The Pink Palace of the Pacific

The front entrance of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
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There’s more to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel than its rosy-pink facade. The world-class luxury resort in Waikiki has become an icon of Hawaii’s glory days and a destination of choice for the rich and famous.

Guests back-then voyaged for days by sea, bringing more than luggage. They stayed for a considerable period of time, making sure to bring their servants and, of course, their lavish Rolls Royces. You might have seen former President Franklin D. Roosevelt or legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku roaming the beachfront property. Most notably, child actress Shirley Temple would strum her ukulele down Waikiki Beach.

Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the six-story hotel boasts a Spanish-Moorish style of architecture. Grand arches welcome guests to all its glory and grandeur. As for the choice of pink? That happened to be a popular American obsession from the 1920s era.

The Pink Lady is not far from the First Lady of Waikiki. In fact, both hotels first graced the island shores around the same time in Hawaii’s history. During World War II, however, The Royal closed to tourists and instead served as a place for U.S. submarines to relax and rejuvenate.

If you haven’t already seen the luxury resort in movies like, Gidget Goes Hawaiian or television shows, such as Charlie’s Angels and most recently, Mad Men, then be sure to check it out the next time you’re in Hawaii. The Royal offers free walking tours to guests interested in learning more about the resort’s rich history.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL

• 2259 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 • 808-923-7311 • www.royal-hawaiian.com

Photo Credit: Bruce Fisher

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