First Lady of Waikiki Beach - Moana Surfrider
10:10 PM
Waikiki has everything from beautiful beach resorts to great restaurants. It is truly a tourist heaven, weather you are a first time visitor, or the fifth time. Kalakaua Ave, the main street parallel to the Waikiki beach, is where everything is happening. Comparing to The Strip in Las Vegas, Kalakaua is a family friendly version of that. I could literally stay here for an entire month and not get bored.
Walking along the avenue, one architecture you cannot miss is this classy white European style building decorated with iconic columns. It is the home of Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa. Built in 1901, Moana Surfrider was the very first hotel here, often referred to as “The First Lady of Waikiki”. Over the years, it has become one of the most visited historic treasures in Honolulu and the resort is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wonder how much did it cost to stay one night back in 1901? Continue reading and you will find out soon. :)
The open corridor with iconic columns and plaster details reminded me of the Doge's Palace facade in Venice. Those rocking chairs bring back the hotel's old charm. The Victorian style hotel lobby is so serene that, as soon as you walk in, you forget you were just on the busiest street seconds ago. There is also a little museum on the second floor sharing the stories of Moana Surfrider and its historical significance to Honolulu. They have some really interesting things on exhibit including the old wooden surfing boards people used back in the days.
Walking past the lobby takes you to the beachfront courtyard. The huge banyan tree was the first thing that caught my eye. It was planted in 1904, three years after the hotel was built. Now the tree spans 150 feet to provide shades for the entire courtyard.
The afternoon tea experience at The Veranda was definitely one of the highlights during my trip to Hawaii. It is located at Moana’s beach front, right next to the banyan tree on the beautiful beach front, with a clear view of the Waikiki beach and Diamond Head.
Three sets of afternoon tea were available on the menu, First Lady Tea, Moana Classic Tea, and Veranda Tea, each came with different savory bites and pastries. Our server was very attentive from the beginning. He brought me a box of tea leaves to smell and patiently explained the ingredients inside. Since we were in Hawaii, I expected to see a wide selection of fruity tea. I favored the Moana Royale, which included the most popular fruit in Hawaii, lilikoi (passion fruit), as well as papaya, mango, banana and coconut, blended with black tea leaves. While waiting for my tea, I was also served with a glass of dry rosé decorated with a beautiful hibiscus.
Three sets of afternoon tea were available on the menu, First Lady Tea, Moana Classic Tea, and Veranda Tea, each came with different savory bites and pastries. Our server was very attentive from the beginning. He brought me a box of tea leaves to smell and patiently explained the ingredients inside. Since we were in Hawaii, I expected to see a wide selection of fruity tea. I favored the Moana Royale, which included the most popular fruit in Hawaii, lilikoi (passion fruit), as well as papaya, mango, banana and coconut, blended with black tea leaves. While waiting for my tea, I was also served with a glass of dry rosé decorated with a beautiful hibiscus.
My final pick was the signature afternoon tea set, First Lady Tea. It included 5 freshly-made savory sandwiches, two scones with butter and the BEST fruit curd I have ever had (I ended up eating more curd after finishing the scones...), and 5 tasty sweets. I am someone who is adventurous and loves to try different things, that's why I am always a huge fan of small bites and deserts samplings. The sandwiches were made with fresh lobster and smoke salmon, while the deserts were not overly sweet like those in some of other afternoon tea places I visited before. I never added sugar to my tea so I was a little worried that the fruity tea would have been too sweet. But nope, the fruity taste was just the right amount and it paired with all the small-bites perfectly. So glad that everything I had was light and refreshing. Overlooking and hearing the waves crashing on the shore while enjoying my afternoon tea - it just felt surreal.
And that's not it, I was also served with a plate of fresh berries that includes crème fraîche & brown sugar. I feel so healthy after eating it haha. As we were finishing up the food, we were given lemongrass green tea sorbet to cleanse our palates. Again, it was so refreshing, especially in this hot summer afternoon!
To my surprise, the First Lady Tea also came with a beautiful scented sandalwood fan as a souvenir to take home. I remember having a lot of these at home from my mom and grandma back in China during my childhood. The floral scent totally brings back all the memories now...
Besides the beach, Moana is also a great place for people-watching, whether you are sitting on the rocking chair of the front porch or the Veranda. Everyone you see is in their vacation-mood - so happy! There are tourists from all over the world. As a wedding photographer, my favorite part was watching numerous newlyweds getting their wedding photos taken here. The white architecture and classy interior design here are perfect for wedding photos.
Answer to my earlier question is: Back in 1901, the rate for one night stay in the Moana Hotel was $1.50 USD. Did you guess it right? :)
Thank you Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa for sponsoring this post. I truly enjoyed my time there. Mahalo for the warm Hawaiian hospitality!
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Dress: Francesca's Collection (similar here, here and here)
Cross-body: J.Crew Edit Bag
Sunglasses: Prada (similar here and here)
36 comments
Wow! What a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteVirginia
More to Mrs. E
It is! I miss it already!
DeleteBreathtaking pictures !
ReplyDeleteI hope I get to visit Hawaii one day! :)
xx
http://mariannelle.com
I hope you will visit there soon! :)
DeleteAmazing place! You look pretty!
ReplyDeletehttp://chicglamstyle.com
Thank you, Rachel!
DeleteWow this looks incredible! I am heading to the big island soon and can't wait!
ReplyDeletexx
Courtney || https://courtneylivin.com/
Have fun!!
DeleteEspecially the afternoon tee caught my attention and I see it is simply wonderful on Hawaii! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures - it looks definitely worth to travel to this island :)
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Totally! You should try it when you visit!
DeleteThese photos are unbelievably stunning! Thanks for sharing such a lovely trip :)
ReplyDeleteXo,
Elise
www.w-t-fab.com
Thanks for reading, Elise!
Deletethis looks like a great vacation! I've always wanted to go to Hawaii but I keep going back to Cancun every year instead! Photos are truly stunning and thank you for sharing those!
ReplyDeletePop by to check my new blog post
http://www.elegantduchess.com/2017/07/18/burgundy-obsession-ruffle-tide-lace-up-boots/
Cancun is beautiful too. Now plan for your next trip to Hawaii! :)
DeleteStunning location and pictures!♥
ReplyDeletewww.pamelayaquelin.com
Thank you!
DeleteAmazing pictures!
ReplyDeleteWow so jealous! I'm in need of a vacation haha <3
ReplyDeletehttps://lionesssk.blogspot.com/
It's never too late to plan one!
DeleteWow! This place is simply amazing! I cannot believe it only cost $1.50 to stay here back in the day!
ReplyDelete-Helen
Sweet Helen Grace
I know, it's shocking! I love reading the history about this place!
DeleteWhat a beautiful location. I really love the trees by the beach. Great captures!
ReplyDeleteKara Aragon
http://www.thekaragon.com
Glad you like it! It's a really beautiful resort!
DeleteI've stayed at this hotel once and absolutely loved it! The white makes everything so picture perfect! I'll be in Oahu next month but staying on a different part of the island this time. So excited!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
I know! The interior design and craftsmanship there was truly stunning!
DeleteThis place looks absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteXo, Kelsey | www.petiteinherpearls.com
Hope you can visit there one day!
DeleteBeautiful photos - this place looks amazing! x
ReplyDeletehttps://emmaboughtwhat.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for reading, Emma!
DeleteWoW! Nice Outfits..
ReplyDeleteThank you!! :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photo selection.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you've had an amazing time.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q
Yes, I had an amazing time a Moana Surfrider! Thanks for reading!
DeleteWoow! amazing pict..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mahasiswa!
Delete