The Moana Surfrider is the grand old lady of Waikiki: white columns, wide verandas, rocking chairs and a banyan tree by the sea. Brides love getting ready here and taking photos on the veranda and the white wooden staircase.
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Since 1901
The First Hotel in Waikiki
The Moana opened on March 11, 1901, as Waikiki’s first hotel. It was designed by the architect Oliver G. Traphagen, with wide oceanfront lanais, high ceilings and extra-wide hallways built to catch the trade winds. Its original 1901 building, the Banyan Wing, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
In the courtyard stands a great Indian banyan tree, planted in 1904. Today it is about 75 feet tall and spreads about 150 feet across, and it was one of the first trees on Hawaii’s Rare and Exceptional Tree List. The hotel is now the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue.
Down the old hallway, where a century of honeymoons has walked
Getting ready
A Bride at the Moana
Leling and her bridesmaids got ready at the Moana before her beach wedding, with photos in the rocking chairs on the veranda and on the grand white staircase. Tap any photo to see it full size.
Find it
Where Is the Moana Surfrider?
2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815, right on Waikiki Beach across from the shops of Kalakaua Avenue.
Plan your stay
Staying in Waikiki
Waikiki hotels averaged about $268 a night in 2025, and Oahu luxury hotels about $751, plus about 18.7% in hotel taxes on Oahu. Rates, resort fees and parking change, so always ask the hotel for your total. Read more about what Oahu and Waikiki hotels really cost, or see our wedding prices.
Sources: Hawaii DBEDT Hotel Performance Report, December 2025; Hawaii Department of Taxation.
Moana Surfrider Questions
Where is the Moana Surfrider?
The Moana Surfrider is at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815, right on Waikiki Beach, a short walk down the beach from the Royal Hawaiian.
How old is the Moana Surfrider?
The Moana opened on March 11, 1901, as the first hotel in Waikiki. Its banyan tree was planted in 1904, and the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Can we get ready at the Moana and marry on the beach?
Yes. Many brides get ready and take photos on the Moana’s veranda and staircase, then hold the ceremony on a public beach nearby with a State of Hawaii beach permit, which we take care of for you.
