Outrigger Hospitality Group has welcomed the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa into its portfolio of properties with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and ceremony.

Located on Hawai‘i’s Big Island’s Kona Coast, the 22-acre resort is also offering introductory rates of up-to 30%; with those rates available at www.outrigger.com .

Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group, observed: “Outrigger has provided heartfelt hospitality in Hawai‘i for nearly 75 years and our commitment to this destination remains steadfast; we’re proud to invest in our island home – especially amidst these challenging times.”

Wagoner continued: “Vacations offer precious time to reconnect and recharge; it’s an honor to serve our guests, and we look forward to welcoming travellers to experience this special place renowned for its Hawaiian heritage and healing.”

And he added: “We deeply appreciate land-owner Kamehameha Schools for entrusting Outrigger with the stewardship of this culturally significant land and look forward to showcasing its illustrious past throughout the resort’s design, artwork and guest activations in an authentic and captivating way.”

On the day the resort became an Outrigger, a traditional Hawaiian blessing was led by Kumu Keala Ching and Kumu Kaipo Ho, alongside the resort’s long-time cultural advisor, Rolinda Bean.

There was also a sharing of mea ‘ai (symbolic foods) – including ‘ulu (breadfruit), ‘uala (sweet potato), kalo (taro), niu haohao (young coconut), pua‘a (pork) and pa‘akai (sea salt) – followed by an exchange of gifts: 4 Koa paddles engraved with each of Outrigger’s Values and a framed copy of a chant that was written by Kumu Keala Ching for the hosts of the former Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, now re-gifted to the new Hosts of the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.

Outrigger was blessed to be joined at the ceremony by Robert Command, deputy managing director for Mayor Mitch Roth, as well as the Lim and Yap families from Traditions Hawai‘i.

Hospitality veteran Steve Solberg, the resort’s new general manager, is conversant with the values of Outrigger Hospitality Group as he led Outrigger’s resort in Guam for six years.

Said Solberg: “The energy and splendour of this destination are palpable; I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this resort’s next chapter and work alongside a dedicated team to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

Seen In The Photo

Outrigger Hospitality Group president and CEO, Jeff Wagoner with the Lim Family.