Award-winning hotelier Tetsuji “Tets” Yamazaki has been appointed general manager of the iconic Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, continuing the resort’s 55-year legacy of distinguished leadership. His appointment became effective on March 28, 2026.
Yamazaki joins Sheraton Waikiki following a successful 15‑year tenure as general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali, where he led the beachfront resort through a period of operational transformation, strengthened community partnerships, and elevated guest and associate experiences.
Yamazaki brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience to his new role. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, he began his hotel career there before relocating to Hawaii in 1994. He joined Sheraton Maui in 1997 in his first managerial role and has since held leadership positions across operations, front office, housekeeping, engineering, and food and beverage departments at resorts on Maui, Hawaii Island, and Oahu. Prior to Sheraton Maui, he served as general manager of the former Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.
Yamazaki’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Sheraton Waikiki. This summer, the resort is preparing to debut a signature oceanfront restaurant, Hinahina, along with a Guest Activity Cabana and an exclusive oceanfront pool deck experience. Sheraton Waikiki is also home to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, scheduled for December 2026 and 2027 at the University of Hawaii’s Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Yamazaki earned national recognition after the August 2023 Maui wildfires. As a leader on the Marriott Business Council, he partnered with hotels, community organizations, and government entities to support guests and associates. At Sheraton Maui, he helped house displaced employees and their families and, with owner Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts, launched the Aloha for Sheraton Maui Ohana Fund, which has distributed more than $330,000 to more than 200 impacted team members. For his extraordinary leadership, he was named the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s 2024 Resort Property General Manager of the Year— the first Maui hotel GM to receive the national honor.
Passionate about mentoring future generations of hospitality leaders, Yamazaki is also active in Hawaii’s visitor industry and community initiatives. He has served on the boards of the Kaanapali Operations Association, the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, and the University of Hawaii Maui College Hospitality Academy, and chaired the 41st annual Maui County Charity Walk.
Yamazaki holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political science from Sophia University in Tokyo and a master’s degree in hotel management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Travel Industry Management. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, golfing, traveling, listening to music, and attending rock concerts.
