With the holidays upon us. many of our resorts incorporated care for their hosts, community and place in their festive celebrations.
Castaway Island, Fiji (FCI)
Magical Moments at Castaway Island, Fiji
BY KOLINIO VULAONO — In the heart of the South Pacific, Castaway Island in Fiji transformed into a winter wonderland of its own as the island hosted a breathtaking Christmas tree-lighting event. The tropical paradise, known for its pristine beaches and azure waters, embraced the holiday spirit with a unique blend of Fijian traditions and festive cheer.
As the sun dipped below the horizon on the evening of Sunday, December 10, guests gathered near Water’s Edge Restaurant, feeling anxious to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as hosts and guests alike awaited the grand moment. Against the backdrop of swaying palm trees and the gentle lull of the Pacific Ocean, a towering Christmas tree adorned with vibrant ornaments and shimmering lights stood as the centerpiece. To add to the holiday spirit, a choir of hosts sang traditional Christmas carols in both Fijian and English, creating a harmonious blend of cultures.
Transforming discarded aluminum cans into a festive centerpiece, the recycled can Christmas tree embodies sustainability and holiday spirit. Crafted with meticulous care, each can was washed and artfully arranged to form a shimmering and eco-friendly alternative to traditional evergreens. Adorned with twinkling LED lights and upcycled ornaments, this unique tree serves as a beacon of creativity, reminding us that the joy of the season can be celebrated while embracing responsible environmental practices. As a symbol of repurposing and renewal, the recycled can Christmas tree encourages a mindful approach to holiday traditions, proving that even in decorations, sustainability can shine bright.
As darkness enveloped the island, the moment arrived to light the Christmas tree. The crowd hushed in anticipation as the master of ceremonies, clad in a Santa hat, invited Dr. Pratik and Beverely Talati, who are longtime returnees, to light the Christmas tree. With a heartfelt prayer, the lights began to twinkle, casting a warm glow across the sandy shores. The crowd erupted in applause; their faces illuminated by the festive brilliance.
The Christmas tree lighting at Castaway Island, Fiji, encapsulated the essence of the holiday season in a tropical paradise. It was a magical evening where the warmth of Fijian hospitality blended seamlessly with festive joy, creating memories that will surely linger in the hearts of both locals and visitors for years to come.
Company Services Holiday Party
Our Company Services holiday party influence was Japan – from Japanese lanterns to Superb Sushi to sake, it was an evening filled with cheer.
An event of this caliber is in thanks to many who helped in The OUTRIGGER Way. Mahalo:
- To our hosts for your generous donations of non-perishable items for the Armed Services YMCA
- To our OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER property team for helping to set up, break down and all things in between
- To security for pick-ups and drop-offs and set up and break-down
- To our “prize” emcees: Jeff Wagoner, Sean Dee, Ruthann Yamanaka, Mike Shaff and Henry Schwartz
- And lastly to the organizers extraordinaire: Danette Bolosan, Pila Hanson, Kris Portillo, Pam Cabrera, Ricol Akana-Phillips, Crystal Salavea and Kathy Foley
Merriest wishes to all!
OUTRIGGERCares Q4 Volunteer Event
It was a sea of blue this past Saturday, December 9, for our Q4 OUTRIGGERCares Volunteer Event on Waikīkī Beach. Gloves donned and trash bags in hand, O‘ahu hosts and Project Life students cleaned the beach just in time for Santa’s arrival by canoe fronting OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort. Keiki welcomed Palaka-clad Saint Nick with song and dance while onlookers enjoyed the festivities on our pristine beach.
OUTRIGGERCares Volunteer Activity
Kaiwi Coastline Restoration
OUTRIGGER hosts on O‘ahu partnered with the Department of Land & Natural Resources on December 2 for a volunteer OUTRIGGERCares activity. Hosts helped expand the native habitat for the endangered yellow-faced bee at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline by planting native species and weeding invasive plants.
What a fun and fulfilling day outdoors with our work friends; yellow-faced bees are smiling!
OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort (FOR)
Youth Ocean Conference
The Simone Veil Award from the French Government and Sustainable Ocean Alliance Pacific (SOA) hosted a Youth Ocean Conference in Suva on November 21 and 22; it was a good opportunity for our environmental officer, Maryanne Shaw, to attend.
Presentations from various speakers touched on different topics like traditional versus modern knowledge, seagrass, coral planting, climate finance, micro-plastics in the ocean and more. It was a full-day event with the opportunity to network and meet and learn from various academics and professionals.
On the last day, an event hosted by SOA, called the Blue Talanoa, was a chance for ocean professionals, students and those with an interest in ocean-related matters to discuss issues and have questions answered for the upcoming COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference and the UN Oceans Summit that will take place in France in 2025. The French Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. François-Xavier Léger was present at the event to share his insight.
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa (OKR)
Christmas with the Chefs
BY GRACE LOVIG — On Saturday, December 7, the annual holiday gala, Christmas with the Chefs, returned to the seaside grounds of Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. In its 31st year, the annual fundraiser benefited local culinary students attending Hawai‘i Community College—Palamanui and members of the Kona Kohala Chefs wanting to further their education.
Over 20 members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Kona Kohala Chefs Association delighted 400 attendees with plates of expertly prepared savory cuisine and delectable holiday treats—all accompanied by handcrafted ales, choice wines and 100 percent Kona coffee. The Bill Noble Trio jazzed up the evening for dancing under the stars fronting historic Kamakahonu Bay.
The OUTRIGGER Kona Beach Resort team rolled up and lit up our tent! We decked it out with holiday cheer that fully represented our brand and a team that was spot-on in service and execution! The word spread fast that Chef Ash’s samplers were AMAZING. We were honored by visits from nearly every chef; it warmed my heart to see how enthusiastically Chef Ash was received and complimented by his peers and attendees. We made community connections and were very well received.
Chef’s menu included Christmas stuffed pork loin with hints of cinnamon, creamy polenta with black garlic and tiramisu cream puff dusted with chocolate espresso.
OUTRIGGER Kona was represented by Chef Ash Dano, Mark Milano (sous chef), Diana Marks (cook 1 bakery) and myself (sales).
Reef Teach to Clean the Beach
BY FRANCINE MOLINA — Once again, we joined our community partners at “Reef Teach” to “Clean the Beach” at the beautiful Kahalu‘u Bay. Hosts from Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER, Fairway Villas Waikoloa by OUTRIGGER and OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa joined together for some fun in the sun. We learned the importance of “Aina-ship” to be stewards of the land — educating with aloha and helping visitors learn how to enjoy our reefs respectfully. We provided reef-safe sunscreen and de-fogger for beachgoers.
Reef Teach is operated by volunteers; many are marine biology students. The effort they put into educating our visitors promotes growth for our reefs and recently was successful in implementing a “closed for spawning” period to give the reef time to replenish itself.
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort (MAM)
Community Service Lagoon Clean-Up
BY DANIELLE STANLEY — This community event aims to create awareness of the current waste in our oceans and to share how this negatively impacts marine life, particularly in a geographic environment such as the Maldives where strong currents and monsoon seasons play a damaging role in this widespread problem.
MAM guests received a briefing on everything plastics and the impact of debris in the ocean, followed by a guided lagoon cleanup by me and members of our Sustainability Committee. This allows our guests to participate in marine conservation efforts on the island and spark positive change in their daily lives. It was a real eye-opener considering how much trash we collected.
We had a great turnout of guests and look forward to the next event!
OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort (MOR)
Christmas Angels at MOR
BY KHARESHMA SONOO — Keeping up with the Christmas spirit, the team at OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort organized a fun-filled Christmas celebration for underprivileged children from the local community.
Believing that Christmas is about showcasing kindness, affection and happiness, a special get-together program was arranged for these children.
Every year, OUTRIGGER Mauritius team aims to share the delight of the festive season by bringing smiles to the less privileged. Lunch, face painting and games were part of the program which ended with Santa Claus giving a gift to each child.
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (ORF)
Tree Lighting + Toy Drive
BY LUANA MAITLAND — The ORF held a Tree-Lighting Ceremony with Ka Halle Io Kahala Halau Hula. My Kuuleipikake lit up the tree this year. Our annual Toys for Keiki drive was hosted by Kani Ka Pila Grille entertainers with toys donated to the Waikīkī Community Center.
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort (OWK)
Annual Toy Drive for Keiki of Waikīkī Community Center & Partners in Development
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort partnered up with Hula Grill and Duke’s Waikiki to make this holiday special for keiki of the Waikīkī Community Center and Partners in Development.
The Waikīkī Community Center helps to ensure the well-being of our keiki, kupuna and community and Partners in Development Foundation inspires and equips families and communities for success and service using Native Hawaiian values and traditions.
Mahalo to all who participated in donating over $500 and 21 keiki gifts. You have made this holiday season special for these keiki and their families.
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel (OBC)
First Tree-Lighting Ceremony
BY CECI HAMAO — We celebrated our first tree-lighting ceremony at OBC! Beachcomber Original Erin Ibarra created a one-of-a-kind chalkboard artwork of pua kalikimaka (poinsettia) on a postcard with #comebehere. The artwork is displayed in our lobby for the holidays. Guests and hosts also enjoyed holiday-flavored Honolulu Cookies in honor of December 4, National Cookie Day.
In the spirit of holiday cheer, hosts decorated heart-of-house doors with festive designs. Everyone did a great job with their decorations with lots of creativity and a dose of humor.
Lastly, the OBC sustainable Christmas tree is up in our breakroom. Decorated by Mildred Dolormente and Virgil Dungalen, the tree is made up of sustainable boxes wrapped with leftover gift wrap.
Cheers to the holidays!
