Outrigger Hotels and Resorts helps travelers plan an ‘event-full’ 2016 with a full year of sponsored events and activities
RELEASE NUMBER 09/16
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has planned an ‘event-full’ calendar of events and activities for travelers looking for more than just sun, sand and surf when visiting Hawaii in 2016.
Outrigger celebrates Hawaiian music and culture year-round with E Mele Ana, an expansive music program that includes a long list of sponsored Hawaiian music events and festivals. Outrigger also gives guests the opportunity to dive in and experience the active side of Hawaii with its support of a multitude of sporting events and athletic races.
Whatever the interest, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts offers an array of opportunities throughout the year for guests to find experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Stay abreast of all that is happening at outrigger.com/events, outrigger.com/actionsports and outrigger.com/music. Highlights from the 2016 events and activities calendar include:
Kani Ka Pila Grille, live Hawaiian music nightly, 3-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is Honolulu’s hot spot for live Hawaiian music. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant turns into Hawaii’s top Hawaiian hot spot to experience true island music every night of the week. Hawaii’s most legendary musicians — new local talent and island artists of international renown — fill the weekly schedule of afternoon and evening performances. Legendary Cyril Pahinui, Kawika Kahiapo, Weldon Kekauoha, Sean Naauao, Hookena, up-and-coming hit-makers, and many special guests perform regularly.
Duke’s Waikiki, live Hawaiian music nightly, 4-6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – midnight
Duke’s Waikiki at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort presents a lively line-up of entertainment. Sip a local brew and savor Waikiki’s spectacular sunsets, or celebrate late night revelry at the Barefoot Bar. Some of Hawaii’s favorite contemporary artists take the beachfront stage with world-famous Diamond Head as a backdrop: Maunalua, Kapena and Kaala Boys just to name a few; and each Sunday afternoon it’s Duke’s on Sundays with Henry Kapono from 4 – 6 p.m.
Blue Note Hawaii, two shows a night, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The world’s finest music club and restaurant has opened in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the popular Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Blue Note Hawaii features a wide range of world-renowned artists nightly — from jazz and blues to Hawaiian favorites — for limited engagements. For information on upcoming performances and to book tickets, visit bluenotehawaii.com.
Na Mele No Na Pua Sunday Showcase, twice monthly throughout 2016
Waikiki Beach Walk®, Hawaii’s most exciting entertainment complex to shop, dine, play and stay, has brought back its popular twice-a-month Na Mele No Na Pua concert series. The free concerts treat music lovers to live music performances two Sundays of the month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Waikiki Beach Walk® Plaza Stage. This year’s dates and artists booked to date:
Visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com for the most current concert schedule.
University of Hawaii Athletics, throughout 2016
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is a longtime supporter and Diamond Corporate Partner of University of Hawaii Athletics cheering on Hawaii’s collegiate athletes year-round in football, basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s volleyball, women’s soccer and new this year, women’s beach volleyball. Popular Outrigger-titled sponsored tournaments include:
Outrigger Invitational (Men’s Volleyball), January
Outrigger Opening Series (Baseball), February
Outrigger Spring Fling (Softball), March
Outrigger Beach Volleyball Challenge (Women’s Beach Volleyball), April
Outrigger Soccer Classic Series (Women’s Soccer), August and September
Outrigger Volleyball Challenge (Women’s Volleyball), September
Outrigger Rainbow Classic (Men’s Basketball), November
For a full list of home games and tournaments, visit outrigger.com/outrigger-sports/university-of-hawaii-athletics.
Chinese New Year Celebration, Feb. 13
Enjoy traditional lion dance performances in celebration of Chinese New Year at several Outrigger resorts and affiliated properties throughout Waikiki. The event includes an amazing pole jumping performance and merchant blessings at Waikiki Beach Walk® (youtube.com/watch?v=7P-YEks-FdY).
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Holiday Inn Resort® Waikiki Beachcomber, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Waikiki Beach Walk® Plaza, 5-5:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites by Hilton™-Waikiki Beach Walk ®, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Waikiki Beach Walk® Merchants, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Vow Renewals, Feb. 14
On Valentine’s Day, lovebirds traveling to Waikiki have the chance to say “I Do” all over again during a complimentary beachfront vow renewal ceremony available exclusively to guests of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Couples staying at either of the two popular Oahu resorts can sign up to participate in a very special Valentine’s Day vow renewal on the beach at Waikiki. Couples must sign up to participate at their respective hotel’s concierge or front desk by 3 p.m. on the day prior to the ceremony. Space is limited, however, so early registration is recommended.
