A Commitment To Hawaii
By W. David P. Carey III
President and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group
In 1947, Outrigger founders Roy and Estelle Kelley opened Islander Hotel in Waikiki. There were 33 rooms, with rates starting at just $7.50 per night.
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Needless to say, much has changed since then. Outrigger has embarked on a bold new initiative: expanding its operations beyond Hawaii’s shores to new markets including Thailand, Fiji, Vietnam, China, Guam, Australia and Mauritius. Despite our incredible growth, what remains constant is our deep commitment to Hawaii and its people.
Outrigger is a family-owned and -operated company based here in Honolulu. Approximately 2,200 employees make up our ohana statewide. Capitalizing on Waikiki Beach Walk’s successful redevelopment, Outrigger will move forward in 2017 with a $100 million revitalization of Outrigger Reef on the Beach, adding much-needed hotel rooms and enhancing the iconic Waikiki beachfront. Tourism remains Hawaii’s largest industry, and maintaining Waikiki’s competitiveness in the global tourism market is of utmost importance to our local economy.
Our commitment to Hawaii takes many forms. We enjoy sharing our island culture by supporting events such as the Waikiki Steel Guitar Festival, Mele Mei, Waikiki Aquarium’s music series and more.
As a longtime corporate sponsor, we’re proud to contribute to the success of student-athletes at University of Hawaii. We also have been grateful for the opportunity to work with our nation’s servicemen and -women, most recently welcoming RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise) participants to the Islands.
As Outrigger goes global, we are mindful to be authentic ambassadors of aloha, while incorporating local cultures and customs. Whether through live music at Outrigger’s Kani Ka Pila Grille or supporting the Polynesian Voyaging Society throughout its worldwide voyage, Outrigger is proud to celebrate and share what makes our home so special.
With our sights set on new horizons, one thing remains certain: Hawaii will always be home.
