One-on-One With Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach's New GM

While we wait for the new Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach (formerly the Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki) to open in December, we touched base with Bonnie Kiyabu, who will be General Manager of the property after 35 years at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa.

Those years at the Hyatt have trained her well for her new role. “I have always tried to model the behaviors of the many successful managers and executives I had the honor and pleasure to work with there,” she told Travel Agent. “Early on, I learned to pay attention to details and listen to people.” 

The extensive renovation currently underway at the hotel means that Kiyabu is able to simultaneously oversee development, and start fresh along with the rest of the team when the property opens its doors. “Work includes everything from plumbing and electrical to furniture and fixtures,” she said. “Elevators were modernized and two kitchens were added to provide continental breakfast and facilitate a 24/7 made-to-order menu.” To compliment the physical changes, Kiyabu has appointed a new staff, a team that she says is “very eager to learn new systems, methods and standards.”

As Asia continues to develop as a significant force in Hawaii’s tourism scene, Kiyabu expects to see more visitors arrive from China and Korea. “With Internet research, even the first-time guest is a smarter shopper, which makes value-added services even more important,” she added.