OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort sits directly on the golden sands of world-famous Waikīkī Beach.
An $80 million investment has transformed the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture.
With a focus on wellness and unmatched hospitality, the transformation infused fresh energy and elegance into this iconic destination that was historically a place of healing and rejuvenation for Hawaiian royalty.
Sophisticated property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage – the home of Hawaiian music.
The new A‘o Cultural Center serves as the hub for guests to engage in a spectrum of Hawaiian cultural activities such as hula or ‘ukulele lessons.
Museum-quality artwork from leading contemporary Hawaii artists graces the resort and helps tell the rich story of Hawaii.
This includes a nine-metre mural by Kamea Hadar of a traditional sailing canoe, being crewed by keiki and an intricate woven sculpture of the Hawaiian Islands that stretches across the Herb Kāne Lounge by fibre artist Marques Hanalei Marzan.
The new “Wellness Wing,” located in the Diamond Head Tower, a five-storey oceanfront building that was converted into 23 new spacious rooms/deluxe suites, raises the key count to 658.
Also located in the Wellness Wing is the luxurious Coral Reef Penthouse Suite and the ocean-front Voyager 47 Club Lounge, offering gourmet bites and beverages for club member guests.
Inside the Wellness Wing is the just-opened Monkeypod Kitchen, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a few treatment rooms and the first Coral Kids Club in Hawaii, a place for parents to drop off kids with a fun educational lens connected with ocean health.
True to the OUTRIGGER name, the resort’s connection to the ocean and care for the marine environment is incorporated in many layers.
Upon arrival, visitors walk through the iconic canoe hale entrance. There, guests encounter Kalele: a 100-year-old fully restored outrigger canoe and a rope art by marine scientist and artist Ethan Estess that was made from discarded fishing nets that washed upon Hawaii shores – a beautiful message about sustainability.
One of Hawaii’s only hospitality brands to be recognised by the State’s Green Business Program, the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, along with its six Hawaii sister properties, is Green Seal certified having undertaken energy efficiency and sustainable business practices to advance Hawaii’s overall clean energy and sustainability goals.
MONKEYPOD HIGHLIGHTS
Located beachfront in the resort’s newly transformed Diamond Head Tower, Monkeypod Waikiki will be the first Monkeypod Kitchen to offer beachside bites, day and night.
The eatery offers up its signature menu of handcrafted farm-to-table lunch and dinner, beer and cocktails, and for the first time, breakfast.
Spectacular views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean are backdrop to the 1,200-square-metre restaurant that delivers delight with a casual vibe and live music daily.
“The opening of Monkeypod Waikiki marks the completion of one of my lifetime goals. For more than 20 years, it has been my dream to have a restaurant on Waikiki Beach in a space that celebrates our island home,” says Peter Merriman, chairman and co-founder at Handcrafted Restaurants.
“Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman will serve guests high-quality local fare that highlights Hawaii’s rich bounty with our signature Monkeypod atmosphere.”
Open daily from 7am to 11 pm, guests and kamaʻāina can expect fresh, local ingredients sourced from local purveyors, ranchers and farmers.
Favourites like the ‘Hand-Tossed Kalua Pork and Pineapple Pizza,’ the ‘Maui Cattle Company Cheeseburger’ and Sautéed Day-Boat Caught ahi are on the menu in addition to breakfast bites that include “The Claw,” a lobster eggs benedict and Big Island Blueberry and Lilikoi Flapjacks.
Happy Hour, from 3:30pm to 5pm, pours handcrafted cocktails, including the award-winning Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with a lilikoi foam, and 36 craft brews, including namesake Pete’s Island Wheat brew with a portion of the sales going to the Polynesian Voyaging Society that supports the perpetuation of voyaging and exploration.
Local spirits, such as Ko Hana Rum and Ocean Vodka, accompany house-made ginger beer, local herbs and fruits, as well as homemade shrubs and syrups.
OUTRIGGER is proud to partner with acclaimed Chef Peter Merriman and Handcrafted Restaurants because of our shared commitment to caring for the Hawaii community.
“We are honoured to have culinary trailblazer Peter Merriman bring his renowned expertise and passion for innovative cuisine to Monkeypod Kitchen at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort,” said Jeff Wagoner, President and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group.
“Peter’s pioneering spirit in championing local farmers and dedication to sourcing sustainable ingredients that showcase the diverse flavours of Hawaii have established him as a true icon in the culinary world.
“Partnering with Monkeypod Kitchen not only elevates the dining experience at OUTRIGGER Reef but celebrates our shared values of hospitality, authenticity and aloha.”
For more information, visit www.outrigger.com
