HONOLULU — March 9, 2026 — On March 11, Waikiki’s first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, will celebrate 125 remarkable years as the iconic “First Lady of Waikiki.” The historic milestone will be commemorated with a vibrant calendar of 125th anniversary events honoring the resort’s storied past and inspirational legacy. Guests and the community are invited to join in festivities blending the Moana’s timeless charm with the renewed energy of its beautifully refreshed spaces.
The occasion will also mark the upcoming completion of the resort’s nearly yearlong renovation, finishing a multimillion-dollar landmark renewal and transformation of all 791 guest rooms across the resort’s three distinct wings and its elegant and historic lobby.
“Since 1901, the Moana has welcomed generations of guests and kamaaina to gather beneath the historic banyan tree at the heart of our oceanside courtyard,” said Thomas Foti, Biplex General Manager, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. “We continue the tradition as we celebrate 125 years of the ‘First Lady of Waikiki,’ in tribute to her remarkable legacy, and in commemoration of the hospitality, traditions and culture that will continue into the future.”
Events planned to commemorate the Moana Surfrider’s 125th Anniversary on March 11, 2026, include:
- 6 a.m. Guest Sunrise Wellness: Sound healing, yoga and meditation for registered guests.
- 10 a.m. Moana Serenaders: Performing in the Moana Surfrider lobby.
- 10:30 a.m. The Royal Hawaiian Band: Performing in the Banyan Courtyard as a prelude to the 125th anniversary ceremony.
- 11 a.m. Moana Surfrider 125th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony: A public ceremony in the Banyan Courtyard will feature special guests speakers, certificate presentation from Lawrence Horwitz of the Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the commemorative release of 125 monarch butterflies, and a postlude performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band.
- 11:30 a.m. 125th Anniversary High Tea: A special anniversary-day tea service at The Veranda at the Moana featuring live Hawaiian music from Zachary and Nicholas Lum of Keauhou, hula by Miss Hawaii 2025 Emalia Dalire and an exclusive Kahulalea fashion show. Reservation required. Book here.
- 11:30 a.m. Artist & Designer Talk Story: Meet and talk story with the artists and designers, Lola Pilar and WCIT Architecture, behind the restorative renovation of the Moana Surfrider’s Roof Garden on the sixth floor of the resort’s Historic Wing.
- 12 p.m. Historian Talk Story: Meet and talk story with historian Desoto Brown from Bishop Museum.
- 12:30 to 3:15 p.m “Moana Calls” Concert: Honoring the legendary live worldwide radio broadcast “Hawaii Calls” that originated in the Moana’s Banyan Courtyard, a live concert by Hawaii musicians will fill the courtyard on the Veranda Stage.
- 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., Zachary and Nicholas Lum of Keauhou
- 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., Kamalei Kawaa
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Lina Robins
- 2 to 3 p.m. Nick Kuchar Artist Meet & Greet : Meet and speak with Hawaii artist Nick Kuchar at his Nick Kuchar Art & Vintage shop on the Moana’s lobby level.
- 2 to 4 p.m. Courtyard Makeke: Stop by this made-in-Hawaii-spotlighting makeke (market) featuring local makers and businesses, including Paradise Monarchs, The Tea Farm, Maui Fruit Jewels and Honolulu Beerworks. The Collections of Waikiki stores will feature exclusive discounts. For more information on the various retailers, please visit here.
- 4:30 p.m. 2001 Time Capsule Opening: Stop by the Banyan Courtyard for a peek at items in the Moana’s quarter-century-hidden time capsule and a historic look back at the resort’s past. You’ll also be able to nominate items you think should be the Moana’s next time capsule, to be opened in 2051.
- 5 to 7 p.m. Anniversary Dinner & Global Concert Livestream: The full day of 125th anniversary events ends at the resort’s Beachhouse at the Moana restaurant with an exclusive four-course tasting menu and concert by pioneering Hawaii musician and kumu hula Robert Cazimero. Reservation required. Book here. For our friends and ohana (family) across the globe, the concert will be livestreamed worldwide on Mele.com starting at 7 p.m. No matter where you are, join us at to experience this milestone performance.
Can’t make it to the Moana Surfrider’s big day of 125th anniversary events? The resort will also spotlight these exclusive offers to enjoy during its March anniversary month:
- 125th Anniversary Afternoon Tea: Tea service celebrating the Moana’s anniversary will be offered Thursdays through Sundays throughout March at The Veranda, featuring a special Royal Tea Set ($135) or First Lady Birthday Tea Set ($125) and including a limited-edition commemorative tea tin and Kahulalea gift.
- 125th Anniversary Tasting Menu at Beachouse at the Moana: The resort’s signature restaurant will offer an exclusive Moana Surfrider anniversary tasting menu from March 4 through 29. Reservations recommended. Book here.
- “The One Year Wave” Moana 125th Anniversary Wooden Postcard: Guests are invited to participate in this yearlong-offered activity inviting them to write a wooden postcard to their future selves, which will be mailed to them by the Moana Surfrider one year later.
- Moana Lani Spa Timeless Escape Suite Experience: Enjoy a signature lomilomi massage for two in an oceanfront suite, followed by a coconut milk bath soak, dessert offerings, savory bites and two glasses of Prosecco. Treatment prices start at $580. Book here.
- Moana Surfrider Anniversary Offer: Celebrate the Moana Surfrider’s 125th birthday with an elevated experience in the newly renovated Tower or Banyan wings. Enjoy $600 Resort Credit per stay as a bonus, with credit available to be used at award-winning dining outlets and the resort’s oceanfront spa. Stay dates from March 16th, 2026, to March 10th, 2027, must book by March 10th, 2026.
For more information about the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, its completed resort-wide renovations or its 125th anniversary celebration, or to book a room, visit www.moanasurfrider.com.
