Hosts Go All-In to Celebrate “The OUTRIGGER Way” Across the Globe
On September 29, 2024, we commemorated “The OUTRIGGER Way Day,” a heartfelt celebration marking 30 years of The OUTRIGGER Way, or Ke ‘Ano Wa‘a in Hawaiian. Rooted in the teachings of the late Dr. George Kanahele, this values-driven philosophy embodies caring for our hosts, guests and the places where OUTRIGGER calls home.
In honor of this milestone, OUTRIGGER also celebrated 77 years since its founding by Roy and Estelle Kelly. What began as a small local business in Waikīkī has blossomed into a global portfolio of more than 30 properties in some of the world’s most iconic tropical destinations, spanning Hawai‘i, Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
Every year on September 29, OUTRIGGER marks this anniversary, but this year comes with a special evolution: the renaming of the annual celebration from “Founder’s Day” to “OUTRIGGER Way Day.” This change signifies a renewed commitment to spreading OUTRIGGER’s unique culture of caring—rooted in the aloha spirit—around the world.
“The OUTRIGGER Way is much more than a business philosophy—it’s a lifestyle that honors the relationship between our hosts, our guests and the communities where we operate,” said Sean Dee, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. “This year, as we celebrated both our company’s 77th anniversary and 30 years of The OUTRIGGER Way, we are reminded of how deeply our hosts shape the guest experience. Their care, knowledge and passion reflect the heart and soul of OUTRIGGER and we are proud to honor them alongside the legacy of our founders, Roy and Estelle Kelly.”
To commemorate this special day across the globe, all OUTRIGGER resorts and hotels participated in a series of meaningful activities that reflect the heart of The OUTRIGGER Way—showcasing our deep-rooted commitment to caring for our guests, our hosts and the precious places we call home. Have a look…
CARING FOR OUR HOSTS
Behind the scenes, our dedicated hosts—the true heart of OUTRIGGER—were celebrated with special back-of-house festivities. These gatherings were designed to express a deep gratitude for their unwavering dedication and hard work. From heartfelt thank-you gifts to surprise perks, each token is a symbol of appreciation for the hosts who deliver the warm island hospitality that defines OUTRIGGER. It is a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the incredible people who bring The OUTRIGGER Way to life every day.
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Waikiki Beach Walk Shows Gratitude
BY KA’IMI KALEI – Sometimes a few simple words can mean the world. What began last year as a fun activity has now become an annual tradition with our managers and supervisors writing personal thank you cards to each host in celebration of World Gratitude Day on September 21. Then, on OUTRIGGER Way Day, in honor of Estelle Kelley’s signature waffles, ESH celebrated by providing our hosts with a build-your-own waffle bar including whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh fruits and festive OUTRIGGER themed sprinkles. This celebration holds a special place at Embassy as our tenured hosts always share their stories of when the Kelley’s lived on property. Cheers to 77 years and many more to come!
HVC, Kiahuna Plantation Resort by OUTRIGGER (KPR)
BY DONNA KING – KPR honored Roy and Estelle Kelley and looked forward to the future in celebrating OUTRIGGER Way Day. The housekeeping department fixed a special saimin and manapua breakfast for all our wonderful and amazing hosts – perfect for a cool September morning!
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Cares for World’s Best Beach
WENDY MUNETAKE – We marked OUTRIGGER Way Day (Founder’s Day) in classic OKB style, with mouthwatering pork ribs prepared with aloha by our amazing Food & Beverage team. Mahalo to team Housekeeping and Kawenaokeao for providing the festive and beautiful backdrop which set the stage for the evening ahead.
