While the islands of Hawaii all have their own distinct personalities and stunning offerings, Oahu, home of the 50th state’s capitol, Honolulu, offers the very best of cosmopolitan meets tropical hospitality— particularly if you choose to stay in the bustling Waikiki neighborhood. There’s a reason why it’s much beloved by locals and travelers alike for the incredible surf, access to shopping and great dining, and well, the turquoise water looking out at the iconic Diamond Head, isn’t too bad either. While there is no shortage of action and activities in Waikiki, there are some special hideaways that feel far more remote. The Royal Hawaiian, nestled off of the famed Kalakaua Avenue, is one such gem.
The Pink Palace of the Pacific, easily spotted by air, sea, or from pretty much anywhere nearby, is a bit of a historic landmark, as it was originally King Kamehameha I’s residence, opened in 1927 as a hotel, and has generally been a longstanding symbol of opulence and grandeur. Over its nearly 100-year history, it’s seen guests like Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, and when Gidget went to Hawaii, she went to the Royal Hawaiian.
A century on, the pastel icon remains a must-visit, to take in the lush gardens and majestic banyan tree at the entrance (it’s particularly breathtaking at night, when it is alight by lantern), or to try a Mai Tai or two… the Royal Hawaiian is where the tropical tipple was first served, after all.
Here, Nicole Okuna, general manager at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, tells T&C all about the hotel’s best accommodations and shares some details about what makes the property set apart from the rest.
What do you consider to be the best room at The Royal Hawaiian and why?
The Royal Hawaiian has 528 rooms, including 50 suites, 18 of which suites are situated oceanfront. Of particular note are the four Prestige Suites (Ali‘i Suite, Queen Ka’ahumanu Suite, Royal Hawaiian Suite, and Kamehameha Suite) that offer unparalleled comfort and luxury with majestic views of the Pacific. From opulent furnishings to panoramic ocean vistas, each suite invites you to indulge in the splendor of Hawaiian hospitality, showcasing a heritage found only at The Royal. Each of the prestige suites are one-of-a-kind.
The 1,774-square-foot Kamehameha Suite is known for its expansive oceanfront lanai, and the feeling of history as you walk through the room. The suite’s interior, inspired by Hawaiian royalty with bold graphic kapa patterns and Hawaiian artwork. The primary bedroom features a regal four-poster bed with signature Luxury Collection bedding and touches of red and yellow (colors of the Hawaiian monarchy), and the master bathroom includes a soaking tub that overlooks the private and expansive lanai, which happens to have an unrivaled view of Diamond Head crater, Waikiki Beac,h and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. The outdoor space serves as the perfect area for parties, gatherings, and wedding receptions.
Courtesy of The Royal HawaiianThe master bedroom in the Kamehameha suite.
How much does it cost per night?
The Kamehameha Suite costs $8,500 per night.
How would you describe the guests that stay at the hotel and the general atmosphere?
Guests who stay at The Royal Hawaiian are well-traveled adventurers and global explorers. They come to the resort because it is truly an icon standing elegantly on Waikiki Beach welcoming visitors to the island. She is the crown jewel of the Waikiki Coastline, easily seen in the air or in the water. The Royal Hawaiian is the only Luxury Collection property in Hawaii and offers distinctive programming that allows it to carry on the traditions that help shape its heritage. Experiences such as the twice weekly Aha Aina Luau, Hiuwai sunrise ritual, and epicurean journeys at the resort’s restaurants, are among the guest experiences that are transformative and unforgettable.
Courtesy of The Royal HawaiianThe Kamehameha suite’s master bathroom overlooks the lanai.
What is one thing about the hotel that you think first-time visitors will find surprising?
Constructed on 15 acres of beautiful beachfront land, the luxurious, our pink hotel, with its distinctive Moorish-style architecture is widely known as a must-visit if your travels take you to Oahu.
During the era of the Charleston and Prohibition, the primary method of transportation to Hawaii was aboard Matson steamships and by the time the ship passengers arrived in Hawaii, they had been at sea for so long that many early visitors desired room views of the gardens or mountains as opposed to the sea. Hence, the majority of the rooms in the historic wing face away from the ocean.
As air travel picked up in the 1960s, the then-Royal Beach Tower opened with rooms that face toward the ocean. Periodic upgrades and renovations to The Royal Hawaiian continued over the years that followed, always with respect to the rich heritage, original architecture and distinctive character of the Pink Palace of the Pacific.
What do you think gives The Royal Hawaiian such a unique identity?
The Royal Hawaiian is both unique and extraordinary. Long before it was developed as a tourist destination, Waikiki was a favorite place to reside and a recreational area for Hawaiian royalty. King Kamehameha the Great made his home where The Royal Hawaiian stands today and his wife Queen Ka‘ahumanu located her summer palace on what is now the resort’s Coconut Grove.
Courtesy of The Royal HawaiianAn interior view of the courtyard overlooking the Pacific.
What is a local attraction that you always recommend to guests?
Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which is part of the U.S. National Park Service. Many may not know The Royal Hawaiian has a connection with the U.S. Navy. After the bombing of the U.S. Navy fleet berthed at Pearl Harbor further west on Oahu’s south shore. the Navy Recreation and Morale Office leased The Royal Hawaiian as the U.S. entered the global war, transforming the property into a major rest and relaxation center for Navy personnel. The property was restored to its pre-war elegance and opened to the public again after the war.
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Roxanne Adamiyatt is the Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director at Town & Country, spearheading style coverage for the web, with a focus on everything from fashion & accessories, jewelry, beauty & wellness, home & design, and even sometimes travel. In her role, Roxanne regularly contributes pieces for the print magazine, often on the intersection of social media and luxury. For example: the new class of watch influencers shifting the markets, and why some blondes are style mavens from beyond the grave. Previously, she held the role of senior digital editor from 2018-2022. Prior to her time at T&C, Roxanne was the beauty & fashion editor at Us Weekly, and before that, she was a beauty editor at InStyle.com/mimi. A life-long New Yorker, Roxanne received her ungraduated degree from Barnard College and her MS from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. When she’s not attending market appointments and writing about trends, you can find her scouring the internet (and thrift shops) for the very best vintage fashion designer to squeeze into her Manhattan closet and vintage furniture for her seemingly endless apartment decoration project, or researching the very best new age wellness treatments to try next. You can find Roxanne on Instagram and TikTok at the handle @roxanne_adamiyatt.
