Arson Chars Historic Hawaii Hotel Exterior Wall

A historic Waikiki hotel is partially charred after an intentionally set fire singed one of its exterior walls before dawn.

Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said Wednesday the fire was set inside a large trash bin next to the iconic Moana Surfrider Hotel. No one was injured.

Seelig says the flames rose six stories to the roof of a wing added to the hotel in 1918. The blaze broke some first- and second-floor windows.

About 30 firefighters responded shortly before 3 a.m. Starwood Hotels spokeswoman Marsha Wienert says over 1,200 guests evacuated.

The fire never spread inside the building. But sprinklers inside a first-floor coffee shop were activated and caused some water damage.

Honolulu police are opening a first-degree arson investigation.

The landmark hotel opened in 1901.