University of �鶹��ý Maui College students in the (HOST) now have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment on campus designed to launch their careers: The Hospitality Academy of Maui. This fully functioning “lab hotel,” which celebrated its grand opening on November 10, is a unique partnership with top Maui resorts and hotels, providing students with unparalleled real-world experience.

The academy features a lobby, front desk, meeting room and five guest rooms. Each guest room has been “adopted” and outfitted by a specific Maui resort or hotel to reflect its unique brand. This level of industry integration provides students with invaluable opportunities for gaining experience, networking with professionals, and potentially securing internships and future employment.

UH Maui College students will engage in hands-on learning that mirrors the operations of a real hotel. Through work-integrated education, students will complete some of their required internship hours while practicing the full range of daily tasks such as managing basic facility needs, performing tasks related to front office and housekeeping operations, and working through operational scenarios that build confidence and technical skill.

“What truly sets this program apart is the strength of our industry partnerships, paired with cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning,” said Professor Lorelle Peros, Business & Hospitality Department chair. “Students will train on the same OPERA Cloud (property management) system used by luxury hotels worldwide, experience guest service scenarios that reflect real operational flow, and take part in interactive simulations that build practical skills in both operations and revenue management.”

Powerful partnerships

Industry partnerships include Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Maui Bay Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, lobby sponsor Andaz Maui, and coffee bar sponsor Maui Beach Hotel.

“Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is honored to partner with the UH Maui College HOST Program to implement a training environment that allows for emerging hospitality leaders to cultivate essential skills through hands-on experiences that will prepare them for the fast-paced and multi-faceted nature of a career in hospitality,” said Tets Yamazaki, general manager of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa and HOST Advisory Committee co-chair.

Top-performing students may participate in the Elite Management Program, where they shadow the lab manager and take part in day-to-day management decisions, giving them early leadership experience and a deeper understanding of hotel operations.

Chancellor Lui Hokoana added, “This is yet another example of our college’s commitment to training a workforce that can meet our community’s future needs in all fields, and because we believe the demand for skilled hospitality professionals has never been greater.”

The Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, was named the No. 1 Eco-Friendly Hotel by USA Today in August 2025—another in an impressive list of international accolades achieved under the leadership of general manager and Kapiʻolani CC alumnus Tim Lee.

Since 2021, Lee has guided the iconic cliffside resort to worldwide recognition for its luxury service, design and sustainability. In 2024, Post Ranch Inn became one of just 11 hotels in the U.S. to receive the inaugural MICHELIN Guide 3 Keys distinction for outstanding hospitality, and repeated in 2025. The resort was also named the No. 1 Best Hotel in the World (under 50 rooms) in 2024 by the Andrew Harper Members Choice Awards, and has been recognized among the Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth by Robb Report and featured on the cover of Condé Nast Traveler.

It is heady stuff for the Kapiʻolani CC and McKinley High School alumnus. Lee credits the foundation he built studying hotel management at Kapiʻolani CC with launching his path to global success.

“It made a big difference because it made me realize what I want, what career I wanted to pursue,” Lee said. “I think it had to do with my instructors, how they were so personable, how they would answer so many of my questions.”

Starting from the bottom

Lee’s career spans more than four decades at some of the world’s most celebrated properties, including the Hotel Bel-Air, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Halekulani, The Kahala Resort & Spa and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, Italy. However, he chooses to pass on the lessons he learned at Kapiʻolani CC to students and young professionals today.

“I say the money will come with experience, just gain the experience,” Lee said. “I started as a dishwasher, then bellman. I was a room attendant. I didn’t care about the position—I just wanted to get the experience. So start from the bottom, work your way up, and it will just do so much more for your career.”

He worked as a bellman at a Waikīkī hotel while attending Kapiʻolani CC in the 1970s. Among his coworkers was a desk clerk named Dave Evans, who is now the chair of Kapiʻolani CC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Department.

“Immediately upon meeting Tim, you are impressed with his graciousness, poise and professionalism—he embodies all the genuine qualities of a true hotelier,” Evans said. “Tim was fortunate that these many traits were recognized and developed by the best hospitality pioneers in �鶹��ý‘s tourism industry.”

Iconic celebrities

Lee’s resume documents an incredible professional ascent. Spanning multimillion-dollar renovations, hotel pre-openings, and staff training for international brands, he has elevated guest experiences to Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond standards. Along the way, he also befriended many iconic celebrities.

