A Passion for Discovery
Born 77 years ago in Waikiki with a deep connection to the spirit of hospitality and a profound sense of place, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has evolved into a global leader in premier beach resorts, offering guests immersive and authentic experiences. Here, we converse with company President & CEO Jeff Wagoner about the growth of the business and what lies ahead.
With an ethos that is deeply rooted in what they call “The OUTRIGGER Way”, which focuses on caring for their hosts, guests and the unique destinations they are privileged to call home, the company’s philosophy of respect and stewardship defines everything they do and is the foundation of their growth.
Currently operating 30 properties situated in premier beach-resort destinations around the world, their sites include iconic locations across Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand, Mauritius and the Maldives. Their diverse portfolio includes branded resorts as well as condominiums, each one offering a unique experience that honours the local culture, environment and community.
Two of the company’s most significant recent openings are the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. The OUTRIGGER Reef underwent an $85M renovation, transforming every element of the guest experience, from redesigned rooms and public spaces to new dining options, while maintaining deep ties to the local Hawaiian culture.
Meanwhile, OUTRIGGER Kona’s $60M revitalisation was inspired by the rich heritage of Keauhou Bay, with it being the birthplace of King Kamehameha III and the manta rays that grace the nearby waters. The redesign blends traditional voyaging motifs with modern design elements, enhancing both the property’s aesthetic and its connection to place.
Additionally, they are thrilled to be partnering with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group to debut the first resident Cirque du Soleil show in Hawaii, launching in December 2024 at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. This one-of-a-kind production is set to bring artistry, acrobatics and Hawaiian heritage together in a groundbreaking performance.
“Our mission is to be ‘The Premier Beach Resort Company in the World’ and we are continuously expanding and enhancing our offerings. In the coming years, we are focused on growing our presence in Asia-Pacific and exploring a return to the Australian market,” explains Jeff Wagoner, President & CEO of OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. “We also have exciting developments in our home base of Hawaii, such as the transformation and rebranding of OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Paradise Hotel. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve while always being mindful of maintaining the authenticity and environmental responsibility that define us.”
The company is actively exploring new markets that resonate with their brand philosophy of beach-inspired hospitality and cultural immersion. They see promising opportunities in Southern California and South Florida, whilst further afield Asia-Pacific continues to offer exciting opportunities for growth, aligning with their desire to expand in coastal areas with a strong sense of place.
When deciding on new locations, proximity is a key consideration, as they aim to deliver their signature beach experience. Beyond location, they are passionate about sustainability and cultural integrity. They look for properties that share their commitment to environmental stewardship and offer opportunities to engage authentically with the local community. This allows them to integrate “The OUTRIGGER Way” into each new destination they embrace.
“Our mission is to be ‘The Premier Beach Resort company in the World’… our goal is to stay ahead of the curve while always being mindful of maintaining the authenticity and environmental responsibility that define us.”
Speaking about the importance of social media and e-commerce, Wagoner highlights that they have become essential tools for how they engage with guests before, during and after their stays. He continues by saying that they have made significant investments in their digital infrastructure, ensuring that their booking platforms are seamless and intuitive.
“Our social media strategy focuses on authentic storytelling, showcasing the beauty of our destinations with the unique cultural attributes and programming. Through behind-the-scenes content, real-time guest interactions and partnerships with influencers, we have created a digital presence that is engaging, meaningful and aligned with our brand values,” Wagoner comments.
A massively important topic in the world of hospitality is sustainability and this is a core value of OUTRIGGER’s DNA. The company is committed to protecting the environments in which they operate through the OUTRIGGER Zone (OZONE) initiative, which focuses on coral reef conservation. As part of a larger ESG strategy, all of their properties have adopted sustainable practices, from reducing single-use plastics to implementing energy and water-saving measures. In addition, they collaborate with local environmental organisations to help preserve the natural beauty of their destinations.
As we move onto the subject of guest loyalty and differentiation, Wagoner says that he feels guests remain loyal to OUTRIGGER due to their authentic approach to hospitality. He says that they are not just about providing a beautiful beachfront resort – they offer a cultural immersion that resonates with travellers seeking more than just a vacation. Their commitment to local communities, sustainability and personalised services sets them apart. Guests know they can trust them for a meaningful experience that is deeply connected to the spirit of each destination.
“We stand out because of our steadfast commitment to “The OUTRIGGER Way” – caring for the people, the places and the cultures that define each of our destinations. This guiding principle has allowed us to form strong relationships with local communities and has enabled us to offer a guest experience that is truly unique. Our ability to innovate while remaining true to our values has helped us to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry, keeping us at the forefront of beach resort hospitality,” explains Wagoner.
As he looks to the future, the President & CEO feels it is a bright road ahead, with thoughtful expansion and continued investment in their current properties on the horizon.
“However, balancing this growth with our commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation remains our greatest challenge. As travel habits evolve and guest expectation shift, we need to ensure that we continue to innovate while remaining mindful of our responsibility to the environment and the local communities that define us,” comments Wagoner.
“That being said, we are proud of our role as a leader in premier beach resorts worldwide and are excited to continue shaping the future of hospitality through meaningful, authentic experiences.”
