The top-to-bottom enhancements at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort earned it the title of Best New Resort/Major Renovation in Hawai‘i at the TravelAge West 2021 WAVE (Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence) Awards Ceremony held Oct. 7 in Marina del Rey, CA.
The beach resort brand proudly accepted the accolade for the $80-million investment which transformed the flagship resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat rooted in Hawaiian music and culture. Property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage—the home of Hawaiian music.
“When we started designing the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort with award-winning design firm, Hart Howerton, our inspiration was to create an artful and contemporary resort bathed in barefoot luxury and authentic to the Hawaiian culture,” said Markus Krebs, general manager, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. “As we started planning out design features, we knew it was important to highlight our historic connection to authentic Polynesian culture while promoting a feeling of wellness and relaxation with the spirit of Aloha.”
Expansive resort grounds include three distinct accommodations: the Ocean Tower, the Pacific Tower and the Diamond Head Tower—a five-story oceanfront building that will be converted into 23 brand-new, spacious rooms/deluxe suites, including a lavish Diamond Head Ocean Penthouse, raising the key count to 658. The exclusive Navigator Floor includes five bedrooms that can sleep up to 18 people, totaling 3,750 sq. ft. plus the largest private lānai in Waikīkī at 4,000 sq. ft. A strategic footpath called the ‘Ae Kai, runs the length of the resort and connects the property elements in harmonious balance.
“The Reef is one of the earliest mid-century hotels built along Honolulu’s iconic Waikīkī Beach, and we wanted to honor that history through our design,” Krebs said. “Throughout the property, guests have the ability to see a seamless transition from timeless local history to newer, more modern elements. The resort’s location is renowned as a place of healing and is one of only seven true beachfront properties on Waikīkī Beach, making it the perfect luxury escape for anyone looking to experience a truly authentic Hawaiian vacation.”
The resort design was led by Hart Howerton, an award-winning firm of architects and designers renowned for thoughtful and innovative work.
“As a firm, we fully understand that design must connect travelers with not just a destination, but an entire brand, as they embark on new travel journeys,” said David Rau, partner, Hart Howerton. “Every hotel has a story to tell and connecting travelers with Outrigger’s history was key when developing design elements. From the brand’s longstanding history of honoring surf culture to its partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, we infused the old and the new to create a cohesive, sophisticated design. As you walk through the resort, you can see the early modern high-rise design elements that truly make the resort one-of-a-kind.”
With input from esteemed Hawaiian cultural practitioners, the architects merged the unique splendor of Hawai‘i’s past with today’s contemporary comforts. From the canoe-hale arrival experience lit by traditional fishing-basket lanterns to the artfully appointed accommodations, the resort design emulates an elegant Hawai‘i beach house, warmly welcoming guests home.
“Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures were an influence and inspiration to our design, as we looked for a way to allow travelers and guests to connect with the unique culture of the place. To create the most genuine design, we worked with Hawaiian elders to ensure we properly captured the authentic heritage of iconic Waikīkī Beach. As the resort’s architect, landscape architect and interior designer, we found the location and culture truly inspiring which made this such a rewarding experience,” Rau said.
The common thread throughout the resort is the historic connection to voyaging and navigation, Krebs said, which is strengthened by Outrigger’s long-time partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
“This union plays a prominent role on property as we continue to honor our local legacy,” Krebs said, adding that the 18th floor in the Pacific Tower is known as The Navigator Floor—with each of the luxury suites named in honor of its Pwo Navigators.
“As you walk through the property, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our story by stopping at the cultural center, which celebrates our heritage through digital displays and unique, hand-crafted artwork,” Krebs said.
Art was equally important to Rau in the design and layout of the property. “For us, it was clear—local artwork was a fundamental element to tell the story of Hawaiian and Polynesian wayfinding throughout the property,” Rau said. “Upon arrival, guests encounter an original 30-ft. mural of the Hōkūle‘a painted by Polynesian Voyaging Society co-founder Herb Kāne.”
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman will be the resort’s anchor restaurant in a 12,000 sq.-ft. beachfront space, which is anticipated to be finished by the second quarter of 2022. With celebrated Chef Peter Merriman at the helm, the handcrafted restaurant is poised to deliver a world-class experience at the premier beachfront location. Monkeypod Kitchen is a modern, casual, chef-driven concept founded on a passion for the art of craft. Each item on the menu demonstrates a commitment to high-quality local fare, creative preparations and impeccable execution.
