Did you find the hospitality industry or did the hospitality industry find you?

I would say it’s a bit of both. I grew up in the hospitality industry, working in my mother’s restaurant, so I was always around it. After university, I struggled to find a job in my field of study, which led me to work for Applebee’s International. I quickly advanced to a Corporate Executive Manager position.

When I moved to Maui, I had made a promise to myself that I was done with the restaurant business. However, after finding it difficult to land a position related to my degree in computer information systems, I naturally found my way back into hospitality. It’s a field I know well and one that’s been a constant in my life, so even when I tried to pursue something different, I ended up back in the industry.

What do you think is the importance of the hospitality industry and how do you feel you fit in?

Hospitality is about creating meaningful experiences that people remember. It’s not just about offering a service; it’s about making people feel welcome, cared for, and appreciated. In a world that can often feel rushed and impersonal, hospitality gives us the opportunity to add a sense of warmth and connection.

As for me growing up in this world, I understand the importance of attention to detail and the impact of great service. I’m passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed.

What excites me the most is seeing the team work together to make a real difference for guests—whether it’s overcoming a challenge or just delivering a moment that makes someone’s day.

Are there any aspects that excite you the most about the hospitality industry and invigorate your team?

What excites me most about hospitality is the chance to turn ordinary days into extraordinary experiences. It’s like being in a constant game of problem-solving, with a side of creativity thrown in. What really gets my team fired up is the thrill of seeing their hard work pay off. Whether it’s a guest leaving with a smile, educating a guest on the importance of sustainability, or a team member nailing a new challenge. The fast-paced environment keeps things interesting, and nothing beats the energy of a job well done, especially when it’s a team effort!

What do you feel are the most serious challenges facing the hospitality industry and how might they be resolved?

One of the biggest challenges we’re facing in the hospitality industry here in Hawai‘i, especially on Maui, is affordable housing. It’s becoming a real crisis. People are leaving because they simply can’t afford to live here, and if we don’t address it soon, we might run into a serious staffing problem. It’s kind of hard to run a resort or a restaurant if no one can afford to live on the island.

To fix this, we really need to band together as a community, businesses, locals, and even the government, to find solutions. Whether it’s building more affordable housing or getting creative with incentives, we’ve got to make sure our workers have a place to live if we want to keep the industry running smoothly!

What do you think will take place in the hospitality industry in the years ahead and how might the local industry adapt or change?

I envision the hospitality industry continuing to evolve, especially with technology playing an even bigger role in how we engage with guests. I think we’ll see more seamless, tech-powered experiences that make things more convenient and personalized. At the same time, people will still crave the human touch. Genuine connections and authentic experiences are what make hospitality special.

Locally, I think the industry will need to find a balance between embracing these technological advances and staying true to the values that make Hawaiian hospitality unique. Warmth, friendliness, and that “Aloha” spirit. We’ll also have to be more flexible and sustainable, adapting to environmental concerns and the rising costs of living. Finding ways to be more eco-friendly while still delivering high-quality service will be key to ensuring that the local industry thrives in the years to come.