“Here’s Elizabeth Taylor,” Lee said, pointing to her signed picture hanging on the wall of his Waikīkī apartment. (He tries to come home to �鶹��ý when he can.) “The first time I met her was at the Dorchester in London—beautiful woman, piercing blue eyes, just the nicest person—and then she stayed at the Kahala another time, so it was a reunion when I saw her again.”

For a period of several years, he had lunch every Friday with Nancy Reagan Hotel Bel Air. He first met Reagan when he managed the Regent Beverly Wilshire (where Pretty Woman was filmed and where he also met Julia Roberts and Richard Gere). He lists the late Robert Redford among his top three “nicest celebrities,” noting how he treated every staff member with kindness and would call to thank staff from the operator up. Their connection carried over to the Post Ranch Inn, where Redford would fly in on his private helicopter.

The wow factor

From Honolulu to Hollywood, Italy to Malaysia, and now the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, Lee’s journey reflects the impact of his Kapiʻolani CC education carried to the world stage. His continued excellence attracts the spotlight of global hospitality achievement, and he shares his wealth of knowledge generously, including with Evans’ students.

“When he is back home in �鶹��ý, he is a regular guest speaker in my classes, mesmerizing the students with numerous tales of the eccentricities of his rich and famous guests,” Evans said. “We are most proud to include Tim as one of our many successful graduates of our hospitality and tourism program.”

Lee said, “I always like to help the younger generations—the future hoteliers of the world. They call me internationally, and I thrive on that.”

However, he is also looking forward to moving back home someday, not to retire, but to possibly consult.

“I want to find a property I can call ‘home’ and give back to �鶹��ý all that I have learned. Where our people are very happy and proud. A company that believes if you take care of your employees, your employees will take care of your business. That’s when the real magic begins!” Lee said. “That’s my dream—to come back to a property and just make it a wow factor.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

is launching a transformative workforce development initiative aimed at bolstering �鶹��ý’s hospitality industry. The �鶹��ý Place-Based Hospitality Professional Development Training Program, a 7-week cohort program set to begin in spring 2026, will enroll employees from Kahala Hotel & Resort for a pilot that integrates leadership, Hawaiian values, cultural traditions and global sustainability practices.

The training is focused on non-supervisory and managerial staff who are interested in upskilling to comfortably share the “aloha spirit” and the stories of the place they work and live in.

“Kapiʻolani Community College is proud to partner with industry leaders to reimagine workforce training for �鶹��ý’s hospitality industry,” said Kapiʻolani CC Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “We are excited to lead this training initiative, knowing that we are fulfilling our kuleana (responsibility) to �鶹��ý’s workforce and communities.”

�鶹��ý’s hospitality sector faces mounting pressures, from labor shortages to evolving expectations of global visitors. Coupled with the outmigration of young professionals, these trends demand innovative approaches that attract, retain and grow talent. Kapiʻolani CC’s new pilot training aims to cultivate a more resilient, future-ready workforce by instilling confidence, pride and a deep connection—embedding �鶹��ý’s values into the next generation of industry professionals.

Honoring people and place

“This program is an investment in our colleagues,” said Joe Ibarra, vice president and general manager, Kahala Hotel & Resort. “It equips them with the skills and confidence to deliver authentic Hawaiian hospitality and build meaningful careers right here in �鶹��ý.”

The pilot program is a collaboration among Kapiʻolani CC faculty, who will develop the curriculum and provide instruction, Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hotel and Restaurant Industry Employment and Training Trust (HARIETT), and Banquet Solutions �鶹��ý, Inc. Their combined efforts work to ensure hospitality leadership in �鶹��ý remains culturally, environmentally and socially responsible.

“Rooted in leadership, Hawaiian culture, and world-class hospitality, this pilot empowers UNITE HERE! Local 5 members to serve visitors in ways that honor both people and place,” said James Hardway, executive director, HARIETT. “This helps realize �鶹��ý’s goal of regenerative tourism, where travel contributes to the well-being and renewal of local communities.”

University of �鶹��ý President David Lassner delivered commencement addresses at Asahi University and Meikai University in Japan in March to about 1,700 graduates. Lassner praised the students for their academic achievements and highlighted the impactful ties between UH and the two Japanese institutions over the years.

