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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815 (Waikiki)
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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Ranked #33 of 82 hotels in Honolulu
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2,105 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
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Rating summary
  • Location
    5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Belle Of The Ball”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

The Moana is a classic hotel on Waikiki beach and now the only place I stay when I visit. I have stayed there now multiple times and have yet to be disappointed. The property itself is beautifully maintained, the staff is great and the rooms are nicely done if a bit small if you stay in the original wing (worth it). But the best part of the whole property is the banyan tree courtyard at cocktail hour - great entertainment every night and watching the sunset. Make sure to get there about an hour before sunset or you'll have no shot at getting a table. And look for the performers with a hula dancer as that will give you the best sense of Hawaii (ask the Concierge). Other than that it is well located to shopping, other beaches, great restaurants (a secret hole in the wall favorite of mine is Chuck's Cellar just two blocks away - straight out of 1970 steak house fame but food is right on and live jazz every night). Oh and there is a coffee shop in the building just outside the lobby which makes some of the best coffee I've ever had and you can get a decent breakfast for not too much $. Can't go wrong here!

Room Tip: Stay in the original part of the hotel - rooms are smaller like older hotels but it is beautiful.
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  • Stayed March 2013, traveled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MoanaSurfriderTeam, Guest Experience Team at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, responded to this review
March 29, 2013
Aloha,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and for being a loyal guest of the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Our employees are filled with aloha and love treating our returning guests like ohana or family. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed everything “The First Lady of Waikiki” has to offer. With our central location in the heart of Waikiki, world class shopping and dining is right at your fingertips! Mahalo and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next vacation to Hawai’i.
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Casual lunch at the Beach bar was great”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

We went here a few times as it's great for people watching and it's a lovely setting to have lunch and a few adult beverages in. Very relaxing and the service is great. Wish we could afford to stay here!

  • Stayed February 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MoanaSurfriderTeam, Guest Experience Team at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, responded to this review
March 29, 2013
Aloha,
Thank you for sharing with us. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed lunch here at the “The First Lady of Waikiki.” We were the first hotel built in Waikiki and are subsequently rich in Hawaiian history. A visit to our hotel is like stepping back in time. Next time you are in town, please join us for Afternoon Tea at the Veranda. It truly is a memorable experience! If you are interested, joining our Starwood Preferred Guest Program opens the opportunity for special rates here at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, as well as all other Starwood properties worldwide. Mahalo and we look forward to welcoming you back on your next vacation to Hawai’i.
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Tustin, California
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
“Location, location, location (and renovation)!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

The Moana is an adorable hotel right in the heart of Waikiki. It is gorgeous with an old fashioned plantation motif so as soon as you walk in, you feel transported to another world. The open air lobby is beautiful and overlooks the beach. Doesn't get much better than that.

There are two parts to the hotel, the original/historic side and the newer tower. The historic rooms are slightly smaller and a tiny bit tired but have a lovely, "old world" feel to them. The tower rooms are slightly larger and more modern. Both sides offer gorgeous waterfront views if you're lucky enough to get them. Currently, the hotel is in the process of renovation so soon both sides will be sparkling new. The renovation is tastefully done and the sweet sleeper beds are fantastic.

We were able to get an early check-in but were disappointed we couldn't get into the renovated tower section (we are SPG platinum). The sweet gal at the front desk (Irene) was kind enough to upgrade us to an ocean view room and told us if something on the tower side opened up, she'd give us a call. I walked away knowing we'd never hear from her and figured she thought we were lucky to get an ocean view room. Later in the afternoon, I was super happy to be wrong. Talk about excellent customer service. Irene looked up my phone number on file and ended up calling my home. She got my cell phone and hunted me down on the beach to tell me she was able to find us a newly renovated room in the tower. Kudos to Irene for amazingly excellent customer care. She is perfectly suited for the hospitality business and to be commended for going the extra mile. Thank you, Irene!

The location couldn't be better as everything you could possibly want is at your fingertips. Though the hotel is right in the heart of Waikiki, once you enter the tranquil grounds, the stress, hustle and bustle of city life melts away. They have clearly made an effort to preserve the Hawaiian culture which gives you the feeling you are truly "getting away" to a relaxing tropical paradise. Kehaulani (Thelma) Kam handles much of the cultural enrichment for the hotel and when we were amazed at the local talent she was able to provide. We enjoyed many shows and demonstrations of Hawaiian dancing, art, singing, weaving, etc. It really got us into the spirit of being immersed into another culture.

