First look: Honolulu’s iconic Moana Surfride...

It is a Hawaiian icon and the first-ever lodge constructed on the well-known Waikiki Seashore: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Seashore turns 125 right this moment — and TPG bought a primary look because the lodge accomplished a significant multiyear renovation.

This basic 791-room lodge is gorgeous, with three distinct towers, every that includes its personal model. The renovations have made the property sing as soon as once more, and I might actually suggest it when you’ve got a Waikiki keep in your 2026 calendar.

One of the best half? You may e book this iconic lodge and keep in a newly renovated room beginning at simply 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors or about $350 an evening.

First impressions

Thought-about the grande dame of Honolulu, the Moana Surfrider boasts a powerful and unforgettable facade when considered from the principle drag of Waikiki in probably the most bustling a part of Honolulu. In actual fact, the Moana Surfrider is usually referred to as the First Girl of Waikiki.

As you stroll into the foyer, you possibly can see the unbelievable work that went into remaking the Banyan Wing — the oldest a part of the lodge, courting again to 1901. As a substitute of fusty and darkish Victorian interiors, you might be greeted with an abundance of sunshine. The darkish wooden flooring is contrasted with beautiful, wave-like fashionable carpeting and brilliant white partitions and ceilings. Historic interiors are preserved, however lightened.

The Banyan Wing is the unique construction, which has retained its historic character and architect Oliver G. Traphagen’s authentic design. The wing additionally leads out to one of many lodge’s most well-known residents: a banyan tree that’s greater than 100 years previous.

From there, it is out onto the well-known Waikiki Seashore.

The check-in areas have had a full makeover, that includes spectacular native artwork by artists like Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawaii.

A longtime repeat visitor on the lodge, Carl F. Schmoyer III, whose household has been coming to the Surfrider since World Battle II, advised me, “The renovations are merely spectacular.”

Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day publication

Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants

By signing up, you’ll obtain newsletters and promotional content material and comply with our Terms of Use and acknowledge the info practices in our Privacy Policy. You might unsubscribe at any time.

The rooms

As talked about, the lodge has three distinctive towers, every with a distinct ornamental model: The Bayan Wing, the Tower Wing and the Diamond Wing.

Within the authentic Banyan Wing, every room is barely completely different, however retains basic options and finishes. These rooms are charming and comfy, with sweeping views of the seaside.

The Diamond Wing was probably the most lately renovated wing, and it has a extra laid-back, cool vibe with surf-style artwork, beachy accents and woven rocking chairs going through the views.

Lastly, there’s the Tower Wing, the place I stayed in a gorgeous, spacious room with a classy residing space and two terraces with views of the ocean.

These absolutely renovated, fashionable rooms include spectacular views and loads of area, together with Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, which guarantee a superb night time’s relaxation.

In order for you a set like I had, charges begin at simply over $1,000 an evening.

Eating at Moana Surfrider

There isn’t a scarcity of eating choices on the Moana Surfrider. Selections embrace Beachhouse on the Moana with oceanfront eating and a Pacific Rim-inspired menu; Veranda on the Beachouse, the place you will see a big breakfast buffet and a beautiful out of doors seating space with views of the banyan tree and the seaside; the Seashore Bar, with cocktails and light-weight bites; and the Surfrider Cafe for coffees and informal to-go meals.

I bought to benefit from the basic afternoon excessive tea on the Veranda (beginning at $73). It is develop into fairly a well-liked custom on the lodge.

Facilities and repair

As you’d count on for a seaside resort, there’s lots to do and see, together with entry to the spectacular Waikiki Seashore. A basic, albeit small, swimming pool is offered for company who do not wish to get into the ocean or who simply need a change of tempo.

I loved a superb therapeutic massage on the Moana Lani Spa ($190), with oceanfront views, a sizzling tub, sauna and a steam room obtainable for company or by way of day move. There’s additionally a big health studio with free weights and Technogym gear, together with six treadmills and 6 elliptical machines, so that you should not have to attend for a spot.

There’s even a marriage chapel in case you are so inclined.

In fact, one of many highlights of the lodge is entry to the world-famous Waikiki Seashore, the place you possibly can lease seaside chairs and an umbrella for $55 per day. (Premium seaside umbrella leases at The Moana begin at $100.) There are even seaside actions that depart immediately from the lodges’ seaside. In the meantime, loungers on the swimming pool are free.

Service on the lodge was tremendous pleasant and accommodating, however not overly saccharine, which I actually appreciated. Calls to the entrance desk had been answered promptly and requests had been fulfilled immediately.

Location and logistics

The Moana Surfrider is on the middle of the motion in Waikiki. It is a brief 20-minute drive (there are many ride-hailing providers or taxis obtainable from the airport) to Honolulu’s Daniel Okay. Inouye Worldwide Airport (HNL).

The lodge has maybe the most effective location in all of Hawaii for purchasing on Kalakaua Avenue, with shops actually at its door (and even within the foyer). It is a brief stroll to a number of parks and only a few miles from Diamond Head State Park.

Associated: The best time to visit Hawaii for good weather, smaller crowds, deals and more

What it prices to remain at Moana Surfrider

As I discussed, rooms on the Moana Surfrider begin at round $350, which is not horrible given Hawaii’s excessive lodge costs. I even discovered just a few dates as little as $332 earlier than taxes and charges. Factors offers will be good as properly, beginning as little as 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time. Extra typical charges are round $497 for the standard room and $1,100 for a set.

When reserving the Moana Surfrider, you may wish to use one of many credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, in addition to one which probably provides computerized Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added advantages. These embrace:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Platinum Elite standing, and 25 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing, and 15 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing, and 15 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing, and 15 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Silver Elite standing, and 15 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at lodges taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Silver Elite standing, and 5 elite night time credit per 12 months towards the next tier.

The data for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or offered by the cardboard issuer.

Accessibility

The Moana Surfrider is wheelchair accessible, and the lodge has gone to nice lengths to accommodate company with mobility points, regardless of its age.

The Surfrider has 14 rooms which are absolutely compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Act, together with choices with roll-in showers and mobility-friendly layouts. You will additionally discover ramps all through the property.

As at all times, TPG recommends calling the lodge earlier than you e book to make sure they’ll meet your accessibility wants.

Associated: Best hotels in Honolulu

Backside line

The Moana Surfrider is one among my favourite lodges in Honolulu. Because it celebrates 125 years, the lodge has undergone an intensive makeover that preserves its basic magnificence whereas bringing in refreshed, up to date rooms and facilities. This renovation will please returning company and tickle the flowery of recent generations and first-time company.

The situation is as shut because it involves perfect, in my estimation — significantly should you do not thoughts being within the middle of town. Service is pleasant and unobtrusive, and you will by no means run out of issues to do on the lodge.

I can not wait to come back again to the Moana Surfrider, particularly if I can discover a deal utilizing my Marriott Bonvoy factors. I really like Waikiki; whereas I feel some individuals keep away from it, town and this lodge have executed rather a lot to maintain me coming again.

Associated studying: