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Appointment

Edward C. Braunlich has been appointed as Managing Director at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows

Edward C. Braunlich brings nearly four decades of domestic and international hotel and resort experience to his new role with Royal Lahaina, where he will be tasked with overseeing all operations for the iconic property. Drawing on an impressive 25-year tenure with Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hyatt Whitney, eight years with Ritz-Carlton, Braunlich moved to Hawaii Island in 1989 and immersed himself into the island's revered culture and hospitality with aloha, helming several premier resorts across the state. One of his first hotel roles in the industry was at Hyatt Regency Waikoloa (now Hilton Waikoloa Village), Hyatt Regency Waikiki, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, and most recently, he served as General Manager of Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua. During his illustrious career, Braunlich has led several management task forces, opened 11 hotels, including the 300-room Gingko Standard Hotel in Ybin, China, where he served as General Manager.

Highgate Hotels, L.P.
Maui, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Derrick Williams has been appointed as Director of Human Resources at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

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.

Marriott
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Chad Bevan has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

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.

Marriott
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Development Pipeline

IHG Hotels & Resorts to establish its first Hawai‘i luxury and lifestyle destination under Kimpton partnership with the historic Coco Palms Resort

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today that it is partnering with Kauai's landmark Coco Palms Resort, establishing the first location in Hawaii for IHG Hotels & Resorts' fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Following a historically sensitive restoration of the iconic property, Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort, will once again become an inspiring tropical retreat for travelers and the Kaua'i community to explore all the expansive experiences the destination has to offer. The transformed resort is anticipated to open in 2026.

Kimpton
Kapaʻa, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Nicole Okuna has been appointed as General Manager at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki, is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicole Okuna to the role of General Manager of the historic hotel. Nicole most recently served as Hotel Manager of The Royal Hawaiian, where she was a driving force in elevating the Pink Palace of the Pacific's guest experiences and leading key multi-hotel initiatives across Marriott's Waikiki Collection over her four years in the role.

Marriott
Waikiki, Hawaii, United States
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Development Renovation

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Completes Renovation Of Ainahau Tower Rooms

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.

Sheraton
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Daniel Texeira has been appointed as General Manager at Romer House Waikīkī

DANIEL TEXEIRA, who opened AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu in December 2023, has been appointed General Manager for the highly anticipated Romer House Waikīkī, Oahu's first adults-only hotel set to open in early June, as sister property of the family-friendly, Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador. Designed as a love letter to an iconic neighborhood, Romer House Waikīkī, offers a 179-room adult urban hideaway with a spirited new concept by TableOne Hospitality, offering guests curated local art partnerships, wellness programs, unconventional amenities, and a pool retreat for social relaxation with a vibrant cocktail culture.

Highgate Hotels, L.P.
Waikīki, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Nicholas Gold has been appointed as Vice President of Operations at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Nicholas Gold, a 30-year hospitality veteran, has been appointed Vice President of Operations at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, 1 Hotels' new flagship property on Kaua'i's North Shore. Previously the Club and HOA General Manager for Kukui'ula on Kaua'i's South Shore, Gold brings valuable experience to his role overseeing the property's day-to-day operations. A primary focus includes the launch of Within Wellness, a program of custom retreats, experiences, and transformative lifestyle offerings that position the property as the ultimate destination for guests in pursuit of personal wellbeing. Gold previously served General Manager roles at Amangiri Resort in Utah, Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona, Enchantment Resort & Mii amo Spa in Arizona, and Miraval Life in Balance Resort & Spa in Arizona, as well as managed luxury boutique resorts in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

1 Hotels
Princeville, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Gary Spencer has been appointed as SVP Sales & Marketing, Luxury, Lifestyle & Hawaii at Highgate

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.

Highgate Hotels, L.P.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Erika Kauffman has been appointed as Regional Director of Communications at Highgate

With more than 27 years of reputable marketing and communications experience, Erika Kauffman will oversee Highgate Hawaii's strategic communications, including partnerships such as TableOne Hospitality under restaurateur and Highgate partner Patric Yumul, set to open 12 ventures across Oahu, Maui and Kauai in 2024. Together, they recently unveiled MARA Restaurant & Bar at the newly opened Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, and an eatery epicenter at the new AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. Kauffman is distinguished in her results-driven strategies, partnership maximization, performance excellence and sustainable portfolio growth. Prior, Kauffman was the founder and president of EPR+, a 17-year independent marketing, communications and public relations consultancy that represented notable brands across travel, tourism and hospitality, film/television, luxury retail, NGOs, culture and the arts, and Hawaii's premiere events. With honors from Hawaii Pacific University, Kauffman represented as the 50th Ambassador of Aloha, serving as Miss Hawaii 1997. Born and raised on Hawai'i Island, her global mindset is derived from a diverse upbringing across 60+ countries through humanitarian missions.

Highgate Hotels, L.P.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Development Renovation

The Westin Maui Concludes $160 Million Transformation with the Debut of Kūkahi Tower

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali marks the completion of its multi-year, $160 million transformation with the complete renovation and rebranding of the Ocean Tower into Kūkahi Tower. Guests will now enjoy a completely refreshed design aimed at facilitating a calming and rejuvenating stay. Slated to debut in mid-April 2024, Hana Hou by Westin - located within Kūkahi Tower - will be the first resort venue of its kind in Hawai'i featuring a 10,000-square-foot social center for guests and the community to gather and enjoy arcade games, Topgolf Swing Suites, a bar & lounge, and more.

Westin
Lahaina, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Marla Kelly has been appointed as Complex Director of Sales and Marketing at Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador

Highgate, a leading hospitality management, investment and development company, has appointed Marla Kelly as the Complex Director of Sales and Marketing of Romer Waikīkī at The Ambassador and the upcoming Romer House, scheduled to open in June. In her new role, Kelly will be responsible for spearheading all sales initiatives aimed at optimizing revenue and overall profitability as well as supervising marketing and public relations strategies for both properties.

Highgate Hotels, L.P.
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Luana Maitland has been appointed as Director of Cultural Experiences at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

In addition to cultural programs, Luana Maitland is responsible for the nightly entertainment at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort's Kani Ka Pila Grille and the Surfers In Residence program at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and is a valued resource and support for property additions to the portfolio.Maitland's career has spanned from reservationist to customer service.Since joining Outrigger in 2001, she has welcomed and entertained guests and friends with her genuine heart of aloha and continues to do so at the A'o Cultural Center at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort where she provides a special venue for guests and hosts to experience, feel and remember Aloha through hula, lei-making, 'ukulele, story-telling and much more.She is also key to the valued relationships Outrigger has with various culture and music partnerships.

Outrigger
Waikiki, Hawaii, United States
Appointment

Hillary Francis has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is delighted to share the appointment of Hillary Francis to the key position of Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Hillary will play a pivotal part in enhancing the property's commercial success by leading and implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies across the resort's expansive offerings. Opened on July 1, 2023, Kona Village spans 81 acres of breathtaking geological landscape and is the latest iteration of the iconic island retreat. Rooted in the rich history of the land, local culture, and natural surroundings, the resort is committed to delivering a distinctive and luxurious Hawaiian experience.

Rosewood
Hawaii, United States