Moana Surfrider Completes Resort-Wide Renovation on Its 125th Anniversary
The reimagined design draws inspiration from the cultural, natural, and historic elements of Waikiki Beach, as well as the resort’s iconic courtyard banyan tree.
The Moana Surfrider’s refreshed lobby. Photo: Marriott International
The Moana Surfrider, a Westin property since 2007, was the first hotel ever built on Waikiki Beach. Now, 125 years later, the historic property, known locally as the “First Lady of Waikiki”, has announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation that successfully preserves the landmark’s historic character while delivering the enhancements the property deserves.
The reimagined design draws inspiration from the cultural, natural, and historic elements of Waikiki Beach, as well as the resort’s iconic courtyard banyan tree. Spanning all 791 guestrooms across the resort’s three distinct wings, the renovation—led by Honolulu-based designers Lisa-Maria Priester and Bev Tagami—includes a refreshed historic lobby, a new oceanfront event venue, and the restoration and rebranding of the historic Diamond Wing, which has been renamed the Surfrider Wing in honor of its iconic Diamond Head views and surf-inspired identity.
The historic lobby has been refreshed with an elegant aesthetic that remains true to its original Colonial-style Victorian architecture. The new event venue, located on the ground floor of the Tower Wing, offers a beachfront setting for weddings, corporate events, and social celebrations.
The newly rebranded Surfrider Wing features a contemporary look influenced by Waikiki’s surf culture, with beach-loft-inspired interiors, vibrant color palettes, and custom local artwork. In addition, five new junior suites have been introduced, with layouts designed to maximize natural light, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and views of the Waikiki skyline or beach.
The refreshed Tower Wing introduces spacious, residential-style accommodations. Featuring the resort’s largest guestrooms, with beachfront or Diamond Head views, the Tower Wing delivers a refined residential feel through custom seating and dining nooks, integrated refreshment centers, reading areas, and new balcony furnishings designed for indoor-outdoor living.
The historic Banyan Wing, which completed renovations in early winter 2025, now features guestrooms that reflect a renewed expression of classic elegance, with curved furnishings and local artwork inspired by the sea.
Artwork by Hawaii-based artists can be found throughout the resort, including pieces by Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawaii, Christopher Edwards, and Andrew Mau of Mau House. Honoring its cultural legacy, the Moana Surfrider has also introduced “Moana Calls,” a new quarterly event series celebrating mele (music) and Hawaiian cultural expression.
These enhancements mark the final chapter of a thoughtfully phased, resort-wide transformation aimed at preserving the “First Lady of Waikiki” as an enduring icon of the destination for, hopefully, another century to come.
