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Meet the Team
 

Aaron J. Salā, PhD President and CEO

Tom Mullen Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Phone

808-924-0204

"I find it extremely rewarding to work with the team here at HVCB where everyone puts their best effort forward in everything we do."

Corporate and Financial Services
 

Donna Valenciano Controller

Shari Lee Director, Human Resources

"Kahului, Maui, holds a special place in my heart. The time spent there with my cousins, uncles, aunties and grandmother has created long lasting memories. Remembering the relaxing days picnicking at the beach to indulging in Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen, Guri Guri from Tasaka Shop, and Manju from Home Maid Bakery, still brings a smile to my face!"

Jose Inigo Santos Special Projects Manager

"When I'm not in the water, I love to drive around the windward side of Oʻahu. I am always in awe of the beautiful Koʻolau Range."

Andrew Bailey Corporate Services Coordinator

"Some of my favorite places are the forest trails outside the populated areas of Honolulu. I'm always amazed such nature exists mere minutes away from the hustle and bustle."

Brandon Goda Compliance Analyst

"The most fulfilling aspect of my kuleana at HVCB is sharing why I'm proud to call Hawaiʻi home and inspiring visitors to feel the same sense of what makes Hawaiʻi so special."

Sa Taʻala Executive Assistant to A. Salā & T. Mullen - Board Corporate Secretary

"Waikīkī is my favorite place in Hawaiʻi. It is special to me not only because of its history but I have lived here most of my life as well."

Dianalie Pineda Accounting Clerk

"Besides the beaches, my other favorite place in Hawaiʻi is Haleakalā National Park. Being high up at the summit, near or above the clouds, creates a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. Watching the sunrise or sunset above the clouds is beautiful and brings a sense of serenity and calmness. It’s a special place where I can enjoy amazing views and find some peace away from everything."

Island Chapters
 

 

Sue Kanoho Managing Director, Island Chapters - Executive Director, Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is Poʻipū Beach where I can watch those amazing sunsets."

Maile Brown Director of Sales & Marketing, Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau

"Waimea Canyon is truly one of my favorite places in Hawaiʻi because it is so beautiful."

Christy Lagundino Office Coordinator, Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi, is Kauaʻi! I was born and raised on Kauaʻi and is very proud to call this island my home. Blessed to be surrounded by my ʻOhana and the Aloha spirit."

Kuʻulei Hamberg Sales Coordinator

"My favorite place is Hāʻena beach where I grew up camping every summer with my ʻohana then getting to provide my children with the same experience throughout their childhood. Although camping is no longer permitted, we still cherish days spent there getting to rejuvenate."

 

Noelani Schilling-Wheeler Executive Director, Oʻahu Visitors Bureau

"I love being on O‘ahu’s hiking trails. It brings me closer to the ‘āina, connects me with this place I call home, and reminds me how important these Islands are! I also love our museums. They are smaller than museums in other places, but they share the spirit of Hawai‘i so well!"

Karishma Chowfin Director of Sales, Oʻahu Visitors Bureau

"To know better is to do better. I have always felt an incredible sense of responsibility to do right by this destination, for my home, for my nieces, nephews, friends and family who call this place home as well. Sharing how to be pono, act pono, inspires and motivates me about my kuleana at HVCB & OVB."

Catherine Orlans Marketing Manager, Oʻahu Visitors Bureau

"Māʻili Beach Park on the west side of Oʻahu holds a special place in my heart as my favorite place in Hawaiʻi. As the sun sets, vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple paint the sky, casting a mesmerizing glow over the beach. Whether it's a solo retreat for self-reflection or a gathering with friends to witness the beauty of nature, Māʻili Beach Park is a cherished place for me and my ʻohana."

Leilani Robertson Administrative Coordinator, Oʻahu Visitors Bureau

"My favorite place in Hawai'i is the west side for the sunsets. I enjoy going to Ko 'Olina Lagoons and sitting on the beach and watching the sunset reflect off the ocean"

 

Sherry Duong Executive Director, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is on the island of Maui. Haleakalā for the sunrise or sunset and also the stunning and diverse landscape views of Kula. Such a peaceful and tranquil feeling when visiting upcountry Maui and taking in farmers markets."

Brent Lausterer Director of Sales, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau

"Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Maui's north shore is one of my favorite places in Hawaiʻi. The strong breezes, sound and spectacle of the waves and surfers, and the panoramic views of the shifting clouds and sunlight on the West Maui Mountains and Haleakalā bring an amazing energy and beauty. The surf break at 'Middles' is a blast, with a big left drop and ride. After a session in the waves, grabbing a bite and a stroll in colorful Pāʻia town makes for another fantastic Maui morning."

Leanne Pletcher Director of Public Relations & Marketing, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau

"While my first Hawaiʻi trips having come from Indiana winters were focused on absorbing sunshine on the beaches on Hawaiʻi Island, as the years have passed, I have come to embrace the stunning beauty of the mountains of Mauna Kea, Halekalā and Mauna Kahālāwai."

Rachelle Duarte Administrative Specialist, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau

"ʻĪao Valley holds a special place in my heart. It's where my husband grew up and where we were married. It was always the place where our families would get together. Grandparents got to see the grandkids and special memories were made."

 

Scott Pauli Executive Director, Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau

"My favorite place in Hawai‘i is the fishponds at Mauna Lani Resort. They are so beautiful and tranquil. It reminds me of old Hawai‘i and always seems to cleanse my soul when I go there and pray."

Deanna Isbister Director of Sales, Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau

"I love everything about Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. As soon as I enter I immediately feel a sense of mystery, calm, curiosity, respect, and excitement."

Donna Kimura Director, Marketing, Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is in my hometown of Waimea. It is where I feel most connected to place and family from previous generations."

Kalei Bridges Sales Manager, Island of Hawaiʻi Visitors Bureau

"Waimea, on the island of Hawaiʻi, is a special place because of its rich history of nā paniolo cowboys, mahiʻai agriculture, a me nā aliʻi chiefs, which live through the moʻolelo stories of the area and connects me to my kupuna ancestors."

Market Insights & Customer Relationship Management

 

Jeffrey Eslinger Senior Director, Market Insights & CRM

"I feel a deep responsibility in the work that I do as I provide insight, knowledge and consultation to our community who in turn use this insight to make informed decisions."

Roxanne Relles Manager, Customer Relationship Management

"North Kohala on Hawaiʻi island is my favorite place where I lived as a child and holds great childhood memories for me. It is a place that is enriched with a profound history of Hawaiʻi and is most known as the birthplace of Kamehameha the Great. I always look forward to visiting ʻohana who live there."

Stancen Abbey Senior Sales Operations Analyst

"I love going to Puʻuloa Beach! It’s relaxing and gives me endless film shots on my camera."

Marketing
 

Kara Imai Managing Director, Marketing

"My kuleana at HVCB is to invite the kind of visitors to Hawaiʻi that I would enjoy having in my home. I’m inspired to do this every day as it not only makes a difference to the entire state, but personally to my family and community."

Gina Chun Senior Director, Advertising and Marketing Programs

"I’m here because I want to be vested in doing the kind of elevated work that this organization uniquely undertakes – and at a top performing caliber that benchmarks our performance at a national level."

Kainoa Daines Senior Director, Destination Education

"Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai‘i is a magical place. The natural beauty is unlike anywhere on earth, plus the layering in of indigenous songs and stories."

Darlene Morikawa Senior Director, Corporate Public Relations, and Destination Management

"I feel the best part of my job is hearing people's stories and how they speak about what they do, the community they live in, their experiences, and their passion. I appreciate and understand that I'm privileged to hear their stories and I, in turn, have the privilege of sharing it."

