RELEASE NUMBER 23|21
‘Love & Aloha: Surfing in Waikīkī’ display at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Carly Clement, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort general manager, Kumu Blaine Kia and Sean Dee, Outrigger Hospitality Group EVP and chief commercial officer
HONOLULU – As a tribute to the birthplace of surfing and in celebration of the brand’s continued commitment to preserving modern surf culture, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort unveiled a new art experience by Bishop Museum designer, Michael Wilson, entitled “Love & Aloha: Surfing in Waikīkī.” The immersive display entwines the rich history of Waikīkī’s past with the future of surfing by featuring traditional stories, iconic figures within the surfing community, the evolution of the surfboard and more for guests to explore. The collection was unveiled today in honor of Hawaiian icon, legendary athlete, Olympian and ambassador of surf and aloha, Duke Kahanamoku – who would have been 131 on this day. His birthday – Aug. 24 – is now affectionately coined “Duke’s Day.”
The art experience has found the perfect home at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, as the beachfront property serves as a vessel to promote and preserve the surf heritage of Hawai‘i. The resort, located in the heart of Waikīkī, was the original home of Outrigger Canoe Club – where Duke was a member and surfed the world-famous Waikīkī waves. Duke’s legacy lives on year-round at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort through its flagship restaurant, Duke’s Waikiki.
The expansive art experience strategically bridges the gap between old and new, spanning surf’s history with a hand-carved wooden kīkoʻo-style board made by legendary shaper Tom “Pōhaku” Stone to the modern foam Moniz Family surfboard. “Love & Aloha: Surfing in Waikīkī” also includes a slideshow with compelling imagery of Hawai‘i’s surfing icons, archives of Waikīkī Beach through the years, legendary surfing scenes and soundbites from Outrigger’s very own Surfers in Residence program.
Supporting Surf Beyond the Waves
“As a brand, Outrigger holds the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku close to our heart,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and chief executive officer for Outrigger. “It is a privilege for us to be able to share Hawai‘i’s rich culture and heritage with our guests with this expansive art experience, helping to keep Duke’s love of surfing alive on these shores for years to come. We hope ‘Love & Aloha: Surfing in Waikīkī’ inspires a new generation of surfers and enthusiasts alike.”
Outrigger celebrates the sport of surfing in a variety of ways. Helping to perpetuate Duke’s legacy, Outrigger has been the host hospitality partner for Duke’s OceanFest, Waikīkī’s annual premier ocean sports festival, since its inception 20 years ago. While the formal competitions of Duke’s OceanFest have been canceled this year due to the pandemic, the organization continues to champion Duke’s contributions to the sport in meaningful ways.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is a proud sponsor of the Hawai‘i Waterman Hall of Fame, which will induct U.S. Olympian Carissa Moore this fall and was also a location contributor to the new ‘WATERMAN’ documentary about Duke that will debut later this year.
This past month, Outrigger unveiled Eduardo Bolioli’s ‘Golden Dreams’ art installation where Duke is portrayed by Bolioli as the initiator of the Olympic surfing dream. Duke is depicted alongside boards symbolizing the four 2021 USA Surf Team members, including Hawai‘i’s gold medalist, Carissa Moore. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is also home to the Surfers in Residence platform in partnership with Faith Surf School, which invites professional surfers and/or watermen and their families to be “in residence” and share their personal journeys in the ocean and beyond with guests.
In honor of “Duke’s Day,” guests are invited to stay and play at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort with the Duke’s Package – which includes every fourth-night free, daily breakfast or lunch buffet for two at Duke’s Waikiki or Hula Grill along with a free Hula Pie with purchase of entrée and 15 percent off Duke’s Waikiki retail shop. It also includes a buy one, get the second at 50-percent off for a SUP 30-minute intro and 1.5 hours of rental at Faith Surf School; additionally, a portion of the proceeds will go to Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. Consumers may use promo code DUKES at outrigger.com to book a stay.
The likeness and image of Duke Kahanamoku are property rights owned by Malama Pono Inc. and are used under permission. DUKE KAHANAMOKU® is a registered trademark of Malama Pono Inc.
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