Robert “Kui” Wright, head bartender at the Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, was recently named the Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year at the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association's (HLTA) Na Poe Paahana awards luncheon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.
Wright was selected to receive the lodging industry’s top annual award based on his exceptional professionalism, service on the job at The Royal Hawaiian and outstanding community service.
“It’s hard to imagine the Mai Tai Bar without Kui,” said Valerie Okawa, human resources manager at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, A Luxury Collection Resort, in a written statement. “His presence behind the bar is a welcome sight for many of its return guests.”
The Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year award was one of nine awards presented at the annual statewide luncheon honoring Hawaii’s top hospitality industry employees.
Recipients of HTLA’s accolades are selected based on nominations submitted by their supervisors and co-workers, and are judged on the basis of outstanding and exceptional service to lodging guests, co-workers and the community. This year was the 23rd annual luncheon.
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