The Moana Surfrider Hotel Honolulu has been welcoming guests for more than a century. Not only has it managed to stay open since 1901 but it just keeps getting better. And while the building’s interior and exterior underwent changes over time, the stunning setting on Waikiki Beach will forever be the same.

We found out why Moana Surfrider is called “The First Lady of Hawaii” during a great stay recently. Come on a fascinating journey of discovery with me.

The Moana Surfrider of today, a Westin Resort and Spa, is inspired by contemporary Hawaiian design while retaining its timeless Victorian elegance.

Apart from its long history as one of Honolulu’s finest, a number of things make the Moana Surfrider stand out:

At Moana Surfrider the choice of rooms is varied, some with ocean views and some with sweeping views of Waikiki. Irrespective of their difference in size and view, all rooms have important key common features such as a 32” flat-screen television, unique Hawaiian artwork, and Heavenly Beds.

What are Heavenly Beds? The top-of-the-range bed brand whose comfortable beds are in all Westin Hotels.

The daily resort charge per room includes wireless internet access, two bottles of water, and unlimited local, 1-800, long distance and international phone calls.

Moana Lani Spa will be 10 years old in 2018. It’s Waikiki’s only seaside spa, with beautifully designed lanais overlooking the beach. These include two exclusive couples suites, called mele Ho’o’ipo’ipo and ‘apuakehau, for the ultimate romantic breakaway. Imagine relaxing in a private whirlpool tub while watching the ocean just meters away.

Moana Lani Spa covers 18,000 square feet of not only spa facilities, but also fitness equipment. This includes 9 custom massage therapy rooms and a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym. It leaves you with no excuse not to keep in shape while enjoying the best Moana Surfrider cuisine!

In the courtyard of the Moana Surfrider stands the oldest living “witness” of more than a century of activities – a Banyan tree towering 75 feet high and spanning 150 feet.

The tree in the aptly named Banyan Courtyard was planted in 1904. At the time, it was already seven years old. It is included on the Rare and Exceptional Tree List of Hawaii.

Despite its historic importance, the Moana Surfrider’s Banyan tree is still doing what trees do best – providing us with shade and a place to get together. The Banayn Courtyard is the soul of the hotel, where guests relax with food and drink while listening to live music.

The hotel is about 8 km from Honolulu Airport offers guests its own affordable airport shuttle bus service.

Most major American airlines fly to Honolulu from mainland US, as well as international airlines from other countries in the region. They all land at the main terminal while Hawaiian Airlines has its home base at the inter-island terminal. There is a free Wikiwiki shuttle between the two terminals.

Find out more about things to do and travel recommendations for the other Hawaiian islands in my posts Kauai, Hawaii | Dramatic Cliffs, Tropical Rainforests and Pristine Beaches, Driving the Road to Hana – How to Make the Most of a Day Trip, What to Do Around Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island, and Best Places to Visit in Oahu Hawaii.