The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki: Site Inspection

I recently did a site inspection at the Royal Hawaiian, and it reminded me of just how special this property is. Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” it’s one of Waikiki’s most iconic hotels—and for good reason. Highly recognizable and tucked just off Kalakaua Avenue, it’s set back off the road a bit behind the Sheraton, which makes it feel even more special. When you enter the original Spanish-Moorish lobby and receive your lei greeting, you get the sense that you’ve stepped into another era of Hawaiian hospitality. Relics, notes of Hawaiiana, and classic vintage interiors contribute to the feeling of being in a special, sacred place for royalty, not just a randomly updated upscale Waikiki hotel.

Original pink building

The property spans 13 acres, but it never feels overwhelming. For rooms, there are two distinct areas: the historic original building and the more modern Mailani Tower. Essentially, the Historic Wing is for those who value charm, space, and history, while the Mailani Tower suits travelers looking for modern touches, privacy, and a premium oceanfront experience. Both share the same beautiful beachfront and access to dining, spa, and Sheraton pool amenities, but the atmosphere in each wing feels uniquely its own. The Mailani Tower has all ocean views, whereas much of the historic wing has garden or mountain views.

Mailani Tower Room

Mailani Tower One-Bedroom Suite Room

View from Mailani Tower

View of Diamond Head from a Mailani Tower Room

I recommend the original building for families—it has larger rooms (many without balconies, which can be a plus for those with young kids), and an old-Hawai’i charm that’s unmatched. If you’re booking a suite for a larger family or group, the King Kamehameha Suite is the standout, with its oversized balcony and panoramic ocean views. The original wing has more of a charming vintage feel—if you like historical touches, this is for you.

King Kamehameha Suite, Original Wing

King Kamehameha Suite living room, Original Wing

King Room Suite, Original Wing

For couples or travelers who prioritize an ocean-view balcony and more updated room furnishings, the Mailani Tower is a fantastic option. Many of the suites also connect to adjoining rooms, which is ideal for families or multigenerational groups. Not all rooms have bathtubs or sofa beds, so if those are important to your stay, make sure to request them specifically. The Royal Hawaiian will be undergoing a major soft and hard refurbishment—phased over the next two years (they won’t close entirely)—to make all rooms more similar, but still with luxurious touches, including Frette bath robes.

Beachfront cabanas and loungers on their limited stretch of private beachfront (the only one in Waikiki) are limited and sell out quickly, so do reserve them in advance. They also offer yoga in the garden and a limited gym. While the Royal Hawaiian pool is small and quiet, guests also have access to the Sheraton Waikiki’s larger family-friendly pool with waterfalls and a waterslide next door. The Sheraton offers a “pop-in” kids’ program—great for a few hours of supervised play, though not a full-day camp experience.

Dining here is excellent. When I stayed for my honeymoon and babymoon, I left stuffed to the gills after every meal. Fora’s Virtuoso clients receive daily breakfast at Surf Lanai, which sits right on the beach. In the evenings, the space transforms into Azure, a refined, seafood-forward restaurant that is slightly more formal but not stuffy. They also host a twice-weekly oceanfront luau on the lawn with a plated dinner (not a buffet) themed around dining around the islands. The Royal Hawaiian Bakery in the lobby is great for quick bites and coffee, and I recommend grabbing a pink box of treats before heading home.

One of the most important things to understand when booking the Royal Hawaiian is that it truly feels like two distinct hotel experiences within one resort: the original Historic Wing (aka the Pink Palace) and the newer Mailani Tower.

The Historic Wing is the wide pink stucco building full of old-Hawaii charm—arched doorways, vintage tile floors, and a classic vibe. Rooms in this wing are generally larger in square footage but lack balconies. The vibe here is quiet and traditional, with predominantly lush garden views and easy access to the bakery, Surf Lanai, and the main lobby.

The Mailani Tower next door offers a more contemporary and private experience, set just to the right of the main hotel, and has its own gated lobby area with separate check-in, giving it a boutique feel. All Mailani rooms have private balconies, and most offer stunning views of the beach or Diamond Head—particularly the higher floors. Rooms here are newer, brighter, and sleeker in design, and Mailani guests will enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon refreshments.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hawai'i page.