Saturday Briefing

By Kathy Hansberry

Looking for a fun and relaxing way to celebrate the holidays? Head down to Plaza Stage at Waikiki Beach Walk to enjoy the popular Sunday Showcase music series, a free weekly program that takes place every Sunday afternoon from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event continues to attract visitors and residents alike by providing a great line-up of local entertainers. Read the rest of this entry

By Una Murray

Sixteen butlers (Talai) at the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji recently completed an intensive two-week training course conducted by the Australian Butler School. The course covered many areas of guest service, including arrivals and departures, guest relations, valet service, in-room dining, and the very popular Sundown Service of champagne and canapés. Read the rest of this entry

By Kathy Hansberry

“Art changes everything” is the mantra of internationally-acclaimed Maui artist Spar Street who will be the featured artist at The Wyland Waikiki’s signature “Art on the Avenue” on December 5, 2008, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to this free event in the hotel lobby. Read the rest of this entry

By Bill Comstock and Luana Maitland

Outrigger Reef hit another great milestone and unveiled its newly-renovated pool on Saturday, November 15. The beautifully-retiled pool and brand new pool deck opened ahead of schedule for all guests to enjoy. Read the rest of this entry

By Luana Maitland

On Sunday, November 16, a celebration was held to honor and celebrate the birthday of King David

2008 May Day Queen Paulette Kahalepuna and Luana Maitland

Kalakaua, whose statue stands at the entrance to Waikiki. Joining in the celebration were this year’s May Day Queen, Paulette Kahalepuna, representing Mayor Mufi Hannenman; the United Japanese Society President Dennis Kanemori, Japanese Consulate General of Japan; Honorable Consulate General Toshio Kunikata; and the organizers of the celebration Jim Willig, Lopaka Kapanui, and members of the Lodge Le Progres De I’Oceanie, in addition to the hundreds of visitors and members of our local communities. Following the ceremony was a parade in honor of the King. Uncle George Na‘ope served as Grand Marshall and was joined by Palani Vaughn. Read the rest of this entry

By Joanna Demeo

Hundreds of plants were given away to visitors, locals, and employees at this year’s Arbor Day free plant

Jana Matsunaga, Doreen Nohara, Gwen Boyce, Mahealani Jimenez, and Shae Gallardo with their new plants

giveaway. This popular event drew eager crowds to Outrigger Reef on the Beach, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, and the Keauhou Beach Resort, where everyone was able to take home one of many native plant species on hand. Read the rest of this entry

By Dr. Richard Kelley  

Dietrich Mayring

It is with sadness that I must report that a long-time member of the Outrigger ‘ohana, Dietrich Mayring, died on October 26, at his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the age of 68. The cause of death was not revealed in the obituary published in the Flagstaff Daily Sun. Read the rest of this entry

By Conchita Malaqui  

Blaine Kia, Michele Leao, Konishiki (seated), Conchita Malaqui, Michael Lougheed, and Sara Lougheed

You may not necessarily know the name Saleva’a Fuauli Atisano’e, but if you’re from Hawaii or Japan, you’re sure to recognize the name Konishiki. For 15 years, Hawaii-born Saleva’a Fuauli Atisano’e enjoyed an exciting career as a sumo wrestler, becoming the first foreigner to rise to the rank of ozeki. In 1997, Konishiki retired from the sport, having reached 733 career wins. Read the rest of this entry

By Dr. Chuck Kelley  

The way we share information keeps evolving at an accelerating pace, and this has an enormous impact on both our personal lives and our business. Like me, many of you may be having a hard time keeping up with the latest developments, like text messaging, online social networks, blogs, and oddly named, inventive new services such as Twitter, Digg, and Delicious. Fortunately for me and many of the folks in my generation, there are many in our Outrigger ‘ohana who are keeping up to date with the latest developments. Read the rest of this entry

By Ethan Chang  

Spectacular pumpkins were recently on display at the Outrigger Waikiki and the Outrigger Reef annual

Matt Sproat’s entry took Third Place in the Outrigger Waikiki’s Carved category

employee pumpkin carving contests. Every year, it is a challenge to produce these original pumpkin designs. The entries this year surpassed expectations and truly showcased the creativity of our employees and merchants.

The Outrigger Waikiki showcased pumpkins in two basic categories: Carved and Decorated. Taking First place in the Carved division was Beach Services, with “Surfer.”  First prize in the Decorated category went to Hula Grill with “Turtle on the Beach.”

The Outrigger Reef had four categories:  Spookiest, Hawaiian, Creative, and Overall best. Winners were: Projects (Spookiest), Valet (Hawaiian), Sales & Marketing (Creative), and Overall Best went to (UV Rays).

Congratulations to all employees and merchants who entered our annual pumpkin carving contests.

Beach Services’ “Surfer” took First Place in the Outrigger Waikiki’s Carved category

Hula Grill’s “Turtle on the Beach” took First Place in the Outrigger Waikiki’s Decorated category