The Pink Palace Experience at the Royal Hawaiian Honolulu

Location & accessibility

Nestled right in the heart of Waikiki, Honolulu, the Royal Hawaiian stands as an iconic pink beacon of tradition and luxury. Located only a 30 to 45-minute ride from Daniel K. Inouye Airport, the hotel offers a seamless transition from travel to relaxation. The resort's ideal location in Honolulu provides easy access to some of Oahu’s most stunning beaches, including Waikiki Beach along with Lanikai and Kailua, the latter two of which are just a 30-minute drive away.

The property

The Royal Hawaiian is a visual delight, known for its iconic pink facade that has rightly earned its nickname "The Pink Palace of the Pacific." The hotel gives direct beach access, allowing guests to enjoy the warm sands and azure waters of Waikiki Beach. On-site amenities include a refreshing pool, a relaxing hot tub and private event spaces. For dining, the hotel boasts three beachfront options: the Surf Lanai restaurant, Azure restaurant and the Mai Tai Bar, all offering breathtaking views of Diamond Head.

Culinary delights

Guests are welcomed with complimentary banana bread muffins from the on-site bakery, setting a warm and inviting tone for their stay. The Surf Lanai is famous for its pink pancakes, a tribute to the hotel’s signature color. Dining at Azure and sipping cocktails at the Mai Tai Bar while watching the sunset are also must-do experiences.

Experiences & activities

The Royal Hawaiian is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination brimming with activities. Guests can partake in weekly open-air luaus, complete with a three-course dinner, hula dancing and a music show known as the Aha Aina Luau. For those looking to explore Hawaiian culture and traditions, the hotel offers activities such as floral lei making, morning yoga, storytelling for kids, stand-up paddleboarding, aqua zumba, hula lessons, historical tours and festive traditions.

Shopping & amenities

The hotel features numerous gift shops and swimwear stores, where guests can purchase unique Royal Hawaiian merchandise like teddy bears, robes and other beach essentials. Additionally, ABC stores are nearby where guests can purchase Hawaiian exclusive Sanrio merchandise, rare chocolates, medicine, food, alcoholic beverages and anything you could possibly think of. For fashionistas, there are multiple luxury stores and shopping malls surround the resort, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and more.

Awards & accolades

The Royal Hawaiian has garnered numerous awards, including the Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award as one of the top 25 hotels in Hawaii and the Hawaii Magazine Readers Choice Award as the #1 Resort for a Wedding. Read more about their awards here.

Room rates & accommodations

Accommodations at the Royal Hawaiian range from the Historic Garden King Rooms at $380 per night to the opulent Ocean Suites at $3100 per night. The hotel caters to a diverse range of guests, making it ideal for couples, honeymooners, babymooners, weddings, families, Japanese-speaking guests and girls' trips.

While the Royal Hawaiian offers a myriad of activities and amenities, it may not be the best choice for those looking to party hard, seeking a more remote location or desiring ultra-high-end luxury. However, for those wanting a mix of cultural immersion, relaxation and a touch of historical charm, the Royal Hawaiian is a perfect choice. The sight of rainbows over the beach and the majestic view of Diamond Head make every moment spent here magical and memorable.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Honolulu, Hawaii. In need of further inspiration? Check out Iris Grant’s guide, Best Things to do in Honolulu for 7 Days.