DATE March 15, 2018 RELEASE NUMBER 22|18

Outrigger Resorts ‘O Ke Kai Series’ shares the art of wayfinding Free program is open to the public, includes kid activities and hands-on demonstrations with canoe builders

HONOLULU, HAWAII – As part of its steadfast partnership with Polynesian Voyaging Society – Outrigger Resorts is pleased to continue its quarterly O Ke Kai Series with “Rebuilding the Past, Wayfinding the Future” on Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. – noon at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. The educational event is free and open to the public.

“The Friends of Hōkūle`a and Hawai‘iloa are considered ‘ohana of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and our relationship continues to grow with each visit as they share stories, showcase unique artifacts and tools as well as provide hands-on canoe building demonstrations for our guests,” said Luana Maitland, director of cultural programs at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.

The name “O Ke Kai” is Hawaiian for “Of the Sea,” a befitting name for a program that started 16 years ago at Outrigger – a beachfront brand resort named after a voyaging canoe. Since then, Outrigger Resorts has continued to share authentic Hawaiian culture with its guests through partnerships and programming. Outrigger is mindful to be authentic ambassadors of aloha while also being sensitive to local cultures and customs – a management and hospitality process it calls Ke `Ano Wa`a or The Outrigger Way, initially shaped by the late Hawaiian scholar, Dr. George Kanahele, more than 20 years ago.

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Since the double-hull canoe Hōkūleʻa completed its historic Worldwide Voyage of 47,000 nautical miles to 85 ports and 26 nations using only the stars, wind and waves – the awareness of and fascination for traditional navigation has grown exponentially.

Attendees can get an intimate understanding of the art and science behind traditional Hawaiian canoe building and restoration skills that have been passed down from generation to generation.

“Outrigger Enterprises Group has been a longtime supporter of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and its values align with our guiding principles, which include perpetuating our culture, protecting our planet, and instilling these values in the next generation,” said Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and navigator of the voyaging canoe Hōkūle`a.”

Outrigger is proud to continue this educational program that pays tribute to Hawaii’s great voyaging canoes and to pledge our continuing support of The Friends of Hōkūle`a and Hawai‘iloa.

Additional dates for the quarterly O Ke Kai series are: June 16, Sept. 15 and Nov. 17, 2018.

ABOUT OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is a privately held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality company with corporate offices in Hawaii and operating globally in the Asia-Pacific, Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. From its Outrigger Signature Experiences to its Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty program, the values-based company invites guests to escape ordinary with exceptional hospitality and authentic cultural experiences, incorporating local traditions and customs at each of its properties worldwide. Founded in 1947, Outrigger has grown into a highly successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Resorts, OHANA Hotels by Outrigger®, Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger®, Embassy Suites®, Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand VacationsTM. Outrigger currently operates and/or has under development 37 properties with approximately 6,500 rooms located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji; Thailand; Mauritius; and the Maldives. Find out; find Outrigger at: www.outrigger.com or visit @OutriggerResorts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT: Monica Salter Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Ph: 808-921-6839 Email: [email protected]

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