FEATURE/The Outrigger Reef On the Beach Hosts Weekly Hawaiian Cultural Celebration.

Lifestyle Editors/Travel Writers

FEATURE...

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)

It's a day-long party at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki, site of the weekly "Aloha Friday" ho'olaule'a (celebration)!

The Reef's Aloha Friday Hawaiian cultural events and activities are a celebration and sharing of the Islands' rich, unique history and culture through music, dance, educational demonstrations and art. A recent survey by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) found that 33 million U.S. adults attended a cultural event such as a theater, arts, or music festival while traveling during the past year. This indicates that cultural tourism is one of the more popular sectors of the travel industry.

The Reef's Aloha Friday revelry kicks off at 8 a.m. with Na Leo o Kalia, the Outrigger Reef choral group, whose members are Reef housekeepers. The group provides harmonious entertainment in the main lobby, the perfect way to greet guests in the morning. The festivities continue with lei-making demonstrations and 'ukulele classes held by the pool. Hawaiian cultural activities like lauhala (pandanus frond) weaving take place in the main lobby, and artisans and handcrafters showcase and sell their works. The artworks make great mementos of The Reef's Aloha Friday festivities and a memorable Hawai'i vacation.

The kupuna (elders) of Na Kupuna o Makua Ali'i and Na Kupuna o Ko'olau enthusiastically hula to melodious singing and the harmonious sounds of the 'ukulele and guitar. The kupuna also stroll the lobby, sharing stories of life in Hawai'i of yesteryear and significant events in the Islands' history with hotel guests.

The most popular attraction is the chance for guests to learn the hula, as the dancers conduct a weekly workshop. Beautiful wahine (ladies) gracefully perform hula in the afternoon to the rich sounds of live Hawaiian mele (music). They invite guests to discover this ancient Hawaiian dance, the heart and soul of Hawaiian culture. Visitors to Hawaii are provided with the ultimate souvenir of an incredible vacation, something they won't need to pack, but carry home in their heads -- and their hips.

The Aloha Friday activities continue in the evening with live Hawaiian music at The Reef's restaurants, the Shore Bird Oceanside Bar & Grill and Aloha Lounge. Strolling musicians serenade diners at the Shore Bird Beach Broiler and Ivy's Restaurant, providing a sweet soundtrack for the breathtaking sunsets. Guests can enjoy the music with cocktails and pupu (hors d'oeuvres) in relaxed, open-air settings.

Those wishing to have more information on the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and its Aloha Friday ho'olaule'a should call 808/923-3111. The Reef is owned and operated by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, a division of Hawaii-based Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., the largest lodging company in Hawaii and one of the fastest growing lodging companies in the Pacific. Under its two hotel brands -- Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and OHANA Hotels of Hawaii -- the company currently operates or has under development 35 hotels and resort condominiums throughout the Pacific region, with more than 10,000 hotel rooms and condominium units in Hawaii, Micronesia, Australia and the South Pacific. Outrigger's affiliate, Outrigger Lodging Services, manages nearly two dozen hotels and resorts across the U.S. Mainland.

For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 1-800/OUTRIGGER (1-800/688-7444) from anywhere in the United States, Guam and Canada. Outrigger's toll-free number is also available internationally via AT&T's new Direct 800(c) Service. Elsewhere call 303/369-7777. Internet users can find information on Outrigger at www.outrigger.com.