Famous Guests That Have Stayed At The Royal

After visiting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks wrote in their syndicated travel column, that Honolulu "was the most beautiful place in the world".

Since that time, the Royal has played host to numerous celebrities, financiers, politicians, heads of state and other notables. Curly topped Shirley Temple created a stir strumming the ukulele on Waikiki Beach when she visited the Royal in the 1930's. Even President Franklin Roosevelt found the charm of the Royal hard to resist when he visited Hawaii.

A more contemporary guest list includes Kevin Costner, William Defoe, Rosanna Arquette and many others. Although honored by the attention of its celebrity clientele, The Royal Hawaiian takes great pride in extending gracious service to each and every one of its special guests.

The Beach Boys

The fun loving beachboys at The Royal Hawaiian were a popular fixture at the hotel. The beachboys not only introduced guests to the myriad of beach activities that Waikiki had to offer, but lifelong friendships were often formed.

A rousing game of surfboard polo always attracted attention on a crowded day at the beach. It seems guests could not get enough surfing lessons or riding the waves on outrigger canoes. Surfing with sails was a popular pre-war sport. This, no doubt, was the start of today's popular sport of windsurfing.

As visitors continue to be lured to Hawaii by the tropical weather, sun and surf, nowhere does this combination meld as perfectly as at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Hotel on Waikiki Beach.

The Coconut Grove

From the earliest of times, the land surrounding The Royal Hawaiian Hotel was the playground of the ali'i (chiefs).

The lush landscape was fed by several springs encouraging tropical vegetation and the growth of the native staple, taro.

The Great Chief Kakuhihewa planted the Royal Coconut Grove on the site which later became the summer home of Queen Kaahumanu.

Today, remnants of the original coconut grove, now hundreds of years old, provide a tranquil respite in the east courtyard of the hotel.

Opening Night at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Dubbed the "Finest resort hostelry in America", the Royal Hawaiian Hotel ushered in a new era in island luxury on February 1, 1927.

1,200 people attended a black-tie dinner affair in the original dining room called the Persian Room, now the site of the Monarch Room.

Princess Kawananakoa (descendant of the former monarchy) staged a colorful hour-long pageant featuring native songs and dances. After the show, guests danced to the music of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

"The outstanding event of the season" still remains a treasured island memory.