Royal Hawaiian Estates

A Mid-Century Polynesian Icon in Palm Springs, Where Modernism Escapes to the Tropics

Hidden within five palm-filled acres, Royal Hawaiian Estates stands as one of Palm Springs’ most distinctive and culturally significant residential enclaves.

Designed in 1960 by Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison, this intimate community of 40 residences across 12 buildings blends crisp mid-century modernism with the romance, fantasy, and escapism of Polynesian design.

Designated Palm Springs’ first residential Historic District, Royal Hawaiian Estates isn’t just rare—it’s foundational.

Not Everyone Will Understand This Place. That’s the Point.

Mid-century modern purists

Design-driven buyers seeking the unrepeatable

Palm Springs enthusiasts who value context

Collectors of lifestyle, not just square footage

This is not a trend. This is a legacy property.

An Escape, Architected

Inspired by America’s post-war fascination with the South Pacific, Wexler and Harrison reinterpreted modernism with a sense of fantasy and escape. The result is architecture that feels relaxed yet intentional—playful in spirit, disciplined in execution, and unmistakably timeless.

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Modernism, Reimagined Through a Polynesian Lens

Wexler and Harrison translated the post-war fascination with the South Pacific into architecture that feels playful yet intentional—expressive without excess.

Dramatic “Flying Seven” gables
A signature roofline that defines the community profile.
Sculptural Buttresses
Bold structural supports that merge form with tropical flair.
Tiki-inspired wood detailing
Intricate craftsmanship meeting industrial precision.
Low-slung profiles
Buildings that sit gently within the landscape, prioritizing harmony over height.

Five Acres of Palm Springs Fantasy

Unlike dense condo developments, Royal Hawaiian Estates unfolds across five landscaped acres, allowing light, air, and privacy to shape everyday life.

Mature palms, thoughtfully positioned buildings, and lush grounds create a true oasis—one that feels intimate yet expansive. Days drift by poolside. Evenings glow beneath desert stars. Life here moves at a calmer, more intentional pace.

This is Palm Springs living as it was imagined at its most optimistic.

Experience the Setting

Craftsmanship With Purpose

Every residence reflects a commitment to design integrity and livability:

Thoughtful layouts that prioritize flow and natural light
Architecture that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors
A community designed for ease, beauty, and long-term stewardship

Ownership here isn’t about excess—it’s about intention.

See How Life Feels Here

Always Here to Help

From your first question to closing day, guidance matters—especially when a property’s true value lies in design, preservation, and atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring availability, seeking insight into the community, or simply want to understand what makes this place endure, help is always close at hand.

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