Along the famous shoreline of Waikiki stands one of Hawaii’s most historic hotels, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach. Known around the world as the “First Lady of Waikiki,” the hotel celebrates its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of hospitality on one of the most recognizable beaches on Earth.
When the hotel first opened on March 11, 1901, Waikiki looked very different from the lively resort district visitors know today. The area was still filled with wetlands, taro fields, and simple beach houses. Travelers arrived by horse-drawn carriage from downtown Honolulu, and there were no luxury boutiques, resort towers, or even the familiar island treats that now define the neighborhood.
Yet the opening of the Moana Surfrider would change the future of Waikiki forever.
The Hotel That Helped Create Modern Waikiki
The Moana Surfrider was built by English businessman Walter Chamberlain Peacock, who invested about $150,000 to create a grand beachfront hotel designed to attract visitors to the still-quiet Waikiki shoreline.
From the moment it opened, the property impressed guests with features that were extraordinary for the time. The hotel offered 75 rooms priced at $1.50 per night, many with private bathrooms and telephones. It also introduced Hawaii’s first electric-powered elevators, a rooftop garden, and a stately colonial-style design with large columns, balconies, and open lanais.
Peacock himself was a well-known figure in Honolulu. A wealthy landowner and saloon owner sometimes called the “whiskey man of Hawaii,” his colorful reputation is still remembered at the hotel today through a themed bar concept known as the Peacock Room.
Despite its beauty, the hotel was not initially a financial success. In 1905, Peacock sold the property to Honolulu entrepreneur Alexander Young, whose investments helped secure the hotel’s future.
Expansion and the Growth of Hawaii Tourism
As tourism to Hawaii increased in the early 20th century, the Moana Surfrider continued to expand. In 1918 and again in 1952, additional wings were added to the original structure, giving the resort its distinctive H-shaped layout. Today the hotel offers roughly 800 rooms across three main wings.
In 1932, the property was acquired by the historic shipping company Matson Navigation Company, which played a major role in developing Hawaii’s tourism industry. Steamships brought visitors from the U.S. mainland, and Waikiki soon became one of the world’s premier beach destinations.
The hotel is now owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, which continues to maintain and modernize the property while preserving its historic character.
Famous Guests and Historic Moments
Over the decades, the Moana Surfrider has welcomed a remarkable list of visitors. Hawaiian royalty such as Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole walked through its halls, along with international figures like Edward VIII.
Hollywood and cultural icons have also stayed here, including Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple, Amelia Earhart, Joe DiMaggio, Agatha Christie, and Lucille Ball.
The hotel is closely linked to Hawaii’s surfing heritage as well. Legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku was a frequent visitor to the beach in front of the property.
One of the most recognizable features of the hotel is its enormous banyan tree, planted in 1904 in the central courtyard. Beneath its spreading branches, the famous radio program Hawaii Calls broadcast live Hawaiian music from 1935 to 1975, bringing the sound of the islands to audiences around the world.
The Banyan Courtyard: Heart of the Hotel
At the center of the resort is the Banyan Courtyard, one of the most photographed spaces in Waikiki. Guests gather here to relax under the massive banyan tree, listen to live Hawaiian music, and enjoy afternoon tea while looking out toward the beach.
The courtyard captures the spirit that has defined the Moana Surfrider for more than a century: a place where history and modern Waikiki meet.
Renovations and the Modern Resort Experience
Over the years the hotel has undergone several renovations to keep it comfortable for modern travelers. The most recent upgrades refreshed guest rooms and the historic lobby while preserving the classic atmosphere that defines the property.
Each wing now offers a different style of stay. The Tower Wing emphasizes contemporary luxury, while the Diamond Wing carries a relaxed beach and surf vibe. The original 1901 Banyan Wing maintains its historic charm with updated furnishings, new carpeting, and artwork by local artists.
The resort has also begun expanding its focus on wellness. Programs such as meditation classes, sound bowl sessions, and other wellness experiences are being introduced to help guests relax and reconnect during their stay.
Celebrating 125 Years of History
The 125th anniversary celebration of the Moana Surfrider includes a full day of events honoring the hotel’s remarkable past. Festivities feature a traditional Hawaiian blessing, the opening of a time capsule, live music performances, a special anniversary afternoon tea, and an evening celebration dinner.
These events celebrate a property that has helped define Waikiki for more than a century.
Walking in the Footsteps of History
Today, visitors staying at the Moana Surfrider can still experience the same beachfront setting that early travelers discovered more than a century ago. While Waikiki has transformed into a world-famous resort district, the hotel remains a living link to the past.
Its elegant columns, oceanfront veranda, and banyan courtyard allow guests to experience a rare combination: the charm of historic Hawaii alongside the energy of modern Waikiki.
More than 125 years after its opening, the Moana Surfrider continues to stand as one of the most iconic hotels in Hawaii—a place where travelers can walk in the footsteps of history while enjoying the beauty of Waikiki Beach.
Activities at the Moana Surfrider and Waikiki Beach
Today many guests can enjoy a wide range of activities both within the historic hotel grounds and along the beachfront in Waikiki.
Many begin their day relaxing beneath the famous banyan tree in the Banyan Courtyard, where live Hawaiian music and afternoon tea create a calm, classic Waikiki atmosphere. Steps away, the beachfront invites travelers to swim in the warm Pacific waters, try stand-up paddleboarding, or take a surf lesson along the same shoreline where legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku once surfed.
Visitors can also unwind at the hotel’s oceanfront beach bar, watch the sunset from the veranda, or join wellness experiences such as yoga, meditation, and cultural activities offered by the resort. The combination of historic elegance, beachfront recreation, and traditional Hawaiian hospitality allows guests to experience both the relaxing and adventurous sides of Waikiki without ever leaving the property.
Location and Contact Information
Travelers who want to visit or stay at the historic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach will find the hotel directly along the oceanfront in Waikiki. Its central position on Kalakaua Avenue places guests within easy walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and popular attractions in the heart of Waikiki. Visitors who wish to make reservations or contact the hotel for information about accommodations, dining, or events can use the following details:
- Address: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 (808) 922-3111
- Official website
Because of its prime beachfront location along Kalakaua Avenue, the Moana Surfrider is easy to reach by taxi, rideshare, or public transportation, making it convenient for travelers exploring Waikiki and the greater Honolulu area.
