Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki BeachvsThe Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
Both properties are recommended by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort scores significantly better than Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort comes in at 93 with praise from 16 reviewers like Rough Guide, Zagat and Travel + Leisure.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach Show All Reviews
2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
From $224/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
- Laundy Room
Fodor's
"This historic beauty—the oldest hotel in Waikiki—is still a wedding and honeymoon favorite with a sweeping main staircase and period furnishings in its historic Moana wing." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"As Waikiki's first hotel, the 1901 plantation-style oceanfront Moana Surfrider offers a dose of historic charm on one of the nicest -- albeit most congested -- stretches of Waikiki Beach." Full review
Lonely Planet
"The hotel's selling point is the historic main building: non-guests as well as guests are free to sit on the nostalgic, front-porch rocking chairs." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"Meticulously restored 1901 Beaux-Arts property—the first hotel on Waikiki Beach—with an Old Hawaii vibe (afternoon tea is de rigueur), plus one of Waikiki's only beachfront spas." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Teatime on the Banyan Veranda will carry you back in time; enjoying contemporary Hawaiian entertainment in the same stunning setting is a highlight of any visit."
Star Service
"Located in the heart of old and new Waikiki, this hotel shares this famous stretch of the beach, as well as the top of the ranks, with its historic peer, the superior Royal Hawaiian." Full review
Gayot
"Built in 1901, this hotel deserves its title as The First Lady of Waikiki."
BlackBook
"At more than 100 years old, the Moana has retained its graciousness over the years. Heavy dose of charm offers relief in a jungle of post-70's behemoths."
Zagat
3.5
""Sip high tea on the veranda" of this "beautifully maintained" beachfront "legend", and be sure to "snag a rocking chair" on the porch to soak up the "gracious" "old-style Hawaii" ambiance."
Condé Nast Traveler
"The hotel is one of Waikiki's most historic, having opened in 1901; despite renovations and rebranding, it has maintained its classic appeal." Full review
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki Show All Reviews
2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
From $254/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Concierge
"After a multimillion-dollar renovation, completed in 2009, fans of the iconic pink palace can breathe a sigh of relief: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is more glorious than ever before."
i
Which room to book: Be sure you're in the historic wing, in a Beachview room.
Fodor's
"There's nothing like the legendary Pink Palace of the Pacific, and an $85 million face-lift in 2009, the iconic hotel set on 14 acres of prime Waikiki Beach is a unique blend of luxury and tradition." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"Of the three luxury hotels in Waikiki -- the Moana Surfrider and the Halekulani are the others -- the 528-room Royal Hawaiian provides the most stunning design." Full review
Lonely Planet
"With its Moorish-style turrets and archways, the aristocratic, oh-so-pink Royal Hawaiian was Waikiki's first true luxury hotel."
i
For old-school ambience, ask for the historic building; for ocean views, the modern tower.
Travel + Leisure
"Iconic, surfer-filled Waikiki—so famous that its image has even been printed on tens of thousands "aloha shirts"—is almost always full of tourists and happy beachgoers." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"The beloved “Pink Palace of the Pacific” has been a Waikīkī landmark since it opened in 1927. The stucco exterior, the interior decor, and even the towels are pink here."
Rough Guide
"The 1920s “Pink Palace”, commanding the beach, is one of Waikiki’s best-loved landmarks. Its original building, looking out across terrace gardens to the sea, remains irresistible."
Star Service
"Both new and returning guests will find this grande dame a formidable fashion-forward refuge with the kind of provenance that is nearly extinct in the world of hostelry. " Full review
Michelin Guide
"Still chic as ever, the storied Pink Palace of the Pacific was a Hollywood playground when built in the Spanish-Moorish style in 1922."
Gayot
"A storied hotel fondly known as 'The Pink Palace of the Pacific,' The Royal Hawaiian abounds with tales from decades of history as the lodging of choice."