A Luxury Collection Resort known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the hotel is an oasis of splendor on the island of Oahu, making it an ideal vacation escape.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 04-18-2025
Escaping the Everyday: A New Travel Series Begins
There are moments in life when the hustle and sprawl of Los Angeles begin to blur into one long to-do list. Between traffic jams on the 405, overbooked schedules, and the pressures of modern living, we often dream of escape — a place to recharge, reflect, and rekindle a sense of wonder.
With that dream in mind, The Hollywood Times is proud to launch The Hollywood Times Destinations, an ongoing travel series spotlighting unforgettable getaways and hidden gems tailored for residents of Los Angeles County and Southern California.
What Makes This Series Special
Whether you’re craving a weekend escape, a cultural retreat, or a luxurious stay steeped in history, this series explores destinations that offer inspiration, relaxation, and a touch of Hollywood magic. From sun-soaked beaches to mountain hideaways and iconic resorts, each feature showcases the unique charm of places just a short drive or flight away, making them perfect for curious locals with a passion for travel and discovery.
Our First Destination: The Royal Hawaiian Resort
For our first destination, we wanted an iconic location that blends luxury, relaxation, and a storied past. Naturally, we found ourselves drawn across the Pacific to the island of Oahu, to the beautiful shores of Waikiki. There, The Royal Hawaiian Resort stands as a glamorous reminder of Hollywood’s Golden Age. After all, it truly is a living legend that continues to thrive and evolve.
A Storied Legacy on Waikiki Beach
Known affectionately as “The Pink Palace of the Pacific,” The Royal Hawaiian has graced the sands of Waikiki Beach since 1927. With its distinctive Spanish-Moorish architecture and tropical gardens, the resort has long served as a sanctuary for the elite, from golden-age Hollywood stars and U.S. presidents to today’s A-list travelers.
Indeed, the historical guest list reads like a who’s who of 20th-century icons:
- Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio spent their honeymoon together, setting the tone for generations of romance and mystique. (Watch their 1954 Honolulu arrival in this rare archival video.)
- Frank Sinatra performed in the Monarch Room, serenading guests with his signature charm.
- Shirley Temple vacationed here in 1935, and the hotel is credited with inventing the iconic “Shirley Temple” drink in her honor.
Presidents, Pioneers, and Timeless Icons
Political dignitaries were no strangers to the Pink Palace either. Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Hawaii in 1934, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy leased the hotel as a recovery and recreation center for submariners and other military personnel.
Later, pioneering women like Amelia Earhart and Helen Keller brought their presence and symbolism to the hotel’s halls. Earhart stayed after her historic 1935 trans-Pacific flight, and Keller visited in 1937, captivated by the rich sensory details of the island.
Hollywood stars such as Kevin Costner, Rosanna Arquette, and Drew Barrymore continue to stay there today. Barrymore recently returned with her daughters, recalling her childhood visit and describing it as a full-circle moment of magic and memory.
Modern Luxury with Hawaiian Spirit
Today, this Luxury Collection Resort continues to evolve while honoring its historic charm. Guests enjoy world-class dining at:
- Azure Restaurant – fresh island seafood with a stunning view
- Mai Tai Bar – signature tropical cocktails with beachfront ambiance
- Surf Lanai – a refined open-air breakfast and lunch venue
- Royal Hawaiian Bakery – serving Hawaiian-themed coffees in the morning
Ana and I will never forget the incredible breakfast offerings at Surf Lanai. From the Pink Palace Pancakes to the Short Rib Benedict, everything was tasty and served with style. Perhaps the best way to start a day, after savoring a delectable Royal Hawaiian Latte at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery, is with the fresh papaya and lime at Surf Lanai.
Relaxation, Culture, and Wellness
Beyond its restaurants, the resort offers a wide array of wellness and cultural experiences. With direct access to Waikiki’s golden sands and turquoise waters, the beach is steps away. Guests can also participate in cultural programs, including lei-making workshops, Hula dance lessons, guided tours of the resort’s history, and yoga classes.
Additionally, the Royal Hawaiian does not require you to carry a key or key card everywhere. Instead, they provide you with notable rubber wristbands that are easy to put on and stay on, even when wet. Their ability to open doors is not affected by saltwater, showers, or late nights on the town.
For those seeking deep relaxation, the Abhasa Spa is a serene oasis. It’s the only spa in Honolulu offering open-air treatments in a tropical garden setting. Their signature Lomi Lomi massage blends traditional Hawaiian technique with complete serenity — a restorative escape beneath the palms. Indeed, Ana felt as though her stiff neck and sore back from the long flight vanished as the masseuse’s wondrous hands took her pain away.
More Than a Hotel — A Living Destination
In short, The Royal Hawaiian is more than a hotel. It’s a destination within a destination — where the spirit of aloha seamlessly blends with a legacy of elegance, culture, and escape. At night, from our balcony, under the Pink Full Moon on April 12, 2025 (no kidding – look it up), the everlasting waves on Waikiki Beach were nothing less than remarkable and inspiring.
Under April’s Pink Full Moon, the soft crash of waves became a lullaby of relaxation. It was a moment that crystallized everything this series aims to celebrate — timeless beauty, soulful escape, and the enduring magic of travel. It was a vacation to remember as magnificence became one with serenity.
Follow Along and Discover More
Whether you’re dreaming of a long weekend away, planning your next romantic getaway, or simply seeking a mental vacation, we invite you to follow along as we explore places that inspire the soul.
With every feature, The Hollywood Times Destinations offers more than a guide — it offers an invitation: To escape, explore, and experience the extraordinary.
