View in your browser

Market Insights | Events | HVCB | Contact

Kahe Wale – February 2024

What’s Happening Around Our Industry

Bishop Museum Announces New Exhibition, Corned Beef & Kalo

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum announces a new exhibition coming to its J. M. Long Gallery in March.

 

Corned Beef & Kalo, curated by Healoha Johnston, Bishop Museum director of Cultural Resources and curator for Hawaiʻi and Pacific Arts and Culture, will feature Pisupo lua afe (Corned Beef 2000) by Michel Tuffery and KALO by Bernice Akamine. The exhibition brings together two iconic works of contemporary art to consider how artists make visible issues related to agricultural subsistence, environmental sustainability, and everyday life where food imports and structured land use intertwine.

 

Akamine’s KALO installation features the pages of the Kūʻē Petitions copied on newsprint paper and attached to pōhaku (stones) in reference to Hawaiʻi’s origin stories and aloha ‘āina movements. Tuffery grapples with the convergence of everyday consumer items, customary practice, and commercialized foodways in the Pacific. Together, they bring our attention to the way a society’s worldview informs everyday actions within larger food systems and can support healthy relationships between people and the environment.

Press Release ►

Breakout Waikiki Introduces New Room “Obama’s Mission Manoa”

Discover excitement at Breakout Waikiki, the premier indoor destination for exhilarating escape room adventures. Introducing their newest addition, "Obama's Mission Manoa," an immersive experience that beckons participants to assume the role of a special agent.

 

Under the watchful gaze of President Obama, you are summoned for a covert operation of unparalleled intrigue. Tasked with a mission of utmost importance, you are the chosen agent entrusted to retrieve concealed launch codes now in enemy hands. Stepping into the realm of a bustling street market, meticulously crafted to deceive even the sharpest minds, you must employ your unwavering resolve to remain incognito.

 

This room was played by President Barack Obama in December 2016. He and his family successfully escaped with 13 seconds remaining! Because he was successful in 59:47, your goal is to finish in less time. Are you smarter than the President?

For More Information ►

Chamber of Commerce Launches Second Cohort of Good Jobs Hawaiʻi

In January, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi launched its second cohort of the Good Jobs Hawaiʻi High School IT Program with James Campbell High School and Leilehua High School. The program gives high school Seniors the opportunity to earn a free entry-level CompTIA A+ Certification through preparation courses with Leeward Community College. Upon completion of the cohort and graduation, the students will have the chance to enter a fully paid IT on-the-job training with STEMworks, go into an entry-level IT role, and/or continue their education at a local community college by upskilling with another IT certification/credential.

 

To learn more about how your organization can host a Good Jobs Hawaiʻi High School IT Program graduate for an entry-level position or on-the-job training, email Lord Ryan Lizardo at lrlizardo@cochawaii.org.

The Escape Game Unveils New Escape Game at Ala Moana Center

Be the first to play! A new game is coming to The Escape Game Honolulu starting February 16th at Ala Moana Center! You have 60 minutes to save the future.

 

Time travel just became a reality in this digitally-interactive escape room. As part of the Time Crisis Management team you’re tasked with addressing life-threatening issues no matter what decade they happen in. You can easily hop between centuries from the Jurassic to Medieval and everything in between with just one ticket swipe on Timeliner, the time-traveling train. Now the fate of reality is in your hands — it’s up to you to restore the past and save the future. And you’ll have to hurry! All it takes is one mistake in the past for the entire future to fall apart…

For More Information ►

Hawaiian Airlines Boosts Summer Schedule

Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi's hometown airline, is preparing for strong summer travel demand to and from Hawaiʻi by increasing flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Austin (AUS), Boston (BOS), Las Vegas (LAS) and Pago Pago (PPG). The airline will also add a fourth daily flight between HNL and Los Angeles (LAX) from May 24 through Sept. 2.

 

Hawaiian will operate the routes with an Airbus A330 aircraft, in addition to featuring its flagship Boeing 787-9 on select flights between LAX and HNL. Guests will experience Hawaiian hospitality including culinary delights through the airline’s Featured Chef Series, signature beverages by Kō Hana Rum and Maui Brewing Co., and island treats from the Pau Hana snack cart. Complimentary in-flight entertainment is offered on all transpacific flights and includes the airline’s specially curated video collection, Hana Hou! TV.

