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Welcome to The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

Embrace the beauty of Waikiki at the Pink Palace

Opened in 1927 and known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki is an oasis of timeless luxury on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Modern yet indigenous, the resort offers unprecedented amenities, refined accommodations and exclusive services – all designed to provide our guests with a 5-star luxury experience while visiting Waikiki. From exquisite accommodations in the landmark Historic Wing and the magnificent Mailani Tower to world-class dining, the 528-room Honolulu luxury hotel embodies the allure of Hawaii's inimitable spirit and rich culture. Embark on an enticing epicurean journey in our award-winning Azure Restaurant, the original Mai Tai Bar, the Royal Hawaiian Bakery and A Royal Hawaiian Luau – Aha Aina, Waikiki’s only oceanfront luau. The intimate Malulani Pool and private beach area both feature pink-hued umbrellas, matching the resort's signature color. Let Hawaii reframe your point of view from our iconic Waikiki luxury resort.

Timeless Luxury
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki is a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide®, which is dedicated to promoting heritage and cultural travel to prestigious historic treasures.

Rooms & Suites

Exotic Location

Oceanfront Resort

Located in the heart of Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian Resort is ideally situated as a starting point for a wide range of adventures in the bustling city of Honolulu. Our hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii is also known for its iconic pink exterior.

Ocean Lawn

Take a Virtual Tour

You can virtually explore our stunning Waikiki luxury resort and experience full 360-degree views of the property features, guest rooms, restaurants and meeting venues.

Lower Lobby

Destination Wedding

Timeless beauty abounds at The Royal Hawaiian, which has lured couples from around the globe. Our events team can help with catering, planning and wedding packages for your destination wedding.

Beachfront Venues

Below soaring pink turrets are some of the world’s most romantic wedding venues, including lush, intimate gardens and the expansive beach that stuns at sunset.

Ocean Lawn

Oceanfront Restaurants

From traditional Hawaiian cuisine and contemporary island favorites, to fresh seafood and American classics, The Royal Hawaiian Resort has a dazzling array of tempting options available day or night. Sweeping views of the Pacific and Waikiki beachfront are always on the menu, providing a one-of-a-kind culinary journey guided by award-winning chefs.

Iconic Building

An inviting sanctuary, an elegant retreat. Discover our luxury Honolulu hotel rooms.

A Royal Past

Long before Waikiki was developed as a tourist destination, it was a favorite residence and recreational center for Hawaiian kings and chiefs. King Kamehameha I had his home where The Royal Hawaiian stands today, and Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace was previously located on what is now the resort’s Coconut Grove.

Foreign visitors began to visit Waikiki in the 1830s, and a road was constructed in the 1860s. With an anticipation of an increase in visitors, our sister resort the Moana Hotel opened in 1901.

Simultaneously, the territorial government in 1907, under what it called the “Waikiki Reclamation Commission,” planned for greater commercial and tourism development by widening streets, building bridges, and draining the duck ponds, rice paddies, and taro patches that formed Waikiki’s aquaculture. Development accelerated after World War I.

During the times of the Charleston and Prohibition, the method of transportation to Hawaii was aboard a Matson steamship, providing a rather unattractive and unappealing method of travel for the rich who could afford overseas luxury and adventure. It became known as the gateway to the exotic faraway destinations of the South Pacific and the Orient.

On February 1, 1927, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel opened – a $4 million investment by the Matson Navigation Co., the brainchild of Ed Tenney, who headed the “big five” firm of Castle and Cooke and Matson Navigation, and Matson manager William Roth. It was made to be a luxurious resort for Matson passengers.

The first general manager of the hotel, Arthur Benaglia, presided over a staff of 300, including ten elevator operators and lobby boys dressed in “Cathayan” costume. At the grand opening’s black-tie gala celebration, members of the Honolulu Symphony entertained over 1,200 guests at the $10-a-plate event-of-the-year. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin described the newly opened hotel as “the first resort hostelry in America.”

Built on 15 acres of beautiful beach frontage, the luxurious hotel with its distinctive Moorish-style architecture, painted pink, was promoted world-wide as a premier visitor destination. Elaborate opening ceremonies and festivities included dinner and dancing, concerts, and pageants.

The era of opulence came to an abrupt end on the morning of December 7, 1941 when Japanese planes flew alongside Waikiki Beach on its way to the US fleet berthed at Pearl Harbor. The Navy recreation and morale office leased The Royal Hawaiian, transforming the resort into a major rest and relaxation center for the Navy personnel. The resort was restored to its pre-war elegance in 1947.