Lei-Ann Field Senior Director, Visitor Public Relations, and Communications

"Pregnant with my first child, my first visit to Pāpōhaku Beach on Moloka‘i moved me. Beyond its expansive beauty, I felt a profound peace I had never experienced before. I hope to bring my boys there someday as one of many lessons in understanding their kuleana to mālama Hawai‘i."

Susie Kim Director, Content Development

"My favorite place is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It has a deep and spiritual presence that makes me feel both alive and at peace whenever I visit."

Marisa Wong Director, Social Media

"My favorite place in Hawai‘i the drive along Kaiwi coastline. The scenic coastline always brings me a sense of peace and reminds me how fortunate I am to live here."

Taryn Pascua Manager, Public Relations

"Since I live in bustling Honolulu, I enjoy visiting the quiet areas on the North Shore to stargaze."

Jerome Ikaika Nihipali Education Manager

"My favorite place in Hawai'i will always be my hometown of Hau'ula. It's where I grew up for most of my childhood and most of the community is my family. It was great as a child being able to hang out with my cousins and go from house to house."

Kalei Kaʻaialiʻi Social Media Manager

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is anywhere by the ocean. It’s where I spend most of my free time, making memories with family and friends."

Heidi Fujimoto Executive Assistant, Marketing

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is in the water off Waikīkī – sailing on a catamaran with the wind filling the sails and the sun shining and turning the ocean a beautiful turquoise blue. The smell of the salty air, the sea spray on my face, it fills my soul and makes me feel alive!"

Meet Hawaiʻi
 

Lynn Whitehead Vice President, MCI Global Sales

"An aspect of my kuleana at HVCB that I find most fulfilling is understanding the values and practices of potential groups and ensuring their goals for their visit align with our values of cultural respect, environmental responsibility, and regenerative tourism."

Adrienne Nudo Senior Director, Citywide Sales

"My new favorite place in Hawai'i is Gunstock Ranch on O'ahu. I was recently able to plant a tree thru the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative. We took a fun eco-tour on ATV's before arriving at the Legacy Forest. Each tree is dedicated to someone or something of your choice and is a special way to honor loved ones. And the incredible views and landscape of the Ranch are breathtaking."

Meredith Parkins Regional Director of Sales, Eastern Region

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is Waikīkī because it has so many memories and wonderful experiences from my past and my future."

Kathy Dever Regional Director of Sales, Midwest Region

"The very early morning before sunrise in Kapalua to feel the cool crisp air of the morning and the peace the area offers. Hearing the birds wake up. Also, the power of the ocean up in West Maui. All offer moments that remind me of how simple life can be."

Tom Casademont Senior Director, Citywide Sales

"Honestly, any place at sunrise or sunset on any island in Hawai'i is my favorite. The serene beauty and tranquility during these times are unparalleled. Watching the colors of the sky change and reflect on the ocean is a truly mesmerizing experience."

Trevor Newman Director, Citywide Sales, Business Development

"West Oʻahu holds a special place in my heart as my favorite spot in Hawai‘i. It's where I exchanged vows and began a beautiful chapter of my life. The beaches are peaceful and pristine, and I have watched many sunsets and created memories there that are etched in my mind forever."

Susanna Flores National Director, Citywide Sales

"I have fond memories of spending time with family and friends at Bellows beach in Waimanalo. I love how this beach has a woodsy feel and small fun waves."

Laurie Wong Ihara Senior Director of Sales, Single Property

"Haleʻiwa Beach is one of my favorite places. Restorative, peaceful, clear blue waters. Memories of beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Fishing, searching for sand crabs and sand turtles, and picking limu back in the day."

Marykay Lui Regional Director of Sales, Single Property

"Maui holds a special place in my heart as that is where I was married; however, we've returned to a different Island each year for our anniversary to experience the unique beauty and spirit each offers."

Lee Conching Director, Client Services

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is the Makapuʻu lighthouse. You can enjoy the trail walk in the morning and watch the sun rise from the water beginning a brand new day. Nothing more 'chicken skin' than that."

