the Royal Hawaiian special. For the best views and modern amenities, the Mailani Tower Premier Ocean rooms on floors 8-17 deliver panoramic ocean vistas with private lanais. The Historic 3-Bed Family Room is one of the best family options in Waikiki's luxury tier.
A major renovation is planned from August 2026 through February 2027 in preparation for the hotel's centenary — book accordingly if you prefer a construction-free stay or want to be among the first to experience the refreshed rooms. The Aha'aina Luau sells out regularly, so book well in advance. Mai Tai Bar seating is first-come-first-served; arrive by 5 PM for the best sunset seats.
The Royal Hawaiian shares the Waikiki Collection with the Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, which means you can charge dining at any of the four properties to your room. Self-parking is approximately $55 per day. The resort fee (around $50/night) covers WiFi, fitness center access, and cultural activities. The hotel is about 25 minutes from HNL airport in normal traffic.
Location
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
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