Following $30 Million Transformation, Iconic Kona Hotel To Reopen as Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay Hotel in 2025
12th & A Hotel Partners Acquires Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel to Recreate Sought-After Old Hawaiian Experience.
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Angela Nolan has been appointed as Vice President at Highgate
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 has been appointed as Vice President at Highgate
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 Refreshes Waikiki’s Most Recognizable Hotel Tower
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is proud to announce the renovation of its iconic Rainbow Tower.
Monica Donato has been appointed as Spa Director at Nalu Spa at The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay
The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay has appointed seasoned hospitality leader Monica Donato as Director of Nalu Spa, the resort's newly renovated, 11,000-square-foot wellness haven. In her new role, Monica will oversee operations of Nalu Spa, the fitness center, and all wellness programming offered throughout Turtle Bay.
Keenan Rothenborg has been appointed as Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has announced the appointment of Keenan Rothenborg as Sales Manager. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing consortia clients and developing strategies to expand leisure and entertainment segments for the largest Ritz-Carlton Residences in the brand's global portfolio.
OUTRIGGER Unveils the All-New OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Paradise Hotel
The beach brand's newest craft hotel now graces royal estate grounds historically known as "Paradise Garden".
Jessica Mullenfeld has been appointed as Regional Director of Marketing and Ecommerce at Highgate
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 has been appointed as Regional Director of Experiential Marketing at Highgate
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.
Craig A. Waterman has been appointed as General Manager at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
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.
Now Open: 110-Key Marriott Vacation Club, Waikiki
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.
Mike Kass has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach today announces the appointment of Mr. Mike Kass, an esteemed luxury hospitality leader in the Hawaiian Islands, as its new General Manager. Mr. Kass brings three decades of distinguished hospitality and leadership experience in both premium and luxury brands under Marriott International including The Ritz-Carlton brand.
Chris Blunt has been promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort
Chris Blunt has been promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. He has 30 years of providing hospitality and customer service, and 22 years of sales experience with Hawaiian resorts. Most recently he worked as Sales Manager at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort. Blunt's resume also includes positions at Kailani Tours, Fair Wind Cruises, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa and Prince Resorts Hawaii.
Nicholas Kuhns has been appointed as General Manager at Royal Lahaina Resort
Highgate, a leading real estate and hospitality management company, has appointed Nicholas Kuhns as General Manager of Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. In his new role, Kuhns will be responsible for overseeing all operations, ensuring that the historic property continues to offer unparalleled experiences to guests while maintaining its legacy on the world-renowned Ka'anapali Beach.
Jon Gersonde has been appointed as General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Jon Gersonde, an esteemed luxury hospitality leader in the Hawaiian Islands, has been named General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. He brings three decades of distinguished experience and leadership expertise to this important role at one of Maui's most iconic resorts.
Chrystalle Anger has been appointed as Director of Front Services at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort & OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
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.
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay Opens this Summer Along the North Shore
Formerly known as Turtle Bay Resort, the famed property has been acquired by Host Hotels & Resorts and is now managed by Marriott International.
Sootaga “So’o” Tana has been appointed as General Manager at Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by OUTRIGGER
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.
MaryAnn Blanchard has been appointed as Director of Sales at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
With over 25-years of hospitality leadership experience, MaryAnn Blanchard comes to Royal Lahaina from Montage Kapalua Bay, where she served as director of meetings and events. Before her tenure there, Blanchard successfully executed numerous high-profile corporate events and weddings at Sugarman Estate in Makena as the property's caretaker. Prior, she spent nearly a decade in Wailea as General Manager at Mala Restaurant, Wailea, and Senior Catering Manager at Grand Wailea. Throughout her career, Blanchard has planned more than 2,800 weddings and events and has received numerous public recognitions for her work in the luxury market. As Blanchard assumes the role of Director of Sales at Royal Lahaina, she brings extensive hospitality experience, a profound appreciation for the island's rich cultural heritage, and a passion for crafting exceptional guest experiences.
Yvette Kitagawa has been appointed as Hotel Manager at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows
Yvette Kitagawa is the heart and soul of Royal Lahaina's history of generational hospitality, having spent her childhood growing up at the iconic resort and devoting 27 years of her career to leading operations from the front desk, room reservations, sales, and Complex Area Director of Rooms, and most recently was appointed Hotel Manager. Her father, Baye Balmores, led as the hotel's beloved Executive Sous Chef in the 1970s, and her grandmother, Emily Kaniho, was a retired baker at the renowned resort. At the young age of 8, Kitagawa would string fresh plumeria lei for the ohana (family) to wear as they went to work, and to this day, she shares her gracious and generous culture with guests and associates every day. With a heart of aloha, she is an acclaimed guest speaker at the Maui Community College Hospitality School, preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Kitagawa was awarded the '2024 Leadership Award' by the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce.