As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

There are countless incredible hotels and resorts found across the Hawaiian Islands – especially in Waikiki – but today, we’re taking a look at Hawaii’s oldest hotel. The Moana Surfrider, which opened in 1901, was the first luxury property along Waikiki Beach, beating the Royal Hawaiian (haunted!) by more than 25 years. The historic hotel is often referred to as “The First Lady of Waikiki,” and while it is undoubtedly the embodiment of old Hawaiian elegance, rumors swirl that the Moana Surfrider’s haunted, as well. This historic haunted resort in Hawaii is sure to make your vacation special… and a little spooky.

This Westin Resort & Spa is truly something special, and not just because the hotel and grounds are positively stunning, though that is certainly true.
Moana Surfrider
The property - which was built more than a century ago in an Italian Renaissance style - features not only a rich sense of heritage and history but also aloha spirit and Hawaiian hospitality that welcomes you in and makes you feel as though you’re royalty.
No detail was spared in the construction (and subsequent renovations) of this iconic Hawaiian hotel and it shows in everything from the well-manicured gardens and incredible front porch to the tastefully decorated guest rooms and everything in between.
Moana Surfrider
The interior feels welcoming, light, and airy, in addition to maintaining its historic roots with dark wood features and historic prints lining the walls.
Moana Surfrider
This hotel is unlike any other you’ll find in Hawaii, and the views are truly second to none. After all, you can see the sparkling turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean from the simple and stunning guest rooms, the oceanfront pool, a luxurious spa, and the onsite restaurants.
Moana Surfrider

Related Stories

Travel Back In Time To Plantation Days At This Charming Hawaii Hotel

Travel Back In Time To Plantation Days At This Charming Hawaii Hotel

 This Might Just Be The Most Remote Resort In All Of Hawaii And It's Begging For A Visit

This Might Just Be The Most Remote Resort In All Of Hawaii And It's Begging For A Visit

 Play With Dolphins At This Hawaii Resort For An Absolutely Adorable Adventure

Play With Dolphins At This Hawaii Resort For An Absolutely Adorable Adventure
But this century-old hotel also holds a dark secret: On February 29, 1905, the untimely and suspicious death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, made headlines across America.
Moana Surfrider
Vacationing in Hawaii after a strychnine poisoning attempt on her life, Stanford died in her room at the Moana Surfrider.
At the time, the death of Jane Stanford was one of America's most legendary murder mysteries.
Wikimedia Commons
Stanford was first poisoned on January 14, 1905, at her Nob Hill mansion in San Francisco, where she consumed mineral water that tasted bitter. She forced herself to vomit the water, and sent it to a pharmacy to be analyzed: the findings showed that the water was poisoned with a lethal dose of strychnine. The maid fell under suspicion and was dismissed, though no evidence existed pointing to a culprit or motive for the attempted murder. Depressed and suffering from a cold, Stanford sailed to Hawaii with plans to continue on to Japan.
Then, on the evening of February 28, Stanford asked for bicarbonate of soda to settle her stomach, which her personal secretary, Bertha Berner, prepared for her. Berner was a trusted employee of twenty years, and the only other person who had also been present at the scene of the previous incident.
Moana Surfrider
Staford cried out for help at 11:15 p.m., claiming she had lost control of her body and believed she had been poisoned again. Attempts to induce vomiting were unsuccessful, and Stanford officially died from strychnine poisoning.
After three days of testimony, the coroner's jury concluded in less than two minutes that she had died of strychnine "introduced into a bottle of bicarbonate of soda with felonious intent by some person or persons to this jury unknown," according to The Alma Mater Mystery.
Moana Surfrider
The jury’s quick decision was controversial, and to this day, no one knows who murdered Jane Stanford, though Stanford University President David Starr Jordan was the most popular suspect as he and Stanford had a difficult relationship.
Since then, there have been many reports that Stanford’s ghost still frequently visits the hotel, whose breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean once brought her short-lived peace. Guests and hotel staff alike have said that they’ve seen her wandering the halls at night trying to find her room.
Moana Surfrider
Did you know that Hawaii's oldest hotel is allegedly haunted?

Learn more about haunted Oahu in this YouTube video from Hello From Hawaii:

For more information about the magnificent Moana Surfrider, or to book your stay (if you dare!), visit the hotel on the web.

The Moana Surfrider isn’t the only haunted resort in Hawaii! These haunted hotels in Hawaii are sure to thrill and chill you. Have you had any ghostly experiences at a hotel or haunted Hawaii resort? Let us know in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Haunted Resort in Hawaii

Tori Jane | July 09, 2022

Which haunted hotel in Hawaii should I book a stay at?  

Sure, Hawaii might be one of the most beautiful places in the United States (if not the world), but that doesn’t mean it’s somehow without its ghosts, hauntings, urban legends, folklore, and more. There are enough haunted hotels in Hawaii that we’ve been able to write heaps of articles about them, so which ones are the best ones to stay at if you’re hoping to see a ghost? We recommend heading over to the Volcano House Hotel, which is easily one of Hawaii’s most haunted places. Common reports include those of a ghostly white dog, an elderly woman who wanders the halls and hangs out in rooms, and electronic disturbances. 

What is the Moana Surfrider’s history?  

First opened in 1901, this relaxing resort and spa in Hawaii has been the name of luxury on the islands since the start. When it opened, it was amazingly modern with amenities we’ve come to simply expect, like telephones, an electric elevator, and, of course, private baths. It’s beautiful, but it’s also said to be haunted. It’s thought to be SO haunted that it’s been named one of the five most haunted places in the United States by several outlets, and one can’t Google hauntings in Hawaii without coming across the Surfrider numerous times.  

What are some notoriously haunted places in Hawaii?  

Well, the Surfrider, of course – but there are more. Oh, yes – many more. Who knew Hawaii is home to so many wayward spirits? Well, the Natives, for sure – though sometimes it can still come as a surprise! Did you know the Honolulu Airport on Oahu is thought to be haunted? Or that the Iao Theatre on Maui is plagued by restless spirits? It’s (said to be) true – would you dare pay them a visit? If so, make sure to also check out the legendarily spooky Volcano House Hotel (which may or may not be inhabited by Pele herself), the Waikiki Prince Hotel on Oahu, and the Iolani Palace, also on Oahu ... if you dare!  

Related Articles

Explore Hawaii

Featured Addresses
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA