The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki — Hotel in Honolulu

When it comes to paradise, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Oahu, affectionately known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," truly delivers an experience that’s both luxurious and enchanting. Situated on the famed Waikiki Beach, this historic hotel has been a beacon of Hawaiian hospitality since 1927, and it continues to charm guests with its timeless elegance and tropical allure.

Stepping into The Royal Hawaiian is like stepping back in time, with its distinctive pink facade, lush gardens, and warm aloha spirit. The lobby welcomes you with an air of grandeur and a touch of vintage glamour, setting the stage for the unforgettable stay ahead. The check-in process is seamless, and the friendly staff greets you with a traditional Hawaiian lei, instantly making you feel at home.

The rooms at The Royal Hawaiian are a delightful blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Whether you choose an oceanfront suite or a garden-view room, you’re in for a treat. Waking up to the sound of waves and a view of the sparkling Pacific Ocean is pure bliss. The plush bedding and elegant decor create a cozy haven where you can unwind after a day of island adventures.

Dining at The Royal Hawaiian is a culinary journey through the flavors of Hawaii. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Azure, offers a delectable menu featuring the freshest local seafood and ingredients. The ahi poke and Kona lobster are absolute must-tries. For a more casual meal, Surf Lanai serves up delicious breakfast and lunch options with a view of the beach. Don’t forget to try the famous (and my sweet mother-in-laws favorite) pink pancakes – they’re as tasty as they are Instagrammable (and don’t tell anyone, but she used to bring her own coconut syrup…mmmm.)

For my husband and me, The Royal Hawaiian holds a special place in our hearts. We got married here 24 years ago tomorrow (happy anniversary Tim, I love you more every day); under a banyan tree, surrounded by the beauty of Waikiki Beach, and the warmth of our loved ones. Every time we return we celebrate that day and relive the magical moments of our wedding day.

During World War II, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, served as a temporary military headquarters and lodging for high-ranking officers. My grandfather was one of those officers, so this has always been a special place for me.

Since 1976, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has been a cherished destination for my husband's family, where they have enjoyed countless vacations filled with laughter, relaxation, and unforgettable memories, which they shared with me when I became part of the family, so you can see this is a very special home away from home for us.

We spend our days lounging by the stunning beachfront pool or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Waikiki Beach. The hotel offers an array of water sports, surfing lessons, and paddle-boarding, but we usually choose relaxation; the Abhasa Waikiki Spa is a tropical sanctuary where you can indulge in a traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage.

What truly sets The Royal Hawaiian apart is the exceptional service. The staff embodies the spirit of aloha, going above and beyond to make your stay memorable. Whether it’s arranging a special sunset dinner or providing tips for the best local spots, their warmth and hospitality make you feel like part of the Royal Hawaiian family.

In short, if you’re heading to Oahu and want to experience the best of Hawaiian luxury and tradition, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is the place to be. Pack your bags, bring your aloha spirit, and get ready to be pampered...

The valet service are like rabid dogs with a God complex, salivating for a tip, and have zero manners.

We were at the Royal Hawaiian on our honeymoon. We loved the hotel and all of it’s charm. Took many photos of the beautiful architecture. Loved our room. Very comfortable. I told my husband we must come back soon.

Then he went to get the car, (as we had self parked in the parking garage) and pulled up to the front to load our bags. He parked for just a moment (literally a minute) in the furtherest lane over in front of a jeep that was not occupied. There were vehicles parked all over the carport area with people in the process of unloading and loading. I was on the phone in with my son, and had our bags just a few feet inside the lobby when he came and grabbed bags and started hauling then down the stairs to the car. When he came back for the last one, he was being chased by two valet men, yelling at him to move the car, or demanding that he hand them the keys. He told them they couldn’t move it or give them the keys because we were just loading the bags and leaving. They had already been IN our vehicle trying to find the keys.

They told him he was “blocking everything”, he told them we weren’t blocking anything because there was a jeep behind us that wasn’t even occupied. I was trying to listen to my son on the phone and what was going on at the same time. As I was walking down the stairs. They made a huge scene outside, yelling at my husband and other guests were asking what was going on.

