Steeped in island-music history, Kani Ka Pila Grille has been a hot spot for kama‘āina and visitors alike to hear live Hawaiian music nightly since 2008. As part of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s $80 million transformation, this poolside restaurant reopens with a new stage, enhanced seating areas and refreshed menu. With live Hawaiian music from award-winning performers such as Kawika Kahiapo and Bobby Moderow, guests can enjoy the comfort and company of Hawai‘i’s best talent in a new contemporary outdoor space.
The always-entertaining new stage at Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigg er Reef Waikiki Beach Resort PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS
Renowned artist and marine biologist Ethan Estess at the resort entrance in front of his sustainable mural, “Coming Home.” PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS
With the reopening comes a refreshed menu consisting of Hawaiian-style cuisine and original cocktails. “I’m excited to serve our seared catch of the Hukilau because there’s an abundance of diverse and delicious fish that come from our local waters this time of year. The fresh catch has a yuzu butter sauce laced on top that gives it a savory, crisp flavor. It’s topped with a papaya-mango salsa that further enhances the dish’s springlike attributes,” says chef Rey Baysa. He suggests pairing it with one of its signature cocktails, Coral Reef. “It’s prepared with Maui-made Ocean Organic Vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, guava puree, fresh mint and our house sour mix, plus a splash of club soda,” he says. “The refreshing recipe pairs well with fish and is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.” In addition to tasting great, the drink was craft ed for a Coral Cocktails promotion to raise awareness for healthy oceans as part of Outrigger’s ZONE (OZONE) global conservation initiative.
A refreshed menu with Hawaiian fare from chef Rey Baysa awaits. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS
As its name suggests, Outrigger Reef is committed to caring for coral reefs. The OZONE environmental initiatives range from providing guests with metal water bottles at check-in and complimentary reef-safe sunscreen to sustainable design elements. Coinciding with the reopening is the release of a commissioned art piece, “Coming Home,” by marine biologist and renowned artist Ethan Estess. “The mural was created using fishing nets that washed up along Hawai‘i’s shores,” says Markus Krebs, general manager. “Repurposed into a colorful mural, the artwork serves to inspire individuals to be more sustainable as they enter the contemporary beachfront retreat.” 2169 Kālia Road, Honolulu, outrigger.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTRIGGER HOTELS AND RESORTS
Photography by:
