RELEASE NUMBER 36 | 25
HONOLULU – OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels marked World Ocean Month 2025 with a powerful wave of conservation initiatives across its global portfolio – engaging more than 2,000 hosts, guests, students and community members in 47 hands-on events across five countries from Hawai‘i to Mauritius this June.
The unified commitment to ocean health included the production of 2,280 Genki Balls for the Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu, the planting of over 14,000 mangroves and native coastal plants to restore vital shorelines in Fiji and Thailand, the removal of hundreds of pounds of marine debris from beaches & lagoons and the installation of a landmark Sculptural Coral Gene Bank at Castaway Island, Fiji – a first for OUTRIGGER and a major advancement in coral reef restoration.
From coral planting and the release of 650,000 baby crabs as part of marine repopulation efforts to cultural voyages and environmental art and education, OUTRIGGER’s World Ocean Month programming reflected its deep-rooted commitment to regenerative tourism and the principles of its global OUTRIGGER Zone initiative.
Here’s a look at some of the initiatives held at OUTRIGGER properties across the globe…
Castaway Island, Fiji
OUTRIGGER partnered with non-profit organization Counting Coral to launch a transformative coral restoration initiative at Castaway Island, Fiji. At its heart is the installation of a visually striking Sculptural Coral Gene Bank – the third of its kind in Fiji and a first for OUTRIGGER.
The large-scale marine-grade sculpture, which began installation in May in the waters off Castaway Island, Fiji, is designed to support the long-term regeneration of coral reefs and educate guests about the importance of reef conservation. The initiative is the continuation of OUTRIGGER’s long-term commitment to restoring and protecting the fragile reef ecosystems surrounding its Fijian resorts.
The coral gene bank, designed over six months in California and built using marine-grade stainless steel, will house more than 500 parent corals, carefully selected for their genetic resilience. These corals will act as a living seed bank, enabling scientists to monitor, protect and propagate diverse coral species vital to reef recovery.
Installation includes two key phases:
- Phase One (Completed May/June): Structural anchoring of the sculpture, coral selection, surveying and transplantation of resilient coral species.
- Phase Two (2026): Introduction of smaller nursery structures, where coral fragments from the original parent stock will be cultivated and transplanted onto the reef – creating a sustainable cycle of reef restoration.
The coral restoration process is designed to be highly visible and accessible, offering resort guests the unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From snorkeling excursions to educational materials, guests will be able to engage with the initiative firsthand, strengthening the connection between tourism and environmental stewardship.
“This partnership with Counting Coral marks a major milestone in our OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative and our mission to protect the environment through responsible tourism,” said Ben Johnson, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Fiji Islands at OUTRIGGER Resorts and Hotels. “The Sculptural Coral Gene Bank is more than an installation, it’s a living symbol of our commitment to reef protection through innovation, education and guest engagement.”
“Coral reefs are not only the lifeblood of Fiji’s marine ecosystems but also central to the local economy,” said Brooke True, Executive Director of Counting Coral. “By joining forces with OUTRIGGER and Castaway Island, Fiji we’re creating a one-of-a-kind restoration site that blends science and sculpture to inspire guests and protect coral ecosystems for the long term.”
In addition to the sculptural coral gene bank, Castaway Island marked World Ocean Month with an inspiring lineup of activities dedicated to protecting and restoring marine ecosystems including beach cleanups, the removal of crown-of-thorns starfish, an invasive species that threatens coral reefs, and workshops to build fish houses that offer sustainable shelters for aquatic creatures.
OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort
OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort hosted three impactful initiatives focused on environmental restoration and youth engagement, one at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, one at Sunset Strip and another in partnership with UNA Fiji at Korotogo Village.
On June 20, a team of OUTRIGGER hosts visited the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park to take part in a vital environmental restoration project. Working alongside park rangers, the group planted Vetiver and Pandanus plants and constructed two traditional teepees made from driftwood and natural materials found within the park.
The Vetiver plants were placed along the walking trails most frequently used by rangers and guests. Known for their deep root systems, these grasses are highly effective in preventing soil erosion, especially crucial in the sandy, sloped environment of the dunes. Their presence helps stabilize the terrain, ensuring safer and more sustainable access to the park’s nurseries and monitoring zones.
Meanwhile, the Pandanus plants were positioned strategically to act as natural firebreaks. In the event of a bushfire, these hardy plants can help slow the spread of flames, safeguarding the park’s native vegetation and visitor pathways.
