Every year on my birthday, I do something a little special on this blog in honor of myself. This year, I’m taking myself back to a “little girl in pink” with a trip to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu.
For the past twelve years, always over Labor Day weekend, I have gone to the Hawaii Writers Conference. Until three years ago, it was held on Maui and known internationally as the “Maui Writers Conference.” Then they began holding it on Oahu where there were hotels who would handle the volume of people who came, and the name changed to “Hawaii Writers Conference.”
This year, it was held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, well-known for its pink décor. Everything is designed around the theme of “pink.” And no matter where you are, you can see the pink hotel! This shot was taken from my window at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel, a block away. It almost looks artificial and Disneyesque among the modern hotels of Waikiki.
No matter what view you have of the Royal Hawaiian, it is always a distinctive pink.
And when you look toward the beach, there is a sea of pink umbrellas, actually quite colorful against the blue of the ocean and the sky.
There are pink columns, with pink flowers in the floral arrangements standing before them. Even though most of these tropical flowers last quite a while, someone comes around to redo all the arrangements with fresh flowers periodically.
I loved walking down this pink corridor with its display of Phaleonopsis orchids.
Here is a close up of one of the Phaleonopsis orchids. Even though they were white, they appear pink against the strong pink of the columns.
Tucked everywhere on tables or in corners, you will find little touches of pink in the floral arrangements.
Even the shops displayed their wares against pink walls, or in pink jewelry boxes. The dolls were made of pink sequins. I didn’t get the pink walls behind these silver and sequined shells but they were there.
One room showed an example of what to expect if you arranged for them to serve a special dinner for you and special guests, or just that special someone – and of course, all in pink! Very romantic, if you are into that sort of setting!
The pink theme is evident even when you are walking around the gardens outside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
WHITE HIBISCUS WITH PINK CENTER
Even if not the true pink you find in most of the hotel, some plants either looked pink or were in the same color value, like red or lavender.
Although I’m typically not a “pink person,” I had loads of fun taking pictures of all the “pink” at the hotel. I hope you enjoyed my “birthday pink” celebration!
A hui hou!
Have an especially happy birthday, Lucy. I was about to skip over your post when I thought, maybe I’ll learn from her to make my own birthday special. How delightful that the post was all about the flowers and the beautiful surroundings. I hope you have a great day and many more.
A belated Hau’oli la hanau, Lucy
Loved the photos of the Pink Lady! I’ve had brunch at the Royal Hawaiian but have never stayed there…..might have to do that sometime for an extra special birthday gift to myself…..