THE
MOANA
SURFRIDER HOTEL
O F WAI KI KI, H AWAI I
ARTICLE BY NORMAN HILL
ELEGANCE FOR THE AGES
"Proud as a Peacock” is a phrase
Peacock saw that Waikiki, the Hon-
Coincident with annexation, Peacock
were taking place, it was converted
sometimes used to describe
olulu suburb, needed a first rate
saw that steamships from the main-
from a combination of swamps, taro
individuals who, deservedly or not,
luxury hotel. He made this decision
land were bringing an increasing
fields, and duck ponds into a more
carry themselves with a distinct air
in 1896. At that time, Hawaii was
number of tourists to Oahu. He
widely habitable area. A streetcar
of pride. Since the Moana Hotel was
not yet a territory of the United
wanted to convert his home on the
line traveled three miles from the
the vision of W.C. Peacock, a prom-
States. Since 1893, when the native
beach into a hotel and build adjoin-
suburb into downtown Honolulu.
inent Honolulu businessman, this
queen had been deposed, there
ing guest cottages. Influenced by his
The line was right across from the
luxury edifice justly deserves such a
was considerable sentiment for
architect, Oliver Traphagen, the plan
new Moana.
description.
annexation. In 1894, a republic had
expanded to move Peacock’s home
been proclaimed, with government
and build a 75 room, 4-story luxury
The hotel was built of wood in a
When we walked into this elegant
in the hands of a minority of [Y\