To further support the dune ecosystem, the team built two teepee structures using driftwood and other natural materials. These cone-shaped shelters serve a dual purpose: they act as wave breaks to minimize sand erosion from coastal winds and tides, and they provide protected spaces for sand accumulation and vegetation regrowth, ultimately helping stabilize the dunes.
By the end of the day, the team had planted 27 Vetiver plants, 52 Pandanus plants and completed two teepee structures. More than just a restoration effort, the day was a celebration of environmental stewardship, offering participants a deeper appreciation of the park’s natural beauty and the crucial role conservation plays in protecting Fiji’s fragile coastal landscapes.
Then on June 28, OUTRIGGER Fiji deepened its ongoing partnership with the United Nations Association of Fiji through a large-scale community impact project in Korotogo Village. Alongside volunteers and sponsors, the team planted more than 12,600 mangrove seedlings, a continuation of a successful three-year collaboration that has already seen more than 20,000 mangroves planted in the area.
This initiative supports the health of Fiji’s coastal ecosystems and fosters education and youth empowerment. In addition to the planting event, OUTRIGGER Fiji hosted UNA Fiji’s Youth Leader workshop on-site, where secondary school students gathered for a day of learning, discussion and leadership development. The sessions encouraged young participants to explore how they can take action within their communities to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices.
Earlier in the month, on June 11, OUTRIGGER Fiji held a successful beach clean-up along Sunset Strip. The event brought together a strong coalition of community and environmental advocates, including hosts and managers, Sigatoka Sand Dunes Park Rangers, the Sigatoka Town Council and local residents of Sunset Strip. Together, participants collected an impressive 323.5 kilograms (712lbs) of rubbish from the beach. The waste was carefully sorted and weighed into three categories:
- 79 kg of PET and glass bottles
- 65.5 kg of aluminum cans, tin cans, and milk/juice cartons
- 179 kg of general waste
To conclude the event, Environment Officer Maryanne Shaw presented each participant with a reusable bin bag, generously donated by Tourism Fiji, as a token of appreciation and a call to action. The gesture encouraged everyone to continue the practice of proper waste disposal and community beach clean-ups beyond the event.
OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort & Hawai’i Vacation Condos – Maui
On Saturday, May 31, OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort kicked off World Ocean Month by supporting an inspiring Limu Restoration event in partnership with Maui Ocean Center, Waiheʻe Limu Restoration and Waimānalo Limu Hui.
Approximately 150 participants from the community gathered to take part in this cultural and environmental effort. The day was filled with intention and aloha as community members created lei limu using two native limu varieties – limu palahalaha and limu kala. Each lei was carefully wrapped around a pōhaku (stone) to be returned to the ocean with purpose.
The restoration began with a pule (prayer) offered by the Waimānalo Limu Hui, planting intentions of growth. Participants then formed a line leading into the waters, passing the pōhaku down, where divers at the end of the line planted them into the seabed.
Hosts from OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort, Napili Shores, Palms at Wailea, Maui Eldorado and OUTRIGGER Ka`anapali Beach Resort also rallied to help restore the beloved shoreline of Puʻunoa Beach, a place in need of healing since the devastating wildfires of 2023.
On June 17, cultural specialist Anela Benson from Kawenaokeao Cultural Center joined guests aboard the Teralani IV Catamaran for a meaningful ocean voyage. A mix of malihini (visitors) and kamaʻāina (residents) set sail through the calm Pailolo Channel, circling past Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and back toward Puʻu Kekaʻa.
Anela shared powerful stories rooted in kuleana, our responsibility to care for the land and sea. She spoke of akua and their kinolau, the wisdom of our ancestors and the deep ties between forest, freshwater and ocean health. Her reflections honored both ancient navigators and today’s caretakers, like those protecting Puʻu Kukui Watershed. Together, guests embraced the idea that through Aloha ʻĀina, we can restore balance to our planet. As the tour came to a close, Anela left them with a lasting ʻōlelo noʻeau: “I ola ʻoe, i ola kākou nei.” – If you live, we all live; if you thrive, we all thrive. The tour also raised $1,000 in support of the Puʻu Kukui Watershed.
On June 18, OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort hosts volunteered with the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Restoration Project to help protect 9,000 acres of vital watershed that provides 70% of Maui’s freshwater. As part of this ongoing collaboration, OUTRIGGER hosts participate in monthly volunteer days focused on native tree planting, erosion control and invasive species removal to preserve the island’s native biodiversity and water resources. Efforts include gathering ʻaʻaliʻi seeds, planting koa saplings and observing the land to guide future restoration work such as rehabilitating the historic ala loa (King’s Trail).
