It’s easy to kick back at the edge of the Beach Bar and gaze wistfully out at the ocean trying to imagine a Waikīkī far removed from today’s hustle and bustle. Affectionately nicknamed “The First Lady of Waikīkī”, the Moana opened its doors to its first guests on March 11, 1901. It was the tallest and most elaborate building of its time, infused with old world charm and island-style hospitality which continues to this day.
In this spirit, special events are planned throughout the month of March in honor of the Moana Surfrider’s 115th Anniversary.
Save the Date! March 11, the anniversary of the Moana’s opening day, will feature a special evening of events including Makana live on the Banyan Courtyard Stage. Click here for ticket information. Event Proceeds to benefit Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Bishop Museum and Waikīkī Aquarium
Amid the sounds of Waikiki Beach and a nostalgic concert that will hearken back to its glorious opening day, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is planning a 115th anniversary celebration reminiscent of the same magnificence and opulence of 1901.
To celebrate the occasion, the Moana Surfrider Hotel will stage multiple events on Friday, March 11 to benefit three Hawai‘i non-profit organizations, including Historic Hawai‘i Foundation.
On the Banyan Courtyard stage at 6:30 p.m., slack key virtuoso Makana presents a modern-day tribute to Moana’s musical past with a “Hawaii Calls” concert. The original “Hawaii Calls” was a long-running radio show that introduced Hawaiian music to the world. While entertainers played on the very same Banyan Courtyard stage, show emcee Webley Edwards’ voice could be heard across the globe, “From the Banyan Court of the Moana Hotel overlooking beautiful Waikiki Beach, it’s Hawaii Calls!” Makana is widely regarded as one of the masters of slack key guitar in Hawaii, having been featured on three Grammy-nominated albums including the soundtrack for the Academy Award-winning film, “The Descendants.”
Designated on the National Register of Historic Places, the Moana Hotel was originally constructed in 1901. The original four-story wood structure, designed by Oliver G. Traphagen, features an elaborately designed lobby which extends to open lanais and is open to the Banyan Court and the sea. A five-story concrete addition was added in 1918, changing the floor plan from a simple rectangle to the present H-shaped plan that encloses the Banyan Court on three sides. The structure is a combination of colonial clapboard and Victorian styling. The original wooden center structure of the Moana Hotel is the oldest existing hotel in Waikiki. The Moana was one of the earliest “high-rise” buildings in Hawaii and was the costliest and most elaborate hotel in the islands.
The cost of this event is $115 per person (inclusive) and includes a pre-concert reception featuring some of the Beachhouse’s finest offerings, two drinks and hosted parking. A dinner package is also available for $200 which includes a three course dinner with sommelier selected wines. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Historic Hawaii, the Waikiki Aquarium and the Bishop Museum. A limited number of individual seats are available. Tickets are sold through the Honolulu Box Office.
Additional anniversary activities are planned for the month of March, and other special events will occur on March 11. Click here for a full schedule of activities.