Key takeaways
- The Royal Hawaiian begins comprehensive renovations to complete by February 2027 for its centennial, with staged construction allowing continued guest operations during the modernization.
- The historic wing preserves original architectural details like carved doors with the Hawaii state seal while adding updated bathrooms, custom furniture, and dining amenities to all 349 rooms and suites.
- Marriott Bonvoy members can book the newly renovated property with points, and centennial celebrations including a special luau, time capsule opening, and anniversary parties kick off in February 2027.
The Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood, known globally as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” is undergoing a comprehensive modernization as it approaches its centennial milestone. The hotel will mark its 100th birthday in February 2027, with renovations scheduled to complete in time for the major anniversary celebration. The property remains operational throughout the staged renovation process, with different sections closing sequentially for updates while guests can continue booking.
Opened in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian established itself as one of Waikiki’s earliest major resorts, fundamentally shaping the neighborhood’s development as a premier destination. Its sister property, the Moana Surfrider, had been operating since 1901, but The Royal Hawaiian’s distinctive Spanish-Moorish architecture and prime beachfront location made it a defining landmark within Hawaii’s hospitality landscape.
The Historic Wing Gets a Refresh
Room Details and Design Philosophy
The original building contains 349 rooms and suites arranged across six stories, and these accommodations are receiving the most extensive updates as part of the centennial project. Remodeled guest rooms will feature custom-carved furniture, new dining tables for two, and completely rebuilt bathrooms with glass shower doors and updated vanities.
The design approach explicitly references the golden age of travel, with styling elements that evoke vintage steamer trunks and furnishings featuring architectural lines that mirror the building’s structure. According to The Points Guy, who recently stayed in the historic wing, the original rooms already offered spacious layouts and impressive ceiling heights that defined the guest experience. These qualities are being preserved while contemporary amenities and comfort upgrades are added throughout each room.
Preserving Original Architectural Elements
A significant commitment to heritage preservation: the hotel is retaining the original wooden doors throughout the historic wing, each intricately carved with the Hawaii state seal. This decision to preserve original architectural details distinguishes the renovation from projects that strip away historic elements entirely in pursuit of modernization. The combination of new guest room features with restored original details represents a deliberate balancing act between updating the property and honoring its foundational character.
Additional Renovation Phases
The Mailani Tower Update
The Mailani Tower, a building section added in 1969, is receiving a complete renovation across all 179 rooms and 11 suites. Every room in this tower faces the ocean and includes a private lanai, positioning these accommodations as premium options within the larger property’s portfolio. The full renovation of this section ensures consistency across the entire property once work completes.
Lobby and Public Spaces
Beyond the guest rooms, The Royal Hawaiian’s lobby and public areas are being redesigned with lighter fabrics and furnishings. These updates modernize the common spaces where guests arrive, gather, and experience the property while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the hotel’s overall design philosophy.
Cultural Programming and Historic Preservation
The Royal Hawaiian recently opened a Historic Gallery developed in partnership with Matson Archives. The gallery displays artifacts spanning from the 1920s through the property’s grand opening gala in 1927, providing guests and visitors with tangible connection to the hotel’s original era and cultural significance within Hawaii’s hospitality history. The property offers twice-weekly guided tours through the gallery, allowing visitors to engage directly with these historical pieces.
The Points Guy visited this space recently and found the collection provided valuable historical context for understanding The Royal Hawaiian’s place in Waikiki’s development and its role in Hawaii’s tourism story.
100th Anniversary Celebrations and Events
The hotel has announced a series of major commemorative events planned for the February 2027 centennial milestone. These include a special Royal Hawaiian Ahaaina Luau, the opening of a time capsule, and multiple celebration parties designed to mark the occasion. Tickets for these events will go on sale October 21, providing advance notice for guests and fans planning to participate in the anniversary.
General Manager Nicole Okuna, the fourth woman to lead the resort, emphasized the significance of the milestone, describing it as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the Pink Palace of the Pacific’s extraordinary heritage, honor the cherished stories that have shaped its remarkable history, and create new memories that will inspire future generations for years to come.”
Booking Renovated Rooms with Marriott Points
The Royal Hawaiian is part of Marriott’s collection of Honolulu properties, making it available to Marriott Bonvoy members as a points redemption option. This positioning means newly updated accommodations will be accessible through points as well as cash rates once the renovation completes, providing members with premium redemption opportunities.
Timeline and Guest Operations
The staged renovation approach allows The Royal Hawaiian to remain open and operational throughout the modernization process. Different sections are being closed sequentially for work, meaning some guests will experience newly renovated spaces while others may encounter sections still in transition. This approach maintains the property’s revenue and guest access while ensuring all updates are completed before the February 2027 centennial, allowing the hotel to showcase the comprehensive renovation during its major anniversary celebration. The pink stucco exterior, the feature that earned the property its iconic “Pink Palace of the Pacific” nickname, will remain unchanged throughout the process, preserving the visual signature that makes the property globally recognizable.
Source: The Points Guy Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Royal Hawaiian celebrate its 100th birthday?
The Royal Hawaiian celebrates its 100th birthday in February 2027. Renovations are timed to complete before this milestone, allowing the property to showcase the updated accommodations and spaces during anniversary celebrations.
Can I stay at the Royal Hawaiian during renovations?
Yes, the hotel remains open during renovations, with different sections closing sequentially for work. This staged approach allows guests to book and experience the property even while updates are underway.
Can I book the Royal Hawaiian with Marriott Bonvoy points?
Yes, the Royal Hawaiian is part of Marriott's hotel collection in Honolulu and is available for Marriott Bonvoy points redemption. Renovated rooms will be bookable with points once the updates complete.
