Iconic Waikiki beachfront resort goes for the gold

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Clifton Kau who has worked as a bellman at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort since it opened 50 years ago in 1967 says he enjoys working with people who understand that “hospitality has to come from the heart.” Adding, “as the years piled on, I found that I didn’t want to leave (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort). If I were reincarnated, I would want to come back.” That is some testimonial.

Summer 2017 marks half-a-century of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort welcoming visitors from around the globe to experience an epic vacation in Hawaii. The resort’s prime location is the original home of Outrigger Canoe Club, which served as the inspiration for the global hospitality company’s name.

“For five decades, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort has set the standard for engaging travel and providing vacations that connect visitors to the history and spirit of this place,” said Revell Newton, general manager of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. “From surf lessons in the waters that Duke Kahanamoku paddled his famous wooden ‘Duke’ board to live music performances nightly and complimentary local cultural programming, our guests treasure the unique experiences we offer and appreciate the heartfelt hospitality we deliver.”

Kicking off the 50th celebrations will be a special edition of Duke’s on Sunday – July 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Duke’s Waikiki restaurant, located oceanfront inside Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Henry Kapono will be playing and bringing along renowned guest performers. The following night is a VIP “Golden Anniversary” event at Blue Note Hawaii on the second floor of the resort, with special performances from award-winning artists Makana and Henry Kapono. A handful of guests staying on property that night will receive a “surprise and delight” gift, including tickets to attend this once-in-a-lifetime party. Outrigger’s long-standing local philanthropic partner Waikiki Community Center and property land owner Queen Emma Land Co. will be honored.

Since it was established in 1967, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort has been synonymous with Hawaiian hospitality and a vacation in paradise. Now, five decades later, what started as a prime oceanfront property owned by the Queen Emma Estate and occupied by the Outrigger Canoe Club in the early 1960s, has transformed into an extravagant 524-room resort destination where travelers from across the globe can experience local island culture and embrace the brand’s passion for exploration and discovery, while sharing the values upon which Outrigger was founded.

This was one of the first affordable-luxury hotels in the history of this remarkable destination. Brand founders, Roy and Estelle Kelley, pioneered the value-driven travel segment and forever changed the platform of Hawaii’s hospitality industry with the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

Today, the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort’s premier position on world-famous Waikiki Beach and its exceptional “aloha” hospitality is centered around offering an array of destination-specific amenities, cultural programs and activities that provide opportunities for guests to feel a stronger sense of place, attracting millions of guests from around the world. As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the island’s rich heritage, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort offers weekly cultural and educational activities and Signature Experiences, including a beachside Hawaiian-inspired vow renewal ceremony, lei making, ukulele lessons, canoe carving and painting displays, along with other special events year-round. The resort is also home to world famous Duke’s Waikiki, the legendary beachfront bar and restaurant, where guests can hear Hawaii’s legendary performer, Henry Kapono, play every Sunday and Blue Note Hawaii, the state’s premier venue for world-renowned artists, from jazz and blues to Hawaiian favorites for limited engagements.