I have been coming to SPG properties in Hawaii for over 30 years. Kehaulani always goes out of her way to make us feel welcome and valued. We love Waikiki and we especially love it at the Moana. I highly recommend this hotel!

Room Tip: If you'd enjoy an old-fashioned, plantation feel, go for the historic side. If you'd like a...
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  • Stayed March 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MoanaSurfriderTeam, Guest Experience Team at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, responded to this review
March 29, 2013
Aloha,
Thank you for such a wonderful review! We are so thrilled you enjoyed your stay with us here at “The First Lady of Waikiki.” We always strive to provide upgrades to members of our Starwood Preferred Guest Program, and we are so thankful our occupancy allowed us to do so. Our employees are filled with the aloha spirit and are more than willing to go above and beyond for our guests. Both Irene and Thelma will be commended for their stellar customer service. Our credo is “First Lady, First Class” and we are so pleased you received royal treatment. Mahalo and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa.
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mindytini
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Excellent! Aloha spirit and lovely all round!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

We are currently enjoying this hotel and planning to extend our stay! The staff is so hospitable and our oceanfront room in the historic wing is wonderful! The sounds of the ocean outside our window provide unsurpassed tranquility! The beauty is amazing!!! Have been coming to Waikiki since the 1970's and this property is the best yet! The Beach House fine dining and the Beach Bar are great! Can't say anything negative....... Positively wonderful! Super and deluxe! Will return as soon as possible!

Room Tip: Oceanfront, higher floor, if possible!
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  • Stayed March 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask mindytini about Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MoanaSurfriderTeam, Guest Experience Team at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, responded to this review
March 15, 2013
Aloha,
Mahalo for choosing the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Our oceanfront hotel in Waikiki has stolen the hearts of guests for over a hundred years and we are so thrilled to hear that your stay here surpassed your expectations. We are pleased you enjoyed your stay and hope you return to “The First Lady of Waikiki” upon your next visit to the islands.
Mahalo
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Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Fantastic stay!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

Waikiki definitely is not our thing (we look for quieter spots) ...but we had a family reunion there so we decided to make the most of it and stay at the Surfrider. I was impressed with the level of service from everyone on staff (with slight exception of the breakfast team...but I'll get to that)... The valets, the housekeeping staff, the front desk, everyone was interested in us having a great trip. We did have a ocean suite in the tower, which helped with our young son (21 months).

The breakfast was nice, although a little unorganized...service was always attentive...the problem was that we would have 4-5 people stop at our table each morning deciding who was going to help us. The person who brought us to the table each morning would say, "your server will get you a high chair" - but then we would ask several of the next servers to stop by, and each morning it would take 5-10 mins to get a high chair. The other issue was around ordering espresso, which is on the menu. Apparently there is an issue there - I'd order my espresso each morning, and the staff always seemed a little unhappy about that. I found out the last day that the machine is clear on the other side of the building (or so I was told), which is why each morning it took 10+ min to get and it was cold each time (at $5 per shot). The coffee was hot and there...but if like me, you want espresso, go to the coffee bar in the lobby. However, that being said, the food was great.

Pool bar food and service great too.

We didn't take advantage of the wine bar...but it looked fantastic... but that's more for a trip without a toddler :-)

My wife used the spa and seemed very happy with it.

Room Tip: Only stayed once and was very happy with the 1 bdrm ocean suite.
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  • Stayed March 2013, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MoanaSurfriderTeam, Guest Experience Team at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, responded to this review
March 15, 2013
Aloha,
Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience. We pride ourselves in excellent customer service and are so pleased you enjoyed your time here at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed our world famous beachfront Moana Lani Spa. We apologize for any inconveniences you encountered during your breakfast and have notified our Food and Beverage Management Team so corrective action may be taken. We look forward to your return and would love to welcome you back to “The First Lady of Waikiki.”
Mahalo
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Additional Information about Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

Also Known As:
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Hotel Honolulu
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Hotel
Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort And Spa
Westin Moana Surfrider
Moana Surfrider Westin Resort
Moana Surfrider
Westin Honolulu
Honolulu Westin
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa Hawaii/Honolulu
Address: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Hawaii > Oahu > Honolulu > Waikiki
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Center Fitness Center Kids Activities Restaurant Room Service Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#3 Romantic Hotels in Honolulu
#13 Luxury Hotels in Honolulu
#15 On the Beach Hotels in Honolulu
#19 Business Hotels in Honolulu
#25 Family Hotels in Honolulu
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Welcome to the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa, in Waikiki Beach on Oahu, HI. Visit Moana Lani Spa; or host a wedding on our rooftop terrace, or a meeting in our 10,000sq ft of event space. ... more   less 
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