Moana Surfrider Named Best Historic Resort in America
For 125 years, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach has welcomed travelers to experience the beauty and history of Waikiki. Now, we're honored to celebrate another milestone: recognition as Best Historic Resort in America by Historic Hotels of America.
Presented at the Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala on October 15 in Williamsburg, Virginia, the award recognizes how we bring our heritage into the guest experience, together with exceptional hospitality and service.
For our associates, who share the spirit of the First Lady of Waikiki every day, this recognition holds special meaning.
What the Best Historic Resort Award Recognizes
This award celebrates more than a landmark building. It honors the historic resort that best connects guests with its history while delivering outstanding hospitality.
Selected from a field of 10 historic resorts across the country, Moana Surfrider received the top honor in its category. Across the awards program, more than 700 hotels and resorts were nominated in more than 12 categories.
Historic Hotels of America is an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Its recognition highlights the role historic hotels play in preserving meaningful places and helping travelers experience their stories.
At the Moana, those stories are part of your stay, from the architecture that welcomes you to the traditions our team continues to share.
Celebrating 125 Years of Waikiki Hospitality
We marked our 125th anniversary on March 11, 2026, as a landmark transformation was nearing completion. Spanning all 791 guestrooms across our three distinct wings, the renewal also included updates to our historic lobby and a new oceanfront event venue.
The milestone brought the restoration of the Surfrider Wing name, formerly known as the Diamond Wing. The name honors its history as a standalone hotel that opened in 1952, preserving another chapter of our connection to Waikiki.
These changes carry our story forward, pairing the character of our historic resort with the comfort of a contemporary beachfront stay.
Experience the History of the First Lady of Waikiki
Since opening in 1901, Moana Surfrider has become a place where generations of guests return to reconnect with Waikiki and create traditions of their own.
During your stay, visit our second-floor museum to explore our past and discover artifacts dating to the resort's opening. Spend time beneath our century-old courtyard banyan tree, or take in the Victorian architecture that gives the Moana its distinctive character.
Our celebrated Veranda Afternoon Tea and Annual Holiday Gingerbread display have also earned Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence in recent years. Each offers a different way to experience the traditions that continue to bring guests and our community together.
The People Behind the Recognition
Our history provides the setting. Our associates bring it to life.
General Manager Joshua Hargrove accepted the award on behalf of the resort, recognizing the care, passion and dedication our team brings to every guest experience.
From a warm welcome to a personal recommendation, these everyday connections make the Moana a meaningful part of so many journeys. This award celebrates the people who continue that legacy and the guests who make it their own.
Discover Our Next Chapter
A stay at Moana Surfrider invites you to connect with Waikiki's past while making time for your own well-being. Explore our historic spaces, enjoy oceanfront dining or spend an afternoon steps from the waters of Waikiki Beach.
As we celebrate this national recognition and our 125th anniversary, we look forward to welcoming you to the First Lady of Waikiki.