History & Art
A ROYAL NAMESAKE
Queen Kapi‘olani, beloved Queen Consort of King David Kalākaua (1874–1891), was celebrated for her compassion, philanthropy, and grace as an ambassador of the Hawaiian Kingdom, spreading aloha wherever she went. Guided by her motto, “Kūlia i ka nu‘u” — reach for the summit — she championed the wellbeing of women and children, founding Kapi‘olani Home for Girls and Kapi‘olani Maternity Home, known today as Kapi‘olani Medical Center. Her legacy lives on in landmarks that carry her name — Kapi‘olani Park, a college, boulevard, garden, and the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, where her spirit of aloha still welcomes guests.
A HISTORY OF HOSPITALITY
Waikīkī has always been a place of welcome. It once was the retreat of Hawai‘i’s ali‘i, who hosted royal gatherings and visiting dignitaries. The 1920s brought “Boat Days,” when ocean liners arrived to lei, hula, and music. By the 1930s, the Waikīkī Beach Boys were sharing their surfing skills and aloha with visitors. With the Jet Age came Blue Hawai‘i cocktails, Don Ho’s “Tiny Bubbles,” and Hawai‘i Five-O, sealing Waikīkī’s place as both cultural icon and a land of aloha.
An Icon Opens
In 1969, the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel opened in a prime Waikīkī location near the beach, offering sweeping views of Diamond Head. Designed by noted local architect Ernest Hideo Hara, the hotel stood out for its neoclassical facade, accented with stylized palm tree columns and a distinctive cutout ‘ulu leaf motif. It’s a thoughtful blend of mid-century modern architecture and island-inspired design. Embraced by the community, it became more than a hotel — a place where weddings, birthdays, and graduations were celebrated, and the spirit of aloha created memories that endure.
Royalty Reprised
The Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel's 2018 renovation reimagined a Waikīkī icon with design that honors its royal namesake and the island's storied past. Custom murals and pendant lighting inspired by glass fishing floats welcome guests in the lobby, while shadow boxes showcase vintage aloha shirts and Waikīkī Beach Boy memorabilia. The Royal Art Gallery displays portraits of Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi, and each floor tells a story through nostalgic advertising and travel posters, while individual rooms feature artwork by local artists. Today, the hotel invites guests to experience Hawaiʻi’s heritage through art, culture, and the timeless spirit of aloha.
A Legacy of Aloha
The Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel carries on the legacy of aloha that Queen Kapiʻolani defined. It’s the same sincere welcome the people of Hawaiʻi offered to incoming ocean liners, and the heartfelt hospitality the Waikīkī Beachboys shared with visitors. We live by her motto, Kūlia i ka nu‘u (strive for excellence), to provide our guests with genuine care and the warmth of aloha.
Local Artists, Custom Artwork
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
KATIE BORDEN
Katie Borden has been drawing since childhood and first came to Hawaiʻi for what was meant to be a single summer—only to fall in love with the islands and stay for 14 years. Bold, colorful, and full of personality, this vibrant mural captures the playful spirit of the islands. As Katie puts it, “Hopefully this mural will brighten your day!”
ISLAND STORIES IN COLOR
MIKE FIELD
Growing up in Waikīkī, Mike Field spent his days sailing, paddling, and exploring the waters beyond the reefs. Those early experiences shaped this mural and its classic sense of welcome. Set against familiar island icons and a soft, sunlit palette, the piece honors the place Mike calls home and "reflects the timeless hospitality of Waikīkī.”
VINTAGE VIBES, MODERN TOUCH
Nick Kuchar
Nick Kuchar finds inspiration in the golden days of surf and beach culture. This mural is a collage of vintage-inspired motifs that nod to the neighborhood’s golden age, “I wanted to capture my favorite things in Waikīkī—happy hour with a Diamond Head view, paddling out at Queen’s, and live music at the Shell.”