(WAIKIKI BEACH, HI; August 23, 2019) — Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, Waikiki Beach announces the appointment of Jak Hu as general manager. With several decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Hu brings extensive hotel operations and management experience, as well as a deep understanding of the Hawaiian market. Working closely with the ownership team and Kokua Hospitality, in his new role, Hu will oversee all operations, sales and marketing initiatives, food and beverage programming, and accounting.
Hu joins Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel following its $35 million reimagining in late 2018, which included renovation of the hotel’s 315 guestrooms and suites, updates to common spaces—including its open-air lobby, meeting and event spaces, and state-of-the art fitness center— as well as two new restaurant concepts. Additionally, Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel introduced an 8,000-square-foot third-floor lanai and pool—endearingly referred to as the hotel’s outdoor living room—offering stunning panoramic views of the surf break at Waikiki Beach, the lush green lands of Kapi‘olani Park, and Diamond Head.
The Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, Waikiki Beach, also launched a lineup of curated events and activities for the enjoyment of guests and locals. Hosted by local taste makers, the new programming features engaging fitness and wellness classes such as Daily Surf Lesson Demonstrations and the Friday Pau Hana Surf Club; crafting workshops like the Haku Lei Making Workshop with master lei maker Meleana Estes; as well happy hours, live music, and more.
Inspired by Queen Kapi‘olani herself and the motto of the hotel’s namesake, “Kūlia i ka nu‘u,” which means “Strive to reach the highest,” Hu strives for excellence in his new role, taking an energetic approach to his duties and establishing open communication with his team to create a positive work environment, and in turn, a more positive guest experience.
“The Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel is woven into the heritage of Waikiki, and I am excited to join the team at this exciting time. The property has made a significant investment in accommodations and programming that brings to life the fun, vibrant Hawaiian lifestyle that the hotel has been known for since its opening 50 years ago,” says, Hu. “In my role, I look forward to building on the legacy of Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel and continuing to bring guests an experience that immerses them in the culture and aloha spirit of Hawaii.”
Hu was drawn to a career in hospitality from an early age, helping his family run a variety of high-quality restaurants. Since starting his career, Hu has worked at hotels throughout the Hawaiian Islands, honing his expertise in Hawaii’s hotel industry. Prior to joining Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, Hu served as the Area Director and General Manager at Marriott Courtyard and Hilton Garden Inn. Under his leadership, the properties performed at the highest levels of occupancy on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai, earning several top performance awards and developing his management skills.
When not engaging with his team and guests on property, Hu enjoys golfing, hiking, and dining around Oahu. He is also a volunteer police commissioner and a Board Member of Hawaii United Way.
