RELEASE NUMBER 60 | 25
OUTRIGGER Expands UH Partnership with Kā‘anapali Classic and Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational by OUTRIGGER
HONOLULU – OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels and the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Athletics are elevating their longstanding partnership with the support of two golf events: the Kā‘anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER men’s tournament, October 27-29 at Royal Kā‘anapali Golf Course, Maui, and the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational women’s tournament presented by OUTRIGGER, March 17-18, 2026 at Kāne‘ohe Klipper Golf Course, Oahu.
The expansion complements last year’s renewal of OUTRIGGER’s Diamond-level sponsorship through 2027 and strengthens its role as an official hospitality partner of UH Athletics.
“We’re incredibly grateful for OUTRIGGER’s support of our golf programs,” said Scott Simpson, University of Hawai‘i men’s golf head coach. “Their commitment helps us host world-class tournaments like the Kā‘anapali Classic and Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational and provides our student-athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level right here in Hawai‘i.”
The OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort, located within walking distance of the three-day, 54-hole Ka’anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER, was recently named Best Resort for Cultural Immersion in the TravelAge West Wave awards. It’s giving Stand-up Paddle lessons and canoe tours to the players and offering fans up to 30% off using promo code: UHFANFARE at outrigger.com. Nineteen NCAA Division I men’s college golf teams from 15 states and 12 athletic conferences are entered in the tournament hosted by UH-Manoa.
“OUTRIGGER is proud to expand our partnership with University of Hawai‘i Athletics and support Coach Simpson and Coach Julie Brooks’ women’s golf program,” said OUTRIGGER Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President, Sean Dee. “As a company that has called Hawai‘i home for more than 75 years, we’re deeply committed to our community and to creating opportunities that showcase the beauty of our islands. These tournaments celebrate teamwork, competition and excellence – values that reflect both UH Athletics and the OUTRIGGER brand.”
OUTRIGGER’s longstanding support for UH Athletics is evident through sponsorship of several signature events, now including the newly added golf tournaments:
- Men’s Basketball: OUTRIGGER Rainbow Classic
- Baseball: OUTRIGGER Opening Series
- Beach Volleyball: OUTRIGGER Duke Kahanamoku Beach Classic
- Football: Homecoming, presented by OUTRIGGER
- Men’s Golf: Kā‘anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER (newly added)
- Men’s Volleyball: OUTRIGGER Invitational
- Soccer: OUTRIGGER Kickoff & OUTRIGGER No Ka Oi Tournaments
- Softball: OUTRIGGER Invitational
- Women’s Golf: Donnis Thompson Invitational presented by OUTRIGGER (newly added)
- Women’s Volleyball: OUTRIGGER Invitational
The expanded partnership, facilitated by Hawai’i Sports Properties – the local arm of Learfield, underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to excellence in athletics and community engagement. OUTRIGGER will continue serving as the preferred accommodations provider for UH and visiting athletic programs at its properties on all major Hawai‘i islands.
Beyond UH Athletics, OUTRIGGER is a key supporter of year-round sporting events that highlight Hawai‘i as a destination for sun, surf, and sports including the Honolulu Marathon, Hapalua Half-Marathon, Sony Open, Maui Invitational, Hoops in Hawai‘i Classic, OUTRIGGER Big West Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Championships and the Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest.
# # #
Click, HERE, for a PDF of this release