The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

Ready for some surf and sand? Then you have arrived at a premier destination! The Royal Hawaiian sits right on Waikiki Beach and features 2 astounding restaurants and a Mai Tai bar. Not only is the staff attentive and pleasant, they go out of their way to ensure you are enjoying the most that the area has to offer. You want for nothing during your stay as anything you may have neglected to pack is already in your room or a quick phone call away. The hotel is also convenient to area attractions and walking about town is a stroll through paradise. While the pace feels leisurely, there is a vibrant energy that runs through the hotel and adjacent shopping center. I highly recommend for travel with family and friends.

Elegant and timeless. I love everything about the hotel— except the small pool. But you are right on Waikiki beach and you can use the Sheraton pool too

We were guests in a 2 double premier ocean view room in the Mailani Tower on June 3 thru June 5, 2026. The room was lovely, the view from the balcony was spectacular. Comfortable mattresses, spacious bathroom, and an unusually large balcony (lanai.) The pool was small and yet still charming. Actually the pool size didn't matter because Royal Hawaiian guests have access to the Sheraton's large pool playground. And frankly we weren't there for the pool, we were there for... the beach. There are 2 reasons that the Royal Hawaiian is such a special and unique hotel: 1) the proximity to the beach. The vast majority of the hotels in Waikiki are across the street from the beach, whereas the Royal Hawaiian is right next to the sand. 2) the gardens. This may seem like an unimportant detail, because most people (myself included!) don't pick their hotel because of pretty flowers. But the landscaping is what sets this hotel apart from every other Waikiki hotel. Once you arrive at the Royal Hawaiian, you're no longer in urban downtown Honolulu. You step out of a big city and into a pink Moroccan palace inside a lush tropical rain forest filled with singing birds and enormous trees and exotic plants. It's tranquil and beautiful. You're walking into a surreal dream that's genuinely awe-inspiring. It's all an illusion, of course, because actually you ARE in a big city full of the traffic and noise that every big city has. Nevertheless, the illusion is convincing and satisfying, entirely because of the architecture and the gorgeous gardens. Finally, a word about the service. Every employee we encountered was friendly and professional. We never had any problems with the staff, everyone delivered great customer service. In particular we were especially impressed with Dana, a server at the Mai Tai Bar. We dined at the Mai Tai Bar twice, and the second time there was an unpleasant situation that was entirely our fault. Dana helped us solve this problem, even though it was not easy to solve. She handled the situation perfectly and we appreciate her efforts.

The Royal Hawaiian may have become my favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed at. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this iconic resort is known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific.” The property is absolutely stunning, blending historic charm with modern comfort in a way that feels both elegant and welcoming. What stood out most during our stay was the attention to detail. Every corner of the property felt thoughtfully cared for—from the immaculate grounds to the beautiful architecture and common spaces. The lush tropical foliage was incredible, with vibrant plants, towering palms, and colorful flowers creating picture-perfect views at every turn. It truly felt like an oasis in the heart of Waikīkī. The staff were exceptional throughout our stay. Everyone we encountered was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely seemed to care about making our experience memorable. That level of hospitality elevated an already beautiful property into something truly special. The beachfront location is hard to beat. The beach area was well maintained and offered stunning views of Diamond Head and the turquoise waters of Waikīkī. Whether relaxing on the sand or simply taking in the scenery, it was the perfect place to unwind. We also spent time at the pool in the evenings and really enjoyed the atmosphere. The pool area was beautiful, clean, and relaxing, providing a great place to unwind after a day of exploring while still being just steps from the beach. One of our favorite spots on the property was the Mai Tai Bar. The cocktails were excellent, and the food was delicious. Portions were on the smaller side, but the quality and oceanfront setting made it one of our favorite places to grab lunch and drinks during the day. I would be remiss not to mention one issue that occurred during our stay. My parents discovered multiple roaches in their room after returning from dinner one evening. After finding several insects within a short period of time, they contacted the front desk. To the hotel’s credit, the staff responded quickly and moved them to a different room that same night. We were very satisfied with how promptly and professionally the situation was handled. That said, because their original room was only a few doors down from ours, I noticed new guests checking into that same room the following day. While I can’t speak to their experience or what treatment may have been performed, it did leave me wondering whether enough time had passed to fully address the issue. Even with that concern, our overall experience at The Royal Hawaiian was outstanding. The incredible service, breathtaking grounds, beautiful beachfront setting, and attention to detail throughout the property made this a stay we’ll remember for years to come. The Royal Hawaiian delivers more than just a place to sleep—it delivers an experience. For us, it was one of those rare hotels that feels every bit as special as its reputation suggests. Would I stay again? Absolutely.

My 4th trip to the Pink Palace. I always love staying here, and will come back but have a few notes for the future. 1. The resort fee : I wish there were more amenities that I could use like a hot coffee bar in the morning, a beach umbrella for a day etc included in the resort fee. It is a hefty price, and I don’t necessarily care for the activities. I would love to get more value for $62 a day - which is essentially a meal ( and one I don’t get to choose ). 2. Room service would be great ! Being able to order hot coffee and breakfast vs. standing in line etc. same with the pool service, at the to go line I waited for 15 minutes and was never served. The food options are limited ; I wish there was another quick option without leaving the property. Otherwise everything else was great. I know the property is having renovations done and I look forward to seeing them the next time I arrive.