Waikiki’s First-Ever Hotel Celebrates 125 Years

It was 125 years ago, on March 11, 1901, when Waikiki’s first-ever hotel opened its doors to guests. That hotel, The Moana Surfrider, changed the course of history for Waikiki, marking the start of luxury travel to the now-thriving tourist district in Honolulu. 

Mainstays from the hotel’s early days, such as the courtyard banyan tree planted in 1904, mesh with contemporary updates just unveiled this year, keeping the property both an artifact of the past and well-positioned to lead the area’s tourism into the future. This month, a celebration was in order. 

“For 125 remarkable years, The Moana Surfrider has stood as the iconic ‘First Lady of Waikiki,’ welcoming some of the very first visitors to Oahu when it opened in 1901 and helping shape Waikiki into the world-renowned destination it is today,” Thomas Foti, the biplex general manager of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, told TMR. 

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said the property is “more than a hotel,” calling it “a place of connection for generations of residents and visitors alike.” 

“By pioneering the visitor industry, the Moana helped shape the economic heartbeat of Hawaiʻi,” the governor added. “The Moana is a testament to the resilience of our islands and our commitment to a regenerative model of tourism that honors our natural beauty and cultural heritage.  

“The monumental milestone anniversary marks 125 years of excellence that remains a vital part of our hospitality industry.”   

The Birth of a Hawaiian Icon 

With the word “moana” meaning “broad expanse of ocean,” The Moana Surfrider was designed as a global crossroad, oceanfront gathering spot from its inception, and has seen Hawaiian royalty, global celebrities, and generations of families pass through its doors.  

Aside from being the first hotel in Waikiki, it was also the first in the Territory of Hawaii to feature electric-powered elevators, in-room telephones, and private baths – making The Moana Surfrider a prime destination from the start. 

“Throughout the decades, it has hosted esteemed guests ranging from Marilyn Monroe and Amelia Earhart to Joe DiMaggio and surf legend Duke Kahanamoku, each adding to the rich tapestry of stories that live within these walls,” Foti said. “While the Moana has continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern travelers, its spirit has never wavered.” 

Predictably, the property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone several major changes across its century-plus history. The original Banyan Wing, which remains today, aimed to bring Victorian elegance to the Waikiki shores, and additions and renovations since have built upon that vision. 

The hotel underwent expansions in 1918 and 1952 that gave the property its H-shaped layout and its Diamond Wing, and a $50 million renovation in 1980 unified these pieces into one resort. In 2007, Marriott rebranded the hotel to the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. 

Latest Renovations Honor Legacy 

Arriving at the Moana Surfrider is “like stepping into a living piece of Hawaiian history that has been thoughtfully reimagined for today,” Foti said. 

“Before you even walk in, our famous rocking chairs offer a front-row seat to the history of Waikiki, bridging the gap between our 1901 heritage and the modern world,” he said. “As you enter the lobby, the Moana continues to dazzle with its grand columns, balconies, and colonial-style architecture.” 

The hotel just revealed its most recent renovations, which began construction in winter 2024 and were completed at the end of 2025 in time for the big anniversary.  

All 791 guest rooms and suites across the Moana’s three wings – the Tower Wing, Banyan Wing, and Diamond Wing – were updated, as well as the property’s historic lobby.  

The Banyan Wing now expresses a mix of elegance and tradition, paying tribute to the original building’s history with imagery of limu, or seaweed, that once grew in abundance in the area and was used for various purposes. 

In addition to nods to the natural resources that helped shape Waikiki, the renovations are complemented by new interior design featuring curated artwork from Hawaii-based artists. There are also new locally owned retail shops in the Banyan lobby. 

“Our refreshed spaces honor the hotel’s architectural legacy and reflect the highest achievements in thoughtful restorative design,” Foti said.  

Celebrating The First Lady of Waikiki 

The hotel held an all-day celebration that included a traditional Hawaiian blessing, the opening of a historic time capsule, live music performances, and a special anniversary tea experience for guests.  

Plus, the property launched a new recurring live music series called “Moana Calls,” which is inspired by the hotel courtyard’s pioneering place in radio history; it is home of the legendary “Hawaii Calls” live worldwide broadcast from 1935 to 1975. 

“The series celebrates our enduring connection to music, storytelling, and community,” Foti said. 

Celebrating also entails ensuring Hawaii’s healthy future. The hotel continues its sustainable practices, from sourcing 70% of all restaurant ingredients from within Hawaii to partnering with Hawaii Tourism Authority for its Malama Hawaii responsible tourism initiative. Guests, especially corporate groups, are encouraged to participate in on-site and off-site programming that gives back to the area.  

Booking Tips for Advisors 

Looking ahead, the Moana Surfrider continues to welcome guests new and returning, young and old, and travel advisors are invited to be a part of that. First and foremost, Foti wants advisors to remind clients that staying at the Moana means being “part of a 125-year legacy.” 

Travelers are also drawn to the property’s sense of place, which many value highly when they’re visiting Hawaii. Each wing of the property has a slightly different atmosphere, and the sales team is happy to help advisors choose what fits their clients best and “create ‘wow’ moments,” Foti said.  

Generally, the Tower Wing appeals to modern luxury clients, the Diamond Wing captures a boutique surfer vibe, and the Banyan Wing is for nostalgic fans of the true Hawaiian experience. 

“Our biggest selling point is that we offer an authentic Hawaii experience that has been preserved at an amazing level,” Foti added, noting that advisors booking groups at the Moana in 2026 will get a special anniversary offer with extra perks.   

The Moana’s strong dining and amenities are also strong selling points. An elegant pool anchors the property and offers both complimentary loungers and half- and full-day cabana rentals. The Moana Lani Spa, Waikiki’s only oceanfront spa, is another standout amenity, as well as the 24-hour WESTIN Workout gym. 

For activities, the Moana offers a ho’ala sunrise ceremony, lei making, and a historic hotel tour, as well as a host of fitness and wellness activities from morning yoga and meditation on the lawn to a run concierge.