First look: Honolulu’s iconic Moana Surfrider turns 125 and unveils renovation – The Points Guy

It’s a Hawaiian icon and the first-ever hotel built on the famous Waikiki Beach: Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach turns 125 today — and TPG got a first look as the hotel completed a major multiyear renovation.

This classic 791-room hotel is beautiful, with three distinct towers, each featuring its own style. The renovations have made the property sing once again, and I’d certainly recommend it if you have a Waikiki stay on your 2026 calendar.

The best part? You can book this iconic hotel and stay in a newly renovated room starting at just 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or about $350 a night.

First impressions

Considered the grande dame of Honolulu, the Moana Surfrider boasts an impressive and unforgettable facade when viewed from the main drag of Waikiki in the most bustling part of Honolulu. In fact, the Moana Surfrider is often called the First Lady of Waikiki.

As you walk into the lobby, you can see the incredible work that went into remaking the Banyan Wing — the oldest part of the hotel, dating back to 1901. Instead of fusty and dark Victorian interiors, you are greeted with an abundance of light. The dark wood flooring is contrasted with lovely, wave-like modern carpeting and bright white walls and ceilings. Historic interiors are preserved, but lightened.

The Banyan Wing is the original structure, which has retained its historic character and architect Oliver G. Traphagen’s original design. The wing also leads out to one of the hotel’s most famous residents: a banyan tree that is more than a hundred years old.

From there, it’s out onto the famous Waikiki Beach.

The check-in areas have had a full makeover, featuring spectacular local art by artists like Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawaii.

A longtime repeat guest at the hotel, Carl F. Schmoyer III, whose family has been coming to the Surfrider since World War II, told me, “The renovations are simply spectacular.”

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The rooms

As mentioned, the hotel has three distinctive towers, each with a different decorative style: The Bayan Wing, the Tower Wing and the Diamond Wing.

In the original Banyan Wing, each room is slightly different, but retains classic features and finishes. These rooms are charming and cozy, with sweeping views of the beach.

The Diamond Wing was the most recently renovated wing, and it has a more laid-back, cool vibe with surf-style art, beachy accents and woven rocking chairs facing the views.

Finally, there is the Tower Wing, where I stayed in a beautiful, spacious room with a chic living area and two terraces with views of the ocean.

These fully renovated, modern rooms come with spectacular views and plenty of space, including Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, which ensure an excellent night’s rest.

If you want a suite like I had, rates start at just over $1,000 a night.

Dining at Moana Surfrider

There is no shortage of dining options at the Moana Surfrider. Choices include Beachhouse at the Moana with oceanfront dining and a Pacific Rim-inspired menu; Veranda at the Beachouse, where you will find a large breakfast buffet and a lovely outdoor seating area with views of the banyan tree and the beach; the Beach Bar, with cocktails and light bites; and the Surfrider Cafe for coffees and casual to-go food.

I got to enjoy the classic afternoon high tea at the Veranda (starting at $73). It’s become quite a popular tradition at the hotel.

Amenities and service

As you’d expect for a beach resort, there is plenty to do and see, including access to the spectacular Waikiki Beach. A classic, albeit small, swimming pool is available for guests who don’t want to get into the ocean or who just want a change of pace.

I enjoyed a good massage at the Moana Lani Spa ($190), with oceanfront views, a hot tub, sauna and a steam room available for guests or via day pass. There is also a large fitness studio with free weights and Technogym equipment, including six treadmills and six elliptical machines, so you shouldn’t have to wait for a spot.

There’s even a wedding chapel if you are so inclined.

Of course, one of the highlights of the hotel is access to the world-famous Waikiki Beach, where you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella for $55 per day. (Premium beach umbrella rentals at The Moana start at $100.) There are even beach activities that leave directly from the hotels’ beach. Meanwhile, loungers at the swimming pool are free.

Service at the hotel was super friendly and accommodating, but not overly saccharine, which I really appreciated. Calls to the front desk were answered promptly and requests were fulfilled without delay.

Location and logistics

The Moana Surfrider is at the center of the action in Waikiki. It’s a short 20-minute drive (there are plenty of ride-hailing services or taxis available from the airport) to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

The hotel has perhaps the best location in all of Hawaii for shopping on Kalakaua Avenue, with stores literally at its door (and even in the lobby). It’s a short walk to several parks and just a few miles from Diamond Head State Park.

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

What it costs to stay at Moana Surfrider

As I mentioned, rooms at the Moana Surfrider start at around $350, which isn’t terrible given Hawaii’s high hotel prices. I even found a few dates as low as $332 before taxes and fees. Points deals can be good as well, starting as low as 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. More typical rates are around $497 for a standard room and $1,100 for a suite.

When booking the Moana Surfrider, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status, and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status, and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status, and 5 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Accessibility

The Moana Surfrider is wheelchair accessible, and the hotel has gone to great lengths to accommodate guests with mobility issues, despite its age.

The Surfrider has 14 rooms that are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including options with roll-in showers and mobility-friendly layouts. You’ll also find ramps throughout the property.

As always, TPG recommends calling the hotel before you book to ensure they can meet your accessibility needs.

Related: Best hotels in Honolulu

Bottom line

The Moana Surfrider is one of my favorite hotels in Honolulu. As it celebrates 125 years, the hotel has undergone an extensive makeover that preserves its classic elegance while bringing in refreshed, updated rooms and amenities. This renovation will please returning guests and tickle the fancy of new generations and first-time guests.

The location is as close as it comes to ideal, in my estimation — particularly if you don’t mind being in the center of the city. Service is friendly and unobtrusive, and you’ll never run out of things to do at the hotel.

I can’t wait to come back to the Moana Surfrider, especially if I can find a deal using my Marriott Bonvoy points. I love Waikiki; while I think some people avoid it, the city and this hotel have done a lot to keep me coming back.

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