Moana Surfrider - Honolulu, Hawaii - Resort Hailed as the ``First Lady of Waikiki''

This landmark resort has the distinction of being the very first hotel in Waikiki, paving the way for tourism in Hawaii and the island of Oahu. It opened in 1901 as the Moana Hotel, and two wings were added in 1918 to create the well-known "H'' shape by which it is immediately recognized today.

In 1952, the Surfrider Hotel was built next door, followed by the Surfrider Tower in 1969. When the original main building of the Moana Hotel was restored in the late 1980's, the two properties were combined to become the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel.

Now owned and operated by Westin Resort & Spa as part of the Starwood Hawaii group of hotels, the Moana Surfrider is still regarded as the "First Lady of Waikiki.'' Here, under the shade of a historic banyan tree, Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote poetry almost a century ago, and even now its Victorian architecture, decidedly Hawaiian d,cor, warm hospitality, ivory sands and oceanfront vistas remain legendary and inspiring.

In 2004, the hotel's first tower underwent a facelift, with 386 guest rooms and 44 suites being rejuvenated, followed by extensive renovations to the lobby and courtyard in 2007. Today, the resort complex comprises three separate towers-the Diamond, Banyan, and Tower wings - for a total of 793 rooms and 46 suites.

Guest suites with oceanfront views and separate bedrooms cover 788 square feet each and feature a complimentary refrigerator and coffee maker. The Deluxe Diamond Head Suite, with two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms on the top floor of the Diamond Wing, occupies 1,822 square feet. Its living area opens onto a 938-square-foot lanai with views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. All rooms come with cable television and on-demand movies. Internet access is also available for a charge.

The resort's beach activities include swimming, surfing, catamaran rides, outrigger canoeing, and sun bathing. There is a private outdoor pool for guests, a 1,400-square-foot fitness center opened in 2008, and retail outlets on the property offer designer wear, sundries, jewelry and locally-crafted gift items.

Of particular interest is Waikiki's first beachfront spa, the Moana Lani Spa, open from 8am to 9pm daily and featuring 16 treatment rooms, which include two couple's massage rooms. Services range from massage therapies, body rituals, and care for hands and feet to facials, hair removal and makeup applications.

For dining and drinking, the Moana Surfrider offers three options. The Beachhouse at the Moana opened in November 2007 to provide elegant oceanfront dining and modern classic cuisine. The Veranda presents High Tea beside the stately Banyan tree, sunrise breakfasts, a popular Sunday Brunch, and romantic dinners accompanied by live music. Meanwhile, the casual Beach Bar serves up tropical beverages and grilled pupus (appetizers) in the Banyan Court, where Hawaii's top entertainers performs daily from 5:30~8:30pm. Room service is also offered 24 hours a day.

There are two ballrooms, a boardroom, and parlor available at the Moana Surfrider for weddings, parties, receptions, conferences and classes. Meeting and banquet space can be booked for events of up to 300 guests.

Thanks to its position in the heart of Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider is within easy walking distance of local attractions, shopping, dining and entertainment, including the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and International Marketplace. "Stay at One, Dine At All'' privileges are extended at all sister hotels in Waikiki, including the Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton Waikiki and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.

The Moana Surfrider is located at 2365 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815. Valet parking is available, and private transportation may be arranged through the hotel Concierge. Worthy of note : Travel & Leisure Magazine named the Moana Surfrider as a Top 25 Hawaiian resort for 2009.