July 14th, 2025 – As one of Hawaii’s most storied hotels approaches its 125th anniversary in March 2026, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, has debuted the first phase of its comprehensive renewal with the completion of its revitalized historic lobby and a soft opening of the redesigned Tower Wing guest rooms. These enhancements reaffirm the Moana’s reputation as a timeless icon of Waikiki hospitality, preserving its architectural lineage while embracing a fresh sense of place for today’s luxury traveler.
“We are honoring the Moana Surfrider’s timeless legacy by illuminating architectural details and incorporating refined materials. The renovated Tower Wing and Historic Lobby beautifully capture this vision, offering guests distinctly curated environments that are welcoming, restorative, and undeniably luxurious.”Thomas Foti, Biplex General Manager of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
The Moana’s newly refreshed Historic Lobby, which opened to guests on July 3, reflects the hotel’s Victorian roots with a reimagined elegance. Soaring ceilings remain the focal point, now enhanced by graceful curved chandeliers and sculptural lighting inspired by the hotel’s famed courtyard banyan tree—an arboreal landmark on the National Register of Historic Trees.
Bespoke seating vignettes and transitional furnishings by artist Kristen Reyno (Lola Pilar Hawaii) bring botanical motifs into a space flooded with natural light. Original wood floors have been refinished to their former luster, while the redesigned check-in area—featuring elegant pods in place of a traditional front desk—creates a personalized sense of arrival.
At the heart of the lobby, Vintage 1901, the hotel’s celebrated piano bar, continues to serve as both gathering place and intimate dining venue, anchoring the lobby in a mood of quiet sophistication.
Just steps from Waikiki Beach, the Moana’s Tower Wing has begun welcoming guests to its reimagined rooms and suites, designed as serene modern beach retreats. The interiors emphasize simplicity and rhythm, using organic textures, warm metallic accents, and a subdued coastal palette that reflects the fluid tones of sea and sky.
King or two-queen configurations
Curved banquette seating and integrated work zones
A dedicated reading area
In-room refreshment stations with coffee makers and mini refrigerators
Private lanais outfitted with residential-style lounge furniture, offering views of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, or Leahi (Diamond Head)
For those seeking added space and privacy, the Tower Wing oceanfront one-bedroom suites deliver open-plan living rooms, dining tables for four, wet bars, and carved workspaces. Oversized lanais extend the suite experience outdoors, offering seamless transitions between indoor refinement and island air.
Guests who book a stay of three nights or more in the renovated Tower Wing can enjoy up to 35% off and earn 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points. (Offer details available through the Moana Surfrider's member-only portal.)
This phase marks a pivotal point in the Moana’s larger rejuvenation strategy. Renovations to the Banyan Wing guest rooms are expected to be completed in Fall 2025, followed by the Diamond Wing in Winter 2025. The full resort renewal will be completed just in time for its anniversary celebration in March 2026, setting the stage for a new era while honoring the legacy of what’s long been called the “First Lady of Waikiki.”