Moana Surfrider Hotel Review: A Must-Stop, but Is It a Must-Stay?

The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa opened back in 1901. Is the Waikiki icon still worth visiting today?
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa entrance lobby

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Published · 4 min read
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Written by Sally French
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The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is an icon in Waikiki, a beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu popular amongst tourists. In fact, it was the first hotel in Waikiki Beach. Walking through the lobby of the hotel, which first opened its doors in 1901, feels like stepping into a bygone era. Much of the elegant architecture remains — and of course, so do the ocean views.

The sprawling courtyard, shaded by a massive, 100-year-old banyan tree, is a delightful spot for an afternoon mai tai as you soak up the Hawaiian sunshine. And the Moana Surfrider breakfast — held on a wraparound porch overlooking the water — is divine.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review waikiki beach

(Photo by Sally French)

But here’s the thing — anyone can visit the bar or restaurant, whether they’re a hotel guest or not. So do the rooms make it worth staying at the hotel? Or, would you be better off staying at another hotel on an Oahu vacation and simply popping over to the Moana Surfrider for a meal or drink?

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Here’s our review of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa:

The Moana Surfrider location

The Moana Surfrider's beachfront location is top-notch. It offers direct access to Waikiki Beach, steps away from the ocean.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review entrance driveway

(Photo by Sally French)

The opposite side of the hotel lines Kalakaua Avenue, which is Honolulu’s main shopping street. The prime location means it’s bustling with people, both outside the hotel and on the beach.

Speaking of cars, though, you might not want a rental car in Honolulu given this hotel’s central location, proximity to public transportation and expensive parking rates. The Moana Surfrider parking fee is $65 daily for valet, which is the only option.

There’s also no free airport shuttle sadly, so you’ll have to book a shuttle or rideshare if you forgo a rental car.

Moana Surfrider rooms

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa view diamond head waikiki beach

(Photo by Sally French)

Moana Surfrider rooms with an ocean view are exceptional; the best rooms offer a panorama that includes both the ocean and Diamond Head, which is a volcanic tuff cone that now stands out as one of the most iconic natural landmarks on Oahu. However, these rooms tend to cost about $200 or more per night as an upcharge for the view.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review view from room

(Photo by Sally French)

Aside from the view, the rooms are somewhat forgettable and a bit dated. Here’s a look at a Tower room with a king bed and Diamond Head vista:

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa king room

(Photo by Sally French)

Beds are comfy, but nothing to rave about.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa coffee maker in room

(Photo by Sally French)

The in-room coffee maker is a nice touch.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review bathroom

(Photo by Sally French)

Bathrooms typically feature a tub, though it’s not an oversized tub you’d necessarily want to soak in for a long time.

Rooms also have amenities including a mini fridge and hair dryer.

Key amenities at the Moana Surfrider

The Moana Surfrider charges a $42 daily resort fee, but there are a fair amount of amenities that potentially make the resort fee feel more worth it.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review pool

(Photo by Sally French)

The Moana Surfrider pool offers ocean views.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review gym

(Photo by Sally French)

The gym is good, but not amazing. Its low ceilings feel a bit cramped, but the cardio machines that face Kalakaua Avenue offer a nice view. There are dumbbells, weight machines and other small pieces of strength equipment like plyometric boxes.

Other, employee-led activities or classes vary by day but include yoga, hula dancing, lei making, a historical hotel tour and a traditional sunrise ceremony.

The resort fee also covers a few extras like a complimentary shopping tote bag and GoPro camera rental.

Moana Lani Spa, a Heavenly Spa by Westin

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review spa

(Photo by Sally French)

There’s one key amenity that’s not included in the resort fee: Moana Lani Spa. As is usually the case with resort spas, services like facials and massages come at an additional cost. The Moana Surfrider spa is unique in that it’s Waikiki’s only oceanfront spa.

Moana Surfrider restaurants

The Moana Surfrider has one main restaurant serving breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea. There’s also a beach bar, a cafe, a coffee shop and a cocktail lounge.

Dining on the wraparound porch

For a fancier meal, head to the Moana Surfrider’s wraparound porch facing the water. That porch moonlights as a few different restaurants, depending on the time of day.

