The Island of Hawaii's Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection announces the appointment of Ross Birch as General Manager of Mauna Lani Golf. Birch will execute Mauna Lani Golf's strategic goals while overseeing daily operations and enhancing the experiences of guests, residents and the community at large.
The Twin Fin, part of Highgate's Hawaii collection of hotels, opened today along the iconic coastline of Waikiki on Oahu. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the hotel will serve as the heartbeat of the destination and a gathering place for guests to discover local music, art and a lasting connection with the community. The revitalized hotel features refreshed guestrooms, updated design, authentic experiences rooted in Hawaiian culture and front-row views overlooking Waikiki Beach.
Derrin Abac has joined Hotel Wailea, Hawaii's only Relais and Châteaux property, as Director of Food and Beverage to lead the resort-wide culinary team including The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, the property's acclaimed signature restaurant, and Birdcage Bar, an open-air lounge concept with dramatic island views. Continuing Hotel Wailea's tradition of supporting local talent in the state of Hawaii, Derrin is a fourth-generation Maui resident with an esteemed background having worked at Wolfgang Puck's Spago at Four Seasons Resort Maui and earned his Advanced Sommelier accreditation from the Court of Master Sommeliers. With Derrin at the helm, Hotel Wailea's distinguished food and beverage program will continue its impressive trajectory as one of Hawaii's most sought-after culinary and event destinations.
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, has announced the phase-one completion of its property-wide refresh, marking the most extensive renovation since its launch more than 30 years ago. The iconic resort, perched along 40 acres of lush, tropical gardens fronting Maui's Wailea Beach, presents a newly revitalized Botero Lounge at the heart of the resort, a total revamp of Grand Wailea's exclusive Napua rooms, suites and private lounge, and the transformation of two beloved dining venues into brunch restaurant, 'Ikena, and grab-and-gourmet market, Loulu. A completely reimagined wellness and Spa experience will be revealed in 2023.
At a young age, Marguerite grew up visiting Mauna Kea Resort (now comprised of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort) with her family and, like so many of the resort's legacy guests, created many special memories that she shares from generation to generation.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has announced the appointment of Huy Vo as Director of Marketing Communications. In this position, he will lead all global strategic marketing communications efforts in the areas of advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and community relations for the largest Ritz-Carlton Residences in the brand's portfolio.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is proud to welcome Austin Watkins to its growing team as Director of Sales and Marketing. With over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry working across corporate leadership, operations, and sales and marketing roles, Austin will support the resort as it readies for its highly anticipated opening in 2023 on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Leveraging his vast expertise as well as his strong familiarity with the Hawaiian market following many years spent working on several of its islands, he will be responsible for spearheading and implementing the resort's innovative sales and marketing strategy leading up to the launch and beyond. Austin's appointment to the team holds a special significance for Austin, as his family lives in the nearby town of Waimea and he has many fond memories of the destination collected over the course of his life.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai named Lacey Matsumoto as Spa Director, responsible for overseeing daily spa operations, including staff training, treatments and retail, and fitness facilities, as well as the Resort's Yoga and Wellness program.
Waikiki is best known as the birthplace of modern surfing with glistening turquoise waters along one of the most famous shorelines in the world. I'm excited to announce that The Twin Fin, formerly known as the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, will open in November 2022 following a multi-million-dollar renovation. The beachfront hotel will serve as the heartbeat of the destination -- a gathering place for guests to connect with others and a hub for discovering local music, art and a lasting connection with the local Hawaiian community.
VANNATTA will ensure operations at Royal Sea Cliff by Outrigger are effectively managed working closely with on-site departments and with corporate support to create and maintain maximum profitability, customer satisfaction levels, product quality, service standards, facility maintenance and workplace harmony and ensure safety practices are in place to Outrigger standards. Vannatta will collaborate with the homeowner board of directors, Wyndham timeshare representatives, property homeowners and rental owners and actively promote the resort as a caring and supportive corporate citizen in all local community activities.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Ritchard Cariaga as Executive Chef. Cariaga will be responsible for overseeing the menus and staff for all food and beverage programming at Andaz Maui including Ka'ana Kitchen, Bumbye Beach Bar, and Lehua Lounge, in addition to banquet operations, in-room dining, and overseeing the operations for The Feast at Mokapu Luau.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, located on 40 tropically landscaped oceanfront acres along a three-mile stretch of the famed Ka'anapali Beach, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Baer as Director of Sales & Marketing. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, he will oversee sales and marketing efforts to continue the success of the Hyatt Regency Maui.
Fairmont Orchid, a luxury resort along the pristine Kohala Coast of Hawai'i Island, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Sessions as the new Director of Sales & Marketing as of July 5, 2022. Chris will lead all aspects of sales strategies, revenue management, conference services and brand partnerships for the acclaimed 540-room oceanfront destination.
