The Pink Palace of the Pacific is more commonly known as The Royal Hawaiian.

Originally built in 1927, the resort opened with a black-tie affair and 1,200 guests attending. Since that time, The Royal Hawaiian has continued to endure as an iconic destination, serving international guests, movies stars and presidents.

Standing on the shores of Waikiki Beach, the resort’s pink stucco concrete and Spanish Revival-Moorish architecture was purposefully chosen to reflect the tenor of the time. As the years followed, the resort changed hands and updates were made, but it’s the famous pink shade that prevailed, only adding to the hotel’s notoriety and fame.

My experience at The Royal Hawaiian was something out of a fairy tale.

My king-sized room, with an oceanfront view on the ninth floor, gave way to a large balcony overlooking the full crescent shape of Waikiki Beach. Dozens of wannabe and experienced surfers rested in the ocean in front of me, waiting to catch a wave and ride closer into shore. The pool and palms were directly beneath me, with the white, sandy beach only a few steps away. On the far side, the silhouette of Diamond Head book-ended the view.

At one point I reminded myself this was not AI-generated — it was real life. The sound of the ocean, the easy-going waves, the incredible scenery; they were almost too perfect to be true. And although I’ve traveled my fair share, it’s a rare moment when what your eye beholds is idyllic enough for your brain to question, “Is this the real life? Or is it just fantasy?”

While I could’ve enjoyed the balcony view for hours, I did venture on the property for additional sights, food, beverages and beach time. Breakfast was excellent, some additional pastries for the road (who can resist a guava bundt cake, pink sparkled Danish and standard croissant?), and the bright sunshine turned my skin nearly as pink as the palace.

Of course, my stay was too short. But then again, who’s to say I won’t return?

— Carrie Cox, account executive