OUTRIGGER Kaua’i Beach Resort & Spa Treats Hosts to Chicken, Waffles, Cake & a Cool Collage
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa Takes Their Waffles to a Whole New Level
BY VICKY AKANA – On Sunday, September 29th for The OUTRIGGER Way Day, our team came together to celebrate in true OUTRIGGER spirit. In honor of our founders, Roy and Estelle Kelly, and their 77-year legacy, we wanted to make this day special for our hardworking hosts. The cafeteria was filled with the aroma of delicious waffles, prepared by none other than our very own GM, Geoff Pearson and Director of F&B, Michael Blaksteen. The waffle-inspired menu also featured fried honey chicken, corn on the cob, and a unique bacon jalapeño corn bread created by our talented baker, Candace. We completed the celebration with a special Kona Coffee cake. The OUTRIGGER Way Day was a perfect reminder of our shared values and the importance of creating memorable experiences for our guests and our team members. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the OUTRIGGER Way and the great hosts who make OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa a truly special place!
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort (MAM) Hosts Picture Day with the Kelly’s
BY AYAASHA ISHAAQ – The OUTRIGGER way is a special occasion to observed to honor Mr. and Mrs. Kelly who laid the groundwork for OUTRIGGER’s existence. This day serves not only as a celebration of history but also as a time for reflection, gratitude and renewal of commitment to the values and vision established by the founders. At MAM we set up traditional waffle stations for breakfast both in the guest buffet and host canteen, where fresh waffles and pancakes were served for breakfast in celebration of the day. In the reminder of founder’s, a human sized cutout was placed in the cuisine gallery and our hosts shared the stories of founders with the guests, giving them more information about company and The OUTRIGGER Way. Hosts from all the departments gathered around and posed for pictures.
OUTRIGGER Mauritius Cares for Host in Need, The OUTRIGGER Way
BY KHARESHMA SONOO RAJJOO – For this year’s World Tourism Day and OUTRIGGER Way Day, the team joined altogether to assist one of our hosts’ whose house caught fire. Help in terms of financial support, deep cleaning of the house, painting, in-kind donations, technical assistance and offering of kitchen cabinet made on-site by our woodworker are the assistance provided to our host.
As this year the theme is Tourism and Peace; a peace-sensitive tourism which is aware of the economic and social forces and thus social responsibility, we wanted to focus more on the need of our host.
SDG 16 which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, we opt to help our host economically by the monetary contribution which we received from the different departments, building up new kitchen cabinets and fixing them. On the social aspect he and his son will be less stress free from the facilities they received and hence providing them once more a decent living place.
The OUTRIGGER Way Day was also pleasantly celebrated among the hosts, with picture taking next to the life-size cutouts of Roy and Estelle Kelley, snacks, cake-cutting by the GM and team and a thank you speech from Michael Gaarde-Nielsen, General Manager to the team for their contribution to the Company and Living The OUTRIGGER Way.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort All-In on OUTRIGGER Way Month
BY LUANA MAITLAND – We could not have ended the month of September any better than to celebrate “Outrigger Way Day” with our hosts and guests. With our host we had a wonderful lunch made by our very own restaurant Kani Ka Pila Grille kitchen crew headed by Chef Dean. The ORF team also spent the afternoon at the volunteer event for OutriggerCARES – Genki Ala Wai project. Our goal was to make 2,000 Genki Balls. We ended up making more. Many hands helped to achieve our goal and we can’t wait to toss the into the Ala Wai.
The finale of the day was joining our guests at Voyager 47 for champagne and pupus to celebrate “Founders Day” and honoring Roy & Estelle Kelley. We met many guests that evening. One couple in particular were Fujio and Miwako Abe from Japan who was sent by their children to Hawai`i to celebrate Mr. Abe’s 77th birthday. Mr. Abe felt so special since we celebrated his birthday along with our OUTRIGGER Way celebration. They also participated in the Hawaiian Vow Renewal that morning celebrating their 50th Anniversary.
The McFayden also shared the celebration and mentioned that they have been staying at the Reef for many years. They said they would go to no other hotel and that the Reef staff makes them feel like family. What a wonderful day to celebrate 30 years of the OUTRIGGER Way and to remind us of our founders Roy and Estelle Kelley as we continue to uphold our values and live the OUTRIGGER Way.
