In this video review of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, creator The Hawaii Vacation Guide lays out their take on whether Waikiki's Pink Palace is worth it.

Why They Love The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki (And Why You Might Not)

Erica from The Hawaii Vacation Guide shares why the historic Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki's "Pink Palace" built in 1927, remains her family's favorite hotel on the island. Highlights include its unbeatable beachfront location near the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, its expansive, secluded-feeling grounds compared to other Waikiki hotels, its historic architectural charm, two pool options (a small circular pool plus a shared kids' pool with the Sheraton next door), and the vibrant Mai Tai Lounge for sunset happy hour. She also details the perks earned by booking through a credit card travel portal — free upgrades, late checkout, resort credit, and free breakfast. On the downside, she notes that rooms in the historic building are small, dated, lack lanais, and have limited storage space, making it a trade-off some travelers should weigh before booking.