HAWAII: OUTRIGGER REEF

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

For decades, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has been one of Oahu’s top properties for Australian and American travellers and now, thanks to an incredible transformation, it has become one of the best hotels in the South Pacific.

Hawaii’s Outrigger Hospitality Group has been busy putting the final touches on a US$80 million transformation of the brand’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on the golden sands of Waikīkī Beach.

The investment has been transforming the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat that’s rooted in Hawaiian culture and the makeover has been nothing short of spectacular.

Outrigger Hospitality Group President and CEO, Jeff Wagoner, said the makeover had a focus on wellness and unmatched hospitality, and sophisticated property enhancements have included upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage, the home of Hawaiian music.

“As a premier beach resort brand, we charted a strategic course to enhance Outrigger’s current portfolio and deliver exceptional, authentic experiences for the global traveller,” he said.

“The US$80 million investment at our flagship Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort infuses fresh energy and elegance into this iconic destination that was historically a place of healing and rejuvenation for Hawaiian royalty.”

From the impressive canoe-hale arrival experience lit by traditional fishing-basket lanterns to the artfully appointed accommodations, the resort design emulates an elegant Hawai’i beach house, warmly welcoming guests home.

Expansive resort grounds include three distinct accommodations: the Ocean Tower, the Pacific Tower and the Diamond Head Tower – a five-story oceanfront building that has been converted into 23 brand-new, spacious rooms and deluxe suites, raising the key count to 658.

Headlining the Pacific Tower is the all-new Voyager 47 Club Lounge and a stunning Coral Reef Penthouse Suite, which has just been launched to major fanfare.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s Coral Reef Penthouse Suite offers exactly what you’d want for a fantastic Oahu experience, including an oversized lanai (balcony), kitchen, two King beds, a Queen sofa sleeper and two bathrooms with tubs.

Capping off the experience, the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite also has exclusive access to Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s popular Voyager 47 Club Lounge, which offers breakfast and evening cocktails and pupus (appetisers).

Guests also staying in club-level rooms and suites have access to the Voyager 47 Club Lounge, which offers the best seat in the house to start and end the day in style. Make sure you’re here for sunset, because you’ll find yourself in the best spot on Oahu to watch the sun dip into the ocean complete with a Mai Tai in hand.

The ocean-front lounge offers gourmet bites and beverages, which impress at both breakfast and for the evening pupus service, alongside a bespoke concierge service.

During the makeover, Outrigger also created a strategic footpath called the ‘Ae Kai, which runs the length of the resort and connects the property elements in harmonious balance.

Outrigger’s decades-long connection to the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), as well as the Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai’iloa, is highlighted in the lobby with a 30-foot mural a double-hulled canoe, painted by PVS co-founder and beloved Hawaiian historian, Herb Kāne.

His painting of Hōkūle‘a, the canoe that inspired millions when it sailed around the world using only signs from nature – such as the ocean currents, wind and stars – also hangs proudly in all guestrooms.

The print is part of a thoughtfully curated gallery wall of museum-caliber photos and illustrations depicting ocean navigation and Hawaiian heritage.

“The resort’s rich tradition of celebrating the voyaging canoe and wayfinding, everlasting symbols of exploration and courage, permeate brilliantly throughout the physical spaces and come to life in family friendly programming at the new cultural activities center – creating a uniquely authentic guest experience,” said Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort General Manager, Markus Krebs.

A novel “Grand Navigator Experience” at the property links a collection of penthouse suites atop the Pacific Tower that are named in honour of Hawai‘i’s esteemed Pwo Navigators. Now for an amazing x-factor in this hotel – travellers can book a single suite or, for a truly remarkable stay, reserve the entire 18th floor when travelling with a group of family or friends.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort most definitely has families in mind with the accommodations on offer, thanks to the introduction of a few dozen larger rooms with three double-beds, ideal for those with kids along for the stay.

When it comes to dining, a new beachfront Monkeypod Kitchen is set to debut during 2023 – the last piece of the remarkable makeover – and it will offer fantastic food and wine alongside stunning views of Diamond Head.

The resort is also home to the Kani Ka Pila Grille, the full-service poolside dining venue, famous for nightly live Hawaiian music by award-winning performers such as Kawika Kahiapo and Bobby Moderow, has been expanded with a larger stage and additional open-air seating.

Slack-key legend Cyril Pahinui bestowed the venue’s name, which means “let’s play music” and evokes the unfettered joys of backyard jam sessions and impromptu hula. The certified Ocean-Friendly restaurant boasts a fresh menu and signature cocktails with locally sourced spirits.

The environmental commitment at the property also continues through the Outrigger ZONE (OZONE) program, a global coral reef conservation initiative that provides enriching experiences for guests that protect the oceans from harm and help them to thrive for generations to come.

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