OUTRIGGER Thailand Resorts Grateful for Great Hosts
BY SUKANYA SOMPHAN – To celebrate their hosts on World Gratitude Day, the management teams at our OUTRIGGER Thailand resorts took a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible efforts and the wonderful contributions of their departmental teams. It was a great opportunity for everyone to formally express their gratitude to each other, create team morale and further strengthen our working relationships.
OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel Hosts Treated to Breakfast, Games and More
OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort Celebrates with Breakfast Burritos
CARING FOR OUR PLACE
Throughout the month of September, each OUTRIGGER property took action to give back to the environment and support local communities through a series of hands-on conservation initiatives. These efforts align with the quarterly OUTRIGGERCares program, with each location embracing activities that are both meaningful and impactful. In Fiji, hosts and guests joined forces to plant coral and clean up pristine beaches; in Mauritius, participants engaged in marine conservation education; and in the Maldives, local schoolchildren are hosted for an interactive tour of ocean preservation and hospitality. Whether it’s helping feed those in need in Denver, preserving the Ala Wai Canal in Waikīkī by making Genki Balls or hosting World Manta Day on Hawai‘i Island, these activities reaffirmed OUTRIGGER’s steadfast commitment to the places we cherish.
Global Call Center (GCC) Team in Denver Digs-In at Ekar Farm
BY CAMERON BEATY – The GCC team worked together to harvest fresh fruit and vegetables at Ekar Farm, which provides nutrient-dense produce to local food access organizations throughout the Denver metro area. Their food helps to feed those who face food disparities. We picked plums, peppers, and tomatillos. Not only was this a great way to learn about crops and gardening, it was wonderful to see the work we could do together, knowing that each fruit we picked could help those in need.
Hawai’i Vacation Condos by OUTRIGGER Maui Teams Clean-Up Napili Bay
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BY ROMEL LIZADA – The Napili Shores, Kapalua Villas and Maui Eldorado Kā‘anapali by OUTRIGGER teams joined together for a beach cleanup at Napili Bay Beach on September 30th in honor of World Tourism Day. It was a fantastic event that engaged our community in preserving the beauty of our beaches.
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Cares for World’s Best Beach
WENDY MUNETAKE – What a weekend it was – packed with fun, teamwork, and celebration! Armed with trash bags in hand, over 60 energetic hosts hit the sand making a clean sweep of the beachfront and public access walkways, kicking the weekend off with a splash.
OUTRIGGER Kaua’i Beach Resort & Spa x Ho‘omalu Ke Kai Collect 1,000 Pounds of Marine Debris
BY ALLEGRA KANNA SCRIBNER – A huge number of KBR Hosts came out on Friday afternoon, September 29, and cleared the large area in front of the hotel, and on Saturday our Ho‘omalu Ke Kai clean-up took care of the south end of Nukoli’i. With our collective efforts, I don’t think that beach has ever been cleaner! We estimate that we collected 1,000lbs of marine debris over the weekend, including the giant ghost net that we removed from the northern part of the beach.
All of us at Ho‘omalu Ke Kai sincerely appreciate all OUTRIGGER is doing to support a healthier ocean for generations to come, We are grateful to be partnered with an organization and individuals with that kind of worldview in our community.
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa Joins Community Day & Mālama ʻĀina at Heʻeia Bay
BY VICKY AKANA – On Saturday, September 28 we joined Kamehameha Schools and the Keauhou community for Mālama Āina, a meaningful community day at Heʻeia Bay, a place rich in cultural significance and history. Our goal was to remove invasive plants that were growing over the native ʻIlima shrubs and ʻUhaloa. Throughout the day, we also learned about Heʻeia Bayʻs historical importance as the endpoint for the legendary Holua slide and a surfing spot of King Kalākaua.
One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the anchialine pool, Wai Ulaʻula, where we were lucky enough to see the native red shrimp, ʻōpae ula, in their natural habitat. This experience served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our unique ecosystems. It was a great day to give back to the community while deepening our appreciation for the land and its history. Mahalo to Kamehameha Schools and our Keauhou community for hosting this great event!
