Waikiki's Outrigger Reef on the Beach has added a new pool deck and a 22-foot canoe paddle as part of a $110 million renovation of guestrooms and public areas. Along with the reopening of the swimming pool and sun deck, the beachfront hotel is opened some new boutiques and shops. The newest is Prime Jewelry, which offers such items as pearls, gemstones and custom Hawaiian heirloom jewelry. Preparing to open are Moonbow Tropics, a locally based apparel shop, and Little Glass Shack, a sunglass store.
A new cultural display showcases a 22-foot steering paddle from the Hawai`iloa voyaging canoe. Originally built in the early 1990s to revive ancient canoe-building skills, the 57-foot-long Hawai`iloa and its crew used traditional Polynesian navigation methods to travel 6,000 miles over 21 days to French Polynesia and back. The canoe was later pulled from the water due to damage from termites and exposure to the elements, and is currently being housed in pieces while it is being restored by the nonprofit Friends of Hokulea and Hawai`iloa.
The Outrigger Reef's transformation encompasses virtually every aspect of the property. Earlier, rooms were gutted, walls torn down and bathrooms overhauled to make way for spacious guestrooms and suites with new interiors, amenities and ocean views. The pool was stripped down and retiled. The porte cochere and entryway feature a Polynesian longhouse design and century-old canoe display. An upgraded fitness center, artifact display, island artworks, and enhanced guest services are among other changes. All guest rooms have 32-inch flat-panel LCD televisions, full-sized tubs, new vanities with lighted cosmetic mirror and made-in-Hawaii bath amenities. Every guest also gets the hotel's "Fee Free Escape," which includes free direct-dial calls to the U.S. mainland and Canada; free high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms, meeting rooms and lobby areas; free local phone calls; free inter-island telephone calls; free 800-number access calls; free use of the fitness center and in-room safe; free daily newspaper; free cultural activities; free Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony (twice weekly); free in-room coffee and tea; and free bottled water and cool towel upon arrival. Coming in early 2009 will be the poolside Kani Ka Pila Grille, which will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as pupus (hors d'oeuvres), tropical drinks, and live music nightly. For more information, call 800-OUTRIGGER or visit www.OutriggerReefWaikikiBeachwalk.com.
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