As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

Hawaii hotels are a dime a dozen these days, but this historic spot sure is special. In the heart of Oahu’s tourist district and among the hoards of luxury hotels and resorts, stands a picturesque pink landmark you surely can’t miss as you stroll down the famous Waikiki Beach. This is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and, at more than 90 years old, it is still just as legendary — and just as pink — as when it first opened in 1927.

With a long history firmly rooted in Hawaii’s rich culture, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is positively magical.
Alissa Walker/Flickr
When the Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927, it was only the second luxury property along Waikiki Beach (the Moana Surfrider, now a Westin resort, was first opened in 1901).
Peggy2012/Flickr
In its early days of operation, the luxury hotel welcomed many affluent travelers from Europe who traveled to Hawaii on ocean liners from California.
In the 1940s and during World War II, tourism declined, and the Royal Hawaiian’s 284 rooms were instead occupied by members of the armed forces.
Allie/Flickr
You see, the United States Navy had leased the entire property for $17,500 per month as a place for sailors to rest and recuperate from the rigors of war. The Monarch Ballroom, once used for fine dining, became a Navy mess hall.
After the war, and before Hawaii officially became an American state in 1959, the Royal Hawaiian was returned to its former glory and has been one of Oahu’s most elite hotels ever since.
corp2267/Wikimedia Commons

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With its brightly-colored exterior and Spanish-Moorish facade, it is said that the world fell in love with the Hawaiian Islands through the Royal Hawaiian Hotel when it first opened.
Alan Light/Flickr
The hotel’s iconic pink color was is the result of Portuguese influence on its architectural design and it's safe to say that there's no other hotel quite like it — in Hawaii, or anywhere else.
Standing between serene tropical gardens and gently crashing waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Royal Hawaiian is an icon of luxury resort travel known for its luxurious rooms and plenty of stellar amenities — including two world-class pools and three mouthwatering restaurants.
Ron Jones/Flickr
Known to the world as "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," the Royal Hawaiian has played host to heads of state, celebrities, influential figures and tourists for the past nine decades.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
The hotel’s first registered guest was Princess Abigail Kawanakoa, who would have been the Queen of Hawaii had the monarchy survived past the late 1800s. Other notable guests include Duke Kahanamoku and former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The beachfront hotel cost approximately four million dollars when it was built on sacred Hawaiian grounds — that’s not accounting for inflation — and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Despite extensive renovations approximately a decade ago, the Royal Hawaiian — which is a member of The Luxury Collection division of Starwood Hotels — still maintains its old Hawaiian charm and delights anyone who spends the night.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotels even offers guests a complimentary tour of its historic royal grounds on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. For a detailed timeline of the hotel’s history, check out their website. Also, be sure to check out these 15 epic Hawaii hotels and resorts across the Hawaiian Islands. What is your favorite Hawaii hotel to stay at when you visit the Aloha State?

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Hawaii Tourism

Megan Shute | May 11, 2020

What is the history of tourism in Hawaii? 

Tourism in Hawaii began in the 1860s with travelers coming from across the world to visit Kilauea Volcano, one of the world's premier destinations for adventure travelers. A grass structure known as the Volcano House was built on the rim of Halemaumau Crater in 1865: this was Hawaii's first hotel. Since then, the tourism industry has exploded in Hawaii, but we love looking back at these 13 rare vintage photographs that showcase the islands' tourism industry.

How many tourists visit Hawaii each year? 

More than 10 million visitors came to Hawaii in 2019, which was an increase of 5.4 percent as compared to 2018. On average, there were approximately 249,000 visitors in the Aloha State on any given day in 2019. These visitors spent approximately 17.75 billion dollars, making it obvious that tourism is the largest industry in Hawaii.

What are the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii? 

With breathtaking beaches in a variety of colors, lush greenery, towering mountains, and plenty of natural wonders, the Aloha State is home to some of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Some of the most popular must-visit spots are Hawaii Island's Mauna Kea, Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Maui's Road to Hana, and Oahu's Hanauma Bay. Discover more can't-miss tourist destinations in our previous article, "These Are The Top Three Things You Need To Do On Each Hawaiian Island."

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Featured Addresses
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, 2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA