Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Called the "First Lady of Waikiki" by Honolulu historians, the Moana Hotel was built in 1901 with just 75 guestrooms. Not only was it one of Waikiki's first hotels, but it also had Hawaii's first electric elevator. It has seen Waikiki evolve from a haven for Hawaiian royalty to a war zone--the hotel housed World War I soldiers during the Pearl Harbor bombings--to Waikiki's current status as Honolulu's resort district. Today, the hotel has 793 rooms with features like rare Hawaiian koa wood accents and private ocean-view balconies, four on-site restaurants and one of Waikiki's biggest swimming pools.
Sheraton Moana Surfrider
2365 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-3111
moana-surfrider.com
The Royal Hawaiian
The Royal Hawaiian opened in 1927 on land that was once King Kamehameha's private playground and Queen Kaahumanu's summer palace. At the time, the resort was one of the biggest in Waikiki and drew numerous celebrities, including Shirley Temple. The drink bearing Temple's name was invented at the resort's bar. Today, the hotel offers 495 guestrooms and 34 spacious suites, all recently renovated in 2008. Casual meals can be had at the Surf Lanai restaurant, while fine seafood dining is served at the Azure Restaurant. Additional services and amenities include a multilevel swimming pool and an on-site spa to massage away sore muscles after a golf game.
The Royal Hawaiian
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-7311
royal-hawaiian.com
The Princess Kaiulani
The oceanfront Princess Kaiulani hotel sits on the former Ainahau Estate, the home of Hawaii's last princess after whom the hotel is named. The hotel was originally built in 1955 to capitalize on the new trans-Pacific travel available after World War I. When it first opened, the Princess Kaiulani was Hawaii's tallest building and overtook the Royal Hawaiian Hotel as the state's biggest hotel. You can learn more during free guided history tours, held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m. in the hotel's lobby. When you're not learning about Honolulu's past, relax in one of 1,140 guestrooms or 10 luxurious suites, all with sweeping views of the Pacific, Honolulu's sparkling skyline or the nearby mountain ranges. Room amenities include complimentary Kona coffee, flat-screen TVs and a full room service menu.
The Princess Kaiulani
120 Kaiulani Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-5811
princess-kaiulani.com
About The Author
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and he earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
