The historic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa in Waikiki, Hawai’i’, has kicked off a major renovation that features a refreshed lobby, guestrooms, and suites, a new oceanfront event space, and curated works from local artists. The project is expected to be completed in phases from summer 2025 through spring 2026, just in time for the 125th anniversary of the Victorian-style hotel, also known to locals as the “First Lady of Waikiki.”  

Thomas Foti, biplex general manager of the Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, said: “As Hawaii’s most iconic hotel, the Moana Surfrider’s renovation is a tribute to its celebrated past and bright future. As we embark on this transformation, our goal is to preserve the resort’s historic legacy, while enhancing the guest experience with modern comforts and thoughtful design. We look forward to unveiling an exquisite refresh that continues to inspire and welcome guests from around the world for generations to come.” 

New Oceanfront Meetings Venue 

Opening in fall 2025, the resort’s new oceanfront event space will be situated on the ground floor of the Tower Wing and offer breathtaking seaside views. Capable of accommodating up to 200 people, the new space will join the Moana’s collection of elegant ballrooms and modern meeting spaces totaling 25,876 square feet, which include The Ballroom (4,340 sq. ft.); The Parlor (1,512 sq. ft.); a 780-sq.-ft. boardroom; and the Rooftop Garden & Terrace for intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. Outdoor event spaces include the 8,940-sq.-ft. Diamond Lawn & Terrace, which can accommodate up to 400. 

“In developing the design concepts for the Moana Surfrider’s refresh, it was important to our team to stay rooted in its history and legacy,” said Lisa-Maria Priester, principal and director of interior design at award-winning Honolulu-based design firm WCIT Architecture. “Inspired by the healing and restorative properties of Hamohamo and specifically Ulukou, the historic area of Waikiki where the Moana stands, we wove in design elements to promote a rejuvenating guest experience that specifically tie back to the natural elements that have made this area so desirable over the years. This allowed us to honor the hotel’s timeless elegance while creating new storytelling layers for future generations to experience, treasure, and perpetuate.” 

Guestroom and Suite Enhancements 

The renovation of the hotel’s 791 rooms and suites will span all three wings, with each wing featuring distinctive designs inspired by Waikiki’s rich natural and cultural heritage. 

Home to the resort’s most luxurious accommodations, the Tower Wing will unveil its newly renovated guestrooms in late summer 2025. These residential-style rooms will offer stunning views of the ocean, beachfront, and Leahi (Diamond Head State Monument), with key features including a custom seating and dining nook, integrated refreshment center, reading area with floor-to-ceiling lanai doors, and new balcony furnishings designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living. 

The Banyan Wing, the original wing of the hotel (formerly known as the Moana Surfrider), will unveil its renovated guestrooms in early winter 2025. Celebrating the hotel’s classic elegance and inspired by limu (seaweed), the renovated rooms will include thoughtfully designed work areas, custom entertainment centers, and elegant artwork. 

Offering a boutique guest experience blending modern design with Waikiki’s surf culture through beach loft-inspired interiors, vibrant colors, and Hawaii-inspired details, the transformed Diamond Wing’s oceanfront rooms will feature whimsical artwork and balcony rocking chair duos. This refreshed wing is expected to be unveiled in winter 2025. 

Corridor spaces will be updated with a custom carpet pattern weaving in motifs highlighting kou lei, the movement of the ocean, and the Banyan Tree’s majestic aerial roots. The new elements and visuals will be designed to tie the distinct wings together into a singular resort experience.   

A Revitalized Lobby 

Debuting in late summer 2025, the Moana Surfrider’s lobby will be revitalized with a lighter aesthetic designed to preserve its original elegance and colonial-style Victorian architecture. The remodeled front desk area will showcase the hotel’s grandeur with elegantly detailed check-in pods, diffused lighting to accentuate architectural elements, and a new floor-to-ceiling feature wall, while a custom light sculpture inspired by the Banyan tree in the courtyard will serve as the lobby’s centerpiece. 

Looking Ahead 

All phases of the Moana Surfrider’s renovations are slated for completion ahead of the resort’s 125th anniversary on March 11, 2026, in time for celebrations of the momentous milestone. The resort, which originally opened in 1901 as The Moana and is now one of four properties in Marriott International’s Waikiki Collection, will remain open throughout the refresh project. 

Located just steps from Waikiki Beach and within walking distance of Honolulu’s shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions, the hotel also features an elegant outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the only beachfront spa in Waikiki, award-winning oceanfront bars and restaurants, and an iconic, century-old courtyard banyan tree. 

Have some meetings hotel news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

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