Royal Romance

When you visit Waikiki Beach the Royal Hawaiian Hotel stands out from the rest.

Built by the Matson Navigation Co. for $4 million, it opened as a luxurious resort in 1927 

for its most affluent customers who would voyagea minimum of five days at sea to reach the islands. 

During WWII, it was also a place for weary servicemen and women to R & R from the rigors of war.

The Navy rented all 384 rooms for a mere $17,500 per month!

Although only six stories tall and dwarfed today by surrounding high rises, 

it's peachy-pink color signals its presence loud and clear. 

Famously named "the Pink Palace of the Pacific," 

the color was a result of the Spanish-Moorish architectural style popularized by 

the period movies of silent-film star Rudolph Valentino.

Inside and out, there are many views of this storied hotel worth painting. 

For this one, I chose the garden (mauka) entrance as I was drawn to

the lush foliage and the graceful walkways leading inside.