Soft opening celebrated withHawaiian blessing and special preview rates­­

HONOLULU– Following a US$80 million transformation, and a traditional Hawaiian blessing, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resortis now inviting guests to stay at the reopened property on the golden sands of Waik?k? Beach.

The first phase of the property’s extensive makeover is complete, including upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside furniture and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille – the home of Hawaiian music. Vacationers can experience a sneak peek starting on April 30 with limited-time preview rates starting at US$179 per night, excluding taxes and charges.

“At Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort our goal is for guests to experience Waik?k? as it should be – a place rooted in Hawaiian culture, harmonious with nature and filled with art and music of the islands,” said Markus Krebs, general manager of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.

“Today marks the beginning of a grand new voyage for Outrigger; we are excited to bring our hosts back to this special property and warmly welcome guests to come enjoy this beachfront destination, which was historically a place of healing and rejuvenation – something we all could use more of...”

As part of Outrigger’s connection to the Polynesian Voyaging Society as well as the Friends of H?k?le‘a and Hawai‘iloa, a “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. Travellers can book a single suite or, for a truly remarkable stay, reserve the entire 18th floor – which includes 4,000 sq. feet (372 sqm) of total lanai (patio) space with sweeping ocean views. The property also has a few dozen larger rooms with three double-beds, ideal for traveling families and friends.

From the striking canoe-hale arrival experience to the artfully appointed accommodations, the resort design and feel emulate an elegant Hawai‘i beach house. Carefully curated art exhibits adorn the resort, including historical photography, contemporary sea-life illustrations and an impressive body of original voyaging artwork from celebrated Native Hawaiian historian Herb K?ne.

Live traditional and contemporary Hawaiian jams can be heard from 6 to 8 p.m. nightly at Kani Ka Pila Grille, which has been expanded with additional open-air seating. Musicians will share their craft from a temporary stage until a new larger one will be finished this fall. Kani Ka Pila Grille was named by slack-key legend Cyril Pahinui and means “let’s play music.” The resort’s executive chef, Rey Baysa, has crafted the restaurant’s new menu with fresh, island fare and signature cocktails featuring locally sourced spirits – available for breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service.

An intimate group, including Outrigger Hospitality Group’s President and CEO Jeff Wagoner, gathered for the soft opening as Kahu Blaine Kia orchestrated a traditional Hawaiian blessing of the beachfront resort. His words of aloha extended to the many hands that worked on the transformation and the hosts who will maintain the property and provide exceptional service to guests.

The second phase of the property, including the Diamond Head Tower, Waiola Wellness Wing, Coral Kids Club and ‘?lelo Cultural Center is slated to be complete thisautumn. The anchor restaurant,Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, is planned to open by the end of the year.

For a worry-free stay in paradise, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort follows Outrigger’s Clean Commitment – an enhanced safety platform developed with Ecolab, the global leader in hospitality sanitation that incorporates state-of-the-art technology, cleaning products and procedures. Visit www.outrigger.com or contact your preferred travel advisor to reserve a stay in the all-new rooms and suites at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and take advantage of the limited-time preview rates.

E Komo Mai (welcome)!