The First Lady of Waikiki, commonly known as the Moana Hotel, marked the beginning of tourism in Waikiki, becoming the first hotel ever constructed in the area. Wealthy Honolulu landowner Walter Chamberlain Peacock wanted to establish a resort in Waikiki, and founded the Moana Hotel Company in 1896. The hotel officially opened on March 11, 1901. The exterior, with its iconic columns and intricate woodwork, housed what was considered amazing amenities for that time period; spacious rooms, telephones, a private bath, a billiard room, parlor, library, salon and the first electric elevator in Hawai'i – all for just $1.50 a night.
After its $50 million restoration in 1989, the hotel received numerous awards, including the President's Historic Preservation Award, the National Preservation Honor Award, Hawai'i Renaissance Award and the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International Golden Bell Award. In May of 1999, the hotel undertook further improvements with a $2 million historic Banyan Wing exterior enhancement project.
Today, this legendary landmark is an oceanfront Westin Resort, called the Moana Surfrider. There are 793 guest rooms, 46 suites, two restaurants, a freshwater swimming pool, snack bar, beach bar, cocktail lounge, beauty salon, travel desk, more than 15,000 feet of function space, several boutique stores and a historical room complete with tours. Located at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, this hotel is more than just a great accommodation – it is a little piece of yesteryear.
Attraction Information
- Contact:
- Location: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI
- Phone: 808-922-3111
- Website: www.moana-surfrider.com