For More Information ►

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Starlink Wi-Fi on Select Flights

Hawaiian Airlines launched its new in-flight Wi-Fi on a flight between Honolulu and Long Beach earlier this week. The airline will offer SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed, low-latency broadband internet on select A321neo aircraft.

 

The Wi-Fi is free for passengers, and as the airline said in a blog post, it is “available the moment guests step onboard the aircraft – without tedious registration pages and clunky payment portals.”

 

“The carrier expects to install and activate antennas on all its 18 A321neo aircraft by spring, followed by its A330s by the end of the year, and later its new flagship aircraft, the Boeing 787-9,” the airline said in the blog post.

For More Information ►

Kauaʻi Poke Festival Returns to Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū

Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū will host its fourth annual Kauaʻi Poke Fest — with dishes made from 600 pounds of fresh ahi poke — on Saturday, June 8, according to representatives of the event. Proceeds of the festival benefit the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund to support the short- and long-term needs of those displaced by the Maui wildfires.

 

The event will feature live entertainment, a competition between amateur and professional chefs, and a poke demonstration from chef Sam Choy, whose restaurant Sam Choy's Kaloko, now closed, won a James Beard Award in the America's Classics category in 2004.

For More Information ►

1 on 1 Design Sessions Available with NOHO HOME by Jalene Kanani

Schedule an exclusive personal styling session with Artist and Founder of NOHO HOME, Jalene Kanani.

 

Bring your mood board, photos, or just inspiration and get curated advice from the creator of Hawaiʻi's first contemporary Hawaiian design decor brand. Get free style directions, tips, and more at our Ala Moana pop-up store located on Mall Level 2 - across from Apple.

 

Appointments are still available on Thursday February 15th. Act fast!

For More Information ►

Wai Kai to Add Inflatable Obstacle Course

Wai Kai, the waterfront recreation and entertainment venue, located at Hoakalei Resort in Ewa Beach, will introduce Wai Kai AquaVenture, an on-the-water playground, on March 1.

 

The obstacle course has series of inter-connected inflatables that feature peaks, monkey bars, slides, wiggle bridges, balance beams, planks, hurdles and more.

 

“We are excited to expand our offerings with the opening of Wai Kai AquaVenture,” Jerry Pupillo, director of business development and general manager, said in a statement. “The new challenge course is a terrific way to spend a day on the water. With our new obstacle course, restaurants and variety of water activities, Wai Kai is the perfect spring break and beyond destination for both kama‘āina and visitors.”

For More Information ►

In the News

Castle Hospitality Group Appoints Crystal Idica to Newly Created Leadership Role

Castle Hospitality Group has named Crystal Idica to the newly created role of assistant vice president of distribution strategy and activation, the company announced recently.

 

Idica will oversee account management, negotiate key commercial deals with third parties, advance distribution initiatives and objectives across cross-functional teams, and spearhead partner and team member engagement efforts.

For More Information ►

First Hawaiian Bank Announces Six Promotions

First Hawaiian Bank Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bob Harrison announced the advancement of six individuals:

  • Bill Weeshoff, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
  • Michael A. Tottori, Executive Vice President & Manager, Wealth Advisory Division
  • Mark R. Troske, Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Enterprise Technology Management Division
  • Tricia K. Fujikawa Lee, Senior Vice President, Division Manager & Chief Compliance Officer, Corporate Compliance Division
  • Ross G. Fujii, Senior Vice President, Chief BSA Officer & Division Manager of Bank Secrecy Act Division
  • Jeffrey K. Inouye, President, First Hawaiian Leasing, Inc.

For More Information ►

OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels Names New Area Director of Cultural Experiences and Director of Sales & Marketing

As OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels’ area director of cultural experiences, Luana Maitland oversees the cultural programs for OUTRIGGER’s Waikīkī beachfront resorts, OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort. On Maui, Meghan Lee will lead the overall sales & marketing functions for OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort.

 

In addition to cultural programs, Luana Maitland is responsible for the nightly entertainment at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort’s Kani Ka Pila Grille and the Surfers In Residence program at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort and is a valued resource and support for property additions to the portfolio.

 

Most recently director of sales & marketing for Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Meghan Lee has held sales management roles with Starwood Vacation Ownership, Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas and Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

 

“We are excited to elevate all aspects of our sales & marketing under Meghan’s leadership and look forward to seeing the results of her service and sales excellence,” shared OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort General Manager Edwin Torres.

