Wayfinder Waikiki is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Kawasaki as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this role, Kawasaki will lead the hotel's strategic sales initiatives and oversee all marketing efforts, bringing more than 30 years of industry experience and deep local expertise to the boutique Honolulu property.
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, will embark on a multi-million-dollar renovation starting June 2, 2025. Led by the internationally renowned Bryan O'Sullivan Studio (BOS), this extensive transformation coincides with the property's 15th anniversary and reflects developer Irongate Group's commitment to redefining luxury hospitality in Waikīkī.
Throughout her 30 year career in the hospitality industry, Nolan has held multiple leadership positions at properties including the Kapalua Bay Hotel; Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; the Trump International Hotel, Las Vegas; and the Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate, Las Vegas. In 2010, Nolan returned to Maui as Hotel Manager for The Westin Kā'anapali Ocean Resort Villas. Shortly thereafter, she assumed the role of General Manager and later became Area Managing Director and Regional Vice President of Operations for Vistana Signature Experiences, formally known as Starwood Vacation Ownership. Most recently, Nolan led as Market General Manager for Marriott Vacations Worldwide.
Randy Diamond will be responsible for overseeing operations, strategy, and team leadership. Diamond has been an invaluable member of the Highgate team for the past six years, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a passion for leadership. His strategic guidance will be instrumental in driving the growing portfolio towards its goals and objectives.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is proud to announce the renovation of its iconic Rainbow Tower.
For many decades, visitors to the Hawaiian island of Oahu had just one neighborhood to choose from when booking a hotel. Waikiki–that iconic mile-and-a-half strip of white-sand beach ringed by more than 26,000 hotel rooms–was the only place where hotels could be found.
The beach brand's newest craft hotel now graces royal estate grounds historically known as "Paradise Garden".
Jessica Mullenfeld will lead the marketing and ecommerce team for Highgate Hawaii, providing corporate support to the region's portfolio. Jessica is a seasoned marketing professional with 12 years of experience and specialized focus on digital strategies. She has honed her experience in the hospitality sector, contributing significantly to resort marketing for companies like Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Evolution Hospitality. Most recently, Jessica led the digital solutions and go-to-market operations for a direct-to-consumer brand. Serving as the Regional Director of Marketing & Ecommerce at Highgate, she leverages her skills to boost brand awareness and drive revenue growth. Outside of work, Jessica is either golfing, riding her e-bike, or playing frisbee with her Australian Shepherd.
Ramona Sidlo will take the lead on Highgate Hotel Hawaii's new experiential marketing department. With nearly two decades of domestic and international marketing experience, Ramona brings a fresh perspective to hotel marketing. Before moving to Hawaii Ramona successfully launched the Global Experiential marketing team at Spotify where she built global brand experiences that drove consumer engagement at various touchpoints. Her first role in Hawaii was the Director of Marketing for BAMP Project where she was responsible for over 150+ local and national shows in the market in collaboration with LiveNation. Ramona brings extensive knowledge of brand experiences, a love for the island's culture, and a passion for storytelling and connection to her role as Regional Experiential Marketing Director. When she is not in a lobby of one of the Highgate hotels she can be found surfing, writing her book, or reading astrology charts.
Waterman has been appointed General Manager of the flagship OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. He previously served as Area General Manager for Davidson Hospitality and will oversee operations at the recently transformed resort. With over 20 years of experience across luxury brands such as Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood, Waterman is poised to drive operational excellence at OUTRIGGER's premier beachfront property.
Opening in Honolulu's iconic Waikiki neighborhood, the new property is located on Kalakaua Avenue within walking distance of Waikiki's most notable luxury boutiques and beautiful South Shore beaches.
OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group appointed Chrystalle Anger Area Director of Front Services at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort & OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, effective July 23, 2024.
Hawai'i Vacation Condos by OUTRIGGER has named Sootaga "So'o" Tana the general manager of the Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by OUTRIGGER (RBW), Waikiki Shore by OUTRIGGER (WSR) and AOAO of Regency on Beachwalk effective July 1, 2024.
Derrick Williams has dedicated nearly 21 years to the human resources department within Marriott Hotels. Most recently, he was the Market Director of Human Resources for the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Detroit. Prior to that, Williams held the Director of Human Resources position at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit where he successfully led the team through the many activities involved in the integration with the Marriott brand. Williams began his career journey at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel as an intern where he worked his way up to Human Resources Manager and eventually Assistant Director of Human Resources. Williams is a graduate of Western Illinois University where he holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. He enjoys traveling with his wife, Shameka, and sons Jay, Will and Jacob where they love spending time outdoors and in the water.
Chad Bevan is a 24-year veteran of Marriott Hotels where he's held positions throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. In his most recent role, he was the Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Prior to that, Bevan was the Director of Event Management at The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel, the Director of Meetings and Special Events at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, as well as the Director of Event Management at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. He's held various positions with the Marriott brand all over the world including St. Thomas, Salt Lake City and Aruba. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management and a minor in Business Management. In his spare time, Bevan loves spending time with his family, going to the movies, enjoying the beach and watching the sunset.
Oʻahu's First Adults-Only Respite for the Best of Urban Wonderment is Now Open.
The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, which sits on the former site of theAinahau Estate and was once home to Hawaii's beloved Princess Victoria Kaiulani, today announced the completion of the Ainahau Tower room refresh. The 664 guestrooms have undergone a thoughtful and extensive refresh, paying homage to Waikiki's history and Princess Kaiulani's fashion, celebrating the hotel's historical grounds and natural landscapes, and breathing new life into the hotel's original design.
For those who are unfamiliar, the Halekulani is (pardon the alliteration) a hallmark of Hawaiian hospitality, with the property acting as the keystone for the densely populated beach tourism area of Waikiki in Honolulu. At 453 rooms and suites, the luxury hotel has a time-honored history, first established in 1917 and now comprising five buildings and three signature restaurants, all with an unparalleled onsite experience. Further to this article, the property closed completely for an 18-month renovation at the outset of the pandemic in 2020.
HAYATO NOGAKI, has been appointed General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. Nogaki will oversee managerial operations of Oahu's first AC hotel located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, which celebrated its grand opening on March 3, 2024.
With more than 30 years of hospitality, sales and marketing acuity, Gary Spencer brings distinctive, transformational expertise and leadership to his field. Spencer will oversee an integrated sales, marketing and communications strategy for Highgate Hawaii's dynamic portfolio. Spencer helmed 20 years at Evolution & Aimbridge Hospitality acclaimed for its sales strategy, culture and performance across 1,300 hotels with a network of 2,000 sales associates. Prior, Spencer was a co-founder and principal at Evolution Hospitality, a lauded independent hotel management company which oversees conceptualization, management and marketing verticals for hotels, restaurants, and multi-use outlets. As a New York native, Spencer received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Canisius College. As a father of three vibrant daughters, Gary's passions include travel, the outdoors and cooking.