OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels announced the acquisition of Kauai Beach Resort & Spa. Located in Lihue on the island of Kauai, the resort runs across 25 acres of beachfront property with 350 guestrooms. The acquisition marks a step in OUTRIGGER’s expansion strategy.
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa was managed by OUTRIGGER in the 1990s. With this acquisition, OUTRIGGER welcomes the property back into its fold, with plans to grow the resort and provide an experience for both its employees and guests.
The transition was marked by a 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 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.
Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group, said, “OUTRIGGER feels the heartache of the Maui fires deeply; last week, many of our employees lost their homes and loved ones. 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 Hawai‘i 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 said, “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… that I want to make sure we sustain and perpetuate for many generations.”