In the 1950s, many new moderately priced hotels were built in the Waikiki area, including SurfRider and Princess Kaiulani, built by the Matson Company. As larger and faster planes reduced the flying time from the mainland to Hawaii, fewer and fewer vacationers wanted to spend 4.5 days aboard a Matson ship each way. Although more than half of all the tourists who came to Hawaii in 1955 stayed in one of Matson’s four hotels, only a fifth came by ship.

By 1959, jet service had reduced the flying time even more, which further eroded the steamers’ business. That same year, after 32 years in hotel business, the company sold its first hotels (Moana, Royal, SurfRider and Princess Kaiulani) to the Sheraton hotel chain for $17.6 million.

In 2015, the now 17-story Mailani Tower opened, gracefully bridging the sumptuous splendor of the property’s original allure, with the conveniences and comforts expected by modern travelers.

Today, The Royal Hawaiian and its associates continue to carry on the legacy of the rich heritage and inspiring and distinctive character of the “Pink Palace of the Pacific.”

Royal Hawaiian Historical Tour

Learn the rich history of the Pink Palace of the Pacific and hear fascinating stories from back in the day during the weekly historical tour.

Book Your Airport Shuttle Now
Experience the most convenient mode of transportation between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and the resort with Fly Shuttle Tours. Fees apply. Reservations are required. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
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OUR LOCATION

GETTING HERE

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 96815

Tel: +1 808-923-7311
Distance from Property: 9 Miles
Visit Website

On-Property

Private Car Service

Limousine/Van Service

Book Your Airport Shuttle Now

Experience the most convenient mode of transportation between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and the resort with FareHarbor. Fees apply. Reservations are required. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended.

The Luxury Collection Concierge

Our Concierge Ambassadors can assist with an array of exceptional services, including personalized tours, sightseeing tours, securing show tickets, restaurant reservations, florists, limousines, rental cars, and any other special needs or requests.

Front Desk

While on the enchanting island of Oahu, our concierge team has a number of recommendations for a truly unforgettable trip. The Arizona Memorial, for an example, is both educational and stirring. A non-profit association cooperating with the National Park Service, the bookstore at the USS Arizona Memorial provides visitors with thought-provoking material on Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific.

For some fun in the sun, guests at our Hawaii luxury resort are encouraged to take part in the Aha Aina Luau Show, which features tempting dishes of local fare and traditional dancing just off Waikiki Beach.

Continue on your quest for all things Hawaiian during a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Hawaii’s most popular attraction, the Center offers hands-on experiences with the villages of the seven Polynesian islands, a Polynesian dinner buffet, and a spectacular evening show, Horizons.

On a leisurely afternoon, take a drive around the island and enjoy the turtles, whales, and waves just off Oahu’s magnificent shores.

The Honolulu Zoo is another must-see attraction and is favored by both the young and young at heart. The zoo includes 42 lush tropical acres where lions, tigers, and bears make their home. A children’s zoo, African Savannah exhibit, playground, and snack bar complete the visit.

Property Details

Check-in: 3:00 pm

Check-out: 12:00 pm

Minimum Age to Check In: 18

Smoke Free Property

Pet Policy

Pets Not Allowed

Parking On-Site Parking

Hourly: $7.5

Daily: $45

Valet

Daily: $55

Policies and Payments

Accepts: Credit Cards

Services

Babysitting

Concierge desk service

Property has elevators

Languages spoken by staff:
English, Japanese

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +1 808-923-7311

Accessible Hotel Features

Accessible on-site parking

Property has elevators

Self Operating lift or a sloped entry in hotel swimming pools

Service Animals are Welcome

Valet parking for vehicles outfitted for drivers in wheelchairs

Van Accessible on-site parking

Accessible Areas with Accessible Routes from Public Entrance

Entrance to On-Site Business Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Fitness Center is Accessible

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

Meeting Spaces are Accessible

Room and Suites Access through the Interior Corridor

Guest Room Accessibility

Accessible Vanities

Alarm Clock Telephone Ringers

Bathtub Grab Rails

Closed Caption TV

Deadbolts on Guest Room and Suites Doors

Electronic Room Key

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Guests in mobility-accessible rooms may inquire about lowering the bed height

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Deadbolts on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Lowered Night Guards on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Room Windows Open

Safety Chains and/or Latches on Guest Doors

Secondary Locks on Room Windows

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors

Certifications

LEED: Existing Buildings Certified

Footprints

Carbon Footprint: 46.89 kg per room night

Water Footprint: 1777.25 liters per room night

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki