| See our List of:
Favorite Overall Resorts |
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| Our FAVORITE RESORTS for: |
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| BEACHES |
| SPAS |
| SERVICE |
| ROOMS |
| GOLF |
| SNORKELING |
| DINING |
| SHOPPING |
| NIGHTLIFE |
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, is located at the center of historic Waikiki Beach, just steps from the sand. The hotel, built in 1901 and named the Moana Hotel, is a celebrated landmark that has been in existence for over 100 years. Often referred to as the "First Lady of Waikiki", the Moana Surfrider provides a glimpse back to a time of quiet elegance and charm that was old world Hawaii. When you visit this resort, you can see, touch and feel the history of old Hawaii all the while experiencing the comfort of a modern day luxury resort.
When we first arrived at the Moana Surfrider, we were struck by the contrast between modern, bustling Waikiki and the rich history of a hotel over 100 years old. The Moana works to blend history and current luxury in a way that allows you the best of both worlds. As your step into the foyer, you look out onto the veranda past the world famous Banyan Tree and see the gentle surf of Waikiki Beach. If you choose the Historic wing of the hotel, you will be afforded views of Waikiki Beach or exciting city views of vibrant Waikiki. If you are looking for a more contemporary room, the Tower Wing will suite your needs perfectly. At the Moana Surfrider, you will experience the modern luxury of a world class resort that coexists seamlessly with historic Hawaiian hospitality.
Here's our lowdown on the Moana Surfrider
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| Moana Lani Spa Jacuzzi overlooking Waikiki Beach! |
SPA - Wow, the spa with a spectacular view! This amazing spa is branded as the Moana Lani Spa, a heavenly spa by Westin and I can confirm that it is heavenly indeed! The spa is very bright, airy and inviting. While sitting in the relaxation room or the whirlpool, you are overlooking Waikiki Beach ... hard to find a better view than that. The women's lounge area is spacious, clean and appointed with all the amenities one would need. I indulged in the Lomi Lomi massage (which I always seem to do when in Hawaii) and the treatment was excellent. The treatment rooms are very calming with a nice Hawaiian touch to them. The spa offers a wide array of treatments and massages, all with the quality you would expect to find at this celebrated property. Treat yourself to the luxurious Moana Lani Spa on your visit to the Moana Surfrider; pure calm and relaxation on world famous Waikiki Beach.
SHOPPING - 
The shopping near the Moana Surfrider is perhaps the best you will find in any tropical location. Located steps from resort are shops from such world class brands as Hermes, Kate Spade, Bvlgari, Cartier, Channel, Fendi, Gucci and many more. But the shopping is not limited to luxury names. At the international market, located just across the street from the Moana Surfrider, you will find over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands, in this open-air, casual setting. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts at low prices (don't forget to use your bargaining skills!).
There really is something for everybody when it comes to shopping in Waikiki.
OTHER ACTIVITIES - Another excellent feature of being located in Waikiki at the Moana Surfrider is that you have so many activities to choose from. There is snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, touring the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, visiting the Bishop Museum, touring the Polynesian Cultural Center, visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation, hiking to the top of Diamond Head crater or a drive to North Shore to see world famous Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline. These adventures along with all the ocean activities plus all the excitement of Waikiki, means you will never be bored when staying at the Moana Surfrider.
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| Waikiki Beach from the top of the Moana Surfrider |
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| Waikiki Beach under a full moon |
DON'T MISS
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A Stroll down World Famous Waikiki Beach - The best part about staying at the Moana Surfrider, at least for us, is its location directly on Waikiki Beach. There is so much action on Waikiki that you can always find something to do. Whether it is happy hour at Dukes, a catamaran ride, surfing on Waikiki, outrigger canoes or just soaking up the incredible tropical sun, there is something for everyone. Another thing we love to do is take a walk on Waikiki after dark. It is amazing to walk home on the cool sand while listening to the gentle surf of Waikiki. If the moon is bright enough, you may even see famous Diamond Head outlined against the glow. Waikiki really is a special place!
Another Don't Miss
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Have a Drink under the Banyan Tree - When we stay at the Moana Surfrider, it is essential that we have a drink under the Banyan Tree at The Beach Bar. The views are amazing as we watch the surfers in the bay or gaze at the splendor that is Diamond Head. Rumor has it that it is good luck to have a drink under the Banyan Tree. Legend holds that if you enjoy a drink under the Banyan Tree, you are certain to return to this magical spot. We are not ones to tempt the legend, so we always make it a point to enjoy a refreshing tropical cocktail at the famous Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider!
- Other Good Stuff -
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| Room at the Moana Surfrider Historic Wing |
Room - The Moana Surfrider, known as the "First Lady of Waikiki", was the first hotel built on Waikiki. Recently renovated, the Moana has all the luxury you would want, blended seamlessly with the history of old Waikiki. All rooms come with the Westin signature "Heavenly Bed", which are comfortable beyond description, as well as all the modern amenities.
At the Moana, you have the option of the Tower or the Historic Wing. If you are looking for a more modern feel, the Moana Surfrider Tower offers a more contemporary room that is generally larger than the rooms in the historic section, but still with a warm Hawaiian decor.
We prefer the Historic Wing as we love the charm and distinguished, old Hawaii feel of the rooms. We have always been struck by the sense and feel of days gone by that emanate from the historical wing. The white plantation shutters give the rooms a clean crisp feel that blends the past of old Waikiki with all the contemporary comfort of a modern luxury resort. The rooms and bathrooms in the Historic Wing are smaller than the Tower and we think it is important for guests to be informed about this characteristic. But we still always choose the Historic Wing as the experience is truly unique.
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| Waikiki Beach Private area for Moana Surfrider |
Beach - The beach at Waikiki is perhaps the most famous beach in the entire world. The beach itself offers so much, from catamaran rides to outrigger canoes to learning to surf. The Moana does have a private beach, but we were required to rent a chair and umbrella to relax on this private beach. Once you pay for your spot, the service was excellent and it was awfully nice having your own private, comfortable beach location. If you are concerned with having to pay for the private beach, you can always take your towel and join the rest of the folks on Waikiki. Although sometimes crowded, the beauty of the beach is something to be cherished and we love every moment on Waikiki.
- And Our Not so Favorite Things -
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| Pool in the Morning |
Pool - The pool itself was very nice and had spectacular views of Waikiki Beach. But the pool was small and we had to be down by 7am to reserve a lounge chair. Not long after that, all the chairs were taken. If the resort is not crowded, you can usually find a chair. But if the resort is near capacity, we would definitely make sure we were down early. This is somewhat annoying, but Waikiki can get crowded and it is something we just learned to live with. Still, Waikiki is worth it many times over!
Resort Information
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa - [Link to Hotel Website]
2365 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
Hotel Photos
Room Rates
Room Tours
Special Packages
Resort Room Prices
When we travel, we always look for the best deal and do not mind traveling during the off season to get the lower prices. This means you may not get to travel at the optimal times based on Temperatures and Rainfall
(see charts below). At the Moana Surfrider, the rack rates are consistent throughout the year, but during the lower seasons we were able to find some very good deals. During the summer months and holiday seasons, we expect to pay more (as is the case for most of Hawaii).
Packages and Special Offers - Many times you can save some money by taking advantage of packages that the resorts offer. To see the latest packages that the Moana Surfrider is offering, please click the following link: Special Packages - Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa.
Map of the Moana Surfrider
View Larger MapWeather in Honolulu on Oahu
The weather in Waikiki, on the island of Oahu is your typical, tropical weather ... mild and beautiful year round. The weather on Oahu is diverse; it can be cooler and wet in the mountains right above Waikiki while the sun is warm and dry and inviting on world famous Waikiki Beach. The most frequent forecast for Honolulu is cloudy or partly cloudy; this is because at some point in the day, you are probably going to get some clouds. But not to worry, this forecast is common for many areas in the tropics and doesn't necessarily mean rain. So be prepared for great weather in Waikiki, and remember if you do get some rain it usually doesn't last very long.
We have been to Oahu many times and rarely have we had trouble with the weather. We have gone in early December and the weather is usually very nice. Any rain is usually just showers and many times we would be back out on the beach in an hour or so. We have always found the weather in Oahu to be great. If you go in the winter months, just realize you have a greater chance for rain, but remember, the sun is usually not far behind.
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| Click to See Larger Chart |
Rainfall - Whenever we go on vacation, trying to avoid rain is always high on our list. My husband is especially fanatical about this. In Hawaii, you get the most rain in the winter months from November to March. But even in the wet months, the rain does not usually last very long. Also, there are many micro climates on Oahu; you can have rain in one area and dry weather in another. Waikiki is on the leeward side of the island that gets less rain than most places on Oahu. If you really want to avoid the chance of rain, the summer months offer the lowest rainfall. It can cost more to travel during the high season summer months, but if you really want to avoid rain, this might be a good option for you.
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| Click to See Larger Chart |
Temperature - The chart at the right shows the average temperatures for Waikiki. As you would expect the average temperatures (as well as the humidity) increase fairly significantly in the June-October time frame. The trade winds that blow from the northeast provide some relief from the heat, but it can still get fairly hot in the summer. During the winter months, it can get a little cooler in the evening so it is probably a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket. Otherwise, sit back and be prepared to enjoy the magnificent Hawaiian weather. Don't forget your sunscreen.
Before you go to Oahu, or anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands, it is always wise to keep a watch on the weather.
Check out the latest weather for Honolulu on Oahu:
Hurricanes are not common for the Hawaiian Islands. Still, it is always good to keep watch on the weather before you leave for your tropical vacation.
To check for storms around Hawaii and the Central Pacific, please click the following link: National Hurricane Center: Central Pacific.
Or check the Accuweather Hurricane Center
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