October 17, 2026 — The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki’s famous “Pink Palace,” is remodeling its rooms ahead of its 100th birthday in February 2027. The hotel is staying open while sections close in stages, The Points Guy reported on October 16.
What is happening
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort under Marriott, opened in 1927 and turns 100 on February 1, 2027. The work covers rooms in the six-story historic wing and all 179 rooms (including 11 suites) in the Mailani Tower, which opened in 1969. The hotel says the work is on track to finish before the anniversary. No dates for the individual phases have been published (TBA).
General manager Nicole Okuna called the centennial “this once-in-a-generation milestone.” Tickets for anniversary events, including a luau, a time-capsule opening and a series of parties, go on sale October 21.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Property | The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki |
| Brand / parent | The Luxury Collection / Marriott International (Marriott Bonvoy) |
| Location | 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| What is happening | Room and public-area renovation, done in phases while the hotel stays open |
| Renovation period | Under way now; due to finish before February 1, 2027 (phase dates TBA) |
| Historic wing | 349 rooms and suites across six stories |
| Mailani Tower | All 179 rooms, including 11 suites, fully redone; every room faces the ocean and has a lanai |
| Centennial | February 1, 2027 |
| Nearest airport | Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL), 9 miles, per Marriott |
What is changing
- Historic wing: Remodeled rooms get custom-carved furniture, tables for two, and new bathrooms with glass shower doors and vanities. The original wooden doors carved with the Hawaii state seal stay.
- Mailani Tower: A full redo of every room.
- Lobby and public areas: Lighter fabrics and furnishings.
- What stays: The pink stucco exterior.
- History: A Historic Gallery created with Matson Archives offers tours twice a week.
What it means for airline travelers
- Expect some disruption: With sections closing in stages, ask the hotel whether your room or wing is affected and whether there will be construction noise during your dates.
- Getting there: HNL is 9 miles from the hotel, per Marriott.
- Points stays: The hotel can be booked with Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Centennial crowds: If you want to be there for the February 2027 celebrations, event tickets go on sale October 21. Expect high demand for rooms and flights around the anniversary, which makes standby trips to Honolulu harder.
- Industry and airline-employee rates: None were mentioned in the sources.
Sources
- The Points Guy — First on TPG: Waikiki’s iconic ‘Pink Palace’ is getting a major makeover for its 100th birthday (October 16, 2026)
- Marriott — The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki (hotel page)
Get NonRev Travel News by email
A weekly recap newsletter, sent out every Sunday, with the airline, airport, cruise and travel-warning news that matters to airline employees and retirees. Free.
Subscribe free
