Why this hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu is the happiest place in America
As the US political landscape becomes increasingly chaotic, this hotel in the nation’s 50th state feels like an entire world away.
It’s no secret that, following the re-election of Donald Trump, Aussie holiday-makers have drifted away from the United States.
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the US fell from third to fourth most-popular travel destination between 2024-25 – our traditional wanderlust dampened by the President’s increasingly restrictive – and controversial – trade, governmental and entry policies.
But in the face of all that turmoil, the sprawling, flamingo-pink compound that is Waikiki’s Royal Hawaiian Hotel feels like a world away.
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There’s possibly no building more iconic in Oahu – or across any of the islands that comprise America’s 50th state – than the so-called Pink Palace of the Pacific.
Opened in 1927, the Royal Hawaiian is the island’s second-oldest hotel. Setting foot on its manicured grounds – or inside any of its 528 rooms – is like entering a tropical time-warp.
Every inch of the property steeped in history – not just the hotel’s own, but that of Hawaii itself, best distilled at the twice-weekly Ahaaina, A Royal Hawaiian Luau, held for “many, many years” on the resort’s Ocean Lawn.
The purpose of the Ahaaina, The Waikiki Collection director of public relations Dara Young explains to news.com.au, is “to celebrate and honour the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii through a modern interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian feast”.
“This event is more than just a luau – it’s a cultural experience that pays homage to Helumoa, the sacred land where Hawaiian royalty once gathered … designed to reflect their traditions and the history of the land, blending ancient customs with modern hospitality,” Ms Young says.
The Ahaaina – which is open to guests and the general public – introduces attendees to traditional practices like kapa (bark cloth) making, poi pounding, and fishing techniques, before they settle in for a mesmerising evening of hula performances, Hawaiian music, and storytelling that brings the islands’ history and legends to life.
What “sets it apart”, Ms Young says, is the “luxurious and elegant atmosphere of the Pink Palace of the Pacific”.
No two words could be a better fit. With its emphasis on tradition, opulence and vintage charm, and access to a prime stretch of private Waikiki Beach, the Royal Hawaiian is both luxurious and elegant. That Hawaii’s King Kamehameha I had his home where the hotel stands today hardly comes as a surprise.
What is surprising, though, is how far removed the historic landmark feels from the bustle of Waikiki, particularly its famed Kalakaua Avenue, off which the Royal Hawaiian is nestled.
The strip – which heaves with restaurants, hotels, world-class shopping (it’s called Luxury Row, need I say more?) and confluence of unhurried, sun-soaked tourists and locals – is at odds with how at peace you feel once you wander through the hotel’s wrought-iron gates.
It’s a level of serenity that can’t just be chalked up to the Royal Hawaiian’s proximity to the blue, placid waters of Waikiki Beach (even in the corners of the property where you can’t see the ocean, you can likely still hear it) or the staff’s warm, attentive service, whether by the pool or at the bar (coincidentally the birthplace of the mai tai, conceived by Victor Bergeron for the hotel in 1953).
I felt so calm that I genuinely wondered – and have continued to since – if it was a feeling I’d ever actually experienced until my five-night visit. To stay at the Royal Hawaiian is to know true relaxation.
Getting there
Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with Qantas’ Frequent Flyers scheme, allowing members to book hundreds of thousands of new reward seats across its global network – which includes all four major Hawaiian Islands, 15 cities in the US and 10 international destinations – using Qantas Points.
“We know Hawaii is one of the most sought-after destinations for our Frequent Flyers and the partnership with Hawaiian Airlines will be welcome news for members eyeing up their next overseas trip,” Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said.
“Our members will be able to use their points to connect to one or all four major Hawaiian Islands or look to build Honolulu into their itinerary as a convenient stopover en route to North America.
“The partnership with Hawaiian Airlines also builds on the recent launch of our direct Melbourne to Honolulu Qantas service in May and gives our members more routes, more choice and more access to travel rewards using their points.”
Managing Director of Partnerships and International at Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines said the carrier was “thrilled to extend our unique on-board services, products and experiences – rooted in authentic Hawaiian hospitality – to even more Aussies through our partnership with Qantas”.
Hawaiian Airlines operates non-stop flights from Honolulu to Sydney and Auckland.
This writer travelled to Hawaii as a guest of Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines
