The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, is a five-star luxury resort occupying a privileged spot at the epicenter of Waikiki Beach. The 528-key hotel has two wings: the landmark Historic Wing and the more contemporary annex, Mailani Tower. There are four food and beverage outlets, recreational facilities, and direct access to Waikiki’s golden sands—all wrapped in the resort’s signature pink-hued elegance.
Second in a Series on Beachfront Hotels in Honolulu
In This Post
Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Grand Dame of Waikīkī
Is there a dreamier, more romantic hotel on O’ahu than the Royal Hawaiian? The historic “Pink Palace of the Pacific” opened in 1927, its luscious pink exterior accented by Spanish-Moorish architectural flourishes and surrounded by verdant tropical gardens.
As for the interior, the public areas boast airy open spaces with Spanish-Moorish design influences, as well. Notably, there are cozy seating areas, which afford views of the pink umbrellaed Mai Tai Bar, which overlooks Waikīkī Beach.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase, we may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Where Did the Mai Tai Bar Get Its name?
According to legend, “Trader Vic” Bergeron concocted the original recipe for the Mai Tai at his tiki bar in Oakland, California in 1944.
Owing to Trader Vic’s reputation as a mixologist with a flair for creating cocktails that captured the essence of the Tropics, he was commissioned by Matson Steamship Lines, which owned the Royal Hawaiian and two other hotels, to create cocktails for their food and beverage outlets.
You can now indulge in Mai Tais at hotels and restaurants across the Hawaiian Islands and tiki bars around the world. But none do them as well as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī!
Click HERE for the full story story on the origins of the Mai Tai !
Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Your Perfect Day in Paradise
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a perfect day in paradise, with enough sightseeing suggestions to keep you busy for days on end!
6:30 AM – Sunrise Serenity: Start with Royal Kona Coffee in your room – or on your private lanai if you have one. Let the day begin with stillness, sea breezes, and the scent of plumeria.
7:30 AM – Breakfast at Surf Lanai: Head down to the Surf Lanai for Pink Palace Pancakes, fresh tropical fruit, and more Kona coffee while the beach stirs to life.
8:30 AM – Morning at the Beach: Following a leisurely breakfast, take a surfing lesson, set sail on a catamaran, ride the waves in an outrigger canoe, or simply take a refreshing dip in the ocean or one of the hotel’s two swimming pools.
Blogger’s Tip: The Hawaiian sun is strong. If you’re planning to work on your tan, aim for early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). Midday rays can be intense!
10:00 AM – Refresh & Repack: After a morning of sun and sea, return to your room to rinse off, change into light island wear, and pick up a picnic lunch from the Royal Hawaiian Bakery (optional, depending on what you have planned). Get ready to explore Oʻahu in style!
10:30 AM – Sightseeing: Explore Hawaii’s rich history at Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, or the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Admire world-class collections at the Honolulu Museum of Art, or discover marine life up close at the Waikiki Aquarium. For a peaceful escape, visit the Byodo-in Temple nestled in the lush Valley of the Temples.
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay or Sans Souci Beach, where vibrant reefs await. Stroll through the bustling streets of Waikiki or indulge in retail therapy at Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Unwind at Ala Moana Beach Park or Fort DeRussy — aren’t you glad you picked up a picnic lunch at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery?
And if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a car and circle the island at your own pace, discovering hidden beaches, scenic lookouts, and roadside plate lunch gems along the way.
3:00 PM – Spa Indulgence: Upon your return, enjoy a heavenly massage in the Abhasa Spa, whose name – a Sanskrit word – suggests it will transport you into a serene, dreamlike state. Choose such traditional Hawaiian therapies as a Lomi Lomi massage or a tropical facial.
5:30 PM – Sunset Cocktails at the Mai Tai Bar: Following your massage, it’s time for one of those world famous cocktails at the Mai Tai Bar – best enjoyed as the sun sinks slowly into the sea. Several variations have been added to the menu over the years, but I think the original Mai Tai is still the best.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Azure: Order from the à la carte menu or the five-course tasting dinner with wine pairings—the stuff that culinary legends are made of! My favorite dish is the crab with wasabi panna cotta, fresh fish in a saffron velouté. For dessert, I suggest the truffle cotton candy with honey tuile and macadamia nuts.
