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Royal Hawaiian Hotel Honolulu

4.4
·4k reviews·Honolulu, United States

The 'Pink Palace of the Pacific,' a historic 1927 resort on Waikiki Beach, offering iconic architecture and beachfront luxury.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxation

CrowdLow
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Exterior

Royal Hawaiian Hotel Honolulu

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxation

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The 'Pink Palace of the Pacific,' a historic 1927 resort on Waikiki Beach, offering iconic architecture and beachfront luxury.

4.4
(4k reviews)

"The Royal Hawaiian offers a timeless elegance and a truly unique, serene escape right on Waikiki Beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

👑 Embrace the History

The Royal Hawaiian is a historic landmark; appreciate its classic charm, even if rooms aren't ultra-modern.

💖 Mailani Tower Upgrade

For more contemporary rooms, opt for the Mailani Tower. It's often praised for its modern amenities.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Pink Architecture

The Iconic Pink Architecture

Exterior

Instantly recognizable, the 'Pink Palace of the Pacific' offers a stunning visual feast and a step back in time.

Beachfront Bliss

Beachfront Bliss

Waikiki Beach

Direct access to the sands of Waikiki, offering breathtaking ocean views and a prime spot for relaxation.

Mai Tai Bar Ambiance

Mai Tai Bar Ambiance

Beachfront Bar

Sip a signature Mai Tai with your toes in the sand, soaking in the quintessential Hawaiian resort experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pink Palace Charm

The Royal Hawaiian, a historic gem, offers a unique blend of classic elegance and beachfront luxury. While some rooms may show their age, the hotel's iconic pink architecture, prime Waikiki location, and serene ambiance are consistently praised. Consider the Mailani Tower for more modern accommodations.

Beyond Waikiki's Buzz

While the Royal Hawaiian is perfectly situated in Waikiki, many visitors recommend exploring beyond this bustling tourist hub. Renting a car or joining a tour to discover Oahu's North Shore, East Coast, and West Side offers a more authentic Hawaiian experience and diverse landscapes.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Sunset cocktails & ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

channeling my inner Anna Delvey 🤭 #solotravel #vacation #resort #actlikeyoubelong #crashing #hawaii #honolulu #oahu #waikiki #traveltips #beach #budgettravel
@haileyvanwordragen
286.2K likes • 2.8M views

👑 Embrace the History

The Royal Hawaiian is a historic landmark; appreciate its classic charm, even if rooms aren't ultra-modern. Reddit+1

💖 Mailani Tower Upgrade

For more contemporary rooms, opt for the Mailani Tower. It's often praised for its modern amenities. Reddit

have fun in hawaii 🌊☀️ #oahu #hawaii #honolulu #oahulife #honoluluhawaii #hawaiitips #traveltips #vacationtips #whattodoinhawaii #thingstodoinoahu #hawaiiadvice #oahutips #thingsyouneedtoknowforhawaii #thingstodoinhawaii #whattoknowbeforegoingtohawaii #honolulutips #fyp #foryoupage #viral #trending #relatable #imjustagirl #girls #girlcore #girlythings #girlygirl #hawaiihack #travelhacks #vacationh...
@elyzasummer
42.9K likes • 717.8K views
I have been to Honolulu 4 times now in the past year, hopefully my Waikiki Hotel Reels is helpful in providing some guidance on where to stay on the island. 📍Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. This hotel is one of the first built in Hawaii and is the second oldest in Waikiki. I am obsessed with the Spanish-Moorish architecture in shades of pink, it’s so aesthetically pleasing. If you ar...
runwayonthego
505 likes • 3.3K views

🍹 Beach Bar Delights

Enjoy a Mai Tai at the beachfront bar for a classic Hawaiian resort experience. Instagram

🚗 Valet Parking Wait

Be prepared for potential waits when retrieving your car from valet parking. Reddit

Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. 🏩🍸🥥🍍⛱🌺 甘いカクテルってジュースみたいに飲めちゃうからいつのまにか酔っ払い🥴🍹🍸🥥👙🧜‍♀️🌺💓 #maitaibar #honolulu #loyalhawaiian
ammymzk0926
2.1K likes • 49.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👑 Embrace the History

The Royal Hawaiian is a historic landmark; appreciate its classic charm, even if rooms aren't ultra-modern. Reddit+1

💖 Mailani Tower Upgrade

For more contemporary rooms, opt for the Mailani Tower. It's often praised for its modern amenities. Reddit

🍹 Beach Bar Delights

Enjoy a Mai Tai at the beachfront bar for a classic Hawaiian resort experience. Instagram

🚗 Valet Parking Wait

Be prepared for potential waits when retrieving your car from valet parking. Reddit

🚗 Explore Beyond Waikiki

Don't limit yourself to Waikiki; rent a car to see Oahu's diverse landscapes. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently praise The Royal Hawaiian for its iconic pink architecture, prime beachfront location in Waikiki, and the serene, historic ambiance. The staff's warm hospitality and the unique charm of the 'Pink Palace' are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some visitors note that certain rooms can feel dated and that dining and amenities can be pricey.

