OUTRIGGER SETS SAIL WITH POLYNESIAN VOYAGING SOCIETY

Outrigger Enterprises Group has launched a strategic partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), pledging to provide more than $500,000 worth of support to further the mission of the PVS Worldwide Voyage through various fundraising efforts, cross marketing and global hosting at Outrigger hotels and resorts throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership launch, “Navigating the Way — The Next Generation,” was celebrated with a reception at Outrigger Reef on the Beach on Nov. 27 where the steering blade of the Hawai`iloa, which has been housed at the resort during restoration of the sailing canoe, was ceremoniously passed back to the navigators.

“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 HōkÅ«le`a.

“We are honoured to partner with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and help support its Worldwide Voyage mission of navigating toward a healthy and sustainable future,” said Charles R. Kelly, chairman of the board for Outrigger Enterprises Group. “As a Hawaii-based company charting our own global expansion, Outrigger is mindful to be authentic ambassadors of aloha while also being sensitive to local cultures and customs — a management and hospitality process we call Ke Ano Waa or The Outrigger Way that was initially shaped by the late Hawaiian scholar, Dr. George Kanahele, nearly 20 years ago.”

The iconic sailing canoe HōkÅ«le`a, along with sister ship Hikianalia, plan to travel to more than 20 countries and 60 ports of call during its five-year Worldwide Voyage. As a sponsor of the voyage, Outrigger will offer accommodations for the crew and provide educational opportunities and activities for the community to participate in at various Outrigger properties in Fiji, Australia, Bali and its newest location in the Indian Ocean, Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa — a five-star beachfront resort at Bel Ombre on the island nation of Mauritius set to open in early 2014.

The Polynesia n Voyaging Society\’s Worldwide Voyage began in June with HōkÅ«le`a and Hikianalia sailing between the Hawaiian islands through October to establish Malama Honua (Taking Care of Island Earth) at home and to connect with local communities before leaving for the South Pacific in May 2014 on the first international leg of the Worldwide Voyage. (http://www.Outrigger.com/Hokulea. News)