Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa was recognized this week with a Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce Pualu Award for Culture and Heritage. The award recognized the resort for exhibiting through its actions practices that promote island traditions and preserves
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa was recognized this week with a Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce Pualu Award for Culture and Heritage. The award recognized the resort for exhibiting through its actions practices that promote island traditions and preserves Hawaii’s multi-cultural heritage.
“We feel that it is our responsibility to share Keauhou’s and Hawaii’s culture and history and by doing so, guests depart with a much deeper and respectful sense of place,” said area managing director and Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa General Manager Steve Lindburg. He also shared that when Hawaii’s culture becomes core to operations, when culture becomes the barometer by which business decisions are made, by which success is measured, the impact has a positive ripple effect for staff, for guests and visitors, and for the community at large.
Resort owners and management made a commitment to better share Hawaii’s culture with residents and visitors. This commitment is evident through the promotion of Lily Dudoit to the position of alakai hooluana (director of cultural activities).
It is also evident through Dudoit’s efforts learn about the area’s history through Bishop Museum research and by consulting area kupuna (elders) such as Aunty Lily Kong. This combination of commitment and effort led to creation of meaningful, experiential activities for guests, said Lindburg.
At Sheraton Keauhou Bay there is now lei making, hula and cultural craft-making. In reference to a heiau that once stood at the entrance to Keauhou Bay, the Kaukulaelae Land & Sea Historical Tour takes guests along the Keauhou Bay coastline and provides them the opportunity to board a traditional Hawaiian sailing canoe, the Kini Kini. Aboard the canoe, they learn the history and legends of the coastline from Kalani Nakoa and the Nakoa Foundation. The Holoholo Keauhou Tour takes guests on a respectful walk through Hawaii’s last battleground at Lekeleke. There are also free Island Orientations for guests, which are offered six days each week. The orientations help guests make the most out of their time on Hawaii Island by offering travel suggestions and insider information on what to see and do.
Learn more at www.SheratonKeauhou.com.
