Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Overview
The Moana Surfrider opened on March 11, 1901, as the first hotel on Waikiki Beach, and more than a century later, the "First Lady of Waikiki" remains one of Honolulu's most beloved properties. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original Beaux-Arts building still anchors the resort with its soaring columns, grand staircase, and the magnificent century-old banyan tree that shades the courtyard — a gathering place for generations of visitors.
Today the resort comprises three distinctive wings: the historic Banyan Wing (the original 1901 building), the 21-story Tower Wing, and the boutique-style Diamond Wing. A landmark renovation celebrating the 125th anniversary has refreshed all 791 rooms across every wing, completed in early 2026, blending modern comfort with the property's storied heritage. Each wing has its own design personality — from the Banyan Wing's crown molding and classic Hawaiian elegance to the Diamond Wing's surf-culture-inspired interiors and signature rocking chair balconies.
The Moana Surfrider occupies a prime stretch of Waikiki Beach, and while it may not have the sprawling pool complexes of its larger neighbors, what it offers instead is irreplaceable character. Afternoon tea at The Veranda beneath the banyan tree, craft cocktails at Vintage 1901, and oceanfront dining at Beachhouse at the Moana create the kind of timeless resort experience that larger properties simply cannot replicate. The Moana Lani Spa, Westin Heavenly Beds, and direct beach access complete the picture.
Accommodation Options
The Moana Surfrider's 791 rooms and 46 suites are spread across three wings, each offering a distinct character. The recently completed renovation has touched every room in the property.
The Banyan Wing, the original 1901 building, features rooms with Beaux-Arts architectural details, crown molding, and a sense of old-world elegance. Room types range from City View to Ocean View, with historic touches preserved throughout. The Tower Wing, the tallest structure on the property at 21 stories, offers the most spacious rooms with modern amenities, custom seating nooks, and floor-to-ceiling lanai doors that frame sweeping ocean and Diamond Head views. Top-floor Penthouse rooms feature expanded balconies and premium vantage points.
The Diamond Wing is the boutique option, with surf-culture-inspired interiors, vibrant colors, and whimsical artwork. New Oceanfront Junior Suites here feature signature rocking chair duos on the balcony. Suite options across the property include the Penthouse Suite (Tower Wing), Banyan Ocean Suite, Moana Suite, and the crown jewel — the Kamehameha Suite. All rooms feature Westin Heavenly Beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and the refined touches you'd expect from this caliber of property.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
The Moana Surfrider features a single oceanfront freshwater pool set in the Banyan Courtyard, steps from Waikiki Beach. While more intimate than the mega-pool complexes at some neighboring resorts, the pool's location — framed by the historic banyan tree and the ocean beyond — is arguably the most picturesque pool setting in Waikiki. The Surfrider Cafe serves poolside food and drinks throughout the day.
Where the Moana Surfrider truly shines is its beach access. The resort sits directly on one of Waikiki's best stretches of sand, with gentle waves perfect for swimming and learning to surf. Beach services are available for umbrella and lounger rentals, surfboard and boogie board rentals, and surf lessons. The calm, sandy-bottomed waters are ideal for families and first-time swimmers.
Outrigger canoe rides and stand-up paddleboarding are also available from the beach, offering an authentic taste of traditional Hawaiian water sports. For guests wanting a more active experience, the Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio offers full gym facilities, and the resort's central Waikiki location puts Kapiolani Park's jogging paths and the Diamond Head trail within easy reach.
Spa & Wellness
The Moana Lani Spa draws on Hawaiian healing traditions and the resort's heritage to create a spa experience befitting the First Lady of Waikiki. Located within the property, the spa offers a menu of massages, body treatments, and facials using locally inspired ingredients.
Signature treatments include the Lomi Lomi massage, a traditional Hawaiian technique using long, flowing strokes, and various body wraps and scrubs incorporating tropical ingredients like coconut and kukui nut oils. The spa's setting — within one of Hawaii's most historic hotels — adds an extra layer of serenity to the experience. Couples' treatments are available, making it a popular choice for honeymooners and anniversary celebrants staying at this romantically inclined property.
Dining
The Moana Surfrider offers five distinctive dining venues, each reflecting the resort's blend of heritage and contemporary Hawaiian hospitality.
Beachhouse at the Moana is the resort's signature dinner venue, serving steaks, island-fresh seafood, and contemporary Hawaiian cuisine in an oceanfront setting. The Veranda, set beneath the iconic banyan tree, is famous for its lavish breakfast buffet and traditional afternoon tea service — one of the most civilized rituals in Waikiki. Vintage 1901, a wine bar and lounge tucked into the historic lobby, serves craft cocktails and small plates in an intimate setting that evokes the hotel's early 20th-century glamour.
The Beach Bar delivers tropical cocktails, small plates, and live entertainment right on the sand — the quintessential Waikiki experience. For lighter poolside fare, Surfrider Cafe offers healthy food and refreshing drinks. The "Stay at One, Dine at All" program also gives guests signing privileges at the Sheraton Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani restaurants.
Nearby Attractions
The Moana Surfrider's central Waikiki location puts you within walking distance of everything this famous beach neighborhood has to offer. The Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place provide world-class shopping and dining just steps from the lobby, while Kalakaua Avenue's designer boutiques stretch in both directions.
Kapiolani Park, Waikiki's green heart, is a short stroll toward Diamond Head and offers tennis courts, jogging paths, and the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium — both ideal for families. The Diamond Head crater trail is about a 15-minute drive or a scenic walk through the park. For history and culture, visit Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States, or the nearby Honolulu Museum of Art.
Day trips from this central base are easy: Hanauma Bay for snorkeling (30 minutes east), Pearl Harbor (30 minutes west), and the North Shore's legendary surf beaches (about an hour). The neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Kapahulu, both walkable from the resort, are beloved for their local restaurants — Ono Seafood, Rainbow Drive-In, and Leonard's Bakery among them.
Tips & Good to Know
For the best views, book a Tower Wing Premier Ocean room on a higher floor — you'll get panoramic Diamond Head and ocean views with the most spacious layouts. The Diamond Wing's new Oceanfront Junior Suites are worth the splurge for their surf-inspired design and charming rocking chair balconies. The Banyan Wing rooms have the most historic character but tend to be smaller and don't all have lanais.
The resort completed a major anniversary renovation in early 2026, so everything is fresh and updated. Don't miss afternoon tea at The Veranda beneath the banyan tree — it's a Waikiki tradition dating back decades and fills up quickly, so reserve in advance. The Moana Surfrider doesn't have the expansive pool complexes of its neighbors, but its direct beach access is superb, and the intimate pool setting is more relaxing than crowded mega-pools.
Parking is limited and expensive (around $55/day for self-park), so consider skipping the rental car during your Waikiki stay. The resort is about 20 minutes from HNL airport without traffic. If you're celebrating a special occasion, mention it when booking — the staff here is renowned for thoughtful touches that honor the hotel's tradition of gracious Hawaiian hospitality.
Location
2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
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