“I hope you feel great pride in all that you have accomplished, and are excited about new possibilities that are open to you as you enter into the next stage of your life,” said Lassner in his speeches. “I have every confidence looking at you today that the superb education you experienced here has prepared you with the knowledge, skills, and passion to grow as lifelong learners.”

In September 2023, Asahi and Meikai Universities contributed $20,000 toward UH relief efforts to help students and employees impacted by the Maui wildfires.

Long-term partnerships

Since 2009, 140 students from Meikai’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have enriched their education through UH summer programs fostering camaraderie and cross-cultural understanding. UH students in return have gone on short-term and semester-long exchange programs, which have provided them with valuable experiences in Japanese industry and culture.

The partnership with Asahi University has flourished since 2018, when students from the School of Health Science were hosted at the UH Mānoa College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. This collaboration has resulted in successful outcomes for students and faculty, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing the safety and fitness of senior citizens through new technologies.

“As our long-term relationship continues, the University of �鶹��ý will be taking further steps toward building and sustaining our partnership,” said Lassner.

Strengthening ties

During his commencement address, Lassner shared a new initiative to explore the development of a “micro-campus” at Meikai University that will enable respective students to earn credits and degrees while studying at their home campuses.

“This has been successful at other universities, and I have every expectation that with our strong partnership, Meikai and UH can make this work for our students as well,” Lassner said.

To further the exchange support between the institutions, later this year, students from Asahi and Meikai will participate in various short-term programs at UH, including disciplines such as health sciences, business administration, hospitality and tourism management, English and real estate sciences.

The University of �鶹��ý—West Oʻahu and Japan Aviation College Hokkaido (JAA) recently signed an agreement that allows Japanese students to seamlessly transfer and earn their bachelor’s degree in �鶹��ý. This is the first in what is hoped to be many international partnerships for the Kapolei campus.

“We look forward to bringing JAA students to our campus to enhance their education with an Indigenous-grounded curriculum in our top-notch business program,” UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham said. “This valuable partnership will provide our own students with the chance to interact with an international community to expand their global knowledge and understanding.”

Students who complete an associate degree at JAA are guaranteed acceptance with sophomore standing to UH West Oʻahu in with a concentration in , or . The JAA students will have to meet international transfer student requirements, including passing an approved English proficiency exam.

The partnership promotes international education, cultural exchange and collaboration in areas of common interest and benefit to both institutions. Starting in 2025, qualifying JAA students will come to UH West Oʻahu for an in-person experience that will expose them to Indigenous culture, place-based learning and a robust academic curriculum within the Business Administration program.

“Japan and �鶹��ý have a deep historical and cultural relationship,” JAA Chancellor Tadahiro Umezawa said. “In international resorts and commercial areas, there are opportunities for Japanese students to learn. This is extremely meaningful, and I hope that it will have a positive impact on the future of students.”

JAA’s International Aviation Business Department aims to train cabin attendants and ground staff who can succeed in the world with international knowledge and culture. Students study languages and Japanese culture to establish the foundation of understanding international cultural differences, learn etiquette and manners through practical manner training classes, and gain a high sense of hospitality.

–By Leila Wai Shimokawa

The University of �鶹��ý is requesting proposals from qualified developers to redevelop 2.49 acres of UH-owned land next to . The goal of the project is to provide students with experiential learning opportunities through the development of an alternative revenue stream for UH other than through tuition and state funding.

The proposed project objectives includes a use that partners or collaborates with one or more UH programs listed in the “”:

The project must also fit in the context of the surrounding community, and the developer must have an on-property physical presence and manage the project after it is built.

The deadline for submissions is December 7, 2022, and the selection is scheduled to be announced January 31, 2023. The selected developer will be required to enter into a development agreement and long-term ground lease with UH. Ownership would revert back to UH when the ground lease expires. The agreement and lease must receive final approval from the UH Board of Regents before the project can begin.

The property is located at 550 Makapuʻu Avenue across from Kapiʻolani CC and Lēʻahi Hospital, on the same block as the recently redeveloped Diamond Head Theatre. There are no structures on the property, and a portion of it is currently being used as a temporary parking lot by the hospital.

The is No. 12 in the world in , No. 15 in , and No. 51–75 in the categories of , and communication ( and ), according to the (GRAS) released July 19, 12:01 p.m. Beijing time (July 18, 6:01 p.m. HST), by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, which is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective rankings of world universities by subjects. Thirteen UH Mānoa subjects in total were ranked, including two others that placed in the world’s top 200.

