b'It took special saltwater tanks to fly the eight dolphins over from Florida, a massive and costly undertaking. But, says Cowell of the dolphins popularity, There has never been an opening in the schedule since.When the resort opened, James Michener, who was in atten-dance, was quoted as saying, Its the kind of place God would have built if he had sufficient cash flow. TheSheratonRoyalWaikoloanwasalreadyapopular option for visitors and kama`ina, as was the new Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Beach Course, with the Kings Course by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish well on the way. By 1991, the first phase of the Kings Shops opened, adding an engaging retail enclave to the mix, along with restaurants by top Hawai`i chefs like Roy Yamaguchi. Waikoloa had become a destination, moving ever closer to its founders original vision.In June 1999, the Sheraton Royal Waikoloan hotel closed for a $25 million renovation, to reopen in October as the Outrigger Waikoloa Beach, Outriggers first neighbor island property. ThreeOPPOSITE PAGE: The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort years later, Outrigger signed a franchise agreement with Marriott,& Spa, beautifully lit against the early evening. rebranding the property as the Waikoloa Beach Marriott.ABOVE: A plate from Sansei Seafood, Steak & Sushi Bar in Queens MarketPlace. February 1990 December 1991 November 1993 June 1999 January 2001The Kings Course,Kings Shops open. Global Resort PartnersThe SheratonKings Shops designed by Tomacquires the HyattRoyal Waikoloancompletes Weiskopf and Jayproperty and rebrandshotel closes for20,000-square-foot Morrish, opens. as Hilton Waikoloaa $25 millionexpansion.July 1992 Village. renovation, First Annualto reopen in Great WaikoloaOctober as Rubber Duckiethe Outrigger Race takes place. Waikoloa Beach. 3 7'