Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Hotel Description

You know what hit me first walking into the Moana Surfrider? The lobby feels like stepping back in time – and I mean that in the best way possible. This place has been sitting right on Waikiki Beach since 1901, which honestly explains why it has that graceful, unhurried vibe that’s pretty rare in this part of Honolulu. The white colonial architecture with those wide verandas actually makes sense when you’re there, not just pretty to look at but functional when you need to escape the midday sun with a drink.

The location is sort of perfect if you want to be in the thick of things without feeling completely overwhelmed. You’re literally steps from the sand – I mean, you walk out the back and boom, there’s the beach – but you’re also close enough to walk to places like Duke’s or that little ABC Store on Kalakaua when you inevitably forget sunscreen. The rooms in the historic Banyan Wing have more character (those high ceilings, the old-school charm), though I’ll be honest, some feel a bit snug by today’s standards. The newer tower rooms are more spacious, but you lose some of that vintage Hawaii feel. Trade-offs, you know? What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays at night despite being right in Waikiki – the building design actually blocks most of the street noise from Kalakaua Avenue.

Here’s the thing about this place that really sets it apart: it manages to feel both touristy and authentic somehow. Yes, you’ll see plenty of people in resort wear taking photos by that massive banyan tree (it’s genuinely impressive, been there since the 1920s), but the staff actually knows the area. Ask them about local spots and they won’t just hand you a brochure – they’ll tell you which food trucks on Kapahulu are worth the walk or when the surf’s best for beginners. The spa is solid if you’re into that, though honestly, the best part might just be sitting on those oceanfront verandas in the evening when the crowds thin out and you can actually hear the waves over the traffic. At 8.4 rating, it’s not perfect – the WiFi can be spotty, and parking will cost you – but there’s something about this place that feels genuinely Hawaiian rather than just Hawaii-themed. If you want modern luxury, there are slicker options nearby, but if you want to stay somewhere with actual history and soul right on one of the world’s most famous beaches, well, this is pretty much it.

Apartments in Hawaii provide travelers with an authentic local experience, allowing them to shop at traditional farmers markets and cook with fresh ingredients from the renowned Hawaiian culinary traditions.

Rooms

• Historic Banyan Room, Guest room, City view with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond City, Guest room, 2 Double, City view with 2 double beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond City, Guest room, 1 King, City view with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Historic Banyan Deluxe, Larger Guest room, 2 Double with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower City No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 2 Double, City view with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower City No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 1 King, City view with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Tower Partial Ocean View No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 2 Double with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Partial Ocean View No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Historic Banyan Ocean, Guest room, 1 King, Ocean view with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond Ocean Front, Guest room, 2 Double, Oceanfront with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Diamond Ocean Front, Guest room, 1 King, Oceanfront with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Tower Ocean View No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 2 Double, Ocean view with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean View No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 1 King, Ocean view with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Tower Premiere Ocean View No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Tower Premier Ocean View No Balcony, Larger Guest room, 2 Double with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Ocean Suite No Balcony, Suite, 1 King with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Premier Ocean Suite No Balcony, 1 Bedroom Suite, Oceanfront with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Historic Banyan Deluxe, Larger Guest room, 1 King, City view with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond Oceanfront King Room with Roll-In Shower – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond King or Queen Room with Roll-In Shower and City View – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond Oceanfront King Room with Roll-In Shower – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Historic Banyan Deluxe King Room with Roll-In Shower – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Diamond King or Queen Room with Roll-In Shower and City View – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Tower Large King Room with Roll-In Shower and City View – Mobility and Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Alexander from Canada (9/10)

  The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and our oceanfront epom was very comfortable. The sunset made it all worth while !

• Vincent from United States (7/10)

  Good location in Waikiki and helpful staff.

• Ana from Australia (7/10)

  location ,room, pool, pool service,

• Sandra from Australia (7/10)

  I visit annually and love the location, hotel and beach

• Carolyn from United States (8/10)

  Great location. Historic

• Kathryn from United States (7/10)

  easy check-in, lovely atmosphere during christmas season with decorations, convenient of stores within hotel and outside of hotel

• Bernadette from Australia (9/10)

  So close to the beach. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Felt very comfortable travelling here on my own.

• Marcia from United States (8/10)

  The hotel is beautiful and in an awesome location. Staff were helpful and friendly. Hotel was very clean and had good spaces for hanging out and relaxing. Food was also really good though a little pricey.

• Rowena from United States (9/10)

  We liked our room. Very airy and bright. Our bed was always made. The complimentary coffe/maker and 2 bottles of water was always replenished.

• Sam from Australia (9/10)

  Great location, great atmosphere, friendly staff

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities