Outrigger celebrates reopening of Kauaʻi Beach Resort with debut of Roy Yamaguchi restaurant
The multimillion-dollar renovations includes the reopening of the Ocean House, which will serve breakfast and dinner daily with menus that emphasize locally sourced ingredients.
8 hours ago
Outrigger Resorts & Hotels marked the grand reopening of its Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa on Monday, unveiling a multimillion-dollar transformation that includes the grand reopening of Ocean House, a new signature restaurant led by renowned Hawaiʻi chef Roy Yamaguchi.
The celebration drew nearly 300 community leaders, business partners, cultural practitioners and invited guests to the resort on Kauaʻi’s eastern shore.
The event featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing and live music performances honoring the property’s history and significance.
The reopening coincided with World Ocean Month and highlighted the company’s continued investment in Kauaʻi tourism and sustainability initiatives.
“The transformation of OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa reflects our continued commitment to modern island hospitality,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group.
“This milestone represents our long-term investment in Kauaʻi and our belief that exceptional hospitality begins with a deep respect for place.
“We are proud to create experiences that celebrate the island’s culture, support its communities and connect guests more meaningfully to the destination.”
Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger, also addressed the crowd and shared the resort’s vision and its evolution. (Photo Credit: Tray Garman)- Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort drew a large crowd for its grand reopening. (Photo Credit: Tray Garman)
The resort, located near Līhuʻe Airport, has undergone redesigned guestrooms, updated gathering spaces, enhanced event facilities and new cultural design features inspired by the island’s history and natural environment.
The resort now features artwork from several Hawaiʻi-based artists, including Allegra Scribner, Shianne Schorr, Noah Harders, Carena Leigh and Dalani Tanahy.
Their installations draw inspiration from Hawaiian legends, including Pele, the goddess of fire, and Kawelo Lei Makua, a legendary Kauaʻi ocean voyager.
A centerpiece of the redevelopment is Ocean House by Yamaguchi, founder of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. The venue serves breakfast and dinner daily and emphasizes locally sourced ingredients.
- Chef Roy Yamaguchi also spoke to the crowd, sharing his thoughts on Ocean House. (Photo Credit: Tray Garman)
- A crowd favorite was the crab macnut-crusted Mahi with mashed potatoes and a shrimp sauce. (Photo Credit: Tray Garman)
- On the plate were braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and lomi tomatoes. (Photo Credit: Tray Garman)
- Attendees also sampled the surf-and-turf roll with crab-lobster mix and pepperyaki charred negi relish. (Photo Credit: Tray Garman)
“When we first began envisioning Ocean House, what excited me most was the opportunity to create something that truly belongs here,” said Yamaguchi.
“Kauaʻi has an incredible community of farmers, fishermen and producers, and every dish is inspired by their work. We want guests to experience the flavors of this island in a way that feels genuine, memorable and deeply connected to place,” he said.
“Every great meal starts with the hands that fish, farm, and ranch — finished with a little butter, seasoned with salt from this island, and shared with love.”
The restaurant is led by Yamaguchi and Executive Chef Sam Taganeca.
Signature menu items include fresh sashimi, sushi selections and the Kauaʻi Bag & Boil, featuring local seafood, Portuguese sausage and corn served in a brown butter coconut sauce.
During the reopening celebration, attendees sampled dishes including kampachi crudo, ahi tartare, crab mac nut crusted mahi and braised short ribs, accompanied by specialty cocktails crafted for the restaurant.
The event also spotlighted Outrigger’s environmental initiatives and partnerships with Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi and the Hawaiʻi Agriculture Foundation.
