A Hawaiian icon and the first-ever hotel on Waikiki Beach Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waakiki beach turns 125 today — TPG was given a look as the hotel completed’multiyear renovations’.

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Beautiful This 791-room hotel has three different towers, each with its own style. The property is singing again after the renovations, and I’m sure if you have a Waikiki stay on your 2026 calendar, it’s worth doing.

What is the best part? Book this iconic hotel and stay in a new room from 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or about $350 -.

First impressions

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Known as the grand dame of Honolulu, the Moana Surfrider has an impressive and memorable facade from Waikiki’s main drag in the most busy part of honalau. In fact the Moana Surfrider is often referred to as the First Lady of Waikiki.

The work that was done to remaking the Banyan Wing the oldest part of the hotel — is amazing, as you walk into the lobby and can be seen here in 1901. Rather than fusty and dark Victorian interiors, you are met with an abundance of light. The dark wood flooring is contrasted with lovely, wave-like modern carpeting and bright white walls and ceilings. It preserves historic interiors, but lightened a bit of the original.

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This structure is known as The Banyan Wing (the original building) which has retained its historic character and architect Oliver G. Traphagen’s original was. One of the hotel’s most famous residents is a banyan tree, more than – ten years old — as it leads out to one of its biggest guests The wing also has.

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From there, it’s out onto the famous Waikiki Beach.

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Check-in zones are awash with the full makeover, featuring stunning local artwork from artists like Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawaii.

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Guests Carl F F, a long-time repeat guest at the hotel, is. The renovations are just spectacular,’ said Schmoyer III, whose family has been visiting the Surfrider since World War II. , “It’s a phrase that says.

The rooms

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The hotel has three distinctive towers, each with a different decorative style The Bayan Wing, the Tower Wing and the Diamond Wing as mentioned above.

In the original Banyan Wing, each room is slightly different, but retains classic features and finishes. Charming and cozy These rooms overlook the beach with sweeping views of the sea, according to .

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Among the most recently renovated wing was The Diamond Wing, which has a more laid-back, cool vibe with surf-style art, beachy accents and woven rocking chairs facing the views.

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The Tower Wing is the last place, where I stayed in a beautiful, large room with sexy living area and two terraces overlooking ocean.

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The rooms are a completely restored, modern-day room with stunning views and plenty of space including Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds which ensures the night’s rest is well spent.

If you want a suite like I had, rates start at just over $1,000 a night.

Dining at Moana Surfrider

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The Moana Surfrider doesn’t have a shortage of restaurants at the beach, nor is there any lack of dining options. The choices include Beachhouse at the Moana with oceanfront dining and a Pacific Rim-style menu; Veranda at its Beachouse, where you will find ‘At the beachside buffet of breakfasts (with opulently beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking the banyan tree and sea); the Beach Bar — cocktails and light bites; and the Surfrider Cafe for coffees and casual to-go food.

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It was a classic afternoon high tea for the Verandi (starting at $73) that I got to enjoy. hotel, it’s become quite a well-known tradition to at the time.

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Amenities and service

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There’s a lot of to do and see as you expect for. beach resort, including access to the beautiful Waikiki Beach (pictured) A small, but classic swimming pool is also available for guests who don’t want to go into the ocean or just need a change of pace.

A good massage at the Moana Lani Spa ($190) was – Ocean front view, hot tub sauna and steam room for guests or via day pass. The big gym with free weights and Technogym equipment, six treadmills & 6 elliptical machines is also there so you shouldn’t have to wait for a spot.

There’s even a wedding chapel if you are so inclined.

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Of course, one of the best things about the hotel is its world-famous Waikiki Beach where you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella for $55 per day. At The Moana, where the (Premium beach umbrella rentals start at $100). Beach activities that leave directly from the beach of the hotels are even a part of some (e.g. Loyers at the swimming pool are free, while loungers.

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The hotel was very nice and accommodating, but not too saccharine-friendly service (I really appreciate the way it is done) I’m incredibly grateful for that. A quick response to calls from front desk was provided and requests were made immediately.

Location and logistics

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Waikiki is about centered on the action, with the Moana Surfrider at the center of the scene. Just under 20 minutes (a lot of ride-hailing services or taxis from the airport) to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Innouya International airport (infraphraser)

It is perhaps the best place in all of Hawaii to shop on Kalakaua Avenue, with stores literally at its door (and even in the lobby) for shopping. A few miles from Diamond Head State Park and a short walk to several parks is it.

Related: The best time to visit Hawaii for good weather, smaller crowds, deals and more

What it costs to stay at Moana Surfrider

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Considering the high hotel prices in Hawaii, rooms at the Moana Surfrider start around $350 (I’m not so bad), as I mentioned. I even found a couple of dates as cheap as $332 before taxes and fees. It’s a good deal for points deals, as low as 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Typical rates range from around $497 for a standard room to $1,100 for suite.

You’ll want one of the credit cards that earns the most points for Marriott stays when booking the Moana Surfrider, and one that may be a automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status (for example, value-added benefits)? These include.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott bonvoy program, automatic Platinum Elite status and 25 elite night credits per year for a higher tier hotel.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card 6 points per dollar are spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year for a higher tier hotel.

Using Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card Earn 6 points per dollar for eligible purchases at hotels that participate in the Marriott bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year toward an upper-level tier.

A Marriott Bonvoy Business® American ExpressTM Card ‘Rs 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott bonvoy program, automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits per year for an upper-level tier hotel.

Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Card (see rates and fees) 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status, and 15 elite night credits per year for a higher-tier hotel.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees) Earn 3 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status, and 5 elite night credits per year for a higher tier hotel.

The Points Guy has independently collected the information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card. card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the Card issuer, nor has he/she had any written comment about his card.

Accessibility

Wheelchair ramp at the Moana Surfrider. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

A wheelchair-friendly Moana Surfrider is accessible; despite its age, the hotel has gone into great lengths to accommodate guests with mobility problems.

The Surfrider’s 14 rooms, which are fully compatible with the Americans under Disabilities Act, include roll-in shower options and mobility-friendly layouts. And you’ll get ramps all over the property, too.

As always, TPG recommends calling the hotel before you book to ensure they can meet your accessibility needs.

Related: Best hotels in Honolulu

Bottom line

CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

One of Honolulu’s best hotels for me is the Moana Surfrider, one of my favorite hotels. A large makeover has kept the ‘classic elegance’ of the hotel as it celebrates 125 years since its refurbishment, which brings in new, updated rooms and facilities while adding to fresh life. The new generation and first-time guests will be delighted by this renovation, which will please returning guests and add the flair of a new generations to this revamp.

It’s as close to the perfect, according to my estimate — especially when you don’t think about being at center of the city. Hotel staff are friendly and rude, you’ll never get out of things to do at the hotel.

I’m looking for a deal with my Marriott Bonvoy points. But now that I can return to the Moana Surfrider, it is time and again? I love Waikiki; some people don’t like it, the city and this hotel have done a lot to keep me coming back.

Related reading:

• The award travelers’ guide to Marriott Bonvoy
• A review of the new Renaissance Honolulu
• The best Marriott credit cards
• Marriott elite status: What it is and how to earn it
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• Best hotel credit cards

Thanks for reading First look: Honolulus iconic Moana Surfrider turns 125 and unveils renovation