The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua recently announced the appointment of Kevin J. Peterson as hotel manager of this luxury Hawaiian resort located on Maui’s North Shore.
Most recently, Peterson worked with the notable Hilton San Diego Bayfront Resort. Peterson will be responsible for overseeing all facets of the resort, including the six dining options, the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua, and the popular Jean-Michael Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.
Speaking of the Ambassadors of the Environment program, the hotel also recently announced the new “Na Hoku Mo’olelo,” or “Story of The Stars” experience. Story of the Stars will be led by Kala Baybayan, the resort’s “apprentice navigator.” She will emphasize the importance of celestial navigation by teaching guests the history of voyaging, how to use a star compass, and explain the significant role the Polynesian voyagers played in the migration from the South Islands to Hawaii.
Open to both resort guests and the local community, Story of the Stars will take place every Thursday evening from 9 – 10 p.m. on the Beach House Lawn underneath the stars.
This new offering allows participants to take a step back in history and think like the Polynesian voyagers of ancient times as Baybayan guides them on a journey through the history of the Hokulea canoe. Named after the zenith star Arcturus, which passes directly overhead of the Hawaiian Islands and has been named “the star of gladness," the Hokulea canoe uses solely celestial navigation throughout its voyages around the globe.
An industry veteran and hotel connoisseur since childhood, Peterson grew up working for his family’s river rafting company based out of Vail, CO. After graduating from The University of California, Irvine, Peterson moved to the Aloha State, where he worked with the Grand Wailea Resort as director of food and beverage for more than seven years.
“We’re excited to welcome Kevin Peterson to our talented team here at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua,” says General Manager Mike Kass in a written release. “His expert hospitality experience and understanding of our local Hawaiian culture makes him an ideal asset and we look forward to welcoming him to the family.”
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., currently operates more than 90 hotels in over 30 countries and territories. More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe.
Visit www.ritzcarlton.com