Outrigger helps couples renew vows

Outrigger Hotels & Resorts photos

A kahu presides over guests' beachfront vow renewals at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach.

Maybe you didn't make plans, but caught up in the romance of paradise, you feel compelled to tell the world about your continuing love story.

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach makes it easy to share your romance with the return of its free, beachfront vow-renewal ceremony, which invites couples to recommit to one another in a Hawaiian ceremony on the hotel’s oceanfront lanai fronting iconic Waikiki Beach and the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. The vow renewal ceremonies for guests of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach are available at 7:45 a.m. every Monday and Thursday.

More than 9,000 vows have been exchanged since the program launched in 2003 providing guests a memorable and distinctive Hawaii experience. The non-denominational Hawaiian ceremony is conducted by a Hawaiian officiant and begins with a traditional Hawaiian welcome chant. Couples are then treated to a hula and serenaded with Hawaiian song before being blessed with a gentle sprinkling of sea water and reciting vows in the Hawaiian language.

More than 9,000 couples have renewed their vows through the 

Outrigger Hotels & Resort's free vow renewal program.

The ceremony concludes with a performance of the beautiful "Hawaiian Wedding Song," accompanied by a hula. A commemorative certificate is presented to each couple at the conclusion of the ceremony to remember the day.

Vow-renewal ceremonies also take place every Tuesday and Friday at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Couples must sign up at their respective hotel’s concierge desk by 3 p.m. the day before the ceremony. In addition to Waikiki, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts offers free vow renewal ceremonies to guests on the islands of Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Each vow-renewal ceremony was created with the guidance of a Hawaiian cultural expert to provide a distinctive and culturally-rich experience to help couples celebrate their love as well as the history and heritage of the island.

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach offers rates starting from $259 per night (plus tax) and commands one of the best locations on Waikiki Beach, at 2335 Kalakaua Ave. Reserve by calling toll free 1-(800)-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call direct to (303)-369-7777 (long distance charges apply). Or, visit www.outriggerwaikiki.com or e-mail reservations@outrigger.com.

Canoe surfing at Outrigger

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach photo

True to its name, the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is sending guests out to sea for an exhilarating experience via the hotel’s "Canoe for Two" Package.

Through Dec. 21, 2011, two guests can enjoy the unique experience of surfing the Waikiki shore break on a Hawaiian outrigger canoe. The package includes a photo CD of the session that’s easy to upload to email, Facebook or Twitter.

Outrigger canoe surfing is one of the earliest and purest forms of surfing, as the native-to-Hawaii canoes gracefully catch each surge for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Experienced steersmen navigate through surfers and stand up paddlers, as the 400-pound canoe carves through the troughs. While waiting for surf, paddlers often spot turtles, dolphins and tropical fish from the canoe and the setting boasts spectacular views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. The safety of the canoe and experience of the steersmen make canoe surfing a perfect family-friendly activity, as guests of all ages are taught to paddle and provided life jackets.

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is situated on central Waikiki Beach, overlooking famed surf break “Canoes.”

Guests of the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach can also enjoy the Fee Free Escape program, which offers an array of complimentary amenities including free high-speed Internet access, free local and long-distance domestic telephone calls to the U.S. Mainland and Canada, daily newspaper, use of the fitness center (open 24 hours) and various cultural activities and much more.

The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach "Canoe for Two Package" starts at $239 per room, per night, for two persons sharing and is available through Dec. 21, 2011. Additional room nights can be purchased at the hotel’s Best Available Rate. Rates and specials cannot be combined with other offers and are subject to availability and change. Additional restrictions may apply. Hotel reservations can be made by contacting your preferred travel agent or call toll free 1-800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call direct to 303-369-7777 (long distance charges apply). Or, visit www.outriggerwaikiki.com or e-mail reservations@outrigger.com.