With its historic charm and excellent oceanfront location, the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, is one of the most memorable places to stay on Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach. In this Moana Surfrider Oahu review, you will find details about the oceanfront rooms, dining experiences, beach location and more.
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Moana Surfrider Oahu Review
Staying at the Moana Surfrider has always been a memorable experience for us. The ocean views are incredible, the resort architecture is beautiful and the restaurant and bars offer great experiences overlooking Waikiki Beach.
For a stay in Waikiki, we would definitely recommend the Moana Surfrider Oahu. In this Moana Surfrider Oahu Review, discover what to expect at this beautiful resort, from the Diamond Ocean Front room views to the lively Beach Bar and elegant Beachhouse at the Moana.
Related: Beachfront Restaurants in Waikiki
Moana Surfrider Lobby
Built in 1901 as the first hotel in Waikiki, the plantation-style Moana Surfider Oahu is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and known as the First Lady of Waikiki. The Moana Surfrider has kept its historic charm through the years, while undergoing renovation, expansion and restoration projects to maintain its reputation as a world-class, luxury destination.
The Moana Surfrider’s lobby is a beautiful place to relax, with wide open doors overlooking Kalakaua Avenue on one side, and the courtyard through to the ocean on the other.
One of my favorite areas at the Moana Surfrider is the front porch with the row of rocking chairs facing Kalakaua Avenue. This was an unusually quiet moment when I took this photo at about 8am.
Diamond Ocean Front Room
There are three buildings at the Moana Surfrider along Waikiki Beach: the original Historic Banyan wing with the banyan tree in the center, the Tower wing (tall, contemporary building, shown below on left) and the Diamond wing (8-storey building on other side of the Banyan wing).
Within each building, there are options for city or ocean views. In this part of the Moana Surfrider Oahu Review, I will share our experiences staying in the Diamond Ocean Front Room.
Check Moana Surfrider rates and book on Hotels.com
The Diamond Ocean Front rooms have been renovated in recent years. Each room features the comfortable Westin Heavenly beds and gorgeous panoramic views of Waikiki Beach. Some Diamond Ocean Front rooms at the upper levels also enjoy a view towards Diamond Head.
At about 29 sq m / 313 sq ft, the Diamond Ocean Front rooms are not large. There is space for a cot or folding guest bed, so the room could fit a family with a baby or toddler. Families with older or more children may prefer to book two connecting rooms or a more spacious suite.
Each hotel room has an LCD TV, complimentary Royal Kona coffee and select Tazo teas, a refrigerator and a granite bathroom with shower.
During our first stay at the Moana Surfrider Resort, our Diamond Ocean Front room was on the 7th floor and the views were amazing looking out over the ocean and as far as Diamond Head.
We chose a Diamond Ocean Front room on the 2nd floor for our next stay at the Moana Surfrider. It was lovely at night-time listening to the waves lapping against the shore.
Looking in the other direction, the Diamond Ocean Front rooms on the 2nd floor overlook the surfboard rental shop and the view of Diamond Head is covered by the trees.
Check Moana Surfrider rates and book on Hotels.com
Moana Surfrider Resort Facilities
Although the Moana Surfrider pool is pretty small and no-frills compared to other resort pools in the area, we enjoyed spending many mornings there with our toddler.
The lounge chairs around the pool – especially the ones in the shade – are difficult to get! You either need to arrive very early or keep a close eye and claim one the moment someone leaves.
The Moana Surfrider Waikiki has a 24-hour Fitness Studio offering state-of-the-art equipment in the Tower Wing, along with daily fitness classes.
We didn’t manage it this time but had an outstanding experience at the spa at the Moana Surfrider, called the Moana Lani Spa, during our first visit. We both booked massages and enjoyed some time relaxing in their oceanfront lounge sipping tea.
The Moana Lani Spa offer a wide range of treatments that includes deep tissue massages, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures and aromatherapy.
