She’s the grande dame of Waikiki Beach. The Moana Surfrider Hotel opened its doors as The Moana Hotel in 1901. It boasted old colonial style architecture and Hawaiian elegance to a burgeoning tourist onslaught.

Over the years tower additions, restorations and amenity upgrades have enhanced a modern experience, but the colonial charm was preserved. It is truly a gem to this day on Waikiki Beach. 

We arrived for our first stay on Oahu in 2017. The Moana Surfrider welcomed us with plumeria leis and a beautiful ocean view room. And we were thrilled to find the beach view patio. A tall and broad Banyan tree frames the Beach Bar with 100-year-plus-old grace. We settled in for our first evening in Waikiki with cold beer, a poke nachos and casual conversations with fellow guests and hotel staff. Our gorgeous poke platter exploded with fresh ingredients, tropical colors and contrasting textures. It was a grazer’s paradise in pursuit of the perfect bite.

Recipe

Call it an antipasto plate, charcuterie board, appetizer platter, grazing table or cheese tray. The concept is simple and enduring. It’s a curated presentation of themed and complimentary ingredients. In our kitchen, we have adopted the concept for casual meals and entertaining. To each their own in construction of the perfect bite.