Arrival/Check-In: Nestled beneath towering trees, the facade of The Royal Hawaiian recalls the glamour of Old Hollywood with arched doorways, rich rugs and dark wood accents set against its iconic royal pink walls. Guests have long come here to escape the bustle of Los Angeles and enjoy a touch of vintage elegance.
The open-air lobby opens onto a garden and green space where families relax with coffee or tea on a checkered marble patio. After a brief wait we were informed our room was in the Mailani Tower, which has its own check-in desk down a winding, beautifully landscaped breezeway. The tower check-in was smooth and efficient, and staff highlighted the tower’s exclusive lounge areas offering coffee, tea and sunset cocktails.
Guest Quarters: Our high-floor premier ocean room featured a comfortable king-size bed flanked by bedside tables and unique sea-glass lamps. A wet bar supplied complimentary bottled water and coffee. Calming seascape artwork and a cozy chaise lounge with a reading lamp created a serene retreat. The bathroom offered excellent lighting, a backlit mirror framed with green and blue sea glass, and a shower/tub stocked with Malie Organics spa products that smelled fresh and pleasant. The included T3 hair dryer worked well, and the pink-and-white-striped bathrobe quickly became a favorite amenity.
The balcony provided a full ocean view and excellent people-watching along Waikiki Beach. The lanai included a table for two and a sizable pink wicker couch, perfect for sunbathing or relaxing while taking in the ocean breeze.
Services/Amenities: The Royal Hawaiian offers several on-site dining options. Start with the famed Mai Tai Bar just off the sand—the open-air setting with large pink umbrellas gives you prime oceanfront views while you enjoy a Royal Mai Tai. For breakfast, Surf Lanai shares the bar’s large patio and serves upscale breakfast choices, popular buffets and fresh, locally sourced juices. For an intimate dinner experience, Azure offers crystal and candlelight seating mere steps from the beach; its fresh fish preparations are highly recommended.
For a relaxing beach day, rent a pink chaise longue and umbrella set from the hotel, which includes direct bar and food service from the Mai Tai Bar. These sets are limited—only about a dozen—so reserve in advance; the hotel rate is $40 per day. A third-party vendor rents lounge sets at the water’s edge for about $50, which can offer closer views but no direct food service. Both options fill up quickly; taking advantage of the beach is ideal for a leisurely break between busy sightseeing days.
One of the most memorable moments on the property was sitting in the rocking chairs outside the historic wing lobby at sunset—gently rocking while listening to the surf and the laughter of children playing nearby. It was a simple, lovely experience that captures the hotel’s appeal.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ The property’s glamorous architecture and historic setting make it one of the island’s most distinctive hotels.
◆ Located directly on Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian provides easy access to shopping and dining.
◆ Thoughtful in-room amenities, including Malie Organics spa products and plush bathrobes, are designed for guest comfort and relaxation.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
2259 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
tel 808 923 7311
marriott.com