Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Opened on May 11th, 1901, the Moana Hotel (as it was then known) ushered in a new wave of luxury tourism to Honolulu’s Waikiki district. Originally a four-story structure with ionic columns, intricate woodwork and an elaborate lobby area which extended to outside lanais, the Banyan Court and the Pacific Ocean, the building has since undergone various extensions and upgrades to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for top-tier hotel accommodation. In celebration of its 125th anniversary in 2026, it is set to undergo further renovations, with guest rooms, as well as the historic lobby, receiving a sparkling refresh, and a new oceanfront events space being revealed.

Today, guests at the Moana Surfrider can embrace the charm of a bygone era whilst relaxing in the luxury of a thoroughly modern resort. Unique amongst Waikiki residences as the only beachfront hotel with its Porte Cochère on iconic Kalākaua Avenue, the Moana Surfrider offers everything you’d expect from a hotel of its size and class, yet retains the warm hospitality and personal service usually synonymous with much smaller establishments.

There are close to 800 rooms and suites here across three distinct wings:- the Historic Banyan Wing where rooms are unique in layout and designed to evoke the grace and style of the Victorian Era; the serene Diamond Wing - in what was formally the Surfrider Hotel - with its tastefully appointed rooms offering varied vistas of the city, the mountains or the beach, and the 21-story Tower Wing providing spacious, contemporary comfort with private floor-to-ceiling lanais and breathtaking views over Waikiki’s famous Kalākaua Avenue or the Pacific Ocean.

Dining options at the Moana Surfrider are diverse and plentiful with a host of cafes and restaurants for guests to explore. Start the day the right way with breakfast at The Veranda (open daily, 06:30 until 10:30), sip on speciality cocktails and enjoy shareable small plates at the casual oceanfront Beach Bar (open daily, 11:00 until 22:30), or indulge in refined island dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Beachhouse at the Moana (Wednesday through Sunday from 17:30). The laid back Surfrider Cafe, the wine-centric Vintage 1901 and the charming Honolulu Coffee complete the hotel’s food and drink offer. Guests here are also invited to dine at any of the Waikiki Collection Resorts (The Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani) and sign their restaurant check to their room.

In addition to its enviable sleeping and dining options, the Moana Surfrider boasts numerous other facilities that mark it out as one of Honolulu’s premier vacation resorts. These include an intimate pool under the shade of the hotel’s famous century-old Banyan tree, a 24 hour fitness studio and Waikiki’s only luxury oceanside spa. There’s even a personalized run concierge service for active travelers wanting to see the best of the Honolulu whist keeping up with their cardio goals!

So, if you’re looking for an architecturally distinguished hotel in the heart of Waikiki, that blends historical charm with modern luxury, the beautiful Moana Surfrider ticks all the boxes…