One of the most stunning statements of classic elegance to be found on Waikiki Beach.  The Victorian plantation grandeur of The Moana, called the 'First Lady of Waikiki', (it was the first hotel on Waikiki beach, opening in 1901!), shows from her grand porte cochere, palladian windows, and lovely hardwood floors, to the bright, white-painted carved wood decor and her sweeping Banyan Veranda which overlooks the Pacific.  A few years ago, in 2007, the hotel was completely remodelled and integrated with its sister property, the Surfrider, to provide one of the finest hotels on Waikiki Beach.

The 795 rooms and suites are located in three impressive wings - the historic Banyan, the low-rise Diamond and the 21-storey Tower.

The Banyan Wing is the original 1901 hotel, and the rooms are slightly smaller than is the norm in Hawaii now. The modest rooms have a small closet but no drawers, except in bedside tables, so if you are staying for more than a night or two, the larger, better-furnished Diamond or Tower room may be a better option, but they are charming and located right in the center of the property.  They offer 1 King or 2 double beds, ensuite shower room with bathrobes and complimentary toiletries, work desk and chair, sitting area with day bed complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TV with cable channels and pay-per-view movies, in-room safe, mini-fridge, ice bucket and glasses, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryer, iron and ironing baord, dental kit (on request) and views over the city and Kalakaua Avenue, or over the patios, pool, the beach and the ocean beyond.

The Diamond Wing also faces either the beach or the city and Kalakaua Avenue, and have the same amenities as the Banyan Rooms, except they are bigger, have a full bath/shower and most rooms have a private lanai with city or sea views.

The newer, modern Tower Rooms are the largest and more recent additions to the property and offer the same basic amenities as the Banyan rooms, with the addition of large full bath and fantastic high-rise views over the city or the patio, gardens, pool, and the beach and ocean.

There are also 44 spacious Tower Suites that offer a separate bedroom and living room, and all but 4 City view Suites, have fantastic views of the ocean.

There are three distinctive but pricey restaurants at the Moana Surfrider, The Veranda, the Beachhouse at the Moana, and the Beach Bar.  The Veranda is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and The Beachhouse at the Moana serves dinner, with a menu of fresh fish, prime steak and lcoal vegetables and salads.  The relaxed Beach Bar is more reasonably priced, and its open air patio is a popular destination for drinks, cocktails and light bites, for guests and non-guests alike.  There is also a comfortable, contemporary lounge bar, bin1901, with a eclectic selection of wines, beers and drinks.

As guests at the Moana Surfrider, if you don't want to eat in, you can visit any of the other 3 Starwood Waikiki properties (Sheraton Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani),  dine in any of their restaurants and charge it back to your room.

The Moana Surfrider is located right on the center of Waikiki Beach and there is a section that is roped off for hotel guests only, but you are free to walk up or down the whole beach to find your favourite spot.  The water is sandy and shallow, so ideal for childrens, swimming and snorkelling.  The hotel has a swimming pool, overlooking the beach, and the shallow end is roped off during the day just for younger guests.  There is quite a large sun terrace around the pool with several loungers, but they can get occupied early!  There is live music or DJ's some nights on the patio.

The Moana Surfrider has a large fitness suite and has the only oceanfront Spa in Waikiki.  The Moana Lani Spa offers the normal range of body and facial treatments, in 16 large and airy treatment rooms, including 2 couples rooms with balconies overlooking the beach.

Sitting right on Waikiki Beach, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider enjoys a perfect location for your Hawaiian vacation, but you are paying for the prestige here, not room space, so it is worth considering what your priority would be.

Click HERE to visit the  hotel's own website