Business briefs for May 4: Hannemann retiring, elevated island dining, Rome flight and A Day at the Beach

Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association chief Mufi Hannemann retiring

Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association President and Chief Executive Officer Mufi Hannemann is retiring following years of dedicated service to the association and Hawai‘i visitor industry.

Hannemann led the association with a strong commitment to strengthening the state’s largest economic sector. He was instrumental in advancing the mission of Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association and expanding key initiatives that support the workforce and broader community.

Hannemann continued the association’s growth and evolution, plus enhancing signature programs. He also championed its scholarship programs to support the next generation of hospitality professionals, and he played a key role in launching and strengthening initiatives that helped build critical pathways into Hawai‘i’s tourism workforce.

Hawai‘i Lodging and Tourism Association Board of Directors will immediately initiate a search for a new president and work closely with Hannemann to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.

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Kona Village introduces season of elevated island dining

Three Michelin Key Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, in Kailua-Kona expands its signature Island Roots experience this summer with a family-friendly debut and curated lineup of chef and cocktail driven pop-ups.

It will be a season of immersive culinary moments rooted in connection, culture and joy. Headlining the season is the debut of ʻOhana Island Roots, a keiki‑friendly evolution of the resort’s beloved, adult‑only Island Roots dinner, opening to guests of all ages for the first time.

A rotating series of monthly pop-ups featuring celebrated chefs and bar talents from throughout the United States will highlight visiting culinary creatives collaborating throughout the resort’s signature venues. With experiences thoughtfully designed for every type of guest, Kona Village offers something to savor at every turn.

Summer bookings can be made here. Email to konavillage.dining@rosewoodhotels.com for additional details about booking summer dining experiences and other upcoming summer programs, which will run June through August.

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Benvenuti! Alaska Airlines launches first nonstop flight to Rome

Alaska Airlines is expanding into Europe, marking a major milestone in its growth as a global carrier, launching its first nonstop flight to Rome. The daily seasonal service runs through Oct. 23 between Seattle and the Italian capital.

The new service — which reinforces the airline’s role as a global carrier — is the first direct connection between the Emerald City and Eternal City, further establishing Seattle as a premier international gateway for Alaska Airlines.

It even enables some of the best connectivity between Hawai‘i and Europe, with just one stop in Seattle, and opens a new European visitor gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. Furthermore, it advances the growing Alaska Airlines global cargo business.

Click here to learn more about the airline’s full international long-haul guest experience.

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Salty, sunny, sandy vibes delivered with A Day at the Beach stamps

The latest U.S. Postal Service stamp series shares one of summer’s greatest pleasures — A Day at the Beach.

Four designs celebrate the simple joys of a coastal escape: one captures the magic of a sandcastle taking shape, another shows a seagull perched on a wooden piling, a third features a bicycle parked near the shore and a fourth displays a reader lounging under a colorful beach umbrella.

No matter how you spend your time by the shore, memories last long after you shake the sand from your shoes. The stamps were designed by U.S. Postal Service Art Director Derry Noyes — whose annual summer trips to New England beaches inspired the design — with original art by Gregory Manchess.

A Day at the Beach stamps are issued in booklets of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the first-class mail 1-ounce price. Stamps can be purchased from The Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, via mail from USA Philatelic or at post offices nationwide.