The Royal Hawaiian may not be the biggest hotel in Honolulu. It may not be the best. It does, however, come with a history dating from 1927 onward that links it inextricably with the story of tourism in these islands.
Its Spanish / Moorish / California mission-style architecture was all the fashion in the 1920s, and this retro look has stood the test of time nearly a hundred years later.
President Franklin Roosevelt conducted business from here, and it was the first location to be described as the "Western White House." It also claims to be the birthplace of two famous drinks, the Shirley Temple and the Mai Tai.
Their virgin Blue Hawaiians, a complimentary welcome drink at the Mai Tai Bar, aren't bad either.
For the past two days we've luxuriated in Old Hawaii, and have long forgotten those check-in glitches. The beach, its friendly attendants, and chaise lounges are only a few steps past the pool, which is only a few steps outside our door.
It's been a great stay.
Soon we'll stroll back to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani across the street and up the block before flying back to Seattle tomorrow afternoon.
Kathy and Brian
Two retired educators alternating joyfully between seeing the world and enjoying our eight grandchildren (in order of birth), Jake, Avery, Taegan, Lily, Peyton, Riley, Blane, and Jace.
Kathy and Brian met in the clarinet section of the University of California (Santa Barbara) Symphony Orchestra several decades ago.
Brian's Western Canadian roots and Kathy's Colorado ties resulted in their making beautiful music together along with producing a cross-border crop of descendants.
Kathy spent a year studying in Vienna at the Institute for European Studies and the University of Vienna.
Brian started the school band program in Hope, British Columbia, and later became the high school's vice-principal for 6 years and subsequently principal for 15 years before retiring in 2001.
Kathy, in between raising our three children, taught kindergarten and first grade, middle school, and high school - mathematics, computer studies, ESL, and her first love, band, before retiring in 2001.
We enjoy sharing our travel experiences and providing the odd travel tip to friends, relatives, and visitors.