The Royal Hawaiian is Waikiki's most romantic landmark — the famous "Pink Palace of the Pacific," opened in 1927 in Spanish-Moorish style on the beach where Hawaiian royalty once kept a coconut grove. Pink stucco corridors, gardens, and beachfront mai tais at the Mai Tai Bar (which claims the drink's Waikiki debut) carry genuine golden-age glamour; rooms span the Historic wing's character and the Mailani Tower's modern luxury. For travelers who want to sleep inside Waikiki's history with full Luxury Collection polish, there's nowhere else. Booked directly.
When the Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927, guests arrived by Matson liner for the season; the pink palace among the coconut palms became the symbol of Hawaii's romantic age — hosting royalty, presidents, and Hollywood from Shirley Temple to Elvis. The site itself is storied: Helumoa, the royal coconut grove of Hawaiian alii, whose heritage the resort honors in its gardens and cultural programs.
Today the resort balances landmark and luxury. The Historic Building keeps the 1927 soul — arched pink corridors, high ceilings, garden lanais — while the Mailani Tower adds contemporary oceanfront suites and club privileges. The beachfront position is among Waikiki's best, with the resort's pink umbrellas lining the sand; the open-air Mai Tai Bar pours its namesake steps from the water (the Royal's 1950s-era recipe is a rite of passage), and Azure serves fine island seafood. The weekly Aha Aina luau on the oceanfront lawn tells the site's royal history.
It's the choice for romantics, returning generations, and anyone for whom Waikiki should feel like its postcards. Booked directly through Marriott's Luxury Collection.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic 1927 "Pink Palace" landmark
- ✓Prime Waikiki beachfront
- ✓Mai Tai Bar on the sand
- ✓Aha Aina oceanfront luau
- ✓Royal coconut grove gardens
- ✓Mailani Tower luxury suites
- ✓Concierge
- ✓Valet parking
Good questions
Why is it called the Pink Palace?+
For its unmistakable flamingo-pink Spanish-Moorish architecture, a Waikiki icon since 1927 — the color extends to the beach umbrellas and even the famous pink haupia cake.
Historic wing or tower?+
The Historic Building offers the 1927 character — arches, high ceilings, garden views; the Mailani Tower offers modern oceanfront luxury and club access. Romantics tend to choose history; view-seekers, the tower.
Is the beach good there?+
It fronts one of the best stretches of Waikiki, with the resort's pink umbrellas on the sand and calm swimming beyond — the classic Waikiki postcard, from inside it.
