The Hawaii Tourism Authority recognized two Outrigger hotels in Waikiki for honoring and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and community.
Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii – Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and Outrigger Reef on the Beach received Certificates of Merit at the 2006 Keep It Hawaii recognition awards. Sponsored by Hawaii’s state agency for tourism, Keep It Hawaii applauds individuals and companies who provide exceptional opportunities for visitors
and residents to experience the islands‘ true culture.
Acknowledged by many for being among the largest corporate supporters of Hawaiian culture, Outrigger’s hotels have now amassed a dozen Keep It Hawaii honors since 2001.
„This recognition by Keep It Hawaii means a great deal to us, both as Hawaii’s largest kama’aina (locally based) hotelier and to me personally,“ said Kimberly Agas, vice president of operations overseeing both the Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef. Agas, one of the few women to have served as general manager of a major Waikiki hotel, is of native Hawaiian ancestry, born and raised in Hawaii.
„Our employees play a very key role, at or outside of work, to ensure that our guests have ample opportunity to experience a truly authentic island experience,“ Agas said. „They bring their love of our island home to the workplace and are proud to share our heritage with others.“
This year, the Keep It Hawaii awards recognized Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach for its La’au Lapa’au (Hawaiian medicinal plants) program, a series of special activities and free monthly workshops led by a third-generation kumu (teacher) of la’au lapa’au.
The Outrigger Reef on the Beach was honored for its Hawaiian Quilting Program, which encompasses workshops, classes and exhibits that not only share the beauty of Hawaii’s distinctive quilts, but teaches guests about the history and Hawaiian values embedded in this beautiful art form.
Outrigger’s beachfront properties offer cultural education programs
year-round to guests. Collectively called the Kalakaua Experience, the award-winning program offers festive special events and fascinating workshops covering a broad range of topics such as Hawaiian history, music and dance, healing, ocean voyaging, warrior arts, crafts and fine artwork, the environment and island cuisine. Many of the programs feature hands-on learning, and are free to registered guests of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and Outrigger Reef on the Beach on the island of Oahu, and Outrigger
Keauhou Beach Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island.
For reservations or information, call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER
(1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada. Outrigger’s toll-free number is available internationally via AT&T’s Direct 800 Service. Elsewhere call direct to 303-369-7777 (long distance charges apply). Or, visit www.outrigger.com or e-mail reservations@outrigger.com.
About Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned and operated company deeply committed to providing authentic island hospitality in premiere destinations
throughout the Pacific. Each Outrigger property embraces the local culture to create a true sense of place for guests. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and OHANA Hotels & Resorts are divisions of Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., Hawaii’s largest locally owned hospitality-company and one of the fastest-growing hotel companies in the Pacific managing over 50 properties with more than 12,000 rooms in Hawaii, Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand. For online information, log onto www.outrigger.com.