I have been DYING to share all these photos with y’all! The kids, mom and I had the most wonderful time at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki Beach. Here’s everything we did, all the outfits I wore (linked), but most importantly, all the wonderful memories we made!
The Royal Hawaiian – Hawaii Travel Guide
First of all, the Royal Hawaiian is absolutely breathtaking. It’s an all pink building stretched along Waikiki Beach. You can even see it as you’re flying in. It’s more commonly known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific. I’ve wanted to visit this hotel since reading Shark Dialogues five years ago. Here’s what you need to know about this beautiful resort:
- It’s a five star resort.
- It’s FAMOUS! Built in 1927, it’s housed celebrities and political figures the world over.
- This year is it’s 90th anniversary. The hotel has great deals and fun events all year long.
- If you’re an interior decorating fiend, you will LOVE everything about this resort. The interior is just as beautiful as the exterior.
Speaking of the interior, I know some of you may be worried about staying in an older hotel. Not to worry, the entire place had a makeover back in 2010, including the new building of the Mailani Tower. The Mailani Tower is the VIP section of the resort, complete with ocean-facing suites and complimentary breakfast, coffee, and happy hour. But don’t get me wrong, every inch of the Pink Palace is deluxe.
We arrived at the Royal Hawaiian with an ecstatic “Aloha”, lei’s for the whole family, and fresh pineapple juice. Then we were ushered up to our room, where we were greeted with our bags already unloaded, crisp air conditioning, the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on, and a view of the gardens. We immediately changed and ran down to the beach, where the kids let loose and played until sunset.
The next day we played all day, moving between the beach and the kid pool and slide at the Sheraton Waikiki. The Sheraton is right next to the Royal Hawaiian and houses a great kids’ area, along with a light show at night. That night, however, we were lucky enough to be guests at the famous Pink Palace Luau. We were serenaded with traditional Hawaiian songs and dances, as well as a sensuous buffet and open bar. We had a fantastic time!
I can’t decide if the luau or snorkeling the next day was more enjoyable. We took a ride to North Shore for a day trip of snorkeling and fun. The crew was so knowledgable and sweet. Several of the gentlemen even helped with the kids so we could jump in and see the turtles, coral, and colorful fish. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve wanted to swim with sea turtles my whole life so I was pretty ecstatic! But my favorite part was watching Hudson interact with everyone on the boat. He made best friends with the captain- who let him drive, and then he fed the fish that were swimming around the boat and went crazy with excitement!
The rest of our trip was spent lounging on the beach, swimming at the Sheraton, or shopping at the many fun shopping centers surrounding the hotel. Hudson and Henley just soaked it up. I think we all needed the relaxation, long naps spent snuggling, and lots of fresh air and sunshine. OMG and the food ya’ll. The food is SO good. You must do:
- Breakfast buffet at Surf Lanai- get ALL the things
- Lunch at the Mai Tai Bar- the wings and caesar salad were divine
- Dinner at Azure- can’t go wrong with anything on the menu
- Breakfast or Lunch at Kai Market- there is SO much food to choose from! Definitely hit the desserts up first.
- Lunch or Dinner at Rumfire at the Sheraton- again anything you order will be great. Mom loved the pork tacos!
GORGEOUS photos, Jess! Looks like y’all had a great time! I adore the photo of you and your mom! ?
Looks like so much fun! I love seeing yalls adventures. I love, love the matchy matchy mommy and me dresses!
My husband and I want to go to Hawaii for our 10th anniversary! I hope we do end up there.
Oh what wonderfully gorgeous family photos – it makes me want to go there right now! Looks like a fabulous holiday!
You do a FABULOUS blog and the information is awesome. I will definitely add this resort to our bucket list. Hopefully we will get there soon. Beautiful pictures and a beautiful family. Keep all the information coming.
I love that bathing suit cover-up sheath you’re wearing with your son! I would rock that all day every day! haha!
I have always wanted to go to Hawaii! Royal Hawaiian looks beautiful and your daughter is too cute for words!
I have never been there but I sure hope to make it some day. You captured it so well in your photos.
What a gorgeous place. I just love the pink building and all of your photos make me want to book my vacation now.
Sign me up for a vacation to the Royal Hawaiian. Everything from the accommodations to the views to the food and drinks looks amazing. Looks like your family had a wonderful time.
Glad you guys had such a great time together! Your kids are so cute!
Beautiful pictures. maybe some day we will be able to go back to Hawaii. I miss the beach.
Oh wow this seems like an amazing vacation. I love all the beautiful pictures you’ve taken!
Oh my goodness, this looks like so much fun! Where did you get your swimmers from too btw? They are stunning!
What an awesome travel guide! I think it’s amazing that you got to go to Hawaii, it remains to be one of the most beautiful places one can travel to. Thanks for the tips on what to do!
What a beautiful little family and a beautiful location! Your swimming attire is gorgeous by the way.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
It does look very beautiful there. And your baby is adorable. I just remember having my worst family vacation in Hawaii so I would hesitate to go back to that island at least.
Wow this place looks beautiful!!! Love all the cute outfits and your sons taco Shirt!! Ty for sharing these beautiful memories with us !
Oh would I love to be there this week. It is freezing cold here!
Woww loved your pictures. your son and daughter are so cuteee and loved all your outfits too <3
Such a stylish holiday in paradise! You and your mother are gorgeous, as are your children. Looks like super fun had by all.
Wow! Beautiful pictures. Love the flower crowns – so pretty! I’m dying to go to Hawaii but I’m way too scared to fly that far with my two kids. I can just imagine how that flight would go! ?
Amazing photos! This looks like such a great and fun place to visit. Take me there! I want to be in Hawaii. It’s freezing here.
Hawaii is one of my biggest bucket list travel destinations! The pictures look so great and the guide was very nice!
Looks like so much fun! I love the photographs they are all so cute.
I love Hawaii. Looks like you had a great time and the clothes are too cute.
I love all your photos! The place looks really nice, your outfits are so lovely and your kids are so adorable! Oh what a fun vacation it must be!
I love the pic of you and your mom. So sweet.