Kā’anapali Beach Hotel announces the appointment of Julie Yoneyama as sales & marketing manager for the resort’s new beachfront restaurant, Huihui, set to open in February 2021. Yvonne Gu, who has worked at the hotel for four and a half years, was promoted to revenue manager.
“As Kā’anapali Beach Hotel Hotel enters an exciting new phase of its evolution, we are thrilled to welcome Julie as one of Huihui’s first new employees. With her impressive background and Hawaiian cultural ties, Julie was the perfect candidate for the position,” said Mike White, General Manager, Kā’anapali Beach Hotel Hotel. “At Kā’anapali Beach Hotel, many of our employees stay with us decade after decade and we are excited to announce the promotion of Yvonne to revenue manager. She is an invaluable member of our team and we look forward to her continued growth within the Kā’anapali Beach Hotel ‘ohana.”
Yoneyama brings a wealth of experience and a passion for Hawaiian culture to her new position as Huihui marketing manager. In her new role, Yoneyama will be responsible for everything from creating marketing and communication launch plans to building relationships with vendors and partners. Most recently, Yoneyama served as the director of leisure sales for the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. Prior to that, Yoneyama held various key leadership positions with Nā Hoalaha ʻEkolu restaurant group since 1994, including director of employee and community relations and director of training. Nā Hoalaha ʻEkolu’s notable and award-winning companies include Old Lahaina Luau, Star Noodle, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, and Aloha Mixed Plate. In addition, Yoneyama implemented programs at Nā Hoalaha ʻEkolu to engage with Hawaiian cultural non-profit organizations to share Hawaiian culture with employees and guests.
“It is with great pride that I join the team at Kā’anapali Beach Hotel,” said Yoneyama. “ I’ve always admired Kā’anapali Beach Hotel because of its stellar reputation in the Hawaiian cultural space, impressive accolades, and measured development. I am excited for the opportunity to further its growth with the launch of Huihui early next year.”
Kā’anapali Beach Hotel has also promoted Yvonne Gu to revenue manager. In her new role, Gu will work closely with internal teams to achieve revenue goals through data and market analytics and revenue strategies. For the past four years, Gu served as the online sales and marketing manager for Kā’anapali Beach Hotel. Originally from Shanghai, Gu received her Master of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University and has lived in Hawaiʻi for the past five years.
Lovingly referred to as “Hawaiʻi’s Most Hawaiian Hotel,” the iconic hotel will reveal the first phase of its’ $75 million property-wide renaissances, referred to as “Kealaula,” in early 2021. In February 2021, the hotel will open a new beachfront restaurant, Huihui, which will also function as a sailing academy for guests and local students to learn the ancient traditions of Hawaiian voyaging and wayfinding. Through the name Huihui and the interior and exterior design elements of the restaurant, Kā’anapali Beach Hotel will celebrate, honor, and perpetuate the practice of Hawaiian navigation. Meaning “star constellation” or “to join, intermingle or mix,” the 5,000 square-foot venues will serve as a gathering place and provide a relaxing dining experience with unobstructed ocean views. Executive Chef Tom Muromoto remains at the helm and will present a modern, contemporary display of culinary skills while utilizing traditional Hawaiian foods and cooking methods.
