The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

Character and identity

Open since 1927 and known as the "Pink Palace," this Spanish-Moorish landmark sits directly on Waikiki Beach on grounds that once belonged to Hawaiian royalty. The 528 rooms spread across two towers, with interiors leaning into wicker, bamboo and rattan against bold wallpapers; tower-wing accommodations come with pink Frette robes and Malie Organics amenities. The koa-wood lobby and Eugene Savage murals anchor the historic feel. Expect handcrafted cocktails at the Mai Tai Bar, oceanfront fine dining at Azure (with fish from the morning Honolulu auction), and the ‘Aha‘aina luau, Waikiki's only sit-down dinner show, on Monday and Thursday nights.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for here is the address and the legacy: a genuine 1927 landmark planted on the best stretch of Waikiki sand, with the pink façade and koa-lined lobby doing most of the heavy lifting. Book the historic tower for the Frette robes and period character, request an ocean view, and time a stay around a Monday or Thursday to catch the luau.