Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort

Description:

• In 2007, this wonderful, momentous property, Waikiki's first hotel, which dates from 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, completed renovations (Westin's Heavenly Beds installed, new flatscreen TVs added), added the Westin Kids Club child-care program and started construction of a new spa, which will fill most of the second floor. It's hard to get a bad room here (even before the renovations) -- most bedrooms have ocean views and all come with bedside controls, luxury amenities, and comfy plush bathrobes. My pick is the Banyan Wing, where the historic rooms are modern replicas of the hotel's first rooms. They are small and don't have lanais, but they're all reminiscent of Hawaii circa 1901, when steam-ship travel with big trunks was the only way to see Hawaii. Back then, the Moana was considered an innovation in the travel industry: Each guest room featured a private bathroom and a telephone -- an unheard-of luxury in the early 20th century. And yesteryear lives on at this grand hotel: The female employees wear traditional Victorian-era muumuu, and the aloha spirit that pervades this classy and charming hotel is infectious.

  One of the best reasons to stay here is the hotel's prime stretch of beach, with a lifeguard, beach chairs, towels, and any other service you desire. The Beach Bar and a poolside snack bar are located in an oceanfront courtyard centered around a 100-year-old banyan tree, where live music is featured in the evenings.

  Facilities: 3 restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; nearby fitness room (a 2-min. walk down the beach at the Sheraton Waikiki); watersports equipment rentals; children's program; nearby game room (at the Sheraton Waikiki); concierge; activities desk; car-rental desk; nearby business center (at the Sheraton Waikiki); shopping arcade; salon; room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; same-day laundry service and dry cleaning.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010