"We stayed at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and had a lovely time.
It’s a beautiful hotel with a long history, and the pink colour makes it truly unique. The location is perfect — right by the beach, with stunning views of the ocean.

The room was a bit old but had a classic charm. The bed was comfortable, and we really liked the shampoo and shower products — they had a fresh mango scent that was so nice.

The staff were excellent and very welcoming. When we arrived, they greeted us with a flower lei, which was a lovely touch.

Breakfast was excellent. We paid a little extra to try the steak, and it was delicious. We also had their signature pink pancake — so pretty and tasty!

The hotel isn’t perfect and shows its age in some areas, but it has a lot of charm. We truly enjoyed our stay and would love to come back again."

Jakarin Hongyok

"We had the best time here- I highly recommend it for your stay in Honolulu.

The rooms were lovely and clean. The staff were all AMAZINGLY friendly and helpful. The banter had water for us every time we got the car and provided wonderful tips for our day trips. The housekeeping staff had small toys for our kids and put their stuffies in fun positions when they did turn down service.

The pools were lovely and the beach was beautiful.

Highly recommend a stay here!!"

Dan Bradfield

"Love this hotel! Although it's known to he super touristy and some say it's outdated, I like to think of the rooms as timeless and historic. I've stayed here three times and this has been my best visit to date.

I'd also like to recognize our Housekeeper, Elena (Leni) Reyes for always being so helpful, friendly, kind, and personable. She has an attitude that determines her altitude. Her kindness went a long way to make this trip extra memorable for my mother. We will be back!"

Edwin

What People Like

Iconic pink architecture
Prime beachfront location
Historic charm and ambiance

What People Dislike

Dated rooms in historic wing
High prices for dining
Crowded beach at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Honolulu Airport (HNL), you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which is about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Public transportation options are also available, though they may take longer. TikTok

Yes, The Royal Hawaiian is centrally located in Waikiki, making it very walkable to shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Many visitors find it convenient to explore the area on foot. TikTok

While Waikiki is walkable, renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to explore the rest of Oahu, including the North Shore and other scenic spots. TikTok+1

The Royal Hawaiian offers valet parking for guests. Be aware that this can incur additional daily fees and may involve wait times for car retrieval. Reddit

TheBus is Oahu's public transportation system and can be a budget-friendly way to explore the island. However, for maximum flexibility and to reach more remote locations, renting a car is often preferred. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Royal Hawaiian is a hotel, so you book a room reservation rather than tickets. It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred room type and dates. Reddit

Standard check-in time is typically 3:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM. It's always a good idea to confirm these times directly with the hotel when making your reservation.

Yes, like most hotels in Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian typically charges a daily resort fee. This fee usually covers amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access, and cultural activities. Check the hotel's website for the most current fee structure.

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to explore the beautiful grounds of The Royal Hawaiian and enjoy a drink at its bars, such as the Mai Tai Bar, even if you are not a registered guest. Reddit

The Royal Hawaiian is a historic hotel, and they may offer historical tours of the property. Inquire with the hotel concierge upon arrival for availability and details. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many guests recommend the Mailani Tower for more modern accommodations. The Historic Wing offers classic charm, but some find it dated. Oceanfront rooms provide stunning views. Reddit+1

The hotel features multiple outdoor pools, direct beach access, a spa, several dining options, and bars. Guests can also often use the facilities at the adjacent Sheraton Waikiki. Reddit

Waikiki Beach can be quite popular and crowded, especially during peak times. For a potentially less crowded experience, consider visiting early in the morning or exploring other beaches on Oahu. Reddit

Yes, The Royal Hawaiian offers spa services for guests looking to relax and rejuvenate. Inquire at the hotel for specific treatments and booking information.

Yes, guests of The Royal Hawaiian are often permitted to use the pool facilities at the adjacent Sheraton Waikiki, which can be a great perk. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The hotel offers several dining venues, including beachfront restaurants and bars. Popular choices include the Mai Tai Bar and the Azure restaurant. Instagram

Dining at The Royal Hawaiian can be pricey, as is typical for beachfront resorts in Waikiki. However, many guests find the quality and ambiance worth the cost. Reddit

The signature Mai Tai at the Mai Tai Bar is a classic choice. The hotel is also known for its pink pancakes and sometimes offers special breakfast items. Instagram

Breakfast is often included as part of certain packages or through loyalty programs like Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR). Check your booking details or inquire with the hotel for specific inclusions. Reddit

Yes, Waikiki has numerous restaurants and food courts offering a range of price points. Exploring just a few blocks away from the immediate beachfront can reveal more budget-friendly options. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The entire pink exterior is a photographer's dream! Also, capture shots from the beachfront, the Mai Tai Bar, and the lush courtyards. Instagram+1

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the hotel's pink hues. Mid-day can be harsh but still offers vibrant colors. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in most populated areas of Honolulu and Waikiki due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to check local ordinances and hotel policies before attempting to fly a drone.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the hotel's grandeur and surrounding beach. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant ocean shots. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos inside your room for personal use. However, professional photography or commercial use may require special permission from the hotel.

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