Outrigger to acquire Kaanapali Beach Hotel, The Plantation Inn

Kaanapali Beach Hotel is seen fronting the shoreline. The 11-acre, 432-room property is being purchased by Outrigger Hospitality Group. Photos courtesy Outrigger
The Maui News
Outrigger Hospitality Group plans to acquire Kaanapali Beach Hotel and The Plantation Inn, adding the two Maui properties to its portfolio of 26 resorts, hotels and vacation condos that it owns and/or operates in the islands.
The Kaanapali Beach Hotel transaction is expected to close on July 26, and the property will then be rebranded as Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort. The purchase price is not being disclosed, Outrigger said in a news release Tuesday.
“With its pristine location along a three-mile stretch of sand, deep cultural connections and authentic Hawaiian hospitality, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel has tremendous synergy with the OUTRIGGER brand; we are honored for the opportunity to become stewards of this coveted property,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “Our intention, once the sale is finalized, is to craft a thoughtful plan to further enhance the resort grounds while retaining unique attributes that guests have cherished for years.”
The hotel’s property covers 11 acres and includes 432 rooms. It recently underwent a $75 million property-wide renovation spanning two of the guestroom wings. A new beachfront restaurant, Huihui, was added and became the main eatery, while the 180-room Kauai wing was redesigned.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel recently underwent a $75 million renovation that included a redesign of some rooms.
The property offers a dozen Hawaiian cultural classes for guests as well as outrigger canoe paddling, snorkeling tours and other ocean activities.
“When the renowned scholar Dr. George Kanahele and I created the state’s first Hawaiian cultural training course for hotel employees in 1986, OUTRIGGER’s leadership understood and appreciated the value of this curriculum — so, 30 years ago we guided them in creating a version tailored for OUTRIGGER called Ke ‘Ano Wa’a,” said General Manager Mike White, who has been at the helm of the hotel since the 1980s. “It’s uplifting to know that this platform of caring for host, guest and place remains intact today and will be a foundation of this exciting next chapter for Ka’anapali Beach Hotel.”
As part of the transaction, Outrigger will also take ownership of The Plantation Inn, an 18-room bed and breakfast near Front Street in Lahaina. At this time, no changes are planned for the adults-only accommodation, Outrigger said.
Founded in Hawaii 75 years ago, Outrigger has grown to include 26 properties across the islands, including seven condominium resorts on Maui. In the last two years, the company has added five premier beach resorts to its portfolio, as well as three properties in Southern Thailand and a five-star resort in the Maldives.
- An officer removes an item from a display case at the Antique Freak shop in Wailuku on Tuesday. Photos courtesy DLNR
- Kaanapali Beach Hotel is seen fronting the shoreline. The 11-acre, 432-room property is being purchased by Outrigger Hospitality Group. Photos courtesy Outrigger
- Kaanapali Beach Hotel recently underwent a $75 million renovation that included a redesign of some rooms.
- Alelele Point near Alelele Bridge is pictured. About one mile of Hana Highway between Alelele and Lelekea bridges has been closed since May 10 due to dangerous rockfall conditions. MAUI COUNTY photo