Hawai‘i Island winners celebrated during 33rd annual Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Awards

Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association hosted the 33rd annual Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Awards Luncheon earlier this month in Waikīkī on Oʻahu, honoring outstanding individuals who power Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry — including several winners from Hawai‘i Island.

The sold-out event welcomed nearly 850 attendees including hospitality employees, industry leaders, company honorees and sponsors representing close to 100 hotels statewide, all gathering to celebrate the frontline professionals and leaders whose dedication and service exemplify the true spirit of aloha.

Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana, meaning “hardworking people” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), is one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events, often described as hospitality’s version of the Oscars and Grammys.

The awards honor excellence across a wide range of roles — from housekeeping and engineering to food and beverage, front office, security and management.

Winners in each category were selected by a panel of judges representing diverse sectors of the hospitality community.

Hawai‘i Island winners

Activities, Culture & Experience Person of the Year — Small Property

• Paul “Punahele” Andrade, cultural aloha ambassador, Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort (first place).
• Kaulu Amaral, Mea Ho‘okipa, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (second place).

Food & Beverage Person of the Year, presented by Pepsi Hawai‘i — Small Property

• Michele Desilva, barista, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (first place).
• Luther Seaton, beverage Meridia bartender 1, Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort (second place).
• Jacques Kalawe, beverage Hau Tree bartender II, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (third place).

Security Officer of the Year, presented by Securitas — Small Property

• Manuel Moniz, security guard, Pacific 19 Kona (second place).
• Jesse Hudson, safety and security officer, Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort (third place).

Pūlamahia Award: Four Seasons Resort Hualālai

• The Pūlamahia Award celebrates a business or property dedicated to preserving, perpetuating and authentically sharing Native Hawaiian culture within Hawaiʻi’s hospitality community.

“This event is about honoring the heart of Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry, our people,” said Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association President and Chief Executive Officer Mufi Hannemann in an announcement about this year’s finalists. “Every day, these hardworking professionals deliver the experiences that define Hawaiʻi around the world.”

The Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana Awards play a vital role in uplifting the tourism workforce, reinforcing industry standards of excellence and inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders.

These awards highlight the importance of teamwork, innovation, cultural stewardship and service in sustaining Hawaiʻi’s largest private sector industry by honoring employees at every level.

“Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana gives us the opportunity to pause, recognize their dedication and celebrate the pride they bring to their work and to our communities,” Hannemann said. “Their commitment ensures that Hawaiʻi remains a world-class destination grounded in the spirit of aloha.”

Visit the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association website for a full list of this year’s winners.