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort Leads by Example
BY NUWAN ILANGAKOON – World Cleanup Day 2024 took place on September 20, continuing its mission to unite volunteers worldwide in a massive effort to rid the planet of trash and in harmony with the mission of Caring for Our Place during OUTRIGGER Way Month. The event, which began in 2018, has seen increasing participation each year, with 19.1 million people across 211 countries and territories. World Cleanup Day harnesses the power of volunteers to clean up litter and mismanaged waste from beaches, rivers, forests, and streets. The event emphasizes cooperation and collaboration, bringing together citizens, businesses, and government agencies.
At OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, we hosted Host area and Host beach area cleaning sessions with the participation of our hosts. This was organized by the sustainability committee and the Human Resources department. These efforts show that when we come together, small actions can lead to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
On September 27, 2024, to celebrate World Tourism Day, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort held a community engagement event with Dhangethi School students. We invited them, along with their school management, to come and learn about how the resort operates. Fifteen students and five teachers participated in the event; the students are currently studying about the hospitality industry in their curriculum.
After enjoying a welcome drink and cookies, students joined presentations by HODs and Managers explaining the resort’s all-departmental operations. They were then given a detailed orientation of the resort, showcasing real-time operations in Housekeeping, Human Resources, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Sustainability Eco Center, and more. The students also had the opportunity to meet and question the local talents in the Senior Management Team. Overall, the event proved to be highly productive in supporting the development of our local community.
A buffet lunch was hosted for everyone in one of our restaurants, named “Cuisine Gallery.” The feedback on their experiences was amazing, as they enjoyed the food and great hospitality. The students gained valuable insights into how a resort operates on a daily basis, as well as the diverse nationalities of the hosts involved in ensuring smooth operations. We had a wonderful time celebrating the future of travel—one that is connected, sustainable, and full of possibilities.
OUTRIGGER Mauritius Cares for it’s Ocean
BY KHARESHMA SONOO RAJJOO – Caring for the environment and marine life, the team did a beach cleaning in front of the resort so as to provide a more pleasant experience to our guests.
OUTRIGGER Thailand Resorts Plants Mangroves, Donates Meals & More
BY SUKANYA SOMPHAN – OUTRIGGER Resorts Thailand participated in the third Quarterly Global OUTRIGGERCares Volunteer Event in a variety of ways.
OUTRIGGER Surin collaborated with the Mangrove Resources Conservation Center and local community representatives as part of a restoration project to restore the tropical mangrove forests on the coast in Phuket. Collectively more than 1,800 mangrove trees were planted at Baan Bang Rong, Paklok, Phuket on September 26, where more than 60 volunteers joined the event.
The resort’s next activity took place in collaboration with Scholars of Sustenance (“SOS”) Foundation through the “Rescue Kitchen Program” by distributing meal boxes to help the underprivileged living in the wider Phuket area on September 27. In total 1,000 meals were donated to support SOS, a registered non-profit organization formed in 2016 whose aim is to tackle the food waste and hunger. The organization collects good quality surplus food from restaurants, hotels, retailers, and food manufacturers, distributing it to different vulnerable communities in need.
Phuket is a large tourist destination and it creates a lot of food waste. This is because the tourism industry needs to focus on providing excellent service to tourists. SOS Foundation is an organization that was created to help solve problems in this industry, both environmentally and by using excess food to benefit the community.
OUTRIGGER Khao Lak organized the Educational Tourism & Rural Development activity by encourage our host and students from Ban Don Bosco to experience visual education in Takuapa Old Town on September 27. Highlights of the activities are to introduce and teach the cooking techniques of traditional dessert called “Tao Sor”, then organize the “Batik” making class, highlighting Takuapa’s traditional art linen in Takuapa Old Town.
OUTRIGGER Koh Samui encouraged hosts to join in a multi-cultural celebration of World Tourism Day as well, and various teams got together to celebrate their national dishes, culture, national dress and language.