Waikiki Beach Resort Location
One of the top benefits of staying at the Moana Surfrider is its oceanfront setting and direct access to Waikiki Beach which is right in front of the resort.
Book a surfing lesson, enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters or just pick a spot to relax and take in the views.
Check out the Moana Surfrider’s livecam view of Waikiki Beach in front of the resort. The Waikiki Beach livecam video starts streaming from sunrise, Hawaii time – https://marriott.ozolio.com/moana-surfrider/
Dining at the Moana Surfrider
In this part of the Moana Surfrider Oahu review, I will go over the dining options at the resort. The Moana Surfrider is one of best places in Waikiki for oceanfront restaurants with a view.
Veranda at the Moana offers an excellent breakfast buffet daily as well as afternoon teas on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a casual lunch or dinner, along with a Mai Tai, with live entertainment at the Beach Bar.
For beachfront fine dining, book a table at the Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider, open for dinner on Wednesday to Sunday. And make sure to stop by the Vintage 1901 Wine Bar for their great selection of wine, artisan beers and light bites.
You will also find coffee, fresh-baked pastries and healthy on-the-go options at the Surfrider Cafe near the Moana Surfrider pool.
Veranda at the Beachhouse
Contact: +1 (808) 931-8646| View the Menu | Website
The Veranda Breakfast Buffet
The Moana Surfrider offers a fantastic breakfast buffet at the Veranda oceanfront restaurant overlooking Waikiki Beach. The Veranda is open for breakfast from 6am to 10:30am daily. For breakfast, reservations are not required and they operate on a first come, first served basis.
The Veranda at the Beachhouse, Moana Surfrider serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon teaThe Veranda buffet features an all-you-can-eat selection from the best of both east and west with a wide range of hot and cold selections. Buffet items include fresh fruit, assorted breads and pastries, smoked salmon, salads, cereals and granola. Breakfast favourites at the Veranda are the Moana’s signature “beautiful pancakes” and mochi waffles.
View the breakfast buffet menu at the Veranda
The Moana Surfrider breakfast buffet offers a selection of fresh fruit juices, often with a new juice blend to try. On this day, there were watermelon basil; pineapple, cucumber and mint; guava and orange juices.
Check Moana Surfrider rates and book on Hotels.com
The hot food station at the Veranda buffet includes an omelette table as well as a wide range of items, like classic eggs benedict, sausages, applewood smoked bacon, hash browns, breakfast potatoes and local-style fried rice.
The Veranda at the Moana buffet also features a Japanese breakfast station, including items such as broiled or misoyaki salmon, pickled vegetables, miso soup, tofu and natto.
View the breakfast buffet menu at The Veranda
We loved having breakfast at the Veranda at the Moana, and the customer service there was the best we had at the Moana Surfrider. They were always so friendly and accommodating especially with our toddler. There was plenty of selection at the buffet, that also changed slightly from day to day, so it wasn’t ever boring going there every day for two weeks.
The Veranda Afternoon Tea
The iconic oceanfront afternoon tea at the Veranda is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Reservations are recommended for the Veranda Afternoon Tea and can be made on Open Table or the Veranda website.
Book a table for Afternoon Tea at The Veranda
The Veranda offers a variety of perfectly paired tea sets, crafted to meet your culinary tastes. Choose from a selection of Moana Classic teas and Traditional teas to pair with their savoury sandwiches and sweet treats made from sustainable local ingredients.
Moana Classic teas include Hawaiian Coconut, Passion Orange Guava and Sweet Peach, while Traditional teas on the menu include Classic Earl Grey, Indian Darjeeling or herbal Roobos. Veranda afternoon tea sets range from the Moana Classic Tea ($73 per person) to the Royal Tea ($137 per person). Gluten free and vegan tea sets are available. All prices are excluding tax and gratuity.
