Often referred to as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific,'' the Royal Hawaiian occupies the most prominent piece of real estate in all of Hawaii, right at the very center of Waikiki Beach. Since 1927, it has been synonymous with luxury and romance, unique among surrounding hotels, not only for its unmistakable pink motif, Moorish architecture and prime location, but also for its reputation as a sanctuary of chic amid the throngs of visiting tourists.
Everything about the Royal Hawaiian is "in the pink,'' from the interior and exterior walls to the carpeting, bed linen, towels, bathrobes, and even the in-room stationary. Its 529 rooms include 34 suites, 18 of which face the oceanfront. Most of the resort is low-profile, rising to only six stories in the historic main building with its palatial reception area. The newer Royal Beach Tower addition has 17 floors and its rooms feature lanais, affording panoramic views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Five types of units are available, ranging from Garden View guestrooms to the opulent Kamehameha Suite, with its huge double doors, 26'x38' lanai, spa-inspired master bath, separate sitting area, and master bedroom with a regal four-poster bed. Tower and Royal Ocean Suites provide the best views, while Spa Suites offer privacy and Zen-like solitude. Royal Grove rooms overlook the legendary Coconut Grove, where 56,000 square feet has been used for outdoor galas and parties for 80+ years.
Indeed, the Royal Hawaiian has seen its share of civic and business functions. The Monarch Terrace and 9,900-square-foot Ocean Lawn are available for al fresco events, while inside the 12,000 square feet of the Monarch Room and Regency Room have been described as "elegant, regal, and majestic'' for functions from weddings and conferences to receptions for visiting dignitaries.
Being at the apex of Waikiki's sandy arc has more than a few benefits. The Royal Hawaiian can offer its guests a boundless selection of water and beach activities, from surfing and snorkeling to parasailing and catamaran cruises. It is the only property here that offers beachfront service day and night, with the billowing cabanas of the Royal Beach Club set up while the sun shines, turning into a hip ultra lounge after dark and rocking till the wee hours.
For dining, there is Azure, a world-class seafood restaurant perched right beside the beach. The Surf Lanai offers open-air seating for breakfast and lunch, mixing mainland classics with tropical cuisine. And the famed Mai Tai Bar is not to be missed for its celebrated cocktails and light gourmet tapas.
Among other amenities, the Abhasa Spa offers a full range of spa and salon services on the premises. Some of the island's most talented artists are featured at the daytime "Flavors of Island Music'' entertainment event. The Aha`Aina dinner show is held on Mondays, with storytelling, dancing, music and a feast. And a series evening concerts called "Curators of Hawaiian Music'' is performed on Thursdays in the Monarch Room, with cocktails included.
As a Luxury Collection Resort, the Royal Hawaiian is part of the Starwood Hawaii group of hotels, a sister property to the neighboring Sheraton Waikiki and Moana Surfrider, as well as the nearby Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. That means guests can access the facilities of all four properties and charge purchases to their accounts, simply by showing a room key.
The Royal Hawaiian's street address is 2259 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815. Parking is available at a charge: $20 per day self-service, or $29 for valet.
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