Honolulu, United States

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

1 / 10

The takeaway

Choose the Pink Palace for a landmark Waikiki stay that puts historic architecture, direct beach access and Diamond Head-facing ocean views together.

About the hotel

Opened in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian is a substantial beachfront resort arranged between the low-rise Historic Wing and the ocean-facing Mailani Tower. Its pink Moorish-style landmark architecture and Coconut Grove gardens offer a historic counterpoint to the newer tower. Rooms range from garden-facing options in the Historic Wing to private-lanai ocean views in Mailani. The resort occupies a central stretch of Waikiki Beach, with Diamond Head across the water and Waikiki’s shops and dining nearby.

Choose it if

You want a Waikiki beachfront stay with direct access to the sand and views toward Diamond Head.
You like historic architecture but want a choice between the heritage-minded Historic Wing and the more contemporary Mailani Tower.

Skip it if

You want a remote, secluded shoreline rather than a resort on the central stretch of Waikiki Beach.
You expect in-room dining; the hotel currently lists room service as suspended.

The property

In photographs.

Guest discussion

What real people are saying.

Reddit excerpts · separate from Rex’s editorial judgment

Guests describe two different room experiences: one found the room dated, while another praised the renovated wing for its distinctive character. One guest also said a points stay, status upgrade, and included breakfast made the visit feel like a good deal.

Discussion is limited; these accounts offer a glimpse rather than a broad verdict.

“I really liked the royal hawaiian when I stayed there, but the room was pretty dated. It was on points and status got me a good upgrade and free breakfast so definitely felt I got a great stay.”

r/VisitingHawaii ↗

“Stayed in the renovated wing and our room just had certain charm and vibe that few other hotels have. Wonderful way to spend a few nights in waikiki”

r/VisitingHawaii ↗

If you like this

Nearby, in Hawaii & South Pacific.

See all →

Notable

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Kawaihae, United States

Beach252 roomsSea Views

On Hawaiʻi Island’s Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel faces the white sand and clear water of Kaunaʻoa Bay, with the slopes of Maunakea rising inland. Opened in 1965, it pairs a mid-century modern main building with a later beachfront wing; the renovated hotel now has 252 rooms and suites. Its beach setting is complemented by an Asian and Pacific art collection, oceanfront golf and racquet facilities, and several dining venues. The nearby Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is a separate property.

AFAR Best New

Rate guidePrice on request

Notable

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Princeville, United States

Beach252 roomsSea Views

A 252-room resort on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay occupies the longtime Princeville blufftop address above Hanalei Bay, with rooms and suites oriented to gardens, mountains, or water. The draw is not just the view but the hotel’s unusually heavy wellness emphasis: Bamford Wellness Spa, a 10,000-plus-square-foot Anatomy fitness space, beach activities at Honoʻiki Beach, and multiple pools spread across a large, terraced footprint.

MichelinCNT Triple Crown

Rate guideFrom $1,048

Notable

Kona Village Rosewood

Kailua-Kona, United States

Beach120 roomsRomantic

A secluded oceanfront retreat on the Kona Coast blending Polynesian charm with contemporary luxury and sustainability. This beachfront resort offers intimate bungalow-style accommodations nestled within lush tropical gardens overlooking pristine black sand beaches.

MichelinCNT Gold ListCNT Triple Crown

Rate guideFrom $800

If you like this

Same feel, elsewhere.

Notable

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Beverly Hills, United States

CityHistoric

Opened in 1912, The Beverly Hills Hotel occupies 12 landscaped acres just north of Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Rooms and suites in the main building sit alongside garden bungalows, giving guests a choice between the hotel’s pink-and-palm-print interiors and a more tucked-away setting. The Polo Lounge remains a focal point, while the outdoor pool and spa make the property as much a place to spend the day as a base for exploring the area.

MichelinThe 50 Best· 65CNT Gold ListRobb Report

Rate guidePrice on request

Notable

Fairmont Kea Lani

Wailea, United States

Beach450 roomsUltra-Luxury

An all-suite, all-ocean-view beachfront resort set on 22 acres of pristine Maui coastline, offering an unparalleled blend of Hawaiian luxury and personalized service. The property features a lagoon-style pool system and direct beach access, creating an exclusive retreat that feels both grand and intimately refined.

Rate guideFrom $650

Notable

Ocean House

Watch Hill, United States

BeachCoastal

On a 13-acre bluff in Watch Hill, Ocean House looks out over a 650-foot white-sand beach and the Atlantic. Its 49 guestrooms and 20 Signature Suites occupy a new building that recreates the exterior of the historic hotel, which closed in 2003, while incorporating salvaged architectural details. The grounds connect the hotel to the shoreline and the seaside village below; beach cabanas, croquet, dining and spa facilities make the property itself a substantial part of a stay.

CNT Triple Crown

Rate guidePrice on request

Plan your stay

Take the next step.

Check current availability and booking conditions with the provider.

Visit listed hotel reference ↗

Opens royal-hawaiian.com in a new tab.