Discovering the Timeless Beauty of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Jun
Jan 14
2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

A Place of Pause in Waikīkī

Waikīkī is often defined by movement. People arrive, leave, and pass through. But tucked within that is a place that encourages pause. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, known as the Pink Palace, has stood here since 1927. Long before Waikīkī became what it is today, this hotel was built as a symbol of arrival, romance, leisure, and time taken slowly.

Historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel exterior in Waikiki, featuring its iconic pink façade framed by palm trees under a soft Hawaiʻi sky.

Entering a World of Serenity

From the front entrance, the pace shifts. The noise softens. Greenery and shade take over, and the hotel reveals itself gradually through arches and pathways. Nothing feels immediate. Everything feels intentional.

Garden walkway inside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with tropical greenery, shaded paths, and classic Hawaiian resort architecture.

Through open frames, the ocean appears. The nostalgic touch of the umbrellas brings a sense of familiarity, carrying you back to another time.

View toward Waikiki Beach from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with nostalgic beach umbrellas and the ocean visible through open architectural frames.

The Allure of Iconic Corridors

Long iconic corridors stretch in repetition. Walking here naturally slows you down.

Interior corridor of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, showing repeating columns, soft natural light, and historic Mediterranean-style design.

Pink walls and iron railings invite you to pass through. I’ve always been drawn to in-between spaces like hallways, staircases, and thresholds. They’re rarely the destination, yet they hold so much of the story.

Photographer’s reflection captured in a mirror at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, documenting a quiet moment during a walk through Waikiki.

In a brief reflection, I catch myself with the camera raised, present for a moment, then gone, like so many who have passed through these halls.

The Royal Hawaiian's Legacy

The Royal Hawaiian has seen royalty, celebrities, soldiers, honeymooners, families, and strangers with no intention of staying long. It has remained while everything else around it has shifted.

This stroll was a reminder that history doesn’t disappear; it simply learns how to share space with the present. The hotel stands as a testament to the beauty of everyday life, connecting us to moments that matter.

Embracing the Past and Present

As I walk through the hotel, I feel the weight of its history. Each corner tells a story. Each room holds a memory. The Royal Hawaiian is not just a hotel; it is a living museum of experiences.

I find joy in capturing these moments through my lens. Photography allows me to freeze time, to share the beauty I see with others. It’s a way to connect with those who appreciate unique perspectives and timeless images.

For more stories and artwork, please visit: www.juntagai.com

Location: Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Photograph & written by: Jun Tagai

Filmed w/ Nikon Zf