Moana Hotel

The Moana Hotel is a historic beachfront property in Waikiki, Honolulu, featuring colonial wooden balconies and white columns that recall turn-of-the-century architecture. The rooms in the Banyan Wing preserve original details such as high ceilings and wide windows that let trade winds flow through the spaces.

This property opened in 1901 as the first beachfront hotel in Waikiki, bringing electricity, an elevator, and modern bathrooms to the then-remote neighborhood. During the 1930s the courtyard became a stage for radio broadcasts of Hawaiian music that reached across North America and Asia.

Live performances still take place beneath the large banyan tree in the courtyard, echoing the radio tradition of the 1930s. Guests can sit on the veranda and listen to musicians while the Pacific surf rolls just steps away.

The historic rooms are located in the Banyan Wing, found on the right side of the courtyard. Visitors wanting direct beach access can use the stairway at the rear that leads down to the sand.

The banyan tree in the courtyard was planted in 1904 and now stands around 75 feet tall (23 meters). Its sprawling roots and branches earned it a spot on the list of exceptional trees in Hawaii.

Location: Honolulu

Inception: 1901

Architects: Oliver Green Traphagen

Address: Kalākaua Avenue

GPS coordinates: 21.27654,-157.82660

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:56