2nd Annual aio Media Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Awards

​Mahalo to all of our members who attended the 2nd Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging and  Tourism Awards Friday evening!  It was a pleasure to see so many of you gathered to celebrate the achievements of our industry.

It was a beautiful evening at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Great Lawn, and celebrated the exceptional finalists who exemplify excellence in leadership within our industry.  I hope that you enjoyed the first-class entertainment from Tihati Productions, Keauhou, Miss Aloha Hula 2015 Jasmine Kalehiwa Dunlap, and Mana’o Company. 

This year, we introduced the Tourism Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals who have made profound contributions to the visitor industry, and to Hawaii as a state, over the course of their careers.  I could think of no one more fitting than our inaugural recipient, Dr. Chuck Yim Gee, Dean Emeritus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management.  Though Dean Gee was regretfully unable to attend, the former UH Board of Regents member and Pacific Asia Travel Association Gallery of Legends inductee gave his appreciative remarks via proxy, Clyde Min.  Congratulations, Chuck – it has been an honor to know you, to continue to learn from you, and mahalo for your lifelong contributions to the visitor industry.

Congratulations to all the nominees and finalists, but especial kudos to our winners of the 2nd Annual aio Media Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Awards:
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Cha Thompson, Leadership in the Industry: Contribution to Tourism by an Individual
Vicky Holt Takamine, Leadership in the Industry: Cultural Advisor
Keri Brown, Leadership in the Industry: Young Achiever
Raiatea Helm, Leadership in the Industry: Outstanding Individual in Music & Entertainment
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Agritourism: Agriculture Tourism Destination
Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market, Agritourism: Farmers Market
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Best Tourism Events: Agriculture Event Using Locally Grown Products
Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival, Best Tourism Events: Heritage & Cultural Event
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Achievement in Sustainability
Kualoa Ranch, Best Attractions/Activities
Roberts Hawaii, Major Tour & Transport Operators
Side Street Inn, Excellence in Food and Beverage: Casual Dining
Morton’s The Steakhouse, Excellence in Food & Beverage: Fine Dining
The ISO, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Boutique Hotel
Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Small Hotel
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Large Hotel
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Best Hotels/Accommodations: Luxury Accommodations