BETHESDA, Maryland — As the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa — Waikiki’s first hotel — prepares for its 125th anniversary in 2026, “The First Lady of Waikiki” celebrated a significant milestone in its landmark rejuvenation. The refreshed lobby debuted on July 3, balancing the preservation of its celebrated Victorian architecture with elegant enhancements, and the Tower Wing began welcoming guests to its renovated rooms this summer.
The resort’s new oceanfront event space will open this fall on the Tower Wing’s ground floor. It will join the Moana’s collection of stunning ballrooms and event spaces. The new event space, currently available for booking, will have a capacity of 150 for a seated dinner and 200 for a reception. It will join the rest of the property’s 12 event spaces, including the Ballroom — the largest space, which can accommodate 300 reception-style — and the Diamond Lawn — which can seat up to 250. The resort offers a total of 25,876 square feet of event space.
The Moana’s historic lobby has been refreshed with a sophisticated and tranquil aesthetic, honoring its Victorian architecture, such as graceful seating vignettes, soaring ceilings and curved chandeliers. Notable upgrades include newly refinished original wood flooring, custom-designed transitional furnishings, and bespoke art pieces. The front desk now features elegant check-in pods and a striking sculptural lighting fixture inspired by the courtyard’s tree, which is on the National Register of Historic Trees. The lobby’s beloved piano bar, Vintage 1901, offers a versatile setting for dining and gatherings.
Reimagined guest rooms in the Tower Wing — available in either a king bed or a new two-queen bed configuration — include zones designed for comfort and flexibility, curved banquette seating areas, integrated workspaces, a custom-designed reading area, and a refreshment station with a coffee maker and mini refrigerator. From lanais (balconies) featuring new residential-style lounge furniture, guests can enjoy views of the city, ocean and Leahi, commonly known as Diamond Head.
Tower Wing oceanfront one-bedroom suites feature expansive living rooms with a dining table for four guests, a wet bar, a seating area, and an entertainment center with a flat-screen television and a carved workstation. The bedroom features a king bed and artful touches highlighting Hawaii’s natural beauty. Notably, the Tower Wing’s suites offer spacious lanais that extend the entertainment spaces, offering indoor-outdoor living and stunning views.
“We are honoring the Moana Surfrider’s timeless legacy by illuminating architectural details and incorporating refined materials,” said Thomas Foti, biplex general manager for Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. “The renovated Tower Wing and historic lobby beautifully capture this vision, offering guests distinctly curated environments that are welcoming, restorative and undeniably luxurious.”
The phase one completion marks significant progress in the Moana Surfrider’s comprehensive renewal project. Banyan Wing guest rooms will also be available this fall, and Diamond Wing guest rooms this winter. All phases are scheduled for completion ahead of the resort’s 125th anniversary on March 11, 2026.
For more information, visit moanasurfrider.com.
