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We could not go to the Elks this morning, so we settled for the hotel’s offerings. Adjacent to the MaiTai Bar was a restaurant unknown to us.
We had an enjoyable breakfast and a fantastic waiter who asked the chef to remove the ham and bacon from the everything omelet and put them on the side. Mary and I shared that omelet. We also shared a pink pancake stack, washing it all down with a Bloody Mary.
Average meal, healthy, a bit expensive, amazing waiter.
We returned to our room and awaited Megan to join us. From there, the three of us went to the lobby and waited for the Hotel Tour, which was led by a very knowledgeable lady who has worked as a guide for 55 years (and she surfs every morning)!
Our first stop was the ever-changing sandcastle. Every year, a couple comes from Florida and creates a new sand display at the hotel. The sand has to be brought in because removing sand from Waikiki is illegal. In fact, the sand at Waikiki has its own story!
Waikiki Beach’s sand is largely artificial and imported, created through decades of replenishment due to chronic erosion. Historically, sand was imported by barge from Manhattan Beach, California, in the 1920s-30s, but modern sand primarily comes from offshore sources, other Hawaiian locations, or crushed marine organisms such as coral.
Off on a tour of the facility!
We got a lesson on 1920s and 1930s culture from our guide. Apparently, folks would visit and promenade up and down the mail hall dressed in their finest. Around 8:00 pm, they would go to the dining room (below) and be entertained by an orchestra until around 11:00 pm.
The dining room is a historical monument and cannot be changed!
After dinner, they would promenade to the Great Hall, where they would dance until sunup to the music of popular orchestras.
Opening evening 1927.
During the tour, we were shown the “Ladies’ Lounge,” which was popular in the 1930s.
It was an amazing facility.
We strutted outside to investigate the infamous “Pink Paint Job” and, oh yes, we got the full story.
Let’s say: it involves bold decisions, questionable color charts, and possibly someone who shouldn’t be trusted alone at Home Depot.
Curious? Go ahead and ask—I dare you. It’s a legendary tale of how one building went from normal… to Flamingo Chic.
The Pink Lady!
Guess who? She was America’s sweetheart in the 1930s, and she came to Hawaii several times.
Shirley Temple visited Hawaii multiple times, most notably in July 1935 when she was greeted by 10,000 to 15,000 fans upon arrival. During her trips, she stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, performed at Iolani Palace, and even met her second husband, Charles Black, in Hawaii in 1950.1935 Visit: At seven years old, Temple took a working vacation to Hawaii, where she was escorted by Duke Kahanamoku and visited the Shriners’ Hospital. She performed “On the Good Ship Lollipop” and was named an honorary Colonel in the Hawaii National Guard.
1950 Visit: She returned to Oahu and met her future husband, Charles Black.
Connection: She loved the islands, often staying at the “Pink Palace” (Royal Hawaiian Hotel), and is famously associated with creating the Shirley Temple at Waikiki Beach.
Hi Shirley!
On the opening evening in 1927, people gathered before going into the main ballroom for dancing after 11:00 pm. They danced until 4:00 am!
Celebration time!!!
The tour was over, so we headed to our room to freshen up before going to the Elks and then the Luau.
Just us!
OK, now it’s time for a visit to the elks for a pre-Luau bite to eat!
Mary gets her first lesson in using Aber, thanks to her granddaughter Megan!
We had a quick meal at the Elks before the Luau.
Slurp, burp, belch!
Back we go to the Royal Hawaiian for the Luau. We went to our room to freshen up and then downstairs to the Luau area. The tables were already set up for this evening’s entertainment.
Open air, 75 degrees, slight breeze, and wonderful floral aromas.
Dinner was served, and it was quite good!
Amazing Hawaiian food.
The Hula Girls began the show. I tried to join them, but Mama Mary told me no!
Love those grass shirts!
The ladies gave us an amazing presentation.
Aloha Ou!
Then came the fire dancer! Flames were everywhere. The staff raised a fireproof netting behind the stage just in case.
We called the HFD, but they did not show up. I was selected to light the fire. It was a sizzling experience.
We loved the performance related to the 1940s! We were ready to dance. We almost got up and danced, but alas, my poor back would not allow the urge.
We had a heck of a time dining and enjoying the show. Megan, Mary, and I were ready to perform on stage, but the audience decided we should not go on stage!
I took a picture looking straight up from my perch (lying on the ground). I drank one too many Diet Cokes!
I fell out of my chair and got a great picture!
We said goodbye as Megan headed for home, and we headed to our room.
Oahu Island Illuminated waterfront skyline of Honolulu, U Ala Wai Boat Harbor at Night – Twilight Ala Wai Boat Harbor, Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Tomorrow we are off to the Arizona Monument!
