Waikiki's Grand Dame Unveils a New Era After Landmark Renovation

HONOLULU, HI – May 11, 2026 – Waikiki's first and most venerable hotel, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, today celebrated the completion of a landmark, multimillion-dollar renewal, ushering in a new chapter for the 125-year-old oceanfront icon. The comprehensive transformation reimagines all 791 guestrooms across its three distinct wings, refreshes its historic public spaces, and restores a historic name, positioning the “First Lady of Waikiki” for its next century of service.

The resort-wide initiative, thoughtfully executed in phases over several years, represents a significant investment by Marriott International to blend the property's storied past with the expectations of the modern luxury traveler. The project culminates with the final renovation and renaming of its Surfrider Wing, completing a top-to-bottom reimagining of the legendary property.

A Tale of Three Wings: A Strategic Redesign

At the core of the renovation is a strategic approach that gives each of the hotel’s three wings a distinct identity, catering to a diverse range of luxury guests while maintaining a cohesive sense of place rooted in Hawaiian culture.

The historic Banyan Wing, which dates back to the hotel’s original opening in 1901, has been updated to reflect a “renewed expression of classic elegance.” Guestrooms here feature gracefully curved furniture and artwork inspired by limu (seaweed), balancing the building’s iconic Victorian architecture with modern, transitional details. This wing appeals directly to history enthusiasts and those seeking the classic grandeur that defines the Moana's legacy.

In contrast, the Tower Wing has been redesigned to embody “modern beach luxury.” Its spacious, residential-style accommodations, many boasting coveted views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, now feature custom seating, integrated dining nooks, and curated art walls. New balcony furnishings encourage seamless indoor-outdoor living, targeting travelers who desire contemporary comfort and expansive, refined spaces.

Completing the trio is the newly christened Surfrider Wing. Formerly known as the Diamond Wing, its interiors now channel a contemporary “beach-loft” vibe inspired by Waikiki's world-famous surf culture. Vibrant color palettes and custom local artwork above each headboard create an energetic yet immersive sense of place. With the addition of five new junior suites designed to maximize natural light and ocean views, this wing is poised to attract guests seeking a more dynamic and modern coastal experience.

Restoring a Name, Honoring a Legacy

The decision to rename the former Diamond Wing to the Surfrider Wing is a deliberate and significant nod to the property’s layered history. This section of the resort was not part of the original 1901 structure. It was built in 1952 by Matson Navigation Company as a separate, standalone property named the Surfrider Hotel.

It operated independently next to the Moana until 1969, when Sheraton purchased the properties. After a new tower was constructed, the original 1952 Surfrider building was integrated into the Moana complex and became known as the Diamond Head Wing. The recent multimillion-dollar renovation provided the perfect opportunity to restore the original name, honoring the building’s unique identity and its place in the story of Waikiki's development. This historical restoration adds a layer of narrative depth to the guest experience, reconnecting the physical space with its 74-year-old roots.

Weaving Culture into the Walls

Beyond the structural and aesthetic upgrades, the renovation is distinguished by its deep and authentic integration of Hawaiian culture. The redesign was led by Honolulu-based designers Lisa-Maria Priester and Bev Tagami of WCIT, who drew inspiration from the cultural and natural history of Ulukou, the traditional name for the Waikiki area where the Moana Surfrider stands.

Elements from the ocean's healing energy to the kou trees that once lined the shore are woven into the design narrative. The work of local Hawaii-based artists is featured prominently throughout the resort, transforming guest rooms and public spaces into a gallery of contemporary Hawaiian expression. Artists including Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawaii, whose work honors traditional Hawaiian quilt patterns with a modern floral approach, along with Christopher Edwards and Andrew Mau of Mau House, have contributed to the resort's renewed spirit. To further highlight this commitment, the hotel has launched a “Voices of the Moana” video series on its YouTube channel, showcasing these artists and their creative processes.

Beyond the Rooms: New Experiences and Historic Echoes

The transformation extends well beyond the guestrooms. The hotel's grand historic lobby has been refreshed with an elegant aesthetic that preserves its original colonial-style Victorian architecture, including newly refinished wood floors and bespoke art pieces.

A new, modern oceanfront event space has been unveiled on the ground floor of the Tower Wing, providing a stunning beachfront setting for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Additionally, the Moana Lani Spa, Waikiki's only oceanfront spa, has been enhanced with a new co-ed Wellness Lounge.

Perhaps most evocatively, the resort has launched “Moana Calls,” a new quarterly live music series celebrating mele (music) and Hawaiian cultural expression. The series name is a tribute to the legendary “Hawaii Calls” radio show, which broadcast live from the Moana’s courtyard from 1935 to 1975, sharing the sounds of aloha with a worldwide audience. Following a debut performance by Hawaiian music legend Robert Cazimero, the series promises to continue featuring celebrated local artists, further cementing the Moana's role as a vital cultural venue.

As the Moana Surfrider celebrates its 125th anniversary, this landmark renewal ensures the “First Lady of Waikiki” is not merely a relic of the past but a dynamic, culturally rich destination. By meticulously balancing historical preservation with strategic modernization and a profound respect for its Hawaiian home, the resort has set a new benchmark for how iconic properties can thoughtfully evolve to shape the future of travel.