If you could swap jobs with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be and why?

I would want to be an environmental conservationist. The allure of learning more about the natural world and making an impact in a different way is very appealing to me. Our natural resources are a precious commodity and learning how to protect and preserve these resources for future generations would be deeply meaningful. Also, as someone who owns a business centered around the ocean, I feel it’s almost my duty to raise awareness and lead by example in sustainable practices, reducing waste and supporting marine preservation efforts.

What inspires you or is most exciting about your job, business, and industry, and what are the biggest challenges?

What’s most exciting about my business is being out on the ocean, sharing the beauty of Waikīkī with others and creating unforgettable memories for my guests. Also, as someone who owns a business centered around the ocean, it gives me a unique opportunity to raise awareness and lead by example in sustainable practices—whether it’s promoting reef-safe sunscreen on our snorkeling tours, educating visitors on responsible tourism and our marine life, or advocating and working with ocean conservation agencies through beach clean-up events and supporting other marine preservation efforts. This aspect of my work has been an incredibly fulfilling part of my journey.

I also love the independence of running my own business and building something from the ground up. Central to my motivation is the desire to demonstrate the power of hard work and dedication to my son. This personal drive fuels my professional ethos, where empowering my team is paramount. I believe in nurturing potential. Seeing my staff thrive is my greatest reward. This hands-on leadership cultivates a loyal and motivated team, a cornerstone of Holokai Catamaran’s achievements.

As for challenges, managing a tourism-based business can be unpredictable—dealing with seasonality, weather conditions, and customer expectations, along with all the legal aspects to maintain compliance as a commercial operator. Did I mention the challenges of maintaining a commercial vessel??! With boats, it seems like there is always something to fix or maintain and our captains and crew take pride in keeping the Holokai safe and beautiful, as well maintaining all the regulation compliance with the United States Coast Guard.

What were some important turning points in your career that helped you attain your current position?

There are several key moments that shaped my career. First and foremost is personal growth and resilience. Being a small business owner—especially in the tourism industry—requires an incredible amount of resilience. Unlike larger corporations with deep pockets and extensive support systems, small business owners must wear multiple hats, solve problems on the fly and push through unpredictable challenges; and I sure did see some unpredictable challenges as we navigated through 2020, as I’m sure many other business owners did as well.

This is where building strong community connections with other small businesses provided invaluable support and expanded my reach. Another key turning point was securing a prime retail location inside the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort which significantly boosted visibility and customer engagement for my business as well as the synergistic partnership we share. For the resort, my catamaran tours add value to their guest experience, giving visitors an exciting, high-quality ocean adventure right outside their resort. For my business, being inside the Outrigger Reef, provides steady foot traffic, built-in marketing exposure and credibility from being associated with a respected brand. But perhaps the most impactful turning point was the decision to design and build a custom boat, a unique offering that set Holokai Catamaran apart and solidified its reputation for excellence. When we built the Holokai in 2015, she was the first new commercial catamaran to land at the beach in over 20 years.

What’s your go-to song or playlist that gets you motivated for a busy day?

When I need an extra boost of motivation, I listen to Sia’s “Unstoppable.” It reminds me I can conquer anything. This mindset is crucial in a demanding environment.

In a workplace that demands your utmost, what do you do for self-care?

Self-care is vital for me. Surfing provides a mental and physical escape, while spending time with my son and dogs offers grounding and joy. Daily weight training workouts maintain energy and focus, and weekly massages renew my body to take on the next challenge. And there are some days where I just have to put the business aside and take a personal day to rest and meditate.