In celebration of Asian Pacific Islander (API) Month, we are honored to spotlight Kaleiopuaonālani “Kalei” ʻUwēkoʻolani, Grand Wailea’s Cultural Programming Manager and Leadership Educator.
Kalei plays a vital role in educating guests and Team Members about the vibrant Hawaiian culture, ensuring that every visitor to Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, experiences the true essence of Hawaiʻi. Below, learn what she finds most rewarding about her job, how Hilton has supported her in preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture, and more.
Get to Know Kalei
Kalei’s deep connection to Hawaiian culture began in her ʻohana (family). Raised in an environment where Hawaiian traditions, arts, and crafts were celebrated, she developed a profound appreciation for her heritage. This passion for her culture has driven her career at Hilton since 2006, starting when she joined as a Youth and Cultural Counselor. She has since evolved into her current role, where Kalei leads a team dedicated to perpetuating cultural traditions and supporting local artists and artisans. A single parent, she has also devoted herself to instilling and engaging in the perpetuation of the Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions in her daughter.
Preserving and Sharing Hawaiian Culture
Kalei’s knowledge and passion for Hawaiian culture have helped to ideate and transform Grand Wailea’s cultural program into what it is today. With Hilton’s support through community outreach, partnerships, and Team Member training, she has been able to design and implement authentic cultural experiences that deeply resonate with guests from around the world. “Allowing for these partnerships and community outreach opportunities helps to support local organizations and foster a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving cultural heritage,” Kalei explains. Her efforts enrich guest experiences and contribute to the growth and education of Team Members who learn from her expertise.
Leading Cultural Programming for Guests
Kalei finds immense reward in her role through the opportunities for growth, personal fulfillment, and the ability to collaborate with her team. “The flexibility to be as creative as I like with the support of staying true and authentic to my culture,” she shares, underscores the unique impact of her work. One initiative she is particularly proud of is the resort’s partnership with Hawaiʻi Land Trust. This program invites guests to participate in environmental preservation efforts, reinforcing the importance of mālama ʻāina (caring for the land). “We are guests for the short time we share this space with the land,” Kalei explains. This initiative not only educates guests but also creates a meaningful and rewarding experience that connects them to the land and culture of Hawaiʻi.
When asked about the most impactful aspects of her work at Grand Wailea, Kalei shared that the relationships she has built stand out. Recalling the story of a guest who became a dear friend after a heartfelt conversation about life and loss, she shares, “[The guest] left with her family but never stopped writing and staying in touch. She has since written to me every month for the past four years!” Similarly, two sisters, who initially joined Kalei’s programming for a hula lesson, have become like family - they return to Maui annually to reconnect. “None of this would have been possible without the true meaning of aloha...something that cannot be defined but felt,” Kalei emphasizes, highlighting the profound connections fostered through her work.