Press Release ►

Sea Life Park Appoints New General Manager

Sea Life Park has named Steven Syas as its new general manager.

 

Syas brings more than three decades of experience to the role, including holding leadership positions at Sodexo, RT Hawaiʻi, and Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai. It also marks a return to the park for Syas, who previously worked at Sea Life Park from 2018 to 2021, then rejoined in 2022. During his time at the park, he has served in a number of roles, including director of food and beverage, director of food service, and, most recently, director of revenue.

For More Information ►

Mahalo for Your Kōkua to Mālama Maui

Honolulu Cookie Company Launches Special Collection of Maui-Focused Products

As part of our continued support of the Maui recovery efforts due to the devastating August 2023 wildfires, we have launched a special collection of Maui-focused products. These products include three new Maui Decals. Shop the Decals in our stores on Oʻahu, Maui, and Las Vegas, as well as online.

 

For every Maui decal sold, we will be donating 100% of the net proceeds to support Maui recovery efforts. Join us as we help our Maui community rebuild.

For More Information ►

Industry Partner Opportunities

HVCB’s Industry Job Board

Have you posted your company's open positions to HVCB’s Tourism & Hospitality Job Board?

 

Jobseekers are able to browse listings by island or use a keyword search to find their best options. The Job Board is available to the public and is promoted through social media and our partner associations. 

 

Instructions on how to submit a posting can be found at https://www.hvcb.org/extranet/submit-a-job-opening/

 

If you have any questions about the job board or trouble with your submission, please contact us at membership@hvcb.org

Employment Opportunities

Join the HVCB ‘Ohana 

Interested in becoming a part of the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau ‘Ohana? Check out the following open positions.

  • Membership Coordinator (Honolulu, HI)
  • Client Services Manager (Honolulu, HI)
  • Senior Manager Travel Industry Partnerships (Honolulu, HI)
  • Director, Citywide Sales (Remote)

For More Information ►

Awards & Recognition

Pacific Business News Presents 2024 Women Who Mean Business Honorees

Pacific Business News is excited to announce this year’s Women Who Mean Business honorees.

 

Now in its 26th year, the annual awards recognize women who excel in both business and community leadership. This year’s honorees span such industries as banking, nonprofits, education, health care, hospitality and more.

 

HVCB members recognized on this year’s list include:

  • Sarah Guay, Hawaiʻi Employers Council
  • Shirley Lau Chan, Prince Resorts Hawaiʻi
  • Keala Peters, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi
  • Kiran Polk, Kapolei Chamber of Commerce
  • Tiare Tipoti, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
  • Lisa Tomihama, First Hawaiian Bank
  • Agatha Viernes-LeGros, Bank of Hawaiʻi

The recognition event will be held on Thursday, March 28th, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm, at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort.
For More Information ►

Southwest Airlines Recognized on Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ 2024 List

Southwest Airlines Co. proudly celebrates its recognition on Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ 2024 list1. The carrier ranked No. 39 overall and has been consistently featured on the World's Most Admired Companies™ list since 2009.

 

"From our very beginning in 1971, Southwest Airlines has been celebrated for the way we care for our People, Customers, and communities, and it's an honor to be among Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ again this year," Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines President & Chief Executive Officer said. "Our Employees are so deserving of this recognition. Southwest is a unique Company that dared to believe in thinking differently and hiring the best People—and trusting that they, devoted to the cause, can do anything."
For More Information ►

Events

Hawai‘i’s World Class Events Calendar

Get a taste of some of the exciting annual events and festivals around Hawaiʻi. Discover delicious food, vibrant culture, thrilling sports and more. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

 

For a complete and updated Hawai‘i calendar, please visit the link below.
For More Information ►

Bishop Museum Announces the Return of its Signature Event, the Science and Sustainability Festival

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum announces the return of a signature event to its 15- acre campus.

 

The 2024 Science and Sustainability Festival will be held on Saturday, April 20 and will bring together Museum scientists, educators, cultural practitioners, and dozens of community partners to highlight the ongoing work needed to protect our island’s biodiversity and build a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi.

 

The Festival will feature keiki activities, workshops, special presentations, and exhibition highlights, plus live music, interactive performances, and food and drink vendors on its Great Lawn. Reduced admission will be available for kamaʻāina and military with ID, and will provide access to all Festival events and programs as well as Bishop Museum’s galleries and exhibitions.

