As the elevator slid past my floor, it became painfully clear that my key card wasn’t working. I really didn’t want to roll my stuffed carry-on back to the front desk, so I furiously kept trying. It wasn’t until the elevator doors opened and I found myself face to face with a friendly housekeeper that I realized I’d hopped on the service elevator at the new Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. She laughed as she keyed the elevator and sent me on my way.
Located on iconic Waikiki Beach, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts’ flagship property reopened April 30, marking the completion of the first phase of the property’s $80 million transformation. The entrance, lobby and pathways to the guest elevators are still a work in progress, but when I stepped onto the sixth floor, none of that mattered.
As much as I wanted to lighten my load, I couldn’t help but stop numerous times as I worked my way to the end of the hallway. Eye-catching (and entertainingly educational) historical photos and colorful sea-life illustrations led the way to my room. When I opened the door, I was thrilled to see even more curated artwork, including a reproduction of an original oil painting from Native Hawaiian artist and proponent of Hawaiian culture, Herb Kane.
Filled with natural light, shades of blue and light wood furnishings, my Club Ocean View Suite looked and felt more like a home than a hotel room. Modern and clean, the spacious living area boasted a table with seating for four, a wet bar with sink, a microwave, a small refrigerator, a full bathroom, a large sofa (with pullout bed) and a balcony overlooking Waikiki Beach.
Clients could easily lose track of time in the bedroom, sitting on one of the two balconies with prime views of the beach and Diamond Head. I left the sliding glass doors open at night to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the sand, and come morning, was rewarded even more when I opened my eyes to the stellar seaside views.
Guests staying in club-level rooms and suites have access to the resort’s Voyager 47 Club Lounge. The oceanfront lounge offers breakfast daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in addition to serving Hawaiian pupus (appetizers) and cocktails from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort offers daily cultural experiences that provide a glimpse into Hawaii’s beliefs and traditions. Guests can expect offerings like wood carving, hula lessons, lei making and ukulele lessons.
The hotel expects to wrap up its remaining renovations by mid-December 2021.
Credit: 2021 Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach ResortThe ongoing renovations did not impact my stay; they weren’t noticeable from my room or the beach. Construction is apparent when at the pool, but it didn’t seem to faze guests lounging in recliners or splashing about.
The poolside restaurant, Kani Ka Pila Grille, has a new menu with dishes like kalua pork quesadillas, ahi and avocado poke and huli huli chicken. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service, there’s also a keiki (kids) menu. In addition to a nice selection of beer and wine, nearly a dozen handcrafted signature cocktails — featuring locally sourced spirits — round out the beverage offerings. (Whiskey lovers, the 85 and Sunny at the Reef cocktail is for you.) Live music is offered nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. from a temporary stage until a larger stage is completed.
Construction is progressing on Monkeypod Kitchen, the property’s new on-site restaurant. Boasting a 12,000-square-foot beachfront space and Chef Peter Merriman at the helm, it will be the Hawaiian eatery’s fourth location. Monkeypod Kitchen, the Olelo Cultural Center, the hotel lobby and the Coral Kids Club are expected to be completed by mid-December 2021, just in time for the holidays.
Located on the western edge of the Waikiki resort district, the property is conveniently located an easy walk from attractions including the Waikiki Aquarium, the Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park and the Waikiki Beach Walk.
At the time of my visit, signage reminded guests of the mask requirement for all of the property’s public spaces, and elevator capacity was limited to only a few people at a time. Guests arriving from outside the state of Hawaii also needed to access their Hawaii Safe Travels account at check-in.
The Details
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
