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Outrigger Delivers Aloha to Japan’s Largest Hawaiian Festival

Posted by Kathy Foley

Category: Hawaii

6/14/2018

RELEASE NUMBER 46|18

Photo: Outrigger’s “Ambassador of Aloha” Luana Maitland introduces the crowd favorite, Manoa DNA – a frequent performer at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s Kani Ka Pila Grille

 HONOLULU, HAWAII – Outrigger Hotels and Resorts took to the streets of Tokyo this month as a hospitality sponsor of Aloha Tokyo 2018 – the largest Hawaiian Festival in Japan, in Ebisu Garden Place. Other major sponsors include Hawaiian Airlines and HIS.

According to Hawaii Tourism Authority, Japan is Hawaii’s largest international market – in 2017, more than 1.5 million visitors from Japan travelled to the Hawaiian Islands. This festival, now in its 16th year, helps to perpetuate this love for Hawaii. The event saw 170,000 attendees over three exciting days of Hawaiian-inspired food stalls, vendor booths, crafts and three stages – all kicking off Japan’s summer with a taste of Hawaii.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts was pleased to introduce craft beer from Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger’s Maui Brewing Co. and to present Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Kani Ka Pila Grille regulars, Manoa DNA, to Japan as the main attraction in the Outrigger Resorts Presents Love Hawaiian Music live stage. Miss Aloha Hula 2012 Lilinoe Sterling, Kapalai`ula de Silva and Kumu Mapuana de Silva, collaborated – bringing Hawaii’s music and dance to the forefront.

Outrigger also hosted an Aloha Program where attendees made fresh orchid lei and kukui nut necklaces, taking photos and posting Outrigger Resorts’ “Signature Experience” on social media.

“Our signature ‘cultural’ experiences draw young and old as participants learn Hawaiian culture with their own hands,” said Luana Maitland, Outrigger’s director of cultural events and activities.

Hawaiian illustrator Aya Terasaki painted on the spot with many attracted to her imagery of Waikiki Beach. Her original pouch bag was canvas for an Outrigger coloring contest with the winner receiving a room voucher or Outrigger logo items.

Along with Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ), Outrigger distributed “Support Big Island Campaign” flyers providing information on Kilauea’s volcanic activity.

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