The Royal Hawaiian Hotel
by Anjin-san
Royal Hawaiian Hotel, also known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, is a hotel located at 2259 Kalâkaua Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. One of the first hotels established in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is considered one of the flagship hotels in Hawaii tourism. It opened its doors to guests on 1 February 1927 with a black tie gala attended by over 1,200 guests. The hotel quickly became an icon of Hawaii's glory days. It was the Hawaii residence or Western White House of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and boasts the bar that invented the Shirley Temple cocktail (as does Chasen's restaurant).
With the success of the early efforts by Matson Navigation Company to provide steamer travel to America's wealthiest families en route to Hawaii, Captain William Matson proposed the development of a hotel in Honolulu for his passengers. This was in hope of profiting from what Matson believed could be the most lucrative endeavor his company could enter into. Matson purchased the Moana mansion, fronting the Ainahau royal estate. Christening it the Moana Hotel, it opened in 1901 as the first hotel in Waikiki. With its overwhelming success, Matson planned and built the Royal Hawaiian Hotel which opened in 1927.
During World War II, the Royal was closed to tourists and instead served as a place of rest and relaxation for U.S. submariners. While the Royal Hawaiian's lush tropical garden was (and still is) tranquil and poetic, on the beaches fronting the Pink Palace (sometimes referred to as the Pink Lady) one saw reminders of the war with rolls and rolls of barbed wire planted in the sand. President Franklin D. Roosevelt at times conducted Presidential business from the Royal Hawaiian, and it was the first facility to be dubbed the "Western White House".
The hotel was sold, along with the rest of Matson's hotels in Hawaii, to the Sheraton Corporation in 1959.
The Royal Hawaiian closed on 1 June 2008 for a complete renovation. The property reopened on 20 January 2009 as a member of The Luxury Collection division of Starwood Hotels.
Classic and Classiest Hotel
by Coonnie about The Royal Hawaiian
If you are looking for nastalgia, comfort, excellent service and a beautiful hotel, this is it. The Royal Hawaiian was far most the best investment we made. This hotel provides weddings that would blow you away. Within the past 5 years, this hotel went through a renovation.
The service is excellent and I was very impressed when the staff addressed me by name.
The beach is very relaxing and in the early morning hours you can see a plethora of surfers sitting on their board waiting for a wave; although the waves are not that big during June/July. A must for anyone looking for the bygone era retreat. It is one of the first hotels built on Oahu back in the 20's. It is VERY Pink in color ( known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific" and is dwarfed by the high rise hotels, but once you enter the premises you will be drawn into the era from its hayday. The magnificent gardens are a true experience.
The older side brings you to feel like you were on furlough during WWII (of course with air conditioning now). However, you can still enjoy the feel of this hotel in the newer side that was added on for a more modern style.
An affordable Waikiki accommodation
by BLewJay about OHANA Waikiki Surf
This hotel is a great value for affordable Waikiki accommodations. Nearly 200 rooms offer kitchenette facilities, making it well suited for busy families and longer-staying guests. It's a 15-minute walk to Waikiki Beach, and a 10-minute walk to DFS Galleria duty-free shopping, International Market Place, Kalakaua Avenue, and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. The on-site Patisserie cafe serves pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. And since it's located on one of the main streets in Waikiki, it offers easy and inexpensive access to TheBus, Waikiki Trolley and taxis (attractions around the city of Honolulu).
Photos
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Lu'au at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Forum Posts
Mai Tai Bar @ Royal Hawaiian closed for renovations?
by Karlie85
I read it is, and I really want to go there! Is it closed? If so, do you happen to know for how long? I didn't see anything on their website. I'll be there at the beginning of December. Thanks.
Re: Mai Tai Bar @ Royal Hawaiian closed for renovations?
by RogerOma
I'm afraid that unless things change in a hurry it won't be open by then as the last we saw the schedule is late Jan.
There are some other good spots along the beach though at the Surfrider at Waikiki on the Beach.
Re: Mai Tai Bar @ Royal Hawaiian closed for renovations?
by trvlrtom
Karlie, we stayed at there once and enjoyed the bar, but don't worry. There are other good places to get a mai tai!
Re: Mai Tai Bar @ Royal Hawaiian closed for renovations?
by Onedragon
THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN WON'T BE FINISHED BEING RENOVATED TILL ABOUT THE 20TH OF JANUARY AND WON'T OPEN TILL THE FIRST OR SECOND WEEK IN FEBRUARY.
BUT A GOOD PLACE THEY RECOMMEND FOR MAI TAIS IS IN THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN SHOPPING CENTER CALLED 4TH LEVEL.. : 0
Sign in with Facebook
