Hawaii Mom Blog: outrigger reef

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Showing posts with label outrigger reef. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outrigger reef. Show all posts

October 7, 2022

Kama'aina Staycation at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

 

An incredible ocean view!

We decided not to travel off island during this year's Fall Break, but I couldn't resist a quick staycation to schedule in some rest and relaxation for my son and I. I chose the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort because of its beachfront location and great kama'aina rates that included perks like half off parking and no resort charge!  

The Outrigger Reef has recently undergone an $80 million transformation that included an overhaul of the lobby, renovated guestrooms, and the expansion of Kani Ka Pila Grille with more seating and a stage for live Hawaiian music. Anchor restaurant Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is expected to open by the end of 2022.  

New spacious lobby with beachy vibes.

This swing for two is so cute and picture perfect.


We were upgraded to a newly renovated Club Oceanfront Suite that sleeps up to 4 with a separate king bedroom, spacious living area with a sofa bed, two baths - including the hugest one I have ever seen, and three private lanai so you can enjoy panoramic oceanfront views. Guests can opt to connect rooms to make it a 3-bedroom suite which is perfect for families.  

Large dining area, microwave, mini refrigerator, Keurig, and sink.

This spacious living area was perfect for lounging and watching a movie together after dinner.   

Comfy king size bed with Hawaiian artwork and ocean and sky blue tones let you know you are on vacation. 

Incredible, unobstructed, and endless views of the ocean.

I loved taking in the views.  At night the sound of the waves crashing sent me into the best sleep.  

I was seriously impressed with the size of this bathroom.  

Deep soak tub and separate shower.

Not one, but two vanities. Each complete with a lighted cosmetic mirror and Navasana Collection bath amenities.   

When you book a Voyager 47 Club room or suite, you will gain exclusive access to the private club lounge with spectacular ocean views. A daily Hawaiian style breakfast is offered in the morning and in the evening guests can enjoy pupus and drinks while they catch the sunset. For breakfast, we enjoyed offerings of scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and more. In the evening, we snacked on lemon grass chicken, potstickers, kalbi beef skewers, and beef japchae. Food selections were tasty and the service was wonderful.    

Comfy outdoor seating while you take in the views.

Shaded areas and also indoor seating is available.

Guests can help themselves to the many food stations

Outrigger has longstanding partnerships with many Hawaii organizations including the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa. The Outrigger Reef's A‘o Cultural Center is run by cultural director Aunty Luana Maitland and is home to Hawaiian artworks and programming around sea voyaging and other traditional Hawaiian practices.  Guests can engage in a variety of cultural activities like lei making, hula, wood carving, and more.  

Cultural director Aunty Luana Maitland making a lei.

Calabash - one of the many exhibits on display in the center. 

Hawaiian name tag making class.

Thank you for my beautiful lei.

Cade and I in front of I Ka Wa Ma Mua, Ka Wa Ma Hope (Through the Past is the Future) - a mural by Kamea Hadar.


As I mentioned, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is just steps away from the beach where we walked out to enjoy the sunset. We also spent some time at the large pool. Chaise lounges are available around the pool, but if you prefer you can reserve a daybed that comes with two chaise lounges or your own private cabana.

Beach access steps away from the A'o Cultural Center.

Daybeds are available to rent.

Back floating in the large pool.

Warm up in one of three hot tubs.

  
The resort does not have its own fitness center, but provides access to the fitness center at Embassy Suites with reservations. Other great perks included in the resort charge are complimentary admission (for two adults) to the Honolulu Museum of Art and discounted admission to the Waikiki Aquarium and Bishop Museum. 
 
It was much too short, but we truly enjoyed our stay at the resort.  We enjoyed time at the pool and beach, learning at the A'o Cultural Center, relaxing at the Voyager 47 Club, and taking in the views from our suite. It was a wonderful first time stay for us and we would definitely recommend the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort!

Thank you to the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort for their Aloha and suite upgrade, complimentary use of the daybed, and access to the Voyager 47 Club.  









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June 17, 2015

Top 10: Reasons Why I Loved Staying at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

I had the the best birthday/Mother's Day staycation yet thanks to the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, and I'm sure I would have another awesome staycation there even if I weren't celebrating a special occasion.