UH Mānoa was one of approximately 1,800 universities in 96 countries and regions selected for the GRAS rankings, out of more than 26,000 total colleges and universities around the world. The criteria include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

“These rankings represent UH Mānoa’s commitment to academic and research excellence in a wide range of disciplines,” UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno said. “This is just another example of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our world-class faculty, students and staff.”

Subject rankings

• Oceanography: No. 12 worldwide, No. 7 U.S.
• Atmospheric science: No. 15 worldwide, No. 11 U.S.
• Hospitality and tourism management: No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 19–23 U.S.
• Earth sciences: No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 22–31 U.S.
• Communication: No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 31–39 U.S.
• Ecology: No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 30–48 U.S.
• Education: No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 84–99 U.S.
• Geography: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 49–69 U.S.
• Environmental science and engineering: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 58–82 U.S.
• Political science: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 90–115 U.S.
• Business administration: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 95–123 U.S.
• Psychology: No. 301–400 worldwide, No. 117–145 U.S.
• Agricultural sciences: No. 401–500 worldwide, No. 71–78 U.S.

Academic Ranking of World Universities

In the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities, also by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy released in August 2021, UH Mānoa earned a No. 90–110 ranking in the U.S. and No. 301–400 worldwide. This places UH Mānoa in the .

Other rankings

UH Mānoa has also earned these notable rankings:

• 2023 QS World University Rankings, June 8, 2022
• 2022 Round University Rankings world university ranking, May 11, 2022
• 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject, April 6, 2022

For more, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (TIM School) at the held its 20th Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on Thursday, April 7, at the Sheraton Waikiki. This year’s event honored Chef Roy Yamaguchi and TIM alumnus Dave P. Evans, who have each made significant and long-term contributions to �鶹��ý’s tourism industry. The event also raised more than $260,000 for student scholarships at the TIM School. This year marked the first in-person Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event since 2019.

Legacy in Tourism award

Yamaguchi was honored with the Legacy in Tourism award for his many contributions in the community, as well as helping to put �鶹��ý’s diverse culinary scene on the map. Yamaguchi is the celebrity chef and founder of a collection of restaurants, including Roy’s Worldwide, Eating House 1849, Humble Market Kitchin and GOEN Dining + Bar. He is the first �鶹��ý-based chef to receive the prestigious James Beard “Best Pacific Northwest Chef” award and has earned numerous top honors throughout the years.

Yamaguchi has attracted worldwide attention to �鶹��ý’s culinary community, and has appeared on national and international television shows, authored various cookbooks and co-established the popular �鶹��ý Food & Wine Festival, which has garnered more than $3 million to support local community organizations. He recently served as a guest lecturer for the TIM School in 2021, offering up-and-coming entrepreneurial students the opportunity to learn from one of �鶹��ý’s most prestigious chefs.

Alumni Hall of Honor award

Evans, a professor and department chair of the at , was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. The recognition honors his professional accomplishments and commitment to the TIM School. He has served as department chair since 2009 after working for nearly four decades in the hospitality field. Evans also served on the TIM Alumni Association Board as a director and was president of the board from 2006–09.

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism is the largest fundraiser in support of the TIM School, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships. This year’s event raised more than $260,000 thanks to the generous support of the hospitality and �鶹��ý business community. Hawaii Business Magazine served as 2022 media partner.

To support the TIM School or Shidler College, contact Kristi Bates, executive director of development, at kristi.bates@uhfoundation.org or (808) 445-3164. for more information and bios on this year’s honorees. For a list of past honorees, visit the .

This event is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

To help �鶹��ý’s tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, new research from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa suggests a potentially under-utilized form of revenue that visitors are actually willing to pay for: sustainable experiences. These include activities some visitor industry destinations are already offering, such as clearing plastics off beaches and planting trees to offset the carbon footprint. According to study co-author and (TIM School) Professor Jerry Agrusa, the research findings could open the door to new sustainable experiences and more jobs for �鶹��ý’s workforce.

“With these new initiatives, there are opportunities for new positions,” Agrusa said. “I know there’s a number of hotels that started adding in Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and now also some are adding in sustainable practitioners—not just a one-time to come in and evaluate how they can be more sustainable, but also to be more engaged with the tourists.”

