When we booked our stay at The Royal Hawaiian, we were chasing sunshine, surf, and something a little magical—and this pink palace on Waikīkī Beach delivered in every way.

Known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," The Royal Hawaiian has been welcoming guests since 1927 and is one of the most iconic hotels in all of Hawai‘i. From its rich history to its unbeatable location, this luxury stay hits that rare sweet spot: elegant and family-friendly, with just enough perks to make you feel like you scored something special.

Location, Location… Yes, Location

The Royal Hawaiian sits right on Waikīkī Beach. Not near it. Not across the street from it. On it. And it shows—whether you're watching the sunrise over Diamond Head or grabbing a shave ice after a sandy morning, you're in the heart of everything while still feeling like you're tucked away in your own little paradise.

Shops, restaurants, and beachy fun? All walkable. It’s perfect for families who want convenience without compromising comfort.

That Resort Fee? Worth It—And Then Some

Yes, the resort fee is steep ($50 per night, plus $55 for valet parking), but it’s par for the course in Hawai‘i—and at The Royal Hawaiian, it actually feels worth it.

Here’s what that resort fee includes:

Private beach loungers & folding chairs for two guests per room (elite Bonvoy perk)
Fresh flower or kukui nut lei greeting for two guests
Morning yoga sessions (daily, for two guests)
Cultural classes & activities like ukulele lessons, beginner hula, lei-making, lauhala weaving, and more
Daily stand-up paddleboard intro demo
Royal Hawaiian historical walking tour + talk story with Tutu
Refillable stainless steel water bottles (logo-branded, one per guest)
Bag of freshly baked banana bread muffins from the Royal Bake Shop (yes, these were so good)
Enhanced high-speed internet access

For families looking to blend a relaxing stay with meaningful cultural experiences, this is the kind of value that really stands out.

And yes, the private loungers right on Waikīkī? Never once full, always easy to grab—huge win for families who don’t want to fight for beach space.

Dine Around Without the Wallet Drama

One of the best parts of staying here as a family was the Dine Around Program. We didn’t have to carry our wallets anywhere on property—or even off it, really. With a little pink wristband (more on that magic later), we could walk to three sister properties—like the Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, and Princess Kaiulani—and charge meals directly to our room.

From poke bowls by the pool to mai tais at sunset, it was next-level convenience that made us feel like VIPs with kids in tow.

More on dining here: Royal Hawaiian Dining Options

Family Foodie Favorites

Let’s talk food. Every morning started with something our boys still talk about: the pink pancakes. They’re fluffy, delicious, and just as fun as they sound—hands down a breakfast hit for the kids (and okay, us too).

As a Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum member, we also received complimentary continental breakfast and a discounted full breakfast each day, which was a serious perk. From fresh fruit and pastries to full spreads and ocean views, breakfast felt like a treat instead of a routine. And when traveling with kids, that makes all the difference.

Access to the Sheraton Pool + Slide = Big Win for Kids

Speaking of sister properties—families, take note. You get access to the Sheraton Waikiki’s family pool and waterslide, which is right next door. That’s right: iconic beach + pool day + waterslide = happy parents and very happy kids.

Our boys spent hours racing down the slide while we soaked up the view of the ocean just beyond the pool deck.

Service That Set the Tone

Let’s talk about the real magic of this hotel: the people. Every single member of the Royal Hawaiian staff made us feel seen, welcomed, and cared for—especially our boys. From warm greetings every morning to thoughtful touches like extra banana bread packed to-go for our drive up to the North Shore, the service here wasn’t just great—it was the best we’ve experienced on O‘ahu. And honestly, that says a lot.

Rooms, Views, and the Little Things

Our room was spacious and bright, with a view that felt like a screensaver—think swaying palms, glittering water, and that famous pink hue glowing at golden hour.

And yes, we loved those pink wristbands. Not only did they work as our room keys (which meant no fumbling with cards while chasing kids), but they also made us feel like we belonged to a fun, exclusive little club.

Budget Breakdown: How We Stayed Smart

Thanks to our Marriott Bonvoy rewards, we stayed for:

1 Free Night Certificate
81,000 points per night
$50/night resort fee
$55/night valet parking

Not bad for a beachfront luxury hotel that usually runs around $500+ per night. If you're savvy with points and flexible on dates, this is a splurge that doesn’t have to break the bank.

Final Verdict

The Royal Hawaiian is a rare gem: stylish, historic, and surprisingly family-friendly. You get luxe touches without sacrificing fun or convenience, and the service? Absolutely unmatched.

Whether it’s your first trip to O‘ahu or your fifth, this spot makes an unforgettable home base. For families looking to blend comfort, culture, location, and a little pink sparkle, this is it.

Why The Royal Hawaiian Is the Perfect Family-Friendly Luxury Hotel on O‘ahu