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

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

This basic 791-room resort is gorgeous, with three distinct towers, every that includes its personal type. The renovations have made the property sing as soon as once more, and I might definitely suggest it if in case you have a Waikiki keep in your 2026 calendar.

The perfect half? You’ll be able to guide this iconic resort 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 formidable and unforgettable facade when considered from the primary drag of Waikiki in essentially the most bustling a part of Honolulu. In reality, the Moana Surfrider is commonly referred to as the First Girl of Waikiki.

As you stroll into the foyer, you’ll be able to see the unbelievable work that went into remaking the Banyan Wing — the oldest a part of the resort, 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 pretty, 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 unique design. The wing additionally leads out to one of many resort’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 Seaside.

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 resort, Carl F. Schmoyer III, whose household has been coming to the Surfrider since World Struggle II, instructed me, “The renovations are merely spectacular.”

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The rooms

As talked about, the resort has three distinctive towers, every with a unique ornamental type: The Bayan Wing, the Tower Wing and the Diamond Wing.

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

The Diamond Wing was essentially the most just 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 an exquisite, spacious room with an elegant residing space and two terraces with views of the ocean.

These totally renovated, fashionable rooms include spectacular views and loads of area, together with Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, which guarantee a wonderful evening’s relaxation.

In order for you a collection 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. Decisions embrace Beachhouse on the Moana with oceanfront eating and a Pacific Rim-inspired menu; Veranda on the Beachouse, the place you can find a big breakfast buffet and a stunning out of doors seating space with views of the banyan tree and the seaside; the Seaside 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 turn out to be fairly a well-liked custom on the resort.

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 Seaside. A basic, albeit small, swimming pool is accessible for company who do not need to get into the ocean or who simply desire a change of tempo.

I loved an excellent therapeutic massage on the Moana Lani Spa ($190), with oceanfront views, a scorching tub, sauna and a steam room obtainable for company or by way of day cross. There may be 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 if you’re so inclined.

After all, one of many highlights of the resort is entry to the world-famous Waikiki Seaside, the place you’ll be able to hire 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 instantly from the motels’ seaside. In the meantime, loungers on the swimming pool are free.

Service on the resort 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 at once.

Location and logistics

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

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

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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 resort costs. I even discovered a number of dates as little as $332 earlier than taxes and costs. Factors offers could be good as nicely, beginning as little as 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening. Extra typical charges are round $497 for the standard room and $1,100 for a collection.

When reserving the Moana Surfrider, you will need to use one of many credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, in addition to one which presumably affords 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 motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Platinum Elite standing, and 25 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing, and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing, and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Gold Elite standing, and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Silver Elite standing, and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, computerized Silver Elite standing, and 5 elite evening credit per yr towards a better 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 supplied by the cardboard issuer.

Accessibility

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

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

As at all times, TPG recommends calling the resort earlier than you guide to make sure they will meet your accessibility wants.

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Backside line

The Moana Surfrider is one in every of my favourite motels in Honolulu. Because it celebrates 125 years, the resort has undergone an in depth 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 flamboyant of latest generations and first-time company.

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

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 like Waikiki; whereas I feel some folks keep away from it, the town and this resort have finished lots to maintain me coming again.

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