Although Waikiki is more and more becoming a land of international brand resorts and globally recognized hotel chains, the hallmark of Waikiki, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, known to many as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, still graces the sandy beaches of Oahu’s southern shores.  Despite the rise in popularity of Waikiki condos, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel has been able to maintain a significant portion of the market share.  As one of the first hotels established in the area, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is considered one of the flagships of tourism in Hawaii.  Although it first opened its doors in 1927, the hotel has been continuously updated to keep customers happy while maintaining its old Hawaiian charm.  Although the hotel was able to operate as an independent property for so many years, it opened in 2009 after major renovations as a member of The Luxury Collection division of Starwood Hotels.  The arrangement allows the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to continue to operate under its own name and entity.

Known to cater to the social elite and upper class tourists, the Royal Hawaiian has hosted some of the world’s most influential statesmen and celebrities.  Duke Kahanamoku, known as the father of surfing, frequented the hotel as did President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  The president visited so often that the hotel was called the Western White House.