When the Moana Hotel opened in 1901, it planted the first seed for Hawaii’s visitor industry. It turned heads with its Victorian elegance and wowed guests with innovations such as telephones and private baths in the guestrooms.
Since then, the Waikiki tourism landscape has blossomed, with plenty of luxury properties for visitors to choose from. But the Moana — a beautifully renovated resort now known as Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa — still holds its own.
Throughout March, the hotel is celebrating its 115th anniversary with unique programs and packages. Any time of year, however, the self-dubbed “First Lady of Waikiki” is worth visiting in order to experience its old-meets-new vibe.
“Even though we’re a historic property, it doesn’t take long to see that our hotel really is timeless in [its] elegance and grace,” said Susan Koehler, director of sales and marketing for Moana Surfrider. “Our staff is excited to share the spirit of aloha through a wide variety of programs and facilities that appeal to all types of travelers.”
Anniversary Activities
Each month, clients can hear live island music during Mele at the Moana, a series of outdoor concerts on the hotel’s Banyan Courtyard stage. In honor of its 115th anniversary, the March 11 concert will pay tribute to “Hawaii Calls,” a popular radio show that broadcast Hawaiian music from the Moana to listeners around the world from 1935 to 1975. The March show’s guest star is slack-key guitar wizard Makana.
The hotel’s Moana Lani Spa is listing several anniversary-inspired indulgences for March, as well. The 45-minute Birthday Special comes with a macadamia-nut scalp treatment and warm-stone foot massage ($115). The two-hour First Lady of Waikiki spa package lavishes clients with an express hydra facial, pedicure, shampoo, style and champagne ($240). Couples who book a pair of 80-minute treatments will get an upgrade to the spa’s oceanfront couples suite, complete with private whirlpool tub, as well as receive champagne for two.
Other March initiatives include a steak dinner for two at Beachhouse, the hotel’s signature restaurant ($115); and a Beach Bar specialty cocktail called Ode to 1989, referring to the year the hotel took the wraps off a $50 million restoration.
Room Package for Clients, Bonus for Agents
While celebratory events are taking place during March, Moana Surfrider’s 115th anniversary room package is good for visits through Dec. 25. With a minimum four-night booking, clients pay just $115 for the final night. Commissionable to travel agents, the package also provides a $115 resort credit good for dining or spa services, as well as a welcome basket of Moana keepsakes.
For travel agents, each new Moana Surfrider reservation booked through June 15 earns a $50 Visa gift card (bookings must be a minimum of four nights).
All of the hotel’s 115th anniversary events help raise money for four local nonprofits: Life Foundation, Waikiki Aquarium, Bishop Museum and Historic Hawaii Foundation.
“These days, travelers have a keen interest in nostalgia and being a part of something significant,” Koehler said. “Being able to celebrate the First Lady of Waikiki’s glorious past with an easy plane ride over the Pacific is a great way to see and appreciate history at one of the world’s most iconic locales.”
The Details
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spawww.moana-surfrider.com