9.00 PM – Evening Walk on Waikiki Beach: After dinner, take off your sandals and feel the warm, powdery sand between your toes. Let the gentle strum of Hawaiian music drift through the night air as the waves kiss your feet. With each step, the ocean whispers away your worries. This is paradise—the romantic escape you’ve always imagined.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPORTS BARS IN HONOLULU
Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Know Before You Go
Nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the Royal Hawaiian Hotel blends historic charm with beachfront luxury. Located directly on Waikīkī Beach, it offers instant access to the sand—no streets to cross, no crowds to navigate.
Accommodation
Choose between the vintage glamour of the Historic Wing, which is dripping with nostalgia, and the modern Mailani Tower, with private lanais and ocean views.
Food and Beverage Outlets
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has four F&B outlets, each offering a distinct experiences with its own vibe.
- Surf Lanai – beachside breakfasts and the Royal Hawaiian’s legendary Pink Palace Pancakes
- Azure – fine dining, with a focus on freshly caught seafood, overlooking the beach
- Mai Tai Bar – sunset cocktails in a lush courtyard with views of Diamond Head
- Royal Hawaiian Bakery – takeaway pastries and banana bread, with terrace seating in the coconut grove
Beach Access
You have access to a private section of Waikīkī Beach with pink umbrellas, lounge chairs, and cabanas (fees apply). Surfing lessons, outrigger canoe rides, and other activities are available through the hotel’s beach desk.
Facilities
There is a quiet garden pool, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and access to the Helumoa Playground pool next door at the Sheraton Waikīkī.
Events & Activities
ʻAhaʻaina Luau is held twice weekly on the beachfront lawn, combining gourmet dining with cultural storytelling and a hula show.
The Hi‘uwai Morning Ceremony, a traditional Hawaiian sunrise cleansing ritual that takes place on the beach fronting the hotel, is held once a week.
Other activities include lei-making, hula lessons, historical tours, morning yoga on the beach, aqua zumba – the list goes on. Some activities are free for hotel guests, others are paid. Reservations are sometimes necessary.
Resort Fee
Covers Wi-Fi, beach towels, cultural programs, and pool access.
Loyalty Program
Marriott Bonvoy members enjoy perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and points toward free nights.
Location
2259 Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikīkī, Honolulu, Hawai’i, steps from luxury shopping, dining, and nightlife.
What Makes It Special
The Royal Hawaiian offers a rare mix of heritage and exclusivity—direct beach access, intimate cultural experiences, and a legacy that defines Waikīkī. It’s not just a stay; it’s a story.
Book Your Stay Now on TripAdvisor!
Final Thoughts
The Royal Hawaiian isn’t just a hotel—it’s a piece of Hawai‘i’s living history. From its iconic pink façade to its quiet garden pool and beachfront luau, everything feels intentional, elegant, and deeply rooted in place. If you’re looking for a stay that offers both cultural depth and oceanfront indulgence, this is where Waikīkī’s past and present meet.
Click HERE for a quick history of the Mai Tai and how it become the official “welcome cocktail” of Hawai’i.
Call to Action
Have you stayed at The Royal Hawaiian or wandered its historic halls? Share your favorite memories, tips, or questions in the comments below.
If this post brought a little aloha to your day, consider sharing it with someone who dreams of pink sunsets and palm-lined beaches. Let’s build community—one luau, one Mai Tai, one story at a time.
Check hotel reviews and rates on TripAdvisor!
Next Month
We head just down the beach to explore the sprawling, high-energy world of Hilton Hawaiian Village—a resort that’s practically its own city. From fireworks to food trucks, it’s Waikīkī on steroids.
Meet Linda Sheppard
Linda Sheppard, a native of Victoria, British Columbia, has a passion for travel, and she has a particular love for the Hawaiian Island. In fact, she has visited Hawai’i countless times over the years. She is a frequent contributor to the Accidental Travel Writer.
