Marking 110 years at the Moana Surfrider, The First Lady of Waikiki

Monday, March 07, 2011



In 1901, the Moana Surfrider opened her doors. The elegant building still holds the hallmarks and charm of that era — grand colonnades, open-air verandas, a giant courtyard banyan tree — which makes visiting her such a treat. Stepping inside is stepping into another time.

This Friday, the First Lady of Waikiki will celebrate 110 years of Hawaiian hospitality. The party starts at 11:11 a.m. and goes to 11:11 p.m. — but fear not, if you're not in town you can take advantage of the Moana's anniversary package. Read on:

Birthday Specials throughout the day:
  • Complimentary Historical Tours, starting at 11:11 a.m.
  • Afternoon Tea at The Veranda, seating at 12:11 p.m.
  • Tasting menu at Beachhouse at the Moana, 5:11-9:11 p.m.
  • 110th birthday specials at The Beach Bar, 11:11 a.m.-11:11 p.m.

Birthday Party on Diamond Lawn:

Elevate your senses with a reception dinner featuring modern interpretations of dishes from the last 11 decades. Following dinner, indulge in an extravagant dessert display and cake cutting. And, in celebration of the Moana's rich tradition of Hawaiian music, the evening will feature performances by Amy Hanaiali'i and Hawaii's premier entertainers.

  • 6:11-9:11 p.m.
  • Diamond Lawn
  • Individual ticket price, $110

To reserve your ticket, call 808.923.2861 or e-mail moana110bday@westin.com.

Book the Moana's 110th Anniversary package:

  • Five nights minimum length of stay — 5th night at $110.00
  • $110 credit towards the Moana Lani Spa or dining (Beachhouse, Beach Bar, Veranda or Room Service)
  • Available for travel through December 18, 2011. Blackout dates April 9-14, May 14-18, November 6-12, 2011; additional blackout dates may apply
  • Package price starting at $1,306 plus taxes, for a Vibrant Waikiki City View room

Reserve online or call 866-716-8140 and reference rate plan 110BDAY.

History



When the courtyard banyan was first planted here, it was seven feet tall. It is 75 feet tall and 150 feet wide today. Photo: The Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa.

When she opened, the Moana Hotel had 75 guest rooms that were the height of fashion for the day: spacious accommodations with telephones and private baths, a billiard room, parlor, library, salon and the first electric-powered elevator in the territory.

Through the years she stood witness as Waikiki became a global travel destination and the territory became a state. She served as a respite for soldiers serving in World War II. Towers built on both sides, each bearing the name Surfrider, were eventually merged with the Moana. She underwent a $50 million historic restoration in 1989 and has had millions of dollars of additional enhancements, including a revitalized lobby and hardwood floors.

She was rechristened The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa in 2007. Today, she has 794 guest rooms and a beachfront spa in addition to her classic features.

The courtyard banyan tree for which she is known was planted in 1904, when it was nearly seven feet tall and was about 7 years old. Today it is 75 feet high, stretching 150 feet across.


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