The tourists want to be engaged now in the destination. They do not want to just take any longer, but they want to give back as well.
— Jerry Agrusa

Agrusa added, “The tourists believe that the application of sustainability to the tourism sector is vital to the future of �鶹��ý and by having more sustainable activities, it presents a concrete way to meet some of the needs of the present tourists without compromising the ability of future generations to enjoy these tourism products.”

The study, conducted in fall 2021, surveyed a targeted population of U.S. residents who have previously traveled to �鶹��ý. 454 responses were collected and analyzed. The researchers discovered that U.S. tourists felt a strong desire to engage in sustainable tourism when visiting the Hawaiian Islands; when choosing a vacation, they felt a high level of importance that the tourism industry supports environmentally sustainable tourism practices; and U.S. tourists are willing to pay more to support �鶹��ý’s sustainable tourism products.

“All of them answered that sustainability is important,” Agrusa said. “There has also been a clear shift in what tourists want from a destination. The tourists want to be engaged now in the destination. They do not want to just take any longer, but they want to give back as well.”

U.S. vs. international markets

U.S. domestic visitors to ​​�鶹��ý (PDF), according to the State of �鶹��ý Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. This is due in large part to the safe travels testing program and quarantine restrictions international visitors face upon returning to their home country. However, pre-pandemic, for example in December 2019, domestic visitors accounted for (PDF). In that same month, visitors from Japan accounted for nearly 15% of all visitors by air to �鶹��ý.

“One of the things that we know from the research that we’ve done on the Japanese market, which is our largest international market, is that they are very interested in sustainability—they’re one of the highest groups that want to engage in sustainability practices while visiting �鶹��ý,” Agrusa said. “Here we have our U.S. market which is the largest single market, and the largest international market, they’re very interested in sustainability.”

Overtourism

The inspiration behind this study was the concern of “overtourism” in the state. According to researchers, as revenues from tourism have been increasing for years, overcrowding in tourist areas has affected �鶹��ý’s natural resources as well as the quality of life for residents. To preserve the state’s natural resources, the �鶹��ý Tourism Authority (HTA) has launched its , which is part of HTA’s 2025 strategic plan.

“The Aloha Aina program is a way for the �鶹��ý Tourism Authority to directly support the organizations making a difference in our environment by educating and engaging people in the stewardship of our natural environment,” said Kalani ����ʻ������ʻ������, HTA Chief Brand Officer.

The study, authored by Agrusa, Østfold University College Professor Catherine Linnes and University of Nevada, Las Vegas Professor Joseph Lema, was .

• Related UH News story: U.S. visitors willing to pay more for authentic, sustainable experiences, September 20, 2021

This work is an example of UH Mānoa’s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

For the first time in the history of the tourism and hospitality industry’s Pineapple Awards, (PBN) has selected an honoree from the higher education sector. Professor Rosalie Lokelani Fernandez is among 16 �鶹��ý residents recognized through the .

“Rosalie’s receiving PBN’s Pineapple Award highlights her two biggest passions: the tourism and hospitality industry, and educating the industry’s next generation of ambassadors. She always puts students first and instills in her students the value of ���‘o�쾱�貹 with generosity and grace,” said Kapiʻolani CC Chancellor Louise Pagotto. “She is a consummate professional and a caring educator. With a big, open heart, Rosalie inspires her students to excel.”

Fernandez has a long and dedicated career in travel and tourism operations. Besides owning and managing travel agencies, she is a certified travel consultant from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. She joined the Hospitality and Tourism Education (HOST) department at Kapiʻolani CC in 2001.

Preparing students for future careers

Dave Evans, chair for HOST, said that Fernandez led the development of the department’s travel program, enhancing the rigor and robustness of the curriculum and securing the use of Travelport, a live reservations and ticketing program that prepares students for careers with airlines, travel agencies and tour operations. The use of Travelport to train students on the industry’s Apollo Reservation System also required Fernandez to conceptualize and write a student manual/workbook to guide students through various scenarios and cases.

Evans said, “As the travel program coordinator, she has been instrumental in coordinating the cohesiveness and consistency of the curriculum with the hospitality and tourism programs at UH Maui College, Kauaʻi and �鶹��ý Community Colleges.”

According to PBN, “The Pineapple [award] seeks to honor individuals—wherever they may work in or with the visitor industry—for their leadership in the industry, their achievements in presenting an authentic �鶹��ý visitor experience, and their community involvement.”

In lieu of a gala recognition, all recipients will be featured in a special edition of PBN in early June.