Outrigger Reef on the Beach- a bit of Hawaiiana on Waikiki Beach

My Vacation Lady had the opportunity to visit the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in December 2011 and we noticed that it was a bit different than many of the other hotels in Waikiki from the minute we stepped onto the driveway.  From the Outrigger canoe in their entrance to the Hawaiiana decor of their lobby, this resort is much more Hawaiian in feel than many of the other Waikiki resorts.

You don’t stand in line to check in but rather have an individual check in with one of their reception desk staff members.  Their lobby is lined with pictures of all kinds of outrigger canoes.  Their welcome is a pleasant change from the large hotels where you stand in line waiting to talk to someone.

There are 3 towers in the Outrigger Reef, the Pacific Tower, the Ocean Tower and the Diamond Head Tower.  We got to see rooms in the Pacific and the Ocean Towers.  All rooms were recently redone and comfortable.  All 600+ rooms, in the three towers, have 32-inch flat screen TVs with pay movies for view and video games. Amenities include free internet access access, coffeemakers, mini refrigerators, and in-room safes. Bathrooms feature full-sized tubs and made-in-Hawaii bath products.  Not all rooms (particularly in the moderate category-which My Vacation Lady doesn’t recommend) have balconies.

The views definitely make a difference in the Outrigger Reef.  The ocean front room views can be truly spectacular- including views of Diamond Head.  A moderate room view will be looking right onto another building and the city view rooms in the Pacific Tower can be a bit better.  My Vacation Lady typically will recommend a partial ocean view room or higher to ensure the type of view our clients expect from their balconies.

The Outrigger Reef is steps away from the Beachwalk, a shopping and dining promenade.  It’s located next door to the Halekulani, one of the top hotels in Waikiki, and it’s located on a lovely stretch of beach with a pier which makes a great spot for watching the Friday night fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Unlike some of the other beachfront hotels, the Outrigger Reef’s pool is not beachfront- probably, in My Vacation Lady’s opinion- the biggest drawback.  

But the pool is located just steps away from the bar and a poolside restaurant, where we had a great lunch!

A unique amenity of the Outrigger reef is that it invites couples to Hoi Hou Ke Aloha, a ceremony to renew their wedding vows. This free ceremony is held on Waikiki Beach in front of the hotel twice a week.

The Outrigger Reef also offers surfing lessons, outrigger canoe rides, and catamaran cruises for a fee but a complimentary introductory scuba-diving lesson is offered at the pool.  Other entertainment includes Hawaiian music, hula, and craft demonstrations;  a pool table; display cases of Hawaiian calabash bowls; an interactive humpback whale kiosk; a fitness room; and a day spa.

Three restaurants are on property:

Shore Bird Restaurant is open to the beach, serving casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including buffets for all three meals and grill-your-own options at dinner.  Don’t worry, chefs are available to help you before you burn your steak   and there is live entertainment nightly.   The Ocean House Restaurant- is relaxed but stylish open-air, beachfront setting.  The  Kani Ka Pila Grille is their casual poolside dining with full bar and live music, serving Hawaiian cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  We had lunch here and it was very good.

My Vacation Lady recommends the Outrigger Reef to many of our clients since it a well located and well priced beachfront hotel in Waikiki.  If