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Press Releases - The Traveler's Journal

Informative Press Releases for Travel

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The following information is provided by the travel supplier or its public relations representative. The Traveler's Journal can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of any material in this section.

A King’s Passion for History and Culture Comes Alive at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach

04-13-2011

Award-winning cultural programming is the norm at this beachfront hotel

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – David La`amea Kalakaua, the last reigning king of Hawaii, so loved Hawaiian music, dance and festivities that he became affectionately known as the “Merrie Monarch.” A world-traveler and diplomat, and an accomplished composer and author, Kalakaua helped revive Hawaiian music and hula, which had been suppressed for many years by missionary influences in the islands.

In honor of Kalakaua’s passion for Hawaii’s arts and culture, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach offers year-round cultural programming as part of its “Kalakaua Experience.” Launched in 2000, this award-winning program is designed to preserve and share Hawaii’s rich artistic, cultural, and environmental treasures – both ancient and contemporary – with guests.

Cultural activities at the hotel cover a broad spectrum with most free to hotel guests, or discounted if there is a fee, making it an attractive value for visitors seeking cultural experiences while on holiday.

The newest offering is the weekly free Hawaiian Vow Renewal ceremony, held exclusive for hotel guests every Thursday morning at 8 am on the beachfront lower patio, with Diamond Head and the Pacific Oceanas a backdrop. The non-denominational Hawaiian ceremony is conducted by a practicing kahu (Hawaiian officiant) who welcomes couples with a traditional Hawaiian chant. They are then honored with a graceful hula and serenaded with Hawaiian song; this is followed with a sprinkling of sea water before couples recite vows in the Hawaiian language. The ceremony concludes with the beautiful Hawaiian Wedding Song performed with a hula, and couples are presented with a certificate commemorating the celebration.

Other free activities guests can enjoy when staying at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach include casual classes in Hawaiian kukui nut bracelet making and storytelling; flower lei making; traditional Ti leaf lei making; ukulele lessons; hula lessons; the making of luggage tags with a guest’s Hawaiian name; mini koa surfboard shaping; and Hawaiian petroglyph greeting cards. Additionally, fun events throughout the year highlightHawaii’s rich multi-ethnic make-up, such as a Chinese New Year celebration in February, Duke Kahanamoku surfing activities during the summer, and spooky Hawaiian storytelling around Halloween.

Outrigger employees play a key role in the hotels’ cultural education efforts with most classes led by employees born and raised in the islands. As a result, guests who participate in the Kalakaua Experience programs are exposed to a depth of local knowledge and expertise not always found elsewhere.

The hotel’s commitment to Hawaii’s sense of place goes beyond programming, however. Other opportunities for guests to experience Hawaiian culture and history include a special lobby showcase featuring dozens of rare Hawaiian artifacts on loan from the venerable Mission House Museum as well as various private collectors.

The hotel’s new Voyager Room in the hotel lobby is a place to relax after the rigors of travel or to enjoy a quiet place to read. It features an honor library filled with books about Hawaii’s unique island heritage. There are travel guides, the Hawaiian Dictionary, and a vast array of books on Hawaiian culture and history.

Custom-designed Hawaiian furniture from master artisan James Ferla, artwork by the iconic Hawaiian artist and historian – the late Herb Kawainui Kane, two Kahili – feather stanchions crafted by hotel employees, and a century-old fully restored outrigger canoe rigged in traditional Hawaiian pre-contact style all are hallmarks of the hotel’s commitment to its island roots.

“Outrigger Hotels & Resorts was born in Hawaii, and therefore, supporting what makes our islands so special has always been an integral part of this company’s heart and soul,” said Robert McConnell, general manager of Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. “Our cultural education programs are a win-win all around. They support worthwhile community organizations, give
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