We were drawn to the Moana Surfrider Hotel, not just for its stunning oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach , but for the history it holds and to step into a piece of history that has stood for over a century .One that has welcomed travelers long before Waikiki became what it is today.
For our family, it was the perfect combination of everything we love: history to learn from, beauty to take in, and a location that simply can’t be matched.
The Moana Surfrider Hotel is one of the very first hotels built in Waikiki, Oahu and because of that, it holds an incredibly special place in Hawaiian history. Opened in 1901, it is often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” Long before high-rise resorts lined the shoreline, the Moana stood as a grand beacon of luxury on what was once a quiet stretch of beach.
It is absolutely beautiful and sits directly on Waikiki Beach, blending Victorian elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.
When we walked in, we immediately felt like we had stepped back in time. The wide open lobby, high ceilings, and sweeping staircase reflect the hotel’s original Victorian architectural style, which was quite a statement in the early 1900s. At the time it was built, arriving guests would travel by ship and horse-drawn carriage . Can you imagine stepping off a boat and into this grand oceanfront retreat?
As we walked through the lobby and out the back doors, we were greeted by a spacious veranda lined with rocking chairs … one of my favorite details. Sitting there with coffee in hand felt like slowing down time and savoring it in the best way.
The famous Banyan tree is front and center welcoming all to the natural beauty of the Island . Planted in 1904, just a few years after the hotel opened, the Banyan tree has grown into a massive, breathtaking centerpiece of the courtyard. Its branches stretch wide and welcoming, creating shade and a gathering place for generations of visitors. It’s incredible to think how many stories that tree has witnessed over more than a century.We felt so privileged to be able to stand there where so many others had gathered before.
The outside pool is beautiful …you can swim while looking out at the Pacific Ocean, or simply walk a few steps and be right on Waikiki Beach itself. That seamless connection between historic elegance and oceanfront beauty is part of what makes this place so special.
The hotel reminded me of a beautiful old-style mansion , the kind filled with stories. Oh if the walls could talk! Over the decades it has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world. Even through renovations and modernization, the Moana Surfrider has intentionally preserved its historic charm.
Staying here (or even just visiting) isn’t just about enjoying a beautiful resort , it’s about stepping into a piece of Hawaiian history.
But the story doesn’t stop at the hotel itself ✨
Waikiki: From Royal Retreat to World Destination
Long before Waikiki became a world-famous travel destination, it was actually a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. The area was once filled with wetlands and fishponds, and Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs and royalty) would come here to relax and surf.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Waikiki began transforming as tourism grew. When the Moana Surfrider opened in 1901, it became the very first large hotel in the area, setting the stage for Waikiki’s future. At that time, there were no high-rise hotels, no bustling Kalakaua Avenue , just ocean, palm trees, and this grand white hotel standing proudly along the shore.
Over the years, Waikiki evolved into the vibrant destination we know today. But the Moana Surfrider still stands as a reminder of the beginning …a place where history hasn’t been forgotten.It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the things I love most about staying somewhere historic is the opportunity to turn it into a living history lesson.
📚 A Living History Lesson Here are a few simple ways to make this educational:
History
Research Hawaii’s transition from a monarchy to a U.S. territory (1898) and then to statehood (1959).
Study Hawaiian royalty and learn about Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Compare what travel looked like in 1901 vs. today.
Geography
Locate Oahu on a map and identify other Hawaiian islands. Study volcanic island formation.
Architecture
Look up Victorian architectural elements and identify them in the hotel design.
Writing Prompt for Kids
“Imagine you are arriving at the Moana Surfrider in 1901. Write a journal entry about your first impressions.”
If you find yourself in Waikiki, don’t just admire the beach , step inside the Moana Surfrider. Sit under the Banyan tree. Imagine the year 1901.
Travel becomes unforgettable when it connects beauty with learning.
The Moana Surfrider is so much more than just a beautiful place to stay. It’s steeped in rich history✨
The same God who was writing stories here over a hundred years ago is still writing them today , even in our own family’s journey.
That’s what I’ll carry with me most from this visit … not just the ocean views or the historic charm, but the reminder that God is present in every season… past and present.
And when we choose to travel with intention, to learn, to reflect, and to be present , those moments become more than memories.They become part of the story we’re living, too.
Check out our reel of this beautiful Hotel ⬇️ and be sure to subscribe 🩷
And check out more of our post on Hawaii ⬇️