I heard this man in the photo below yell at my husband to “Just get out of here! Get out!” I came to my side of the car and said to him, “This doesn’t make us want to stay here again.” His response to me was to yell “MOVE! There is a car coming!” I looked and the car that wanted to go through the middle couldn’t move anyway because it was too narrow.

Some other guest came up and shoved 10 dollars in the jerk’s pocket and said, “Here’s your stupid tip since he doesn’t want to give it to you.” Referring to my husband. I don’t know what he was tipping him for. Being rude to us? They didn’t help with our bags at all. They didn’t bring our car up, we were SELF parked at the parking garage. It was absolutely not a case of us using their services and refusing to tip. HOW exactly are paying guests at this hotel supposed to leave with their luggage when they did not use the valet service???

It was a shocking turn of events to be treated this way at a 5 star resort. All the other staff had been so polite and respectful, up until this point. We left and pulled back around and parked across from the area where the valet was so that my husband could go in and speak to the manager. My husband spoke to the manager and he said they were totally in the wrong and they will be talking to them, reviewing the camera footage and refunding part of our stay.

When he got back, someone from security came out as we were getting ready to leave, and asked what we were doing there and said he was called, and my husband told him that we had an issue with the valet and that he had gone in to talk to the manager and he told him what the manager said about them being in the wrong, and that they would be dealing with it. The security guard was dismissive, continued to be rude and basically ignored what was said, and asked if we have checked out, (as if to say we don’t belong there anymore anyway), as we had already explained the entire situation, including that we had checked out and were leaving. I will update my review based on how they...

I just returned from my 20th trip to the Royal since 2010. I am writing this review with mixed emotions as apart from the outstanding service and treatment from beach services ( which has been the same since we first started going there ) unfortunately everything else about this once great hotel is slipping in the name of cost cutting. The only reason I keep coming back to this hotel is because if its location and the private beach area out the front where we spend most of our time. During the strike at the Royal prior to covid , I stayed at the Halekulani . The rooms were much better and the pool much bigger but the beach was tiny and uninviting and this is a deal breaker for me. I recently stayed in the Tower building .During this visit my room was sometimes not made up until 5 pm or later . The only change since last year was that I received a text message each day once my room was made up. When I enquired about turndown on the second last day , I was advised that this was only available " on request " . Obviously I was not advised of this when I checked in and after asking why , I was advised " we cannot get staff to service the rooms and there is not enough staff to do turndown ". This was inconvenient as each morning you were drying yourself with wet towels , having showered the previous evening after returning from the beach. I asked a lady sitting at a tour/ time share desk near the coffee lounge to take a photo of my grand daughter and myself but was told in a very rude manner that she was " not allowed to leave her desk " and to get someone else to take it . Some minutes later , I saw her take a photo of some Japanese guests which I found offensive after being refused. My wife advised that the amenities were not replaced and she had to ask for little thinks like tea bags , make up wipes etc , none of which were replaced on a daily basis. The whole trip left a bad taste in my mouth as the service has progressively gone downhill each year all with the aim of cost cutting. There used to be " managers drinks" where we would be invited to drinks/canapes halfway through our stay but they were cancelled prior to covid. A lot has been blamed on covid. In the tower , there used to be complimentary breakfast of cereal and muffins and each night complimentary drinks ( wine and beer) for 2 hours for guests staying in the tower. Covid has put paid to both of those . Each time I stay I get 2 rooms , initially as my daughters stayed in one and my wife and I in an adjoining room and after they got married at least one of my children and her family come each time and this was no exception . I had a 2 room suite in the historic section for my daughter and her family and my wife and I were in the Malani tower . I worked out that since I started coming , I had spent close to US $250,000.00 , probably more and I have come away with the perception that there is no loyalty shown. I repeat that that none of what I have said applies to the crew at beach services - Chuck , Darren and the rest of the staff there are the real reason we keep coming back. Would I stay there again ? Probably but with low expectations and unfortunately not a lower price. I now have 2 daughters living in LA and go there two or 3 times a year . A stay on Honolulu is a great way to break the trip on the way home . It would be nice to look forward to a stay at The Royal as we did in the past but that is no longer the case . It is now more a matter of " oh well , we might as well stay at...