RELEASE NUMBER 24 | 26
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Transformed oceanfront resort blends culture, cuisine and connection through reimagined accommodations and a brand-new signature dining destination
KAUAʻI — OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels proudly celebrated the grand reopening of OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa on June 22, unveiling a transformed guest experience shaped by elevated accommodations, refreshed gathering spaces, immersive cultural storytelling and the debut of Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi.
Aligned with World Ocean Month, the milestone was commemorated with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and grand reopening celebration attended by nearly 300 community leaders, business partners, cultural practitioners and invited guests. Guided by cultural practitioners Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia, Kumu Maka Herrod and Kumu Troy Lazaro, the ceremony honored the history, culture and spirit of the place while marking the beginning of a new chapter for the resort. The evening featured live Hawaiian music from Linda Tani, Haunani Kaui and members of Wai & The Guys, joined by a collection of special guest musicians from across Kauaʻi, creating a celebration that reflected the island’s vibrant music community and spirit of aloha.
Conveniently located on Kauaʻi’s eastern shore, just minutes from Līhuʻe Airport and centrally positioned between the island’s North and South Shores, OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa serves as an ideal gateway for exploring the Garden Isle’s beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails and cultural landmarks. The resort transformation includes redesigned guestrooms, refreshed public spaces and gathering areas, enhanced event facilities and thoughtfully integrated cultural design elements that celebrate Kauaʻi’s history, people and natural environment.
“The transformation of OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa reflects our continued commitment to modern island hospitality,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group. “This milestone represents our long-term investment in Kauaʻi and our belief that exceptional hospitality begins with a deep respect for place. We are proud to create experiences that celebrate the island’s culture, support its communities and connect guests more meaningfully to the destination.”
Throughout the resort, guests will discover a curated collection of works by Hawaiʻi-based artists inspired by the legends of Pele, goddess of fire, and Kawelo Lei Makua, Kauaʻi’s legendary ocean voyager. Featured artists include Allegra Scribner of ʻŌpala Art, Shianne Schorr, Noah Harders, Carena Leigh and Dalani Tanahy, whose works create a distinct sense of place throughout the guest experience.
Serving as the culinary centerpiece of the transformed resort is Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi, a new signature dining destination that brings one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential culinary voices to Kauaʻi’s eastern shore. Created in partnership with internationally acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, founder of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, Ocean House reflects a shared commitment to showcasing the people, ingredients and traditions that define the islands.
Led by Yamaguchi and Executive Chef Sam Taganeca, the restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily, drawing inspiration from the surrounding ocean, local farms and Kauaʻi’s vibrant fishing community. Working closely with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen, the culinary team has created a menu that celebrates the island’s abundance through bold flavors, thoughtful sourcing and a deep respect for place.
“When we first began envisioning Ocean House, what excited me most was the opportunity to create something that truly belongs here,” said Yamaguchi. “Kauaʻi has an incredible community of farmers, fishermen and producers, and every dish is inspired by their work. We want guests to experience the flavors of this island in a way that feels genuine, memorable and deeply connected to place.” During the grand reopening ceremony, Yamaguchi reflected on the philosophy behind the restaurant: “Every great meal starts with the hands that fish, farm and ranch — finished with a little butter, seasoned with salt from this island and shared with love.”
Guests attending the grand reopening celebration enjoyed a curated menu from Ocean House featuring Kauaʻi-inspired sushi rolls, Kampachi Crudo, Ahi Tartare, Crab Mac Nut Crusted Mahi, Braised Short Ribs and handcrafted desserts, paired with signature cocktails including the Ocean House Mai Tai and Ocean House Sunset.
Signature offerings on the restaurant’s regular menu include the Kauaʻi Bag & Boil featuring local shrimp, fresh catch, clams, Portuguese sausage and corn in a brown butter coconut sauce, alongside fresh sashimi, creative sushi selections, handcrafted noodles and seasonal dishes that highlight the flavors of Hawaiʻi. Together, the menu and setting create a dining experience that is distinctly Kauaʻi: approachable, memorable and rooted in the island’s unique sense of place.
The grand reopening also highlighted OUTRIGGER’s commitment to ocean stewardship and regenerative tourism. Held during World Ocean Month, the celebration recognized community partners Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Agriculture Foundation, whose work helps protect Hawaiʻi’s coastlines, strengthen local food systems and foster environmental education across the islands. Together, these partnerships reflect OUTRIGGER’s belief that healthy oceans, thriving communities and responsible travel are deeply connected.
Together, the resort transformation and debut of Ocean House mark a new chapter for OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa, bringing culture, cuisine and connection to the forefront of the guest experience. Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi is now open and serving breakfast and dinner daily. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.outrigger.com/kauai.
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