Power in the Pacific: Outrigger enterprises is gearing up to continue the expansion of its lodging empire in Hawaii and beyond. (Cover Story: Hawaii).(Cover Story)

Travel Agent, October, 2002 by Foster, Camie

Fifty-five years ago the completion of a 50-unit hotel in Waikiki marked a sea change in Hawaii's tourism industry. The five-story walkup was the first property constructed in Waikiki in 20 years, but it was the start or what eventually would be known as Outrigger Enterprises, a family-owned lodging empire that is now expanding into other destinations in the South Pacific. More hotels followed as Roy and Estelle Kelley created a network of affordable hotels that thrived as Hawaii grew into a magnet for tourism.

Hawaii became a state in 1959, the same year jet travel was introduced to the islands. All the while, the Kelley family continued to expand its operations in Waikiki. Their son, Dr. Richard Kelley, soon joined Roy and Estelle in the business, becoming...

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