Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has completed its acquisition of Kauai Beach Resort & Spa. Located in the picturesque town of Lihue on the island of Kauai, the resort is spread across 25 acres of beachfront property and features 350 guestrooms that offer ocean views.
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa holds a special place in Outrigger’s history, having been managed by the company in the 1990s. Outrigger plans to enhance the resort.
The transition was marked by a traditional Hawaiian Blessing led by Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia, who started his career with Outrigger 25 years earlier at this resort. The ceremony included a “mele kāhea” chant, which asked permission for Outrigger to return to this special place; it was reciprocated by a “mele komo” chant of acceptance and invitation. A moment of silence was also observed for the sister island of Maui, where wildfires recently devastated the town of Lahaina.
“Outrigger feels the heartache of the Maui fires deeply; last week, many of our employees lost their homes and loved ones,” said Jeff Wagoner, president/CEO, Outrigger Hospitality Group. “But in times of sorrow, there is a certain healing in embracing new beginnings and being intentional to lift people up. Today’s tying of the maile lei was about bringing people together, not only here, but across Hawaii and across the world. It is an important symbol for us to be able to link ourselves together and move on into the future.”
Kumu Blaine Kia shared, “It’s that unity of coming together—like no like, kekahi i kekahi—one with each other, and trying to make sure that we raise our consciousness in the aloha spirit. I feel strongly, without a doubt, that Outrigger Resorts & Hotels carries that spirit.”
