RELEASE NUMBER 13 | 26
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Eight certified properties statewide position the Hawai‘i-born brand as a leader in measurable, sustainable hospitality
HONOLULU – In celebration of Earth Day, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has achieved Green Key Eco-Rating certification across its Hawai‘i portfolio, becoming the most Green Key-certified hospitality brand in the state. With eight certified properties statewide, the milestone marks a defining moment in the company’s sustainability strategy and reinforces its long-standing commitment to responsible, place-based hospitality.
The Green Key Eco-Rating certification is a globally recognized standard for sustainable hospitality excellence. Certification is awarded through a rigorous third-party evaluation process measuring performance across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, sustainable operations and community impact. Properties are rated on a scale of one to five Green Keys, with five representing the highest level of environmental and sustainability leadership.
Within OUTRIGGER’s Hawai‘i portfolio, OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa was the first to earn certification in September 2025, setting the benchmark for portfolio-wide adoption. The property leads hands-on initiatives including regular beach cleanups in partnership with organizations such as Surfrider Foundation and offers in-room cleanup kits for guests – an example of how sustainability is embedded into the guest experience.
Across all Hawai‘i properties, guests encounter a consistent suite of sustainable amenities, including reusable tote bags, metal water bottles, water refill stations and complimentary reef-safe sunscreen – integrating environmental stewardship into everyday touchpoints.
As of March 2026:
- Five properties: OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, , Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk and OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort — have achieved four Green Keys.
- Three properties: OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Paradise Hotel, OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa — have earned three Green Keys.
The achievement reflects the strength of OUTRIGGER Zone, the brand’s global conservation initiative focused on protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems across its beachfront destinations. Through marine restoration partnerships, community-based programming and guest engagement, OUTRIGGER Zone connects operational performance with measurable environmental impact. At each property, dedicated host-led committees drive Green Key initiatives, track progress and ensure ongoing compliance with certification standards.
“Our Green Key certifications validate the disciplined, property-level work happening every day across our portfolio,” said Monica Salter, VP Global Communications & Social Responsibility. “From engineering teams optimizing energy use to hosts leading water conservation efforts, this recognition reflects a company-wide commitment to operating responsibly in the places we are honored to serve.”
The Hawai‘i milestone builds on broader global momentum for OUTRIGGER, including recent certifications at OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, Fiji — the first properties in Fiji to achieve Green Key recognition. The program’s multi-tier system requires comprehensive environmental audits, documented performance benchmarks and continuous improvement across all operations.
“For OUTRIGGER, sustainability is not aspirational, it’s operational,” added Salter. “Achieving Green Key certification across Hawai‘i demonstrates that sustainability is embedded into how we design, manage and evolve our portfolio.”
As World Ocean Month approaches, the certification underscores OUTRIGGER’s commitment to environmental stewardship as an ongoing, integrated practice. By aligning with Green Key’s internationally recognized framework, the company continues to advance its leadership in responsible hospitality while delivering measurable environmental performance.
“Achieving Green Key Eco-Rating certification across its Hawai‘i portfolio is a meaningful milestone that underscores OUTRIGGER’s leadership in sustainable hospitality. This accomplishment reflects a disciplined, property-level commitment to environmental performance, community stewardship and continuous improvement,” said Ray Sabharwal. Green Key Global Director of Marketing. “We are proud to celebrate this achievement and encourage hotel owners and hospitality leaders across the industry to look to this model as they advance their own sustainability journey.”
For more information about OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and its sustainability initiatives, visit www.outrigger.com/sustainability.
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