RELEASE NUMBER 14 | 25
Hawai‘i Artists and Original Artwork Usher in a “New Era” for the Legendary Resort
Download high-resolution images with artist Mike Field HERE
KONA, HAWAI‘I – OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is ushering in a new era of cultural storytelling through a carefully curated collection of Hawai‘i-inspired artwork, seamlessly interwoven throughout the property. As part of its $60 million revitalization, the resort is elevating its deep-rooted connection to Keauhou Bay by celebrating the works of renowned local artists whose pieces encapsulate the beauty, history and spirit of the island. This infusion of art and culture enhances the guest experience, transforming the resort into a living gallery where history and modernity converge.
“Art has the power to connect people to a place, and through my work at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, I hope to share the spirit of Hawai‘i—its oceans, its land and its stories. The Voyager 47 Club Lounge provided a beautiful canvas to showcase Polynesian life in a way that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s an honor to contribute to a property that celebrates local artists and prioritizes cultural storytelling, ensuring that every guest can experience the essence of Keauhou Bay through art,” said Mike Field (V47 artwork pictured above and with him, left).
The property’s thoughtful redesign was guided by the principle of “kōī au,” symbolizing a flowing current and eloquence. This concept is reflected in the property’s display of iconic works by beloved artists, each contributing pieces that celebrate Hawai‘i’s unique beauty, including:
Mike Field: A celebrated Hawai‘i Island artist and waterman, Field’s signature flat-style, Polynesian-inspired imagery brings vibrant energy to the newly reimagined Voyager 47 Club Lounge. His artwork, which celebrates ocean life and island flora, extends across the property—including the custom-designed Raw Elements reef-safe sunscreen stations, reinforcing OUTRIGGER’s commitment to sustainability and cultural storytelling.
Sig + Kuhao Zane: The iconic designs of Hilo-based artists Sig and Kuhao Zane pay homage to Hawai‘i’s abundant natural beauty. Their custom artwork, featuring breadfruit leaves and native fish, is prominently displayed in the corridor that leads to the 10,000-square-foot Kaleiopapa Convention Center.
Tom Van Sant: The late artist’s Hawaiian Visions, a series of commanding sculptured concrete murals created in 1971, graces several walls of the resort, symbolizing Hawai‘i’s enduring cultural legacy. Design elements throughout the property incorporate oceanic and wave motifs, seamlessly tying together the natural beauty of Keauhou Bay.
Matson Cruiseline Originals: Nestled in the heart of the resort, PIKO restaurant is a symbolic “piko”—the sacred center of life in Hawaiian culture. This open-air gathering space is adorned with original artwork from historic Matson ocean liners (1920–1960s), transporting guests to the golden age of ocean travel and Hawai‘i’s emergence as a world-class destination. These nostalgic pieces blend seamlessly with the modern vibrancy of the resort.
The Estria Foundation and Kumu Keala Ching: In October 2014, Kumu Keala Ching, an esteemed Hawaiian cultural educator and composer, alongside local elders (kūpuna), cultural practitioners and community organizations bridged all of the West Hawai‘i district schools of Ke Kula‘o ‘Ehunuikaimalino, Kanu o ka ‘Āina, Konawaena High School and Kealakehe High School together through Mele Murals Project workshops and grounding sessions to develop “Eō mai e Keōpūolani,” the artwork (pictured above). It was inspired by Kumu Ching’s chant, paying homage to the lore of Keauhou and its royal heritage. The ‘ahu ‘ula (feather capes) are symbolic of royal social status, power, honor and celebrate the Ali‘i. A notable feature of this artwork is the depiction of Kāneaka, The Royal Hōlua slide, culminating in an area known as He‘eia Bay. This location holds immense significance in the local culture, particularly in the context of hula, adding another layer of depth to the mural’s meaning.
Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides: Kristie’s art appears in the lobby as well as in the Royal Huaka‘i Suite. A fourth-generation Japanese American born in Hilo, Hawaii. Inspired by fleeting moments of life and nature, her work captures an energy that is both serene and powerful and is often composed at a grand scale.
Pōhaku Stone’s Papahōlua: The papahōlua, a traditional Hawaiian sled, is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship created by Tom Pōhaku Stone. Carved from native hardwoods, the sled was bound together using olonā or coconut fiber lashings. Weighing close to 60 lbs or more, sleds like this were originally used for transporting heavy objects but later became central to heʻehōlua, an ancient Hawaiian sport where competitors raced down steep slopes reaching speeds of 50–80 mph on courses of lava rock, grass, or dirt. Notable hōlua slides, like the one at Keauhou that rises from the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, still exist today.
Alapi‘i Canoe: Alapi‘i holds a special place in the hearts of Keauhou’s residents as it once belonged to the fishing village’s ancestors who relied on it for sustenance, primarily fishing for opelu to feed their families. The Waʻa’s presence in the lobby symbolizes the connection between the people of Keauhou, their culture and the sea.
Wayne Levin: Wayne’s photography appears in the Royal Huaka‘i Suite. Born in Los Angeles in 1945, Wayne Levin, a social activist worked in the U.S. Navy off the coast of Vietnam in the 1960s. He worked with environmentalist and renowned Hawai’i photographer Robert Wenkham in the 1970s, sailed through the Pacific to Australia, shot surfers underwater in the 1980s, did a solo world tour, and eventually turned from a young street photographer to an expert underwater photographer.
Bryan Da Silva: The Keauhou-Kona, ‘Ahupua’a hand-painted original by Bryan DaSilva depicts what Keauhou may have looked like before Western contact. The artist, Bryan Da Silva, collaborated with kūpuna to recreate the historical scene and identify OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa’s sense of place. Bryan grew up on O‘ahu and relocated to Hawai‘i Island in 1989.
“At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, we are committed to creating experiences that foster a deep and lasting connection to Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage,” said Nani Kupihe, director of cultural experiences. “From one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Native Hawaiian art to immersive activities rooted in the traditions of Keauhou Bay, we invite guests to engage with the stories that shape our islands. These moments of discovery are not only central to the guest experience, but also vital to preserving and perpetuating our legacy.”
Beyond visual storytelling, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is a family-friendly resort that offers immersive cultural experiences which bring the island’s history to life. Guests can participate in cultural tours, lei-making workshops and the award-winning Feast & Fire Lū‘au, held Monday and Thursday evenings, which narrates the legends of Keauhou through song and dance. To book an unforgettable Hawai‘i Island getaway, visit the link HERE. More information about the resort’s amenities, exclusive GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program offers, member benefits and upgraded rooms such as the Royal Huaka‘i Presidential Suite can also be found on the property’s website.
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