Real Blue｜Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Stay Report

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

Stay Report

August 2021

Posted by AO/あお

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About this Stay

I stayed at the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa in Honolulu, Hawaii. This hotel is the very first hotel built in Waikiki, originally opened in 1901. The entrance side features Victorian-era architecture, while the ocean-facing side has a more modern design.

In August 2021, during the global surge of the fifth wave of COVID-19 infections, masks were required in public areas within the hotel. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent views from the balcony of my room on the top (21st) floor: the waves rolling onto Waikiki Beach, the blue sky, white sandy beach, and the iconic Diamond Head.

The exhibits inside the hotel showcasing the history of surfing, along with old photographs on display, were also very interesting.

Exterior and Interior

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Exterior and Interior

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Hotel Entrance

This is the exterior view of the hotel entrance.

It features Victorian-style architecture. The sense of history and elegance creates a wonderful atmosphere.

Driveway and Entrance

This is the view of the driveway and the hotel entrance.

Entrance from the Opposite Side

This is the hotel entrance seen from the opposite side.

It has a very stately and impressive atmosphere.

Plaque Describing the Hotel's History

This plaque describes the history of the Moana Surfrider Hotel.

• Opened in 1901 as the first hotel in Waikiki.
• After several changes in ownership, it is now operated as the Westin Resort & Spa.

Check-in Counter

This is the check-in counter on the first floor.

There is a board with the word “ALOHA” and notices requesting guests to wear masks in public areas and maintain social distancing. (The information is displayed in both English and Japanese.)

Seating Area

This is the seating area in the first-floor lobby.

Atrium

This is the open atrium area on the first floor.

Display Case

This is a display case in the first-floor lobby, featuring items such as hotel-branded teacups, honey, coffee beans, and drink bottles.

Historic Photograph of the Hotel

This appears to be a photograph of the Moana Surfrider Hotel from around the time of its opening.

Mask Requirement Notice

This is a notice requesting guests to wear masks in public areas.

Since there are many Japanese visitors, the notice is also written in Japanese.

Guide to Hotel Restaurants and Facilities

This is a guide to the restaurants, cafés, and spa at the Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa.

Café

This is a café located on the first floor of the hotel. The hotel also has an exclusive lounge for guests, but both were closed at the time.

No one was using the pool visible through the café windows either, so it appears to have been closed as well.

Club Lounge

This is the hotel’s exclusive guest lounge called the “Beach Club,” which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under normal circumstances, guests would be able to relax and enjoy food and drinks here.

Ocean-side View of the Hotel

This is the exterior view of the hotel as seen from the ocean side.

In contrast to the Victorian-style entrance, this side features a modern architectural design.

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History of Surfing

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History of Surfing Exhibit (1)

In the elevator hall leading to the guest rooms, there is a corner featuring historical exhibits about surfing. Illustrations and photographs of early surfers are displayed along with explanatory descriptions.

History of Surfing Exhibit (2)

This is an information board explaining the history of surfing. It is written in both English and Japanese.

It states that while it is unclear when people first began enjoying wave riding, by the late 1700s Hawaii had already reached the world’s highest level of surfing as a sport.

History of Surfing Exhibit (3)

The display explains that until around 1900, surfing was practiced by only a limited number of people, but as travelers to Hawaii learned the sport and took it back with them, surfing gradually spread throughout the world.

Beach Boys

After the opening of the Moana Hotel in 1901, surfing grew in popularity, and groups known as the “Beach Boys” emerged. These groups made a living by teaching tourists how to surf, canoe, and fish.

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Waikiki Beach

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Banyan Tree (1)

In the hotel garden stands a banyan tree, often referred to as a “symbol of Hawaii.” This tree is characterized by aerial roots that hang down from its mature branches.

Banyan Tree (2)

A closer view of the banyan tree. The aerial roots hanging down from the branches reach the ground and grow into trunk-like forms.

Stairs to the Beach (1)

These are the stairs leading from the hotel’s first floor through the garden down to the beach.

Stairs to the Beach (2)

After descending the stairs from the hotel garden and walking toward the ocean, you arrive at the beach. Diamond Head can also be seen from here.

Statue of the Father of Modern Surfing

This is the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku (1890–1968) at Waikiki Beach.

A native Hawaiian swimmer, he competed in three Olympic Games and won three gold medals. After retiring, he helped popularize surfing as a professional sport in the United States and is known as the “Father of Modern Surfing.”

A View with Surfboards

Many surfboards are lined up here.

With rows of palm trees along the beach, this is a dynamic scene that truly captures the spirit of Waikiki Beach.

Blue Sky, White Crests, and Palm Trees

This is a view of Waikiki Beach.

The blue sky, white wave crests visible on the ocean, and rows of palm trees create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

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Guest Room

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Elevator to the Guest Rooms

This is inside the elevator. We are now heading to the room.

On this stay, we chose a penthouse room on the top floor.

Elevator Hall

This is the elevator hall on the penthouse floor.

Corridor

This is the corridor leading to the penthouse guest room.

Beds

We finally arrived at the room. As you can see, there are two king-size beds, creating a very spacious and relaxing atmosphere.

Bathroom

This is the bathroom.

It is very spacious, with two separate sinks.

Television

This is the television in the guest room.

By selecting Internet TV, you can watch streaming services such as Netflix for free.

Emergency Exit Information

This is the emergency exit information.

Balcony View from the Room

Looking toward the balcony from inside the room. Diamond Head is clearly visible in the distance.

We specifically chose and booked this room because we were told it offers exceptional views. It seems to provide a perspective of Waikiki Beach that can only be enjoyed from this particular room.

Balcony Viewed from the TV Side

This is the balcony as seen from the television side of the room.

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Spectacular Views

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Ocean View from the Balcony (1)

Stepping out onto the balcony, this is the view that unfolds. You can clearly see the full sweep of waves rolling in from offshore toward Waikiki Beach.

For couples staying together, this would be a perfect spot to lie back and relax. Being on the top floor, there is nothing to block the deep blue sky, creating an incredibly open and liberating atmosphere.

Ocean View from the Balcony (2)

Looking out from the railing of the sky balcony, this is the view you get. For surfers, this must be an irresistible sight.

It truly feels like a slice of paradise.

Ocean View from the Balcony (3)

This is the view of Waikiki Beach and the rolling waves as seen from the balcony.

Simply gazing out at the ocean from the balcony is an enjoyable experience in itself.