The origins of what we now know as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel trace back to its initial incarnation as the Hawaiian Hotel, situated in downtown Honolulu where the "One Capitol Place" building now stands. In 1872, King Kamehameha V renamed it the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, adding a regal touch. During his reign, foreign visitors increased, and the hotel became essential for accommodating dignitaries and travelers. Mark Twain, who visited in 1866, praised the king for his wisdom and simplicity. Queen Victoria's son, the Duke of Edinburgh, and others visited, highlighting the need for quality accommodations. The hotel, proposed in 1865 and completed in 1871, became public property in 1872. Its grand opening in 1872 marked a moment of splendor, offering accommodations for 200 guests in cottages within a beautifully landscaped enclosure. With elegant parlors, a fine dining room, and scenic verandas, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel became a leading architectural structure and a cornerstone of Honolulu's hospitality.

The American Hotel In Honolulu,c1870s Photograph