Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

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"A historic, iconic Waikīkī hotel tied to the area's surfing legacy and longstanding reputation for refined, oceanfront hospitality." - Jennifer Flowers

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

"Affectionately known as "First Lady of Waikiki," the Moana first opened in 1901: it was the first luxury hotel to debut in Honolulu and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Architecture buffs take note: There are some whimsical "additions" of Art Deco and Bauhaus that appeared over the years. Naturalists will take to the property's enormous, 116-year-old Indian banyan tree. Now a Westin now, the property includes a modern tower, upping the original room count of 75 to 791. There are almost 20 different types of rooms to book. Those in the historic wing tend to be small and full of character, and those in the modern tower have the best views of Diamond Head, and be sure to reserve your umbrella on the sand at least a day in advance as the beach can get crowded. Three outdoor dining venues are a bonus, Vintage 1901 is a delightful wine bar with small plates, and the Surfrider Cafe is a handy option for quick, healthy bites and sips."

"Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Built in 1901, the legendary "First Lady of Waikiki" blends Victorian architecture with a golden beach and turquoise seas. Putting a luxury hotel in a deserted backwater was a bold move—but one that paid off. Tourism took off here and the Moana remains its ruling monarch. One of the most lovely, historical hotels in Hawaii, it still has Ionic columns supporting an elegant porte-cochère, plus a long shaded gallery along its facade where rocking chairs encourage guests to watch the world go by. A $21-million renovation brought it up-to-date in 2014 and added a new beach club. But an exhibit room still honors its rich past on the second floor of the Banyan Wing, and serves as a jumping-off point for free historical tours (11 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays)."

"Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Built in 1901, the legendary "First Lady of Waikiki" blends Victorian architecture with a golden beach and turquoise seas. Putting a luxury hotel in a deserted backwater was a bold move—but one that paid off. Tourism took off here and the Moana remains its ruling monarch. One of the most lovely, historical hotels in Hawaii, it still has Ionic columns supporting an elegant porte-cochère, plus a long shaded gallery along its facade where rocking chairs encourage guests to watch the world go by. A $21-million renovation brought it up-to-date in 2014 and added a new beach club. But an exhibit room still honors its rich past on the second floor of the Banyan Wing, and serves as a jumping-off point for free historical tours (11 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays)."

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"Affectionately known as "First Lady of Waikiki," the Moana first opened in 1901: it was the first luxury hotel to debut in Honolulu and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Architecture buffs take note: There are some whimsical "additions" of Art Deco and Bauhaus that appeared over the years. Naturalists will take to the property's enormous, 116-year-old Indian banyan tree. Now a Westin now, the property includes a modern tower, upping the original room count of 75 to 791. There are almost 20 different types of rooms to book. Those in the historic wing tend to be small and full of character, and those in the modern tower have the best views of Diamond Head, and be sure to reserve your umbrella on the sand at least a day in advance as the beach can get crowded. Three outdoor dining venues are a bonus, Vintage 1901 is a delightful wine bar with small plates, and the Surfrider Cafe is a handy option for quick, healthy bites and sips." - Caitlin Morton