Waikīkī Hosts Make More than 2,000 Genki Balls, Top 10,000 Total
BY PILA HANSON – On Friday, Sept. 27, OUTRIGGER Resort hosts partnered with the Genki Ala Wai Project to make more than 2,000 Genki Balls at Waikiki Beach Walk. The Genki Balls are made of microorganisms that eliminate the sludge that forms from organic debris, trash and pollutants. The OUTRIGGER team has now made more than 10,000 Genki Balls for the The Genki Ala Wai Project, which aims to make O‘ahu’s Ala Wai Canal fishable and swimmable by 2027. A HUGE mahalo to all hosts who took part to set-up, make and deliver the Genki Balls and helping us hit 10,000 Genki Balls to date! Next Up: Toss the Genki Balls that were made into the Ala Wai, all are welcome to join!
Click, HERE, to read this article in Destination Think about the positive impact the project is having on the Ala Wai.
CARING FOR OUR GUESTS
OUTRIGGER properties host a series of unique and memorable receptions to honor its guests. These events go beyond a warm welcome—offering thoughtful touches such as complimentary services, locally inspired treats, or personalized amenities. From tropical refreshments to curated cultural experiences, each property celebrates its guests by making them feel truly valued and appreciated, ensuring that their visit is as unforgettable as the destination itself.
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort Cares for Guests with Manager’s Reception
WENDY MUNETAKE – The grand finale of The OUTRIGGER Way weekend was a Manager’s Reception on Sunday evening with our guests at the heart of the celebration. A big shout out to our F&B Rockstars who kept the fun vibes flowing with cocktails and ono appetizers that had everyone coming back for more. A big mahalo to the Kawenaokeao team for bringing an extra spark to the evening. Their beautiful mele and hula set the perfect stage for a tropical evening in paradise – showcasing true professionalism and remarkable talent.
The evening wrapped up with guests joining in on a hula and our OKB staff gathering to sing “E Mālamalama Mai,” celebrating The OUTRIGGER Way and the heart of who we are…taking care of our hosts, our place, and our guests. Mahalo to everyone who helped to make this weekend one to remember. Let’s keep the spirit of The OUTRIGGER Way alive in all that we do!
OUTRIGGER Thailand Resorts Care for Guests with Good Food & Good Times
BY SUKANYA SOMPHAN – Our Thailand teams and guests celebrated OUTRIGGER Way Day with events on the 29th & 30th of September.
Our Surin team started the event with a guest and host fun OUTRIGGER quiz whilst enjoying homemade waffles, DIY poke bowl, fresh coconuts, delicious cake and the new signature OUTRIGGER cocktail – Barefoot bliss at The Loft.
In Khao Lak, our team celebrated the event with Hawaiian dance performance. Hosts enjoyed homemade coconut waffles, delicious finger foods and tropical fruits. Our guests enjoyed a lively and fun Founders Day event in Mala kitchen featuring a Hawaiian dance performance, live waffle station, Barefoot cocktails and canapés.
While in Koh Samui the celebration for our hosts and our guests started with an OUTRIGGER history quiz with fabulous prizes for the winners. The highlight of the day was delicious spread of freshly cooked waffles, sushi, celebration cake and barefoot cocktails featuring our new signature OUTRIGGER cocktail.
OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort Leadership Team “Talks Story” with Guests
OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Paradise Hotel Shares Chips, Cupcakes and Pog with Guests
BY KATHERINE ALLEN – On OUTRIGGER Way Day the management team made their way around the lobby, offering light refreshments of POG juice and Hawaiian chips while celebrating 77 fantastic years with OUTRIGGER. Hosts were thrilled with tasty cupcakes and had a great time taking cute photos!
Finally, We Share “The OUTRIGGER Way” Lei
BY PILA HANSON – Mahalo to everyone who submitted their OUTRIGGER Way flower! The OUTRIGGER Way Lei is located on the board outside of HR at OEH so please come by and read everyone’s thoughts on what The OUTRIGGER Way means to them.