OUTRIGGER Kaua’i Beach Resort & Spa
During World Ocean Month OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa held three impactful beach clean-ups at Nukoli’i Beach in partnership with Ho‘omalu Ke Kai, a Kaua‘i-based nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation and restoration. The first was June 8, when OUTRIGGER hosted its second annual World Ocean Day Festival that brought together resort hosts, guests and members of the local community for a day of education and action as participants rolled up their sleeves to remove debris and microplastics.
A special highlight of the event was the presence of Tim Leichliter, the President and Director of Operations for Ho‘omalu Ke Kai, who led an educational session on the impact of microplastics. Two more clean-ups were held on June 21 and June 27 and over 1,000lbs of microplastics and marine debris were collected during the month. Students from the Kauai High School Key Clubs took part in the initiatives.
OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i also hosted two marine debris art workshops in June with Allegra Kanna Scribner of ‘Ōpala Art, who helped guests transform ocean-found materials into artwork. The property also provides beach clean-up kits for guest and public use along with a waste diversion station for marine debris found along the beach. Marine debris collected from the station is taken off-site to Hoʻomalu Ke Kaiʻs upcycling facility to be upcycled into building material and artwork, a project funded by County of Kauaʻi.
OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, Thailand
On Saturday, June 28 the OUTRIGGER Khao Lak team joined forces with the Mangrove Resource Conservation Center as 40 dedicated hosts helped plant 1,000 mangrove saplings, followed by a coordinated beach clean-up.
OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort, Thailand
In support of the OUTRIGGER Zone initiative and World Ocean Day, 31 team members from OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort recently partnered with the Ban Tai Crab Bank. This coastal community in Koh Samui is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of blue crabs, focusing on breeding and weekly releases to help increase their population and provide a safe haven within the resort’s reef. The organization also collaborates with local fishermen through educational programs and gear exchange initiatives, fishermen donate female crabs to the Ban Tai Crab Bank in return for fishing equipment, promoting more sustainable practices.
On June 20, the OUTRIGGER team was treated to a fascinating presentation on the crab life cycle and the importance of marine habitats before heading to the beach at sunset to release three adult female crabs and approximately 650,000 baby crabs into the ocean.
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa
In honor of World Ocean Month, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa partnered with the Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center to host two special events focused on ocean awareness, culture and conservation.
On June 8, guests gathered for a “Talk Story” session with Cindi Punihaole, director of the Education Center. The morning featured a powerful short film screening, Q&A, interactive exhibits, and ocean-friendly giveaways—offering attendees a meaningful opportunity to connect with local marine knowledge and cultural traditions.
The following day, June 9, visitors and community members joined the center’s ReefTeach program. This hands-on session empowered participants to identify reef-friendly behaviors while contributing to marine monitoring efforts at Kahalu‘u Bay – underscoring the importance of protecting Hawai‘i’s fragile reef ecosystems through education and action.
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
This June, in celebration of both World Environment Day (June 5) and World Ocean Day (June 8), OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort led a series of impactful environmental initiatives under the guidance of resident marine biologist, Chloe Ann Mclanachan. Organized by the resort’s dedicated Sustainability Committee, these events highlighted the resort’s deep commitment to ocean conservation and community engagement.
The month kicked off with a focused lagoon cleanup beneath the villa jetty, where hosts joined forces to remove debris and improve the health of the marine ecosystem. Their efforts made a visible difference, clearing a significant amount of rubbish and restoring the natural beauty of the lagoon.
On World Ocean Day, guests were invited to take part in a hands-on coral planting experience. Under Chloe’s guidance, participants helped install three new coral frames on the resort’s house reef, directly contributing to reef restoration. Guests were not only excited to be part of this conservation effort, but also left with a deeper understanding of reef ecosystems and their importance.
Beyond the resort, the team extended their outreach to local youth with a visit to Maamigili school. In an interactive session led by Chloe, students learned about coral reefs, their vital role in the ocean and how everyone can help protect them. The children drew their favorite reef animals and enthusiastically shared what they had learned, making it a fun and educational experience for all.
The month wrapped up with a beach and lagoon cleanup on the nearby island of Lonubo, where the team collected an impressive 22 kilograms (48lbs) of marine debris.
OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort
For World Ocean Month, the team at OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort led a series of impactful ocean stewardship initiatives. They began with a beachfront cleanup on World Ocean Day, removing litter to protect marine habitats and promote environmental awareness. Throughout the last week of June, daily educational messages were shared with resort hosts to highlight the effects of human activity on the lagoon ecosystem. The resort also hosted students from a nearby school for an interactive learning session aboard the Bis Lamer educational caravan, in partnership with Reef Conservation. Students explored marine ecosystems through 3D models and hands-on activities. Capping off the week, OUTRIGGER Mauritius proudly opened its first on-property Marine Center, featuring a self-guided educational exhibit with posters, a coral net, videos and a 3D “Ridge to Reef” model, all designed to deepen understanding of marine conservation.
OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort, Thailand
On Wednesday, June 25, OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort hosted a successful Mangrove Tree Planting activity at Tha La Beach, planting more than 1,200 mangrove saplings. Mangrove tree planting supports coastal conservation by stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion, acting as a natural barrier against storm surges and flooding and providing vital nursery habitats for marine life such as fish, crabs and shrimp. These forests also improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments, helping protect nearby coral reefs.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
On Saturday, June 14, the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort welcomed guests, hosts and community partners to the O Ke Kai Series, a quarterly celebration of traditional Hawaiian voyaging culture. Held in the resort’s A‘o Cultural Center and Ocean Tower Lobby, the event brought voyaging traditions to life with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and keiki-friendly activities – all designed to honor Hawai‘i’s deep-rooted connection to the sea.
In partnership with Friends of Hōkūleʻa & Hawaiʻiloa and the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the morning was filled with cultural storytelling, hands-on canoe lashing demonstrations and educational displays featuring traditional navigation tools, canoe models and plants used in ancient voyaging. Guests of all ages had the chance to learn about wayfinding, build mini canoe crafts and engage in meaningful conversations with cultural practitioners dedicated to preserving these practices for future generations.
The event also featured live Hawaiian music by Kawika Kahiapo, whose soulful slack-key guitar added the perfect soundtrack to this immersive cultural experience. A cornerstone of OUTRIGGER’s cultural programming, the O Ke Kai Series underscores their commitment to being authentic ambassadors of aloha. By spotlighting the stories, tools and traditions of the ocean, we aim to deepen our guests’ understanding of place while nurturing pride in our local heritage.
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort (OWK)
In celebration of World Ocean Month, the Waikīkī Aquarium joined OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort to engage guests in ocean conservation awareness.
The aquarium team brought a hands-on “touch pool” experience, fun and educational crafts, and a fascinating display of coral skeletons. Through these activities, guests learned about the critical role coral reefs play in ocean health, the importance of using reef-safe sunscreen and the impact of coral bleaching.
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Hosts Make 2,280 Genki Balls for the Genki Ala Wai Project
OUTRIGGER capped off its World Ocean Month conservation efforts with its signature OUTRIGGER Zone Day on Saturday, June 28 at the Waikīkī Aquarium – a family-friendly celebration and call-to-action to protect our oceans.
The event served as the Hawai’i highlight of OUTRIGGER’s global recognition of World Ocean Month, bringing together hundreds of hosts, guests and community partners for a fun-filled morning of environmental learning, keiki activities and marine stewardship. The highlight of the day was OUTRIGGER’s collaboration with the Genki Ala Wai Project, where volunteers hand-rolled 2,280 Genki Balls – mud spheres infused with beneficial microorganisms – destined for the Ala Wai Canal to help break down sludge and restore ecological balance to the historic urban waterway. OUTRIGGER has now made more than 15,000 Genki Balls for the project.
In its ninth year, the event also featured environmental art from Jodi Endicott, live watercolor classes with Patrick Ching and interactive booths hosted by more than 15 conservation-minded organizations including NOAA, Kuleana Coral Restoration, Kanu Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project, Hawai‘i Pacific University Center for Marine Debris Research, Raw Elements sunscreen and PATH water.
Since launching the OUTRIGGER Zone initiative in 2014, OUTRIGGER has championed coral reef preservation, marine debris reduction and ocean literacy through partnerships and purpose-driven programming.
“As stewards of beach resorts from Mauritius to Hawai‘i, OUTRIGGER witnesses firsthand how the health of our oceans directly impacts the well-being of our communities. That’s why we’re deeply committed to ocean conservation through our OUTRIGGER Zone initiative – because preserving these ecosystems isn’t just good stewardship, it’s vital to the future of the places and people we call home,” said Monica Salter, VP of Global Communications & Social Responsibility.
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