Josette Murai, CMP, CPCE Senior Manager, Sales Administration

"North Kohala on the Island of Hawai‘i is my favorite place because its my home, where I was born and raised. It's always so nice to go home to unwind and spend time with family and friends I've known since before starting school."

Jona Caāmal Sales Coordinator

Samantha Komiyama Sales Coordinator

"Whenever I need a break or just some quiet time, I head up to my favorite spot in Hawaiʻi - Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside Park. There’s something about looking out over all of Honolulu, with Lēʻahi in the distance and the ocean stretching out - that helps me reset. It’s peaceful, surrounded by trees, and it always reminds me how lucky I am to live in Hawaiʻi. No matter what’s going on, that spot helps me feel calm and grounded."

Christina Jeremiah Sales Coordinator

"My favorite place in Hawai‘i is temple valley in Kahalu‘u, O‘ahu. I love walking along the pond and feeding the ducks and fish. Just to be able to sit on a bench amongst nature and listen to the sounds of the waterfalls is so beautiful and serene."

Briana Leite-Ah Yo Client Services Coordinator

Membership
 

Karen Wataru Nakaoka Senior Director, Member and Community Engagement

"My favorite place on Oʻahu is Kaimana Beach, where I begin and end most days. After a quiet walk around Kapiʻolani Park and a visit to the Queen’s statue, which reminds me daily to Kulia I ka nu'u, I sit in the still of the morning to set my intentions for the day. In the evening, I often reflect in awe at the breathtaking sunsets that spark daily gratitude for the beauty of our island and this place we are blessed to call home."

Bill Kennedy Senior Manager, Membership Services and Operations

"When I think of my favorite place, I think of Makakilo, my home for so many years. Cool breezes, sweeping views, and friendly neighbors make it a special place with a sense of calm and community that’s hard to describe but easy to appreciate."

Armida York Manager, Membership Development and Engagement

"My love for Hawaiʻi began on a trip to Maui in 2008. The warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the beauty of the island captivated me. Two years later, I had the incredible opportunity to relocate to Oʻahu."

Eric Mok Manager, Membership Communications and Events

"Kaimukī, an eclectic neighborhood of many small local businesses, specialty boutiques, and unique eateries, is where I grew up and will forever be my favorite place in Hawaiʻi."

Autumn Armijo Membership Coordinator

"My favorite place in Hawaiʻi is Ala Moana Beach Park, specifically a bench near the bus stop across from Ala Moana Center. It’s where I met my boyfriend. What started as a simple conversation turned into a kind-of-sort-of date that wasn’t quite one, but by the end, we were making lunch plans in Waikīkī for our first real one. The rest is history."

Travel Trade
 

Robyn Basso Senior Director, Travel Industry Partnerships

"What most inspires me about my kuleana at HVCB is that I have the incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the most dedicated people in the tourism industry and together, and in different ways, we get to share what makes Hawaiʻi so special and communicate the importance of mālama."

Vanessa Hendley Director of Travel Industry Partnerships

"There is something special about Upcountry Maui, every time I visit Kula or explore Haleakalā National Park I am taken aback by the tranquility and beauty. Which is why it will always be my favorite place in Hawai‘i."

Christy Calabrese Senior Manager, Travel Industry Partnerships

"I was born and raised in Hawaiʻi. Grew up in Waialua and Wahiawā - outside the city. Weekends were full of family gatherings, fishing, camping, and going to the beach."


 

Knowledge Bank Image Gallery
Digital Asset Management

knowledgebank@hvcb.org


 

HVCB Consumer Web Site
https://www.gohawaii.com

HVCB Meetings and Convention Web Site
https://www.meethawaii.com

HVCB Travel Agent Web Site
https://agents.gohawaii.com

HVCB Corporate Web Site

https://www.hvcb.org


 

Destination Information
1-800-GOHAWAII

Corporate Phone Number
(808) 923-1811

HVCB Email
info@hvcb.org

For International Contacts & Sites, please click here.