Press Release ►

CNHA to Bring Authentic Hawaiian Hula Show Back to the Waikīkī Shell

The Kilohana Hula Show, presented by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), will be a reimagining of the iconic hula shows of past years. This new show, featuring dancers from various Merrie Monarch hālau, is produced under the direction of Mr. Kipe Ebana, the former entertainment stage director for the renowned Old Lahaina Lūau, bringing back authentic Hawaiian hula and culture to Waikīkī for visitors and kamaʻāina to experience.

 

Beginning Thursday, February 15, 2024, The Kilohana Hula Show will be held daily, Sunday through Thursday, from 9:30am to 10:00am at the Waikīkī Shell Amphitheater. We ask that you use public transportation, ride share options or carpool when possible.

 

Kilohana translates to “the fine outer layer of a decorated sheet of kapa.” Metaphorically, it represents excellence in wisdom refined over generations.
For More Information ►

Volunteers Needed for the 28th Annual Honolulu Festival

The Honolulu Festival Foundation is recruiting volunteers to assist with events and activities for the 28th Annual Honolulu Festival, March 8-10. Applications are accepted online through Friday, February 23.

 

Interested volunteers ages 12 and older are welcome to apply. Minors must have a completed parental waiver.

 

Volunteer roles range from greeters and general events and booth support at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, operational support at the Honolulu Ekiden relay race at Kapiʻolani Park, support at the Grand Parade on Kalākaua Avenue, including float movers, and mikoshi carriers.

Press Release ►

Register Here ►

Lunar New Year Moon Viewing at International Market Place

Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Grand Lānai | Level 3

 

Come celebrate the Lunar New Year with a free moon viewing. See the moon through a large telescope on the Grand Lānai.

For More Information ►

Upcoming Webinar: Destination Decisions, Powered by The State of the American Traveler

For more than 15 years, Miles Partnership has worked with Future Partners to understand and explain how U.S. travelers decide where to go. "Destination Decisions," the first webinar in our annual quarterly series, highlights leisure travelers' 2024 destination selections along with a look at their itineraries. From cities to rural areas and mountains to beaches, we'll explore the most important information sought by visitors and glean insights into what ultimately drives them to choose a destination.

 

Our guest panel will share their perspectives on how unique, signature events attract visitors to their communities year after year. How can tourism help inspire, nurture and amplify these highly valuable local celebrations and visitor experiences? We'll share practical advice and success stories, coupled with a gallery of inspirational examples from around the world.

 

Register today for this upcoming webinar on Tuesday, March 5, at 3 pm ET.

Register Here ►

Rooftop Stargazing in Paradise at the Royal Hawaiian Center

Thursday, February 15, 2024 | 6:15pm - 8:15pm

Ka Lewa Lānai | Building A, Level 4

 

Take off on a celestial journey on February 15, from 6:15pm to 8:15pm, with our monthly Rooftop Stargazing event on Ka Lewa Lānai. Guests are invited to witness the beauty of the moon under the enchanting Hawaiian night sky. This public event is free to attend, following a first-come, first-served basis. Indulge in the Valentine’s Day atmosphere and surprise your significant other with an extraordinary experience.

For More Information ►

Kahe Wale Content

HVCB is happy to accept your feedback, stories, content and news for our Industry Updates issue of Kahe Wale. Please send Kahe Wale feedback and submit newsletter content to membership@hvcb.org or complete online form here by the end of day on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Submit a Member Testimonial

The success of HVCB is built on our partnership with you, and we want to hear from you! We would love to have your thoughts on the value you find in your HVCB membership. Please note that your member testimonial may be shared on our website and HVCB collateral. We appreciate your support!  

Submit Testimonial Here ►

Contact

Karen Wataru Nakaoka

Sr. Director, Member and Community Engagement  

Phone

808-924-0231

Email

knakaoka@hvcb.org

Download the GoHawaii App!
Published by the Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau, GoHawaii is Hawaiʻi’s official mobile app for visitors. More Information ►

Hawaii VCB

Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau
2270 Kalākaua Ave., Suite 801, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96815, United States
www.hvcb.org

LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

We recognize the use of linguistic markings of the (modern) Hawaiian language including the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop and the kahakō [ō] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Lāna‘i). We acknowledge that content created or submitted by third parties may not use the ‘okina or kahakō, but we recognize the importance of using these markings to preserve the indigenous language and culture of Hawai‘i and use them in all other forms of communications.

© 2024 Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau. All rights reserved.