HONOLULU (HI Now) - The Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort and Spa is not the same place you remember, and that is exactly the point. The iconic Garden Isle property has undergone a stunning reimagination from the ground up, and HI Now Daily was there live to soak it all in. From the moment you step into the newly redesigned lobby, you are greeted by “The Floating Lake,” a breathtaking installation by artist Noah Harders that captures the lush beauty of Kauaʻi and sets the tone for everything that follows. Local artists and community collaborators were woven into every corner of this transformation, making the space feel deeply rooted in the spirit of the island.
The biggest buzz on property is the grand opening of Ocean House by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, a brand-new dining experience that is as much about the island as it is about the food. Chef Roy, a legendary name in Hawaiʻi’s culinary world, says the concept is simple and powerful: bring everything the ocean and the land have to offer into one unforgettable experience. Breakfast and dinner will be served, with local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers directly shaping the menu. One standout dish already turning heads features kampachi sashimi, avocado, pickled turnips, sesame seeds, and a ponzu sauce with chives cooked in olive oil. As Chef Roy puts it, “A great meal starts with the hands that touch the fish.” The bar at Ocean House has also been completely flipped, now facing the ocean so guests can sip cocktails with a front-row view of the Pacific.
General Manager Christine San Nicolas shared that the heart of this entire redesign was keeping Kauaʻi at the center, welcoming both visitors and kama’aina to feel proud of what has been created together. The property is also partnering with the Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi, a local nonprofit that runs weekly net patrol beach cleanups every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m., collecting between 600 to 800 pounds of trash each week. In a beautiful full-circle moment, local artist Allegra of Opala Art created a stunning lobby installation called “Na Moku Hoʻomau,” meaning “The Enduring Islands,” made entirely from ocean plastics collected from Hawaiʻi’s beaches. Every guest room also includes a mesh beach cleanup bag, encouraging visitors to give back to the island they are enjoying.
To learn more about the Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort and Spa and Ocean House by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @OutriggerKauaiBeachResort for the latest updates on dining, events, and everything new on the Garden Isle.
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