Honolulu Festival, March 12-13
The annual Honolulu Festival celebrates cultures from across the Pacific. This three-day celebration of art, music, dance, crafts and more draws thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for a unique cultural experience, with Waikiki Beach Walk® home to one of the festival’s musical stages. The Festival culminates with a spectacular parade down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
O Ke Kai Series at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, March 19, June 18, Sep. 17, Nov. 12
The public is invited to celebrate Native Hawaiian ocean voyaging at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s quarterly O Ke Kai series, “Navigating the Way.” The morning event features displays, talk story sessions and more with the Friends of Hokulea & Hawaiiloa to ensure that traditional Hawaiian canoe building and restoration skills are passed on to future generations.
Hapalua, Hawaii’s Half Marathon, April 10
Hapalua is perfect for runners working their way up to a 26-mile marathon challenge. This 13.1-mile scenic course winds through Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and back, finishing with a loop around stunning Diamond Head toward Kapiolani Park, the traditional finish line for the Honolulu Marathon. A cause-based event, participants are encouraged to sign up to run or walk for a favorite cause. Outrigger invites participants to join #teamOutrigger in support of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and their mission to raise awareness for protecting our oceans and Island Earth. Join the team at crowdrise.com/teamoutriggerforpolynesianvoyagingsociety.
Outrigger Resorts Invitational, Apr. 22-23
This premiere collegiate sand volleyball event takes place directly on the sands of Waikiki at Queen’s Beach. Teams from the top 10 programs in the country showcase the best and most exciting sand volleyball action in collegiate sports. Free to all spectators, the Outrigger Resorts Invitational is nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.
Waikiki SPAM®JAM Festival, Apr. 30
The annual Waikiki SPAM® JAM Festival is rated as one of the top annual food festivals in Hawaii, featuring fabulous food and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. Local residents and visitors alike head to Kalakaua Avenue to sample dishes made from SPAM® products served by some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants along with arts and craft booths and two music stages offering top island entertainers. Admission to the family-friendly event is free and proceeds generated benefit the Hawaii Foodbank and other local charities, including the Waikiki Community Center and the Visitor Aloha Society.
Mele Mei and the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, May 2016
Mele Mei is a month-long celebration of Hawaii’s music, hula and culture that culminates at the end of the month with the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, often referred to as the “GRAMMY” awards of Hawaiian music. From ukulele to steel guitar, traditional Hawaiian music to slack key, island reggae to rock — and everything in between — Mele Mei has something for everyone. Throughout the month of May, expanded Hawaiian music events and performances can be enjoyed at several Outrigger Hotels and Resorts locations, including Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Duke’s Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, and at Waikiki Beach Walk®. The Ala Moana Hotel, an Outrigger affiliated property, is also the “official hotel sponsor” of the 39th Annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and is the venue for the prestigious annual Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards scheduled for Apr. 30, 2016.
Mele Mei Sundays at Kani Ka Pila Grille, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 27
In celebration of Mele Mei, Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort will expand its musical offering during the month of May to include not one but two Hawaiian groups each Sunday evening. Live performances will begin an hour earlier at 5 p.m. with Na Hoku Hanohano nominees and winners performing until 9 p.m.
Honolulu Ekiden Race, May 22
Have you ever wanted to run a marathon but didn’t have the stamina for a full 26.2-mile run? Then the Honolulu Ekiden Race is for you. This team event brings together 6-member teams to run the length of a marathon while enjoying beautiful ocean views along six different course sections. Starting at the base of Diamond Head at Kapiolani Park, the course travels eastward along the coast, where it winds past popular Hanauma Bay. The turnaround point is famous Sandy Beach. hnlekiden.org
Waikiki Aquarium’s “Ke Kani O Ke Kai” Summer Concert Series, Jun. through Aug.
The popular “Ke Kani O Ke Kai” summer concert series hosted by the Waikiki Aquarium offers visitors and locals an evening of live entertainment and food under the stars. Guests are also encouraged to explore the Aquarium galleries that remain open throughout the evening. Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this entertaining summer event that features some of Hawaii’s finest Hawaiian music artists.
Pan Pacific Festival, June 10, 11 and 12
For more than thirty years, the Pan-Pacific Festival in Honolulu has brought the community together to celebrate the Hawaiian arts, performance and culinary communities. The event attracts thousands of attendees each year and features the talents of more than 100 performance groups representing various cultures across the Pacific Rim including Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Filipino. In addition to the numerous live performances, the festival organizes an elaborate parade as the grand finale to three days of colorful festivities. Waikiki Beach Walk® is proud to be the location of one of the event’s entertainment stages.
