In 1927, the six-story, 400-room The Royal Hawaiian, was built just down the beach from the iconic Moana Hotel and became famous for it’s world-class accommodations and its signature color pink. The area was used as a playground for King Kamehameha I and Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace was once located in what is now the hotel’s Coconut Grove garden. During WWII, The Royal Hawaiian was leased to the U.S. Navy as a rest and recreation center for the Pacific Fleet. The hotel reopened to the public in February 1947. In early 2009 the 528-room resort underwent a multi-million dollar renovation.
Beach: The resort is located on Waikiki Beach, which is ideal for a morning run along the shore, surfing, outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing. The resort also offers an exclusive beach area available to hotel guests only complimentary during the stay. All activities can be arranged through the hotel concierge. The resort’s Beach Boy program offers canoe rides and surfboard lessons from the beach fronting The Royal Hawaiian.
Pool: The resort features one pool on their property, which uses chlorine. Guests are also welcomed to use the elaborate Helumoa Playground family pools at the neighboring Sheraton Waikiki. For more information about pool and beach services, click here.
Recommended activities:
Every Monday evening, The Royal Hawaiian pays homage to Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty where the resort now stands, with a modern interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian feast called Aha ‘Aina, A Royal Celebration. This is the only beachfront luau on Waikiki.
Restaurants:
Surf Lanai
Surf Lanai: The Surf Lanai is an upscale, outdoor beachside cafe located alongside the pool and offers al fresco breakfast and lunch service. The menu features classic dishes with tropical accents, using only the freshest farm-to-table ingredients and artisan baked goods. Hours: Breakfast 6:30 – 11 a.m. daily, lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily
Azure Restaurant: Azure Restaurant features locally caught fish, selected daily form the Hawaiian fish auction. The dinner-only eatery is located oceanfront. Candlelight, a mother-of-pearl mosaic wall, and plush banquettes and pillows add to the elegant vibe. Daily 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Mai Tai Bar: The newly renovated space features a panoramic view of Diamond Head and the ocean. Locals and guests stop by to enjoy nightly entertainment. Daily 10 – 12 a.m.
Sunday Brunch: Executive chef Hans Stierli’s oceanfront Sunday brunch is offered from May-September and features everything from fresh fruits and juices to eggs benedict to pastries from the Royal Bake shop. Reservations recommended. Sundays, 10am-2pm.
Royal Luau: Reservations recommended. Mondays, 5:30pm-9pm.
Parking: Self-parking is complimentary and included in the $26.18 resort fee. Valet is available for an additional $15 per night. Or, opt to take the airport shuttle, which is exclusive to resort guests, for $12 (one way).
Spa: The resort’s Abhasa Spa is known for offering treatments in a tropical garden setting. Couples can enjoy the couples suite, or opt for an individual treatment room. Enjoy a relaxing massage or be pampered in the spa’s hair salon.
Rooms and rates: The resort features 529 rooms, including 34 suites.
Royal Hawaiian Suite – Living Room
Garden – $660
ADA Garden: $660
Royal Grove – $775
Royal Garden Junior Suite – $810
Royal Ocean – $995
Tower Ocean – $1,015
ADA Ocean: $1,015
Royal Ocean Jr Suite – $1,125
Garden Suite: $1,450
Kam Bedroom: $1,600
Island Spa Suite: $1,900
Royal Ocean Suite: $4,500
Tower Ocean Suite: $4,500
Prestige Ocean Suite: $7,500
* Rates subject to change. Visit the The Royal Hawaiian or call 808.923-7311 for updated rates, or click here for special offers.Rates subject to change at any time. For special offers, click here.
Hawaii Travel Buzz 