Although there are 22 Marriott Luxury Collection resorts in the United States, only one is located in the beautiful state of Hawaii: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki. This stunning “pink palace” holds significant importance both to travelers and residents of the island of O’ahu, symbolizing both Hawaiian elegance and architectural beauty. You can read about the fantastic history of this resort online, but experiencing it in person is an entirely different experience. The resort immerses you in not just the history of the building, but also teaches you essential lessons about Hawaiian history and culture.
As one of the first luxury hotels in Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian has earned a hefty reputation due to its stunning pink architecture and elegant feel. Here’s what you can expect during a stay at this luxury resort and what you don’t want to miss.
History of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki
When I arrived at the Royal Hawaiian, I was instantly in awe of the lush garden areas at the front and back of the property. Yes, the stunning pink Spanish-Moorish style architecture will first catch your eye, but the depth of the garden was truly jaw-dropping. From a first-time visitor’s standpoint, you might think these are some pretty gardens — and they are.
However, the resort’s history tour is a must to learn about why these gardens matter. These gardens are an essential part of the resort’s history. The garden areas were part of the resort’s initial design, appealing to visitors to the island and providing a quiet, relaxing space away from the busy area of Waikiki Beach. The gardens were also once used by King Kamehameha I and Queen Kaahumanu. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 pm, guests can sign up for a Royal Hawaiian history tour, led by the property’s historical expert. This tour enhanced my appreciation of the resort, setting the tone for a great stay here.
Originally owned and operated by Matson Navigation Co., the resort has changed hands many times since. Throughout the history tour, you’ll learn about the importance of each owner’s role in shaping the resort’s history, which has led to its development into the historic and luxury icon it is today.
Luxury that sets the hotel apart
Once you’ve gained an appreciation for this beautiful hotel, you’ll begin to notice even more special touches that make it one of the best places to stay in Waikiki. The hotel is situated directly on the beach and within a short walking distance of the numerous shops, bars, and restaurants along Kalākaua Avenue. Though this ideal location leaves endless possibilities of things to explore, you don’t even need to leave the hotel to have everything you could want in a luxury Hawaii resort.
As you roam through the resort, you’ll quickly understand its charm and begin to notice unique historical touches that were left intact. For example, the bather’s elevator, located near the Royal Hawaiian Bakery, was created years ago so that guests would not have to walk through the main hotel lobby in their swimwear.
Dining
Hotel guests of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki have access to some of the best places to eat in O’ahu right within their hotel. The Royal Hawaiian’s dining options are so great that many outside guests come to eat there. The most famous, perhaps, is the beachfront Mai Tai Bar, known for its classic Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai cocktails, which were introduced to Hawaii in 1953 by Victor Bergeron. My personal favorite dining experience at the Royal Hawaiian was the multi-course meal at Azure, though. The whole experience was luxurious and delicious, especially in the beautiful setting facing the Diamond Head monument in the distance.
Ahaaina Luau
Even though I was exhausted from the Ahaaina Luau (East coast jet lag is real coming into Hawaii), the experience still stood out as one of my favorite parts of staying at the Royal Hawaiian. Part of what makes a trip to Hawaii so memorable is immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, and this experience helps you do precisely that. Offered every Monday and Thursday night, this experience tells a story of Hawaiian royalty, dating back to before the resort was even built. From storytelling to fire dancers (still in awe over those), everything about this experience was tastefully curated.
An “Ahaaina” refers to an event with hula, song, and a feast of food, which drew people together in ancient times for special occasions. Of course, this means this Ahaaina would not be complete without a delicious feast. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel Waikiki has recently revamped its menu for this event, featuring authentic Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. My personal favorite was the Huli Huli Chicken, though everything was delicious. Everyone staying (or not staying) at the Royal Hawaiian should get a taste of this Hawaiian experience. Having never been to a Luau before, it set the stage for just how festive Hawaiian culture is.