Kani Ka Pila Slack Key Jam, Aug. 12, 5-9 p.m.
Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort will feature a jam-packed line-up of slack key guitar masters and artists from 5 to 9 p.m. as a prelude to the following days Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival at Kapiolani Park.
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, Aug. 14
Outrigger Resorts and Kani Ka Pila Grille are proud to lend their support to the 34th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival held at Waikiki Beach Walk®. Hawaii’s finest musicians and slack key masters showcase Ki Hoalu throughout the day.
Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search Finals, Made in Hawaii Festival, Aug. 20
Since its opening, Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has provided the opportunity for Hawaii’s up and coming musicians of Hawaiian music to showcase their talents and take the next step as professional entertainers. Five finalists come together at the Made in Hawaii Festival to compete in the finals of the Kani Ka Pila Grille Talent Search, with the winning group walking away with a one-month paid contract to perform at Kani Ka Pila Grille. Past winners and finalists have gone on to become established musicians and Na Hoku Hanohano award winners.
Duke’s OceanFest, Aug. 20-28
Duke’s OceanFest, Waikiki’s premier ocean sports festival, draws ocean enthusiasts of all ages to compete in nine days of challenging events including a one mile open ocean swim, stand-up and paddleboard races, tandem surfing, beach volleyball and more. The events honor ocean sports that were dear to legendary Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medalist, Hawaii’s Ambassador of Aloha, and one of the island’s most accomplished watermen.
Aloha Festivals, Sep. 2016
Aloha Festivals is the largest festival and the only statewide celebration in the nation showcasing Hawaiian music, dance and history. Thousands of people take to the streets for the annual Waikiki Hoolaulea for food, fun and entertainment, including performances by various genres of Hawaiian music and hula halau, lei vendors and Hawaiian crafters. Aloha Festivals is also marked with a colorful equestrian procession, floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers and marching bands on Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park. Outrigger Resorts is proud to host the Aloha Festivals Royal Court in special appearances at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, and at Waikiki Beach Walk®.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, Oct. 26-30
This epicurean event celebrates the best of Hawaii’s culinary talents joined by a roster of internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities and wine and spirit producers. Showcased throughout the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival are wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting the state’s bounty of local produce, seafood, beef and poultry. Watch for ticket sales to open the end of May.
XTERRA World Championship, Maui, Oct. 23
The XTERRA World Championship race is the last in a series of nearly 100 off-road triathlon races held in 16 countries and 30+ U.S. States. A capacity field of 800 athletes from 28 countries and 42 U.S. states including professionals and amateurs take to a course that some have described as a tropical roller-coaster ride through pineapple fields and forests throughout Maui’s Kapalua Resort. As part of Outrigger Resorts’ sponsorship of the event, the “Outrigger Resorts Double” award is given to the pro and amateur man and woman with the year’s fastest combined XTERRA World Championship and Ironman Hawaii Championship time, a feat reserved for the world’s leading endurance athletes.
XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Dec. 4
The crown jewel of the Paul Mitchell XTERRA Trail Run Series is the Paul Mitchell XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, and the majestic Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii has served as the host site since the creation of this prestigious event in 2008. This year, more than 2,000 runners from around the world are expected to gather at Kualoa Ranch on the northeastern side of the island of Oahu. A 21-kilometer half-marathon course is considered the world championship course, and it takes runners through some of the most diverse – and scenic – terrain on the planet.
Santa Arrives in Waikiki, Dec. 10
Welcome Santa Claus as he arrives by outrigger canoe on the beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Hundreds are expected on Waikiki Beach as Santa sheds his sleigh for this island mode of transportation powered by Waikiki Beach Boys. The free, public event will be followed by complimentary phototaking with Santa in the hotel lobby.
Honolulu Marathon, Dec. 11
The Honolulu Marathon is one of the world’s largest long distance running events. The race is preceded by a week of activities including a concert, luau and Honolulu Marathon Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center. Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is proud of its support of the Honolulu Marathon since its start and to host the returning champions and other elite runners at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort.
Diamond Head Classic, Dec. 23 and 25
Outrigger Resorts is proud to be the hotel sponsor of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. This eight-team men’s college basketball tournament features some of the best teams in the nation. Twelve games are played across three days at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sheriff Center with the entire hoop action broadcast by ESPN. Each team competes in one game per day, advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout face off in the championship game on the final day of the tournament.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts offers a variety of accommodation options when visiting the islands to enjoy the many events and activities throughout the year. To make your reservations, visit www.outrigger.com, call 1-800-OUTRIGGER (688-7444) or contact your preferred travel planner.
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