By Karen Sprinkles
Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Oahu's famous pink hotel, the venerable Royal Hawaiian Hotel fronts the sandy
beach of Waikiki. Known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific, the Royal Hawaiian was built in 1924, at which time it unveiled a new standard of luxury in Hawaii. Located just steps from the beach, the acclaimed Mai Tai Bar is a "must do" for visitors in search of the perfect tropical cocktail. Sunsets from this vantage-point take on a whole new meaning as you sip an iconic cocktail made with fresh-squeezed pineapple and orange juice, orange curacao, Bacardi Superior, Orgeat and Myer's Dark Rum.
Wows and Woes
Wows: For $10, there's no skimping on this cocktail, which packs a punch after one drink.
Woes: The Mai Tai Bar attracts all kinds, so keep your personal belongings close at hand.
Insider Tips
Check out the inside of the hotel, which ranks among the most opulent on the Waikiki strip. The lobby itself resembles a museum, while a visit to the luxurious bathrooms is well worth the trip.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Having sampled many mai tais throughout Waikiki during the week, we were not prepared for the superior "heft" of the Royal Hawaiian mai tai. In fact, after just one drink, we were sufficiently buzzed for the rest of the evening.
Bottom Line
When in Waikiki, you must treat yourself to at least one of these classic concoctions made famous by the Pink Palace of the Pacific.
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
Photo Credits:
(c) Starwood Resorts Hawaii
