More and more travelers are seeking authentic, localized experiences—what’s your strategy for staying relevant in the marketplace?

Waikoloa Beach Resort has been an industry-leading resort destination for decades, providing culturally significant and locally based experiences. As we’ve grown and evolved, the resort’s offerings have increased and improved. Our resort provides recreational activities, helicopter tours on property and two shopping centers offering a full slate of cultural activities, local entertainment and locally owned and operated stores featuring made-in-Hawai‘i products. Waikoloa is also home to a 5,000-person outdoor amphitheater that plays host to hula competitions and performances in addition to world-class concerts and entertainers. And I can assure you that no other resort destination in Hawai‘i exceeds our food and beverage offerings, which are 29 and counting, most of them owned and operated by local F&B professionals. With all of these offerings at your fingertips, Waikoloa Beach Resort is able to remain a relevant and sought-out destination on Hawai‘i Island.

How has Hawai‘i’s visitor demographic evolved over the course of your career? What are some initiatives you’ve spearheaded or overseen to reach and engage this new demographic?

I’m not sure the demographic has changed all that much. Hawai‘i’s bread-and-butter visitor is coming from the West Coast and Japan. Many are repeat visitors over the course of their lifetime. This older demographic prefers to stay on the resort property, enjoying the offerings within arm’s reach. However, we’re also seeing younger, more adventurous travelers who are seeking activities on and off the resort. To better service this demographic, Waikoloa Beach Resort brings in a wide spectrum of exciting cultural and entertainment opportunities.

What other trends and industry dynamics have you observed over the course of your career? Anything specific to golf operations?

The biggest is the way travelers and visitors consume goods, services, media and information. Technology has changed every facet of our lives and has certainly changed the way people plan their vacations and interact with a destination. Golf’s biggest trend is the growing competition from other activities for one’s time and dollars. The experiential traveler is seeking activities that aren’t readily available at home. As a result, tourists are playing less golf.      

What does it take to be an effective leader? How would you describe your leadership style?

Assemble and retain a good team, which is not as simple as it sounds. I’ve been blessed to work with a team of dedicated and competent professionals at Waikoloa, and as a result we’ve enjoyed many successes, even when the economy was in the doldrums. I consider myself a dynamic leader because I’ve had to adapt my leadership style to the environment, situation and individual.

Any predictions or new developments in the pipeline?

Despite recent short-term setbacks, like the volcanic eruption, I believe tourism in Hawai‘i Island is well positioned for long-term sustainable growth. Waikoloa Beach Resort will continue to welcome visitors looking to enjoy engaging experiences that our resort and this island have to offer. The future looks promising!