OUTRIGGER Hosts Inspire Students during ClimbHI LEI

Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration and the OUTRIGGER Way

BY TREY GARMAN – On April 22, 2024, hosts from each of OUTRIGGER’s Waikīkī properties rolled out the red carpet for local students and teachers participating in the 12th Annual Oahu Leadership, Exploration, Inspiration (LEI) event in partnership with ClimbHI and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your invaluable participation and unwavering support,” said Jen Gibo, Director of Operations at ClimbHI.  “OUTRIGGER’s partnership and contributions were critical to the success of the event, and we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to you for making it possible. We acknowledge with gratitude the significant role you played in providing the students with a unique opportunity to get an insight into the hotel operations and dining etiquette experience. Your partnership was instrumental in creating a valuable opportunity for the students to develop practical skills and receive exposure to real-world scenarios.”

At the Embassy Suites by Hilton (ESH), students first learned how to mind their manners at the dinner table.

“Our day began with dining etiquette training,” explained Ka’imi Kalei. “Our F&B team served a three-course lunch with salad, spaghetti and chocolate cake. The group then rotated through multiple activities including a site visit to our suites, learning communication through a game of Heads Up, learning how to fold towels and properly put on a pillowcase, getting creative by building marshmallow spaghetti towers and even brewing up a virgin lava flow smoothie. It was a quick but impactful time to showcase all the amazing opportunities available within our industry and we look forward to seeing some of these students in the near future.”

Over at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort, students got to know the entire leadership group through a unique speed networking activity.

“Through this activity, they were able to learn more about all the different roles within the industry and the challenges that come into play,” said Victoria Tapiceria. “I know the students walked away feeling inspired.”

There were 21 high school students, one UH-Manoa student, and two teachers from Oahu on the trip to the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel (OBC).

“Our group enjoyed a buffet lunch from Maui Brewing Company, learned dining etiquette from me and OBC operations by Ceci Hamao,” shared Jennifer Yamada. “The group checked out three different rooms and public areas of the hotel. It was a great overview for the students and the OBC Leaders enjoyed showcasing the property to the group.”

The OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (ORF) hosted 23 students on the day, and even got to live it up for a little bit in the Grand Navigator Suite.

“We took them on a site tour and provided special bento’s for lunch, then set up a “speed-dating” style career fair with managers from each department sharing insight on daily operations,” said Renee Spear. “We ended up at A’o Cultural Center with Aunty Luana showing the students how to make a Kupe’e (bracelet) with Kukui Nuts. The goal was to have the students walk away with an understanding of all the roles possible within the hospitality industry.”

In addition to visiting the OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER, this year’s entire class of LEI students were lucky enough to hear from its General Manager, Kiana Beimes, a former local student who leads by example.

“I was privileged to speak to 550+ high school students as a local leader panelist,” said Beimes. “All five panelists were graduates of local public high schools, and asked to share wisdom & experiences at this year’s event.”

Click, HERE, to watch the highlight video from the event.