A Return to the Abandoned Royal Hawaiian Motel

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Back in 2015 en route home from Vegas, Patrick and I found ourselves in the tiny town of Baker, home to the world’s largest thermometer. We also happened upon Arnie’s Royal Hawaiian, an abandoned motel. We snapped photos of it back then, when there was still a fence around part of the property, but a lot has changed since then, and I thought I’d share how this property has become even more dilapidated and overrun with graffiti.

Overall view of the front building, which is a single story building, curved ever so slightly with square pillars supporting the overhang. Turquoise diamonds are painted on the pillars, while the rest of the motel is covered in graffiti. In the distance a sign features a palm tree and reads "Arnie's Royal Hawaiian Motel"

Close-up of one of the signs, this one reflects the roofline of the office and features a palm tree. In in the fronds of the palm tree reads "Arnie" and below in red letters reads "Royal Hawaiian" and in large white letters is "Motel"

A two story building is covered in graffiti.

A charming curved building faces the main drag, and beyond it are several other buildings and the pool area. In the past these back areas had been fenced off, but with the fence flattened the once white washed buildings have become canvases for taggers, and portions show fire damage.

Snack brand company Stuckey’s wrote about the motel earlier this year, and shared it opened in 1957 and shuttered in 2009. Those staying in one of the 43 rooms could enjoy color TV, a rec room, tennis court, and supposedly two swimming pools. However in viewing the area, I think it’s more like a pool and a hot tub, the hot tub of which has been filled in. Also, I could not find any evidence of the tennis court, but perhaps it was removed long ago.

The rooms featured Hawaiian inspired motifs, including palm tree murals and furniture with bamboo style accents. Even through the graffiti and disheveled state of the rooms you can still see these details.

Over the decades the motel fell into disrepair, and Yelp reviews and photos of the early 2000s showcase the poor state of things near the end, including water damage, bugs, and more. The Royal Hawaiian is supposedly for sale, but I couldn’t find a real estate listing on-line, nor did I see any “For Sale” signs during our visit.

Empty pool covered in graffiti.

The single story motel is slightly curved with square pillars supporting an overhang. In the distance a tall sign reads "Arnie's Royal Hawaiian Motel" in faded paint.

Close-up of floral wrought iron supports on the office building. The white washed building now covered in graffiti.

Graffiti covered backside of one of the out buildings.

Close-up of one of the signs, which features a palm tree in the middle. In the fronds of the palm tree reads "Arnie's" and in blue letters reads "Royal Hawaiian" and in red letters below read "Motel" all faded from the desert sun.

An upturned desk of bamboo motif rests in one of the rooms. Under graffiti you can see there was once a palm tree mural.

A structure covers what was once a seating area.

A portion of the motel shows signs of fire damage.

Close-up of one of the signs, this one reflects the roofline of the office and features a palm tree. In in the fronds of the palm tree reads "Arnie" and below in red letters reads "Royal Hawaiian" and in large white letters is "Motel"

A fallen fence rests in front of a pathway that leads to the pool area.

Fire damage in one of the rooms.

Office building which features a Hawaiian inspired roofline and to the right a faded neon sign reads "Arnie's Royal Hawaiian Motel"

A two story building is covered in graffiti.

A partially deconstructed exercise bike sits on the side of the pool.

Bamboo motif furniture barricades a doorway of one of the rooms. Graffiti covered walls flank the entrance.

A graffiti covered wall features a large gun painted on it.

A two story building covered in graffiti hugs the pool area.

Overall view of the motel and its unique Hawaiian roof inspired office. Two signs visible, each reading "Arnie's Royal Hawaiian Motel"

Those wanting a more cinematic look at the motel can check out one of the YouTube videos showing the property, including some who lay claim the place is haunted.

If you’re feeling adventurous and love the abandoned, a stop at Arnie’s Royal Hawaiian is a must. “Check in” at 71930 Baker Boulevard in Baker, California.

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Zzyzx

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