Luxury Hotel Pick – The Royal Hawaiian

Spotlight on luxury: today, we’re featuring the iconic The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki, Hawaii, USA.

Where is The Royal Hawaiian?

The Royal Hawaiian sits on the most iconic strip of beachfront in Hawaii. Land once owned by Hawaiian royalty and known as their Summer Palace with unrivalled panoramic views of Diamond Head, The Royal Hawaiian takes us back in time as generations of travellers worldwide continue to gather here for the most memorable experiences and traditions.  For first timers on foot, it can be extremely hard to find the entrance to the Royal Hawaiian, as shopping centers have built up around it on Kalakaua Ave. This only leads to its exclusive allure.

When was The Royal Hawaiian built or updated?

The Royal Hawaiian grand opening was in 1927, and once again after the war in 1947. In 1969, with the influx of travellers by plane, the Mailani Tower opened, with ocean-facing rooms and suites. With its 100-year anniversary quickly arriving, one can only assume it will once again go through another refurbishment.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel navigated the wild waters of the Great Depression and World War II, serving as an R&R spot for the Navy. When it reopened to the luxury market, the best-kept secret emerged: an old wine cellar in the basement, still stocked with liquor and champagne! The Navy officials had no clue about this hidden treasure, cleverly sealed behind a door that blended right into the foundation.

Why stay at The Royal Hawaiian?

For a timeless luxury experience that makes you feel like royalty, a stay in the Historic Wing of the Royal Hawaiian will transport you back to opulent times. The spacious halls narrate the story of guests’ large luggage trunks stored after disembarking from the steamships. The more trunks placed outside your room, the more esteemed you were considered. Image never goes out of style.

In the iconic Historic Building, the fresh and elegant guest rooms are furnished with custom dark wood, crisp white bedding, boudoir pillows, and a warm paint palette accented by a bold fuchsia pink and a platinum silver headboard. As you navigate your way to the pool or beach, keep an eye out for the Original Bather’s Elevators.  These elevators were installed for guests to access the pool and beach area without waltzing through the lobby in their swimwear.

Indulge in unforgettable culinary experiences at Azure, a world-class seafood restaurant located along the beach and nestled under the stunning architecture of the hotel. The renowned Mai Tai Bar provides an ideal setting for romantic evenings and sophisticated relaxation.

How to get to The Royal Hawaiian?

The Royal Hawaiian is a short drive 35 minute drive from the Daniel K Inouye International Airport on Oahu. International flights from Sydney typically arrive daily, a bit quicker than the original steamships of the past.

Do you want to know about the nuts and bolts?

Each of the 528 rooms and suites encapsulates extraordinary experiences, effortlessly weaving modern comfort, indigenous accents and refined luxury. In the Mailani Tower, each room provides an intimate oceanview lanai for a private vantage point of the sparkling Pacific Ocean. In the iconic Historic Building, fresh and elegant guest rooms are furnished with custom dark wood, crisp white bedding, boudoir pillows, a warm paint palette accented by a bold fuchsia pink and platinum silver headboard. For unsurpassed sophistication, our Prestige Suites, the King Kamehameha Suite, the Royal Hawaiian Suite, the Queen Ka`ahumanu Suite, and the Ali’i Suite offer opulent and distinguished accommodations with a host of grand amenities.

How does the Royal Hawaiian describe their room style?

This is what The Royal Hawaiian says:

‘The enticing smell of banana bread greets guests upon arrival, signalling a warm welcome in Waikiki. Luxury bedding, flat-screen televisions and the full line of Malie Organics toiletries are just some of the many amenities found in every hotel room and suite, where we provide you with the optimal setting for rejuvenation. All of our Honolulu hotel rooms, including our palatial family suites, are smoke-free and feature refrigerators, coffee makers and curated snacks and beverages. The Resort’s Historic Wing is an inviting sanctuary nestled in the garden of Helumoa and features custom-carved doors, polished wood accents and bespoke pink-hued wallpaper. The Mailani Tower Wing is entirely comprised of ocean views and oceanfront rooms, offering an elegant retreat with spacious lanais overlooking the white sand and gentle surf. Here, nature reigns supreme, and this same standard of perfection and beauty extends to every last detail at our Honolulu oceanfront resort hotel.’

Want to hear something unique about The Royal Hawaiian?

When the hotel was initially built, the hotel and its best rooms were designed with views of the garden oasis as the weary travellers had enough of the ocean views on their long journey aboard the Matson luxury steamships. This leads one to wonder, who stayed in the ocean-facing rooms? Perhaps hotel management and staff were shunned to the now coveted rooms? Most likely just a rumour.

Who manages The Royal Hawaiian?

The hotel is privately owned by Kyo-ya Hotels and Resort and managed by Marriot.  It leases the land from Kamehameha Schools, a trust founded by Bernice Pauahi Bishop, heir to the Kamehameha Dynasty, to support a school for the children of Hawaii.

What luxury deal can Traveloso provide you?

Via our virtuoso affiliation, we can access exclusive rates that include a USD$100 food and beverage credit, upgrade on arrival subject to availability, early check-in or late check-out subject to availability and Complimentary Wi-fi

There are also some other benefits that can potentially be added.