YOKOYAMA has been interim general manager at the Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations since 2021. He ensures resort operations are managed cost-effectively and professionally to the satisfaction of guests, hosts and owners, while meeting Hilton brand standards.
KAMIYA oversees the operations of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort's newly reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as room service. Additionally, he oversees catering and the exclusive Voyager 47 Club Lounge.
The Island of Hawai'i's Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection announces David Stepetic as Resort Manager. In his new role, David will foster talent and teamwork while cultivating relationships with guests, colleagues and key stakeholders. Reporting directly to Sanjiv Hulugalle, Regional Vice President & General Manager of Mauna Lani, David facilitates day-to-day operations at the 334 room resort nestled along the picturesque Kohala Coast.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel has announced the appointment of Michael Quanan to the role of executive chef, where he will be responsible for leading culinary operations for the 455-room, culturally rich hotel. Born and raised on the Island of Hawaii, Chef Quanan brings a new level of cultural expertise and creativity to the menus and culinary programming at Kona Beach Hotel, including at Billfish Poolside Bar & Grill and Honu's on The Beach, as well as leading menu development for the acclaimed Island Breeze Luau and the property's catering department.
Turtle Bay Resort has appointed Lyle Kaku as executive chef overseeing the iconic property's culinary offerings on Oahu's North Shore. Born and raised on the Big Island, Chef Kaku is thrilled to return to his roots and share the true flavors of the islands with guests and locals alike.
Montage Kapalua Bay has appointed Nicholas Kuhns as resort manager of the 24-acre cliffside resort. Bringing with him 21 years of hospitality experience at luxury hotels and resorts, Kuhns is responsible for day-to-day operations, including oversight of rooms, food and beverage, spa, and security, as well as directing and implementing the resort's service and management philosophy.
Outrigger Hospitality Group celebrated a significant milestone 25 April with the official grand opening of the company's flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, following an extensive US$80 million transformation. Approximately 500 VIP guests, including elected officials, key executives, partners, musicians and community members, gathered at the resort for a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Kumu Blaine Kia and dedication ceremony for the contemporary beachfront retreat, which is rooted in Hawaiian culture. The event symbolised another exciting stride towards completion of the resort and further emphasised Outrigger's pride of place in its hometown of Waikīkī. Outrigger's President and CEO Jeff Wagoner shared words of aloha with the audience, reiterating the company's drive for authentic hospitality and its renewed commitment to Hawaii. He said that Outrigger was spending upwards of US$300 million across its Hawaii assets to uplift the destination while preserving the vibrant heritage of the Islands. "It is with great pride that we welcome friends old and new to celebrate our reimagined Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort," said Mr. Wagoner. "Through this extensive transformation, our goal was to ensure that this was a place for locals and visitors alike to come and enjoy Waikīkī as it should be - where Hawaiian music lifts our spirits, where local foods nourish our bodies and local culture enriches our minds." In true Outrigger fashion, an exceptional lineup of award-winning local musicians performed throughout the evening. Artists included GRAMMY Award nominee Amy Hānaialiʻi with Jeff Peterson, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Kalani Pe'a and beloved slack-key guitarist Sean Na'auao. Impromptu appearances by treasured Hawaiian music artists included Kimié Miner, Josh Tatofi, Bobby Moderow and more, further enhanced the night's merriment. A highlight of the night was the dedication of the stage at Kani Ka Pila Grille to Cyril Pahinui - legendary slack-key guitarist who was a regular performer at Kani Ka Pila Grille and bestowed the venue its name - which means "let's play music" in Hawaiian. The music was complemented by ono (delicious) food provided by acclaimed chef and Outrigger partner, Peter Merriman, who will spearhead the resort's newest oceanfront eatery, Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, which is scheduled to open in late 2022. Fresh Hawaii grown oysters from Kualoa Ranch were served and shucked by Hawaii's one-and-only mobile oyster bar - Oysters Hawaii, alongside fresh fish stations from Superb Sushi. Guests sipped on custom cocktails, including the famous Monkeypod Mai Tai and beers from Kona Brewing Company throughout the evening. Event partners for the Grand Opening included: Travel Weekly, Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Superb Sushi, Kualoa Ranch, Royal Hawaiian Helicopters, HARA, Hawaiian Agriculture Foundation, Hawaii Volcanic Water, Kona Brewing Co., Polynesian Voyaging Society, Orchid Lei Co. and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Hawaii. Outrigger CARES - a newly established company foundation was the event beneficiary, with US$5,000 going to support local Hawaiian and non-profit organisations. For more information, or to book a stay at the newly transformed Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, please visit www.Outrigger.com.