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Outrigger Resorts toasts its 68-year history with worldwide Founders Day celebration

RELEASE NUMBER 91/15

Roy and Estelle Kelley
Roy and Estelle Kelley

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, OAHU – Sept. 29, 2015, marks the 68th anniversary of when Outrigger Hotels and Resorts founders, Roy and Estelle Kelley, opened their first hotel in Waikiki in 1947. At the time, the five-story, 50-room Islander Hotel on Seaside Avenue was the first new hotel to be built in Waikiki since the construction of the Royal Hawaiian hotel 20 years earlier.

From the beginning, Roy and Estelle’s vision was to “share the spirit of aloha” with every guest. Today, that vision has blossomed into a global portfolio of 40 properties in the most iconic tropical destinations throughout Hawaii, Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean.

On Sept. 29, Outrigger Resorts guests will be invited to raise a glass to Roy and Estelle’s legacy of Aloha at Manager’s Receptions being held at each resort, pick up a limited edition vintage T-shirt, enjoy special discounted room rates, participate in a fun social media contest, and more.

“When my grandparents founded the company back in 1947, they instilled several core values like providing guests with distinctive hospitality and value, and treating every employee like ohana, or family. I know they would be proud to know that these values are still at the heart of everything we do,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate communications at Outrigger Enterprises Group. “In honor of Roy and Estelle, we invite all guests of Outrigger Resorts to take part in the host of activities we have in store.”

Outrigger Reef women's T-shirt
Outrigger Reef T-shirt
Outrigger Waikiki men's T-shirt
Outrigger Waikiki T-shirt

Vintage T-shirt launch

To observe Outrigger Resorts’ Founders Day, two limited edition vintage T-shirts have been created to commemorate the company’s two iconic Waikiki beachfront properties – the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Everyone can purchase a piece of Outrigger history by visiting www.MalibuShirts.com or in Hawaii, stopping by the Malibu Shirts stores at Waikiki Beach Walk® and the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

Manager’s Reception

As the sun crosses the six time zones where the nine Outrigger Resorts are located, each property will host a Manager’s Reception on Sept. 29 in honor of Roy and Estelle. A celebratory cake and complimentary refreshments will be served, and guests can look forward to prize drawings and photo opportunities with cutouts of Roy and Estelle.

Social media and Instagram photo contest

In the days leading up to Founders Day, each Outrigger Resorts property will share photos on their Facebook pages that capture the essence of hospitality. Followers can also take a trip down memory lane with archival images and historic facts about Outrigger’s history that will be uploaded to Outrigger Resorts’ main social media accounts.

On Founders Day, Sept. 29, an Instagram contest will be held at each of the nine Outrigger Resorts properties. Guests will be encouraged to post photos of their stay to Instagram using the hashtag #OutriggerFoundersDay. The guest that receives the most engagement on the submitted photo will receive a special surprise prize during their visit.

Special room rates

What would a Founders Day celebration be without some special savings? Founders Day rates will be available online starting Sept. 29 for stays booked between Sept. 29 and Oct. 27, 2015. Visitors are invited to visit outrigger.com beginning Sept. 29 to take advantage of the special savings.

The company will also show its appreciation to travel agents and invites them to experience Outrigger Resorts’ signature hospitality with highly discounted room rates for reservations booked between now and Oct. 31, 2015, for stays through Nov. 30, 2015. Participating properties include Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, OHANA Hotels and Resorts, and Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger on Maui. Outrigger is also offering double rewards points for travel agents who sign up to become Outrigger Expert Agents now through Oct. 12, 2015. For more information or to make a reservation, travel agents can call 1-855-707-2582 or visit outriggeragent.com.

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