Here are my top 10 reasons why I loved staying at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort:

1. Service with Aloha - From the moment we pulled up to the valet, I knew we were in for a great staycation.  In fact, the check-in process with Mailee was so pleasant and informative - I was impressed with the entire experience.  What a great way to start a staycation!
2. Views - Day or night, the views from the resort are stunning!
3. Spacious, welcoming rooms - We did have two adjoining rooms on this stay, but my family would have been more than comfortable in a single room with 2 queens or 1 king and a sofa bed.
4. Steps from Waikiki Beach - I loved that we didn't have to go very far to enjoy the beach!

5. Dining - the Outrigger Reef is home to great restaurants (pictured above - Uncle Moki's Chocolate Lava Flow from Ocean House Waikiki)

6. Warm Welcome - Cookies, a fruit platter, and wine welcomed us to the resort.
7. Daily entertainment - Kani Ka Pila Grille offers daily entertainment poolside (it's hard to see in this shot, but Ben and Maila were performing on the stage to the left, and I could hear their beautiful music from our balcony!).


8. Great view of the Friday night fireworks - I loved that we could see the fireworks from right outside of the hotel!

9. Hawaiiana - Cultural displays and complimentary cultural activities are great for both kama`aina and visitors.
10. Coupons - Upon check-in we were given coupons to use at nearby dining and shopping venues.  What a great way to save money!
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May 18, 2015

A Gift of Rest, Relaxation, and Priceless Memories at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Several years ago my husband and I decided to forgo gifts for special occasions, and instead experience things together (e.g. trips, activities, etc.).  So when it came time for my birthday/Mother's Day this year, a weekend Waikiki Staycation at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort with the family was all that I needed!

I've been to the Outrigger Reef many times to dine, but this was the first time staying at the resort, and I was beyond excited to spend a weekend there to celebrate my birthday and Mother's Day.

After a very pleasant and informative check-in, I received our room keys and was ready to start our staycation.

We were generously hosted in two Diamond Head Ocean View Rooms.  One room included a King and Sofa Bed, the other room had two Double Beds.

King Bed, Sofa Bed
Double Beds

The beds were super comfy, and I loved that there were so many pillows on each bed!

The island-inspired and plantation-style decor (loved the pineapple detail on the headboards!) was warm and inviting, and the rooms were quite spacious.

Each room had a coffee maker and complimentary coffee and tea, a refrigerator, desk, 32-inch LCD TV, and dresser.
Desk
Vanity
Bathroom
TV, dresser
My favorite feature of the rooms was the balcony with stunning views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach.


We also had a nice view of the pool.
Pool
We spent a lot of time on the balcony just soaking in the views, and we also spent a lot of time in the room too - napping, watching TV, and just relaxing.  That's what staycations are for, right?  

Well, we made sure not too spend too much time in the room relaxing, so we frequented the beach - to relax even more!

Outrigger Reef is located right on Waikiki Beach, so the beach is literally just steps away.
My kids loved going to the beach!
We were on the beach every day and night, whether it was to splash around, walk the shore, check out the views, or watch the Friday Night fireworks.

Dusk


Not only is the Outrigger Reef ideally located, but it also has nightly entertainment at Kani Ka Pila Grille, great dining (check out my reviews for Ocean House Waikiki here and Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar here), and a lot of complimentary services and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, free Hawaiian cultural activities, and even a free vow renewal ceremony!

Ideally located - right on Waikiki Beach!
And did I mention the amazing views?


We staycationed during Mother's Day Weekend, and although there were a lot of people at the resort and restaurants, the crowds were not overwhelming, and I still felt completely rested and relaxed during our stay.

Service was great our entire stay throughout the hotel, including at the restaurants, which made our staycation even more enjoyable.

Thank you Outrigger Reef for providing the perfect location to celebrate my birthday/Mother's Day (and for the gift of wine, fruit, and cookies!).

Mahalo Outrigger Reef!
The time spent with my family splashing in the ocean, watching the fireworks, indulging in delicious food, relaxing on the beach, and simply being together are the experiences and moments that I will never forget!


Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
2169 Kalia Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-3111



Thank you to Outrigger Reef for hosting our stay.  Gratuities were paid on my own.
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