Page 17 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2017

Moana Surfrider, 15
A Westin Resort & Spa –
Waikiki’s gracious first lady
Built in 1901, the “First Lady of Waikiki” celebrated
her 116th birthday on March 11. The hotel originally
opened her doors as the Moana (meaning “open
sea” or “ocean” in Hawaiian) to host her first
guests for the princely sum of $1.50 per night. And
so began travellers’ love affair with the intricately
crafted wooden hotel with its iconic columns,
grand porte-cochere on its street side and wide
lanais facing the ocean.

While the hotel has undergone some minor
structural changes over the years, it has
maintained its original gracious charm and
atmosphere. With a wing added on the Diamond
Head side and a tower block on the other, known as
the Diamond Block, the Moana Surfrider now has a
combined total of 793 rooms.
Reminiscent of days gone by, breakfast and
dinner are served on the hotel’s sweeping veranda
overlooking the beach at The Verandah at the
world’s most beautiful beaches, and see turtles basking Beachhouse. Diners can also enjoy the ambience
in the sun and rolling in the surf at Laniakea Beach on the of a grand old ballroom that has been transformed
North Shore. The Pineapple Whip ice cream at the famous into a restaurant.
Dole pineapple plantation on the road back to Waikiki
is worth every lick. Keep on cruising past historic Pearl One of the quirks of the hotel’s original design are
Harbour to complete the loop and call in at the Waikele the small seaward-facing windows in the guest
Premium Outlets stores in Waipahu for some great designer rooms in the original wing. In the early days guests
brand bargains at the more than 50 name-brand stores. arrived by ship and after weeks at sea they craved a
Kate Spade New York, Guess, Tommy Bahama, Calvin Klein, different vista. The hotel was therefore built with its
Coach and Nike are amongst the many choices. main windows looking into Oahu’s lush hinterland.
Back on the deck of my room at the Moana Surfrider Today of course the famous Waikiki Beach and
overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, it’s time ocean views are sought-after features in the newer
to relax with a drink and plan the evening’s dining, all of accommodation wings.
course just walking distance away.
Beach life in Waikiki continues
into the early evening; the sunset
cruises head out on the calm
water and the bars along the
beach come alive with music
and laughter
Start the evening with happy hour sunset cocktails and
canapés at Sarento’s atop the Ilikai Hotel – famous from
the opening shots of the original Hawaii Five-0 TV show,
or sip on a drink with the sand between your toes at
Tommy Bahama’s rooftop bar. For dinner, try Duke’s at the
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (make sure you book as
it’s a popular spot) or P.F. Chang’s at the Royal Hawaiian
Center for local Asian fusion flavours. Top off the night
with the spectacular weekly Friday beachfront fireworks
display at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
After seven nights of relaxation and with a gentle
Hawaiian tan, I reluctantly check out of the Moana
Surfrider and jet home with fantastic memories and
luggage crammed to bursting with shopping. I’ll definitely
be back for more.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : AUTUMN EDITION