Veranda at the Moana for breakfast

In the morning, it’s called the Veranda at the Moana. You can choose to dine either buffet-style or order a la carte. Menu items embrace Hawaiian flavors, including the hearty loco moco (a Hawaiian dish of rice, hamburger patty, gravy and egg) and the mango pancakes served with lilikoi curd (lilikoi is the Hawaiian word for passion fruit).

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review brunch buffet lilikoi pancake mochi waffle

(Photo by Sally French)

If you are committed to dining here, it can make sense to upgrade to the buffet, which offers one of the best brunches in Waikiki. It costs about $10 more than ordering entrees individually, but it entails an all-you-can-eat version of many items on the a la carte menu. Rather than decide between mochiko (local rice flour) waffles, Moana pancakes or an omelet, you might just try it all.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review brunch buffet

(Photo by Sally French)

Moana Surfrider afternoon tea

After breakfast, the space turns into the site for afternoon tea. Prices for Moana Surfrider tea start at $73 per adult and $37 per child. There, you’ll sip on island flavors like Hawaiian coconut or passion orange guava tea. Treats include tropical sorbet.

Beachhouse at the Moana

At night, that same wraparound porch becomes Beachhouse at the Moana. The white tablecloth restaurant serves fancy fare including steak and seafood.

Other standout dining at the Moana Surfrider

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review banyan tree outdoor bar courtyard

(Photo by Sally French)

The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider: For casual dining with a stellar atmosphere, consider The Beach Bar. Menu items include poke, burgers and salad. The big draw is the live entertainment — typically ukulele — performed under the famous Moana Surfrider banyan tree.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review lobby piano bar jazz

(Photo by Sally French)

Vintage 1901: For drinks indoors, Vintage 1901 is one of the most charming bars in Waikiki. It’s primarily a wine bar, though other drinks include cocktails with local liquors. Located in the lobby, the bar stands out for its live piano music.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review Honolulu coffee

(Photo by Sally French)

Honolulu Coffee: The Moana Surfrider also hosts an outpost of Honolulu Coffee, which is a local coffee chain. Be aware that the lines can get long.

Who is the Moana Surfrider best for?

Travelers who want the best location: If you prioritize being within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants and shopping, then the Moana Surfrider is one of the best hotels in Waikiki. Direct access to Waikiki Beach is convenient, and the beachfront pool is delightful if you’d rather swim in a pool than the ocean.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review historic lobby museum

(Photo by Sally French)

People who appreciate a historic property with charm: Known as the "First Lady of Waikiki," the property is the first hotel on Waikiki Beach. The property goes a long way to acknowledge its history, including a museum on the second floor plus biweekly historic tours.

Who should skip the Moana Surfrider?

People who prioritize value over the view: Moana Surfrider rooms are impressive primarily because of the views, but you only get a view if you’re willing to splurge. If you’re the kind of person who ends up booking the cheapest available room, you’re better off booking a room without a view at a different hotel.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa review waikiki beach pool umbrella chair sand

(Photo by Sally French)

Those travelers might be better off at properties like the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, which is also a Marriott Bonvoy property. Though it’s not waterfront, that hotel is located just across the street from the Moana Surfrider, providing tourists a similarly central location (albeit a walk across the street to get to the water). Prices vary by night, but NerdWallet found some examples where the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani was going for nearly 50% less on the same night than the Moana Surfrider across the street.

Travelers seeking peace and calm: The lobby, wraparound porch and outdoor space under the banyan tree draw tourists who aren't staying at the Moana Surfrider, which means the lobby and porch might be packed with a lot more than just hotel guests. If you’re seeking a quiet getaway, you might find the Moana Surfrider overwhelming.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa waikiki beach ocean view diamond head

(Photo by Sally French)

Booking the Moana Surfrider

The Moana Surfrider is one of many Marriott hotels in Oahu, Hawaii. Thus, it’s possible to book with Marriott Bonvoy® points or free night awards.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Marriott Bonvoy elite check in

(Photo by Sally French)

One of the best ways to earn Marriott points and free night certificates is through Marriott credit cards.

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LIMITED TIME OFFER: Earn 5 Free Night Awards, valued at up to 50K points each for eligible stays after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 10/16. Resort fees & terms apply.

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