View the afternoon tea menu at The Veranda
The Moana Classic Tea includes finger sandwiches, sweet offerings and tropical sorbet. Other popular Veranda tea sets are the “The First Lady” ($96) which consists of a glass of sparkling rose served with savoury and sweet options, berries and yogurt plus a souvenir fan. “The Duke” ($79) tea set includes a Surfrider burger and sweet offerings, plus the option to add a Kona beer flight and Omiyage gift for $17.
For children ages 12 and under, afternoon tea options include a Keiki Tea ($37 per person) and a Menehune Keiki Tea ($65 per person). Both keiki afternoon teas have Nutella and banana on white, turkey on wheat, egg salad sandwich, sweet offering and a choice of juice, soft drink or tea. The Menehune Keiki Tea in addition comes with a milkstake goodie bag and Moana plush toy.
Book a table for Afternoon Tea at The Veranda
Beachhouse at the Moana
Contact: +1 (808) 931-8649 | View the Menu | Website
For dinnertime, the Moana Surfrider’s veranda area is the location for the resort’s fine dining oceanfront restaurant, the Beachhouse at the Moana. The best tables are right at the end of the veranda overlooking Waikiki beach.
We were a few tables away from the veranda edge but it’s still a stunning view from most parts of the restaurant, especially at sunset. Shown below is the Beach Bar with the historic banyan tree.
Some of the best dishes we had during our visit to Waikiki were at the Beachhouse at the Moana. This iconic Waikiki restaurant serves modern takes on Hawaiian cuisine, succulent seafood and steakhouse offerings.
Read more: Oceanfront Restaurants in Waikiki
Porcini Crusted Ahi Loin, Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider
The Beachhouse at the Moana currently serves a four or five course menu with a variety of choices for each. The 4 course chef’s tasting menu ($110) includes a selection of one soup or salad, one appetizer, one entree and one dessert. Including a wine pairing for the 4 course tasting menu is an additional $55.
View the menus at the Beachhouse at the Moana
The 5 course chef’s tasting menu ($130) includes an additional appetizer dish. Wine pairing for the 5 course tasting menu costs an additional $65. Menu highlights from their tasting menus include their signature seafood appetizers, such as the charred Spanish octopus and the coconut Kona lobster au gratin.
The entrées on the Beachhouse at the Moana tasting menu include a selection between mango glazed lamb chop, fennel pollen dusted scallops, Surfrider ale braised short rib and porcini crusted Angus filet mignon. Grilled lobster tail is also available as a supplement for $20.
Dinner is served Wednesday to Sunday, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Last reservation is at 8:30pm. Reservations recommended and can be made via Open Table on the Beachhouse at the Moana website.
Book a table at the Beachhouse at the Moana
The Beach Bar Waikiki
Contact: +1 (808) 931-8648 | View the Menu | Website
The Beach Bar is the Moana Surfrider’s casual oceanfront bar and restaurant that offers an idyllic location along Waikiki Beach and under the canopy of the historic banyan tree. The Moana’s sweeping banyan tree was planted in 1904 and now stands 75 feet high and spans 150 feet.
The Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider is a popular place to enjoy sunset views and live entertainment in the evenings. There are live performances every evening at the Moana Surfrider Beach Bar, featuring local musicians and hula dancers.
The Beach Bar lunch and dinner menus consist of a selection of hearty salads, poke bowls, crispy fish tacos, sadwiches and burgers. Entrees also on the lunch and dinner menu include garlic shrimp, Korean grilled hanger steak and fresh catch of the day.
View the menu at Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider
The keiki menu (for children ages 6 to 12 years old) at the Beach Bar Waikiki includes chicken tenders, hot dog, grilled cheese and a crispy catch with seasoned fries. Children 5 and under can eat free from the keiki menu with purchase of an adult meal.
The Beach Bar at the Moana is open from 11am to 10:30pm daily.
Check Moana Surfrider rates and book on Hotels.com
Vintage 1901 Wine Bar
Contact: +1 (808) 931-8650 | Website
Located in the historic Moana Surfrider lobby, Vintage 1901 is a wine bar boasting an extensive selection of wines and artisan cocktails. Vintage 1901 also offers delectable bites alongside live musical entertainment. The wine bar and restaurant is open 5:30pm to 10pm on Wednesdays to Sundays with live piano entertainment by David Swanson.
At the time of our stay at the Moana Surfrider, the Vintage 1901 wine bar was on the veranda overlooking the Banyan Courtyard and offered a variety of wine tasting selections.
The Vintage 1901 restaurant menu features small plates, gourmet burgers, grilled entrees and seasonal offerings. Popular menu items are the assorted cheeseboard, truffle garlic fries and fruit de mar. Entree options include macadamia nut crusted scallops, grilled lamb chop and Porterhouse steak for two.
View the menu at Vintage 1901
Special Events
The Moana Surfrider regularly hosts special events and music performances by local artists, usually on Friday evenings or over the weekend.
On our last evening, we had dinner at the Beachhouse at the Moana, listening to the beautiful voice of award-winning Hawaiian musical artist, Raiatea Helm, performing in the courtyard. The hula performance below was right before Raiatea Helm took the stage.
There was also a Mangoes at the Moana event during our stay, where mango producers showcase the tropical fruit in food demonstrations and workshops. Visitors could sample delicious mango recipes created by local celebrity chefs at the event.
Professional Photography
The most treasured souvenir from our trip was a 30 minute photography session with one of the resort’s professional photographers. They usually have a desk to make bookings in the Moana Surfrider lobby.
Since I am usually the one behind the camera, it was particularly special to have 400+ photos of the three of us, with beautiful Waikiki Beach or the iconic Moana Surfrider as a backdrop.
Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program
After researching various hotel booking websites, the best value I found at the time was by booking directly with Marriott Bonvoy. It’s quick, free and easy to join their loyalty program and often you receive benefits straight away. Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
The special promotion we received was a slightly reduced rate that included breakfast for two daily which was a great value over our 14 day stay. Another great perk for families is that kids 5 and under eat free from the keiki menu at designated Moana Surfrider restaurants, with purchase of an adult meal.
Oahu with Kids Guide
I hope you have found this Moana Surfrider Oahu review helpful! Read on for more tips on visiting Oahu with kids;
Family Travel Guide to Oahu with Kids
Visiting Waikiki with a Toddler
Beachfront Waikiki Restaurants
Things to Do on Oahu with Kids
Visiting the Waikiki Aquarium with Kids
Pony Experience at Turtle Bay Resort Oahu
Moana Surfrider Oahu Review
Good to Know
- Moana Surfrider Resort Fee: At last check, the daily resort charge is $49.55 plus tax and includes Wi-Fi around the resort, unlimited local calls, newspaper, daily cultural activities, fitness and yoga classes.
- Beachouse at the Moana Reservations: To book a reservation at the Beachhouse at the Moana, call +1 808-931-8649 or book a table on Open Table. View the menu and find out about special events on the restaurant website – www.beachhousewaikiki.com
- Parking Options: Valet parking is available at Moana Surfrider at $65 daily, on a first-come, first served basis. Self-parking is available at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, two blocks away from the Moana, for an additional cost of $45 per day or $7.50 an hour on a first come, first served basis.
- The Moana Surfrider Oahu does not have a creche or kid’s club on-site but recommends the Poppins Keiki Hawaii Daycare at its sister hotel, Sheraton Waikiki (about a 15 minute walk away). Babysitting services are available at the Moana Surfrider.
- I have listed tips in the Visiting Waikiki with a Toddler post that include nearby shops to purchase groceries, essentials, beach gear and souvenirs.
Moana Surfrider Address
Address: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Hololulu, HI 96815
Telephone: +1 808-922-3111
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnlwi-moana-surfrider-a-westin-resort-and-spa-waikiki-beach
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, so if you do click through and make a purchase I may receive a small amount at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! This Moana Surfrider Oahu review was updated on 26 January 2025 with the latest hotel and restaurant information.
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