Outrigger Reef Adds New Pool Deck, Shops, Cultural Display

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. December 01, 2008

HONOLULU, HI, December 1, 2008. A new pool deck and a 22-foot canoe paddle are among the latest enhancements at Waikiki's Outrigger Reef on the Beach as it approaches completion of $110 million in improvements to its guestrooms and public areas.

Along with the re-opening of its swimming pool and sun deck, the beachfront hotel is welcoming several new additions to its growing number of 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 featuring such high-quality brands Tommy Bahama, OluKai, Tori Richard and Nic & Zoe; and Little Glass Shack, a sunglass specialty store.

One of the most striking additions is a new cultural display showcasing a 22-foot steering paddle from the Hawai`iloa voyaging canoe. Originally built in the early 1990s to revive and perpetuate 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, modern amenities and ocean views. The pool was stripped down and retiled with a beautiful new look. The porte cochere and entryway are notable for their distinctive Polynesian longhouse design and century-old canoe display. An upgraded fitness center, curated artifact display, island artworks, and enhanced guest services are among the many changes.

All new guest rooms have 32" flat-panel LCD televisions, stunning undersea photography, full-sized tubs, spacious new vanity with lighted cosmetic mirror and made-in-Hawaii bath amenities. Every guest also gets the hotel's Fee Free Escape: free direct-dial calls to the U.S. Mainland and Canada; free high speed web access in all guest rooms, meeting rooms and lobby areas; free local phone calls; free inter-island telephone calls; free "1-800" 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 mouth-watering pupus (hors d'oeuvres), tropical drinks, and live music